10.26 Luke 16-18

Ryan Brewer

10.26.2020

Luke 16-18

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Luke 16-18 is one of the most jam packed sections of scripture when it comes to rich, deep teachings of Jesus. Every few verses contains a new parable, theme, or event. Each of these episodes is self contained, usually with an overt spiritual message and several, more nuanced, undertones or subthemes. Equally impressive in this composition is the masterful arrangement of the passages. The theme of each passage usually weaves into the next section in a way that should inspire contemplation and awe. For example, the disciples ask for increased faith. Jesus tells them they can move mountains with their prayers. But he then teaches them to serve like unworthy servants–juxtaposing the idea of powerful prayers with a servant’s heart–encouraging faith while balancing with humility.

What is one key verse?

But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

-Luke 16:34

How does what you read change your vision of God?

After a long slew of teachings, Jesus foretells of his death. The disciples didn’t understand what he was saying. Then, Luke tells a story of a blind beggar. God teaches us amazing things, yet his ways are so far beyond ours, there is always so much more to learn from him.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

We are blind beggars. We cannot fully understand God’s ways. But we must cry out to him to let us see.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I will approach scriptures with even more excitement and (hopefully) humility. I must recognize that every passage of the Bible has so much to be gleaned. But study is more than an intellectual pursuit. The lessons must translate into action–service towards God and the people around me.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus was speaking for the vast majority of this passage, so there is that. But even more than that, we can see how Jesus is not just the teacher of these lessons, he is the fulfillment of the lessons. Many people can teach and preach, but only Jesus was the perfect embodiment of these teachings.