Luke, Chapter 16
Welcome to week sixteen of Luke/Acts 2020. My name is Tessa Priem, and I'm a solo dance artist. I'm also a mommy who studied theology. Thus, for the year of 2020, we're doing a year-long Bible Study. This week, our structure is the same as week fifteen: 1) I give an introduction to the reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by questions & an explanation; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read if you'd like, and 5) we'll close with a prayer. If you have a Bible, please open it to Luke, chapter sixteen. If not, you can find Luke sixteen online. Let's get started! And if you have questions or thoughts at the end, leave a comment or send me an email. Many blessings!
1) Introduction: In this week's writing that was originally written for Theophilus, Luke, the physician, presents us with much the same setting as we read in Luke 15. In Luke 15, Jesus was speaking to tax collectors & sinners, sharing three parables of mercy in the presence of grumbling scribes & Pharisees. It honestly was a truly Gospel oriented chapter that was filled with much comfort, for Jesus was speaking in the presence of two opposing parties & was trying to reach them both with his Good News. In chapter 16, however, Jesus' focus shifts to his disciples, & he starts speaking to them. Let's take a look.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of Luke, chapter sixteen. You can listen to it and follow along, or simply read the chapter on your own.
| luke_16.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stood out to you in this reading? Was it more of a Law chapter, or did you find Gospel in it too? Personally, I read a lot of Law in it, though there is Gospel. Part of the context of this lesson is that we know that Jesus was still in the presence of these same Pharisees that were mentioned in chapter 15 (v 14). Therefore, likely four parties were still in attendance as Luke records this: Jesus, the disciples, the tax collectors & sinners (presumably), & those who opposed Christ. See our Digging Deeper section to further discuss specific terms & verses. Be sure to scroll down to chapter sixteen.
4) Hymn: Here is a section of the hymn "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." The lyrics of v 1, 5, & 6 are below if you'd like to read along :) Be comforted by the Gospel as you read.
| i_know_that_my_redeemer_lives.m4a |
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living head.
He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heav'nly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I'll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living head.
He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heav'nly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I'll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your Word. Sometimes it is difficult to understand as in the case of the parable of the dishonest manager. Sometimes your words of condemnation can jump out from the page as you further pointed out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Help us to be comforted by your Gospel, & rescue us as you rescued Lazarus. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I am reading an ESV edition in this recording. The majority of hymns I choose are in the public domain as this one is, and I reference the Lutheran Service Book a lot. I will be posting these devotions each Friday, throughout the year 2020. May they be a blessing to you. If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. Enjoy the journey! Have a wonderful week. -Tessa
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
