Luke, Chapter 7
Image inspired by the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8). Dancer, Tessa Priem
Welcome to week seven of Luke/Acts 2020. I'm so glad you're here! This week our structure is the same as Week Six: 1) I give an introduction to the reading. 2) There's a recording of me reading the chapter. 3) Followed by questions and an explanation. 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read. 5) And we'll close with a prayer. Easy-peasy! If you have a Bible, great. Open it to Luke, chapter seven. If not, you can find Luke chapter seven online here. Let's get started.
1) Introduction: Let's imagine! How do you think Theophilus reacted to this Gospel when he first read it? Did he cry; was he overcome with emotion? Did he believe it? I bet he did. Did he instantly want all of his friends to read it, too?! I wonder if he held it beside himself while sleeping, and could he fathom what he held in his hands would make its way to us? After all, we're reading the same verses Theophilus read. We're reading it in a different language, sure. But nonetheless, it's the same content about Jesus that we're taking in. Chapter Seven, specifically, is FULL of words and actions by our Lord. To have seen these things would have been incredible. So, let's dig in!
2) Recording: Here's a recording of Luke, Chapter Seven.
| luke_7.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: How did today's reading make you feel? What was your favorite part in it, and why? Since Jesus' baptism in Chapter Three, we've read about numerous intimate moments between him and others. In Chapter Seven, there are many such personal encounters! For example, the centurion, who wasn't a Jew, witnessed the power of Jesus' word. If you were the widow of Nain, how would you have reacted?! In Chapter Seven, we see that the people responded as though God had visited them. Furthermore, at this time, John the Baptist needed extra comfort to know that Jesus was the Messiah, and a woman kissed Jesus' feet, as Luke records! Oh my goodness, a lot is happening in his reading and many hearts were touched.
For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms. Be sure to scroll down to Chapter Seven on page 14.
For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms. Be sure to scroll down to Chapter Seven on page 14.
4) Hymn: Here's a reading of the hymn "Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read.
| speak_o_lord_your_servant_listens.m4a |
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens, Let Your Word to me come near;
Newborn life and spirit give me, Let each promise still my fear.
Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife, Wars against Your Word of life;
Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor That I cling to You forever!
Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice;
Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice!
Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word;
But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon.
Lord, Your words are waters living When my thirsting spirit pleads.
Lord, Your words are bread life-giving; On Your words my spirit feeds.
Lord, Your words will be my light Through death's cold and dreary night;
Yes, they are my sword prevailing And my cup of joy unfailing!
As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me; Let Your words in me take root.
May Your Spirit e'er be near me That I bear abundant fruit.
May I daily sing Your praise, From my heart glad anthems raise,
Till my highest praise is given In the endless joy of heaven.
Newborn life and spirit give me, Let each promise still my fear.
Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife, Wars against Your Word of life;
Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor That I cling to You forever!
Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice;
Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice!
Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word;
But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon.
Lord, Your words are waters living When my thirsting spirit pleads.
Lord, Your words are bread life-giving; On Your words my spirit feeds.
Lord, Your words will be my light Through death's cold and dreary night;
Yes, they are my sword prevailing And my cup of joy unfailing!
As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me; Let Your words in me take root.
May Your Spirit e'er be near me That I bear abundant fruit.
May I daily sing Your praise, From my heart glad anthems raise,
Till my highest praise is given In the endless joy of heaven.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the faith of the centurion that Luke records. This man was a Roman, yet he believed in you and your powerful Word. Thank you for having compassion on the widow of Nain; you raised her son! You did the impossible and undoubtedly shocked and made them all glad. Thank you for comforting John the Baptist when he was in desperation while in jail and for allowing a "sinful" woman to touch and cry in front of you. You forgave her and allowed her to go in peace. Please give us faith like the centurion, and help us to love you as the woman did since you have forgiven us, as well. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention that I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I'm reading an ESV edition in this recording. Most of the hymns I choose are in the public domain.
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
