Luke 1 & 2

Read Luke 1 & 2 and meet in your Good Soil Group by Sun, Jan 15.

Remember: Formation, not information. The purpose of Luke (and Acts) is to change us, invite us to live differently than the world around us. Namely, trusting in God through what we say and do. Focus on the seeds God is planting and the invitations God is making.

Reading

As you read, here are a few things to notice, in addition to everything you notice naturally.

“Theophilus” means “God lover.” Most scholars believe it’s the name of the benefactor who commissioned the gospel. Others think it could be meant to refer to us, the readers, people who love God.

Who did write Luke? Centuries-old traditions say it was Luke, a physician and companion of Paul. Scholars say that this is not impossible but it also cannot be confirmed. Whoever did write Luke definitely also wrote Acts and likely did so two or more generations (50 or more years!) after Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

When the angel visits Zachariah, he silences the doubtful dad-to-be. But this is not an isolated incident. Many weeks from now, we will read a similar episode in the Book of Acts, which happens on the road to Damascus. Jesus blinds Saul who was persecuting the church. What do you think is going on here? And what does it say about God? How is it related to everything that happens after it?

When Mary and Joseph lost track of Jesus, it was for three days. It’s no coincidence that Jesus rose again three days after he was crucified. Instead, this is like a mini-resurrection. The point is, when we lose track of Jesus, we know where we can find him. In his Father’s house: in worship, with other worshipers gathered around the scriptures.

Meeting

Getting to Know Each Other (10 min): You might ask each other, “What drew you here? What do you hope will happen as you read Luke and Acts and we meet in our Good Soil group?” Another question, inspired by Luke 1’s angel, could be, “Has God spoken to you? How did you know it was God?”

Talking about Luke (20 min): Here’s some good starting questions, “What did God do in these chapters? What did people do?” You could also wonder together about these familiar Christmas passages and the season just past. What was it like to read them all together? Did anything change for you to read everything that came before and after?

Praying (15 min): Start this time by asking, “Who or what do we have to pray about today?” Don’t censor yourself. Nothing is too big or too small to pray about. And no one is beyond God’s care. If nothing else, pray for each other and for all of the other Good Soil groups that God will open us to the seed of God’s Word.

After Reading & Meeting

Check back on this website. Ask Pastor a question. Check out art inspired by Luke 1 & 2. And consider the questions Pastor posts. He will ask, “What did you learn about each other?” “What did you hear in Luke?” and “What can we help you pray about?” Wonder about them on your own, or even share your experiences by leaving comments!