Archbishop Peter Jensen’s weekly online series on The Essential Jesus (the gospel of Luke). In each study the Archbishop will lead us through the book we intend on giving away to as many people as possible.
STEP 1: READING
Read Luke chapter 5, verses 17-39.
STEP 2: REFLECTION
Jesus' miracles show us the future glory of the kingdom of God, but they are not the essence of his ministry. He came to teach and heal; but he came pre-eminently to call sinners to repentance and to provide forgiveness. The unforgettable story of the paralysed man being let down from the roof culminates in his healing. But at its heart is Jesus' power to forgive sins, which he sees as the greatest need that the man has. And it is a story which contrasts faith with unbelief, for the friends put their trust in Jesus, while the Pharisees rightly but wrongly ask how he can dare to forgive as only God can do that. No wonder the sinners flocked to Jesus, their lives made new through peace with God. Jesus introduced a revolution - and he likened it to the power of new wine in old wineskins.
STEP 3: DISCUSSION
1 What can you discover about 'the scribes and Pharisees’? And 'tax collectors'.
2 Why were they right but wrong to question Jesus' power to forgive?
3 What is the significance of the fact that Jesus ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners? What does sharing a meal signify?
4 What is the contrast - and the threat of suffering - in the contrast between the disciples of John and of Jesus?
Ask your questions
Ask your questions about each study as it goes up.
Previous studies click here and scroll down
Prepare for the next study by reading Luke chapter 6.
