Luke, Chapter 23
Welcome to week twenty-three 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 twenty-two: 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 twenty-three. If not, you can find Luke twenty-three 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: Hi, I'm so glad that you're joining us this week. We've been doing this Bible study for many weeks now, and we are so close to finishing the book of Luke. Wow! Luke 23 comes to us at a really interesting point in history. I've been reading Scripture for the past fifteen years (actually since about 2001), and never has Luke 23 seemed so relevant or real-to-life. As you know, much of this Gospel study has been written during the time of the coronavirus. When toilet paper became scarce (which sounds silly, I know, but it actually happened), at that time, we read Luke 12, which was applicable in relation to the panic and frustration as grocery stores became hectic. Similarly, in Luke 23's reading, there's a riot, injustice, shouting, multiple accusations, hatred, forgiveness, death, beatings, and more. In looking at our nation and the world right now, I hope the events of this week's lesson will seem real for you. For as we know, Luke, the physician, wrote this Gospel so "that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught" (Luke 1:4). Let's take a look at Luke 23.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of Luke, chapter twenty-three. You can listen to it and follow along, or simply read the chapter on your own.
| luke_23.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stood out to you from this chapter? In light of all that's going on in relation to George Floyd's death (God, be merciful), did Luke 23 read differently for you? We have journeyed with Jesus for many weeks now to Jerusalem. Along the way, we read about miracles he did long ago and things he said. We saw people praising God for the mercy shown through Christ, and we saw particular persons fighting him--opposing his mission. In other words, tension has been building in Luke's Gospel for weeks--the polarization has become significant. While heartbreaking, all that we've witnessed in the past week in our nation and the world makes Christ's crucifixion seem that much more real--what happened almost 2,000 years ago is not far-fetched. We're seeing something played out with our very eyes today, which mimic's history--God's story. For more information on specific terms & verses for this chapter, see our Digging Deeper section, where we will go into depth on Luke twenty-three (be sure to scroll down to the proper chapter).
4) Hymn: Here is the hymn, "Just as I Am, without One Plea." The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along :)
| just_as_i_am_without_one_plea.m4a |
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am; Thy love unknown
Has broken ev'ry barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am; Thy love unknown
Has broken ev'ry barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, it must have been hard to have been Pilate at this moment; thank you for showing us a bit of the Roman legal system through your Word. We're sorry that the religious leaders were against you; you endured false accusations in the sight of many individuals, even beatings. Thank you for being willing to go to the cross. Thank you for Joseph of Arimathea's faith. We love you, Lord. Please help us to see you now, and be with those who are deeply hurting today. 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.
