Book Of Luke -Lesson.21
Read Luke 11:1-54
Introduction:
In this the eleventh chapter of Luke we find Christ being asked by His disciples to teach them how to pray (Lk. 11:1-13). First we find that Christ set the example of praying. As He was seen praying, His disciples ask Him to teach them to pray, just as John the Baptizer had taught his disciples. We find some very important points about praying in Jesus’ instructions.1. He told them who they were to address, "our Father."
2. He told them to address Him reverently, "hallowed be thy name."
3. He told them to show their interest in the "kingdom," at this particular time that it "come."
4. They (we) were (are) to express interest in His "Will" being done on earth as in heaven.
5. They (we are) were to make request for "daily bread," our food comes from the Father.
6. Forgiveness of sins should very definitely be requested, recognizing that we also have to forgive others.
7. Temptation being something that each has to face, it is appropriate to ask the Lord’s help in resisting such successfully.
8. The need to be delivered "from evil" should surely be recognized and requests make to the Creator, Governor of the universe, our heavenly Father!
To reinforce the power of prayer He then tells them a parable (vs. 5 -10) that demonstrates both the power prayer and how one is to pray persistently. He says: "And I say unto you , Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened."
He casts out a demon and some of those present accused Him of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub (the devil). In this, we again find that Jesus’ power was not always seen in the proper light, by some who had improper motives (Lk. 11:14-23) He points out to them that if Satan cast out demons (Satan) then he was fighting against himself and any divided kingdom has to, of necessity, fall!.
Jesus gave a lesson showing the need for one who had been cleansed to find the right company and association, and be active in the works and labor that God has designated (Lk. 11:24-26).
Jesus makes an emphatic point as to who is blessed and what makes one truly "blessed" (vs. 27-28). That is , the importance someone who, hears God’s word and gives it honest and careful consideration, then keeps that word all the days of their life.
Jesus points to the ultimate sign that would prove His identity, but indicated that some were obsessed with the desire and demand for a sign (Vs.29-36).
Jesus pointed to the failure of cleanliness --when one goes through a lot of outward formality, while the inside (heart) is filled with unrighteousness (vs. 37-44).
He addressed the "lawyers" who , instead of taking advantage of their knowledge of the law to serve God rightly and helping others, had in fact "taken away the key of knowledge": not entering in themselves and hindering those who would enter (vs. 45-54).
As He thus pointed to the damaging influence of these religious leaders, they become "vehemently" engaged, looking for a way to "accuse him." (vs. 53 -54).
QUESTIONS:
1. What was the disciples’ request of Jesus (Lk. 11:1)?
2. What had Jesus being doing, just prior to the request made by one of His disciples (V. 1)?
3. Give some of the various areas that Jesus mention as being appropriate for prayer.
4. How did Jesus illustrate the need to pray (vs. 5-13)?
5.What was the charge made against Jesus and what was His response (vs.14-26)?
6. What caused Jesus to speak about who is truly "blessed" (Vs. 27-28)?
7. How did Jesus use the men of Nineveh (vs.29-32)?
8. What did He Jesus say about "a bushel" and "the light of the body" (vs. 33-36)?
9. What attracted the attention of "a certain Pharisee" and what was Jesus' response (vs. 37=45)?
10. Why did Jesus pronounce a "Woe" upon the "Lawyers" (vs. 45-54)?
