Week 3

Fellowship – Snacks (10 minutes)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, discuss the following: “Have you ever experienced or witnessed an act of healing?”

Read: Luke 13:10-17

Read Luke 4:18-19. How are Jesus’ actions an extension of his mission that he states in the Luke 4 passage?
Read Luke 13:18-21. How are the two parables in this passage related to the prior passage (vv.10-17)? (Notice the “therefore” in verse 18, which links these passages.) [Healing is a sign of the kingdom coming through the ministry of Jesus. The kingdom is coming in surprising, almost hidden ways, not through the religious leaders, but it is found in the healing of a crippled woman who is not named in the passage.]
Often in Jesus’ ministry, healing comes about because a person is seeking it. In this passage, not only did the woman not ask Jesus, Jesus didn’t even ask the woman if she desired to be healed, as he asks others. What does it say about Jesus’ intentions that Jesus “saw her, he called her over” and announced healing over her? [He intentionally healed on the Sabbath.]
How do Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15 provide biblical justification for the leader of the synagogue?
Read Luke 11:42. How is the religious leader a hypocrite like the Pharisees in Luke 11:42?
What does this say about the importance of justice work for Jesus and those seeking the kingdom of God?
How can you and your church work for justice in your community?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or similar prayer:

Lord, we confess that we have placed our need of being “right” before our love for others. Forgive us our pride and arrogance. Through your Holy Spirit, give us a new heart of compassion for all your people. Help us to seek first your kingdom in all that we do. Amen.