Luke

Luke

Finding the Context:

1.     What do you see in this book that tells about the Original Reader?

Theophilus was the reader that Luke was written to. He was someone who had been taught the truth. The book of Luke was written so that he would be certain of this truth (1:3). He was most likely a gentile seeing as his name is not Jewish. You also find that the author has to explain parts of Jewish culture to him (20:27; 23:56).

2.     What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Luke is traditionally considered to be the author of this book. Luke was not one of the original disciples but is known to have been a medical doctor. We do not know much about else about him from this book.

3.     What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one-sentence summary of the “main idea”?

The main idea that Luke wanted to convey in this book is that salvation is for all peoples.

Salvation is the main theme found in this book. Over and over Luke provides its readers with parables revealing God’s salvation. Luke reveals that this salvation is for everyone, not simply the Jews (15; 18:10-14; 23:47).

You also see a strong emphasis placed on miracles in this book. Luke is full of stories which would have shown its readers that Jesus had power from God to do incredible signs and wonders, proving He was the Messiah (4:33-39; 5:4-25; 6:6-11; 7:1-10; 8: 27-38; 40-55; 9:15-17; 17:11-19; 18:35-43).

You also see faith is mentioned several times in this book. You find that Jesus forgave a man based on the faith of his friends (5:20), you see the story of the faith of the centurion (7:1-10), the faith of an immoral women who comes to worship at Jesus’ feet (7:36-50), the disciples are rebuked for their lack of faith (8:22-25), a women is healed due to her faith (8:42-48) and Jesus’ followers are rebuked for not believing what the prophets wrote about Him (24:15). Since there are frequent stories throughout Luke of Jesus healing people and doing miracles, it is not surprising that faith is mentioned several times because the two often go in hand in hand. 

4.     What is the primary reason this book was written?

Luke was written in order to disciple Theophilus. The author says that he investigated the other accounts that had been written about Jesus and chose to write this copy so that Theophilus could have certainty about the truth that He had previously learned (1:1-4). On a larger scale it was also written to show that salvation was not just for Jews, but was for Gentiles as well. (1:3,4; 7:1-10;15; 13:29,30; 14:16-24;19:9,10; 23:47).

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Jesus had a heart of compassion for everyone. He was not a respecter of persons. Over and over you find Him associating with and accepting people who would have been considered the lowest and most unclean of everyone. He first announced his birth to shepherds (2:8-18), accepted an immoral women (7:36-50), healed a demon possessed man who nobody wanted to be around (8:26-39), was touched by an unclean women whom He accepted (8:42-48), and associated with tax collectors like Zaccheaus (19:1-10). Even Jesus’ 12 disciples were ordinary men who would not have been considered anything significant by any religious leader of that time. Jesus reveals through the book of Luke that He loves every person no matter who they are. This coincides with the emphasis on salvation to all that is given in this book.

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In Luke you see Jesus revealed as the Savior of the world. Jesus states at the end of the book that forgiveness for sins is for all (24:27). He states several times in the book who He actually is (4:18,19; 9:20-22; 18:31-33). At His birth Jesus is announced as the Son of the Most High and the descendant of King David (1:32). You also see that Jesus claims to be the Son of Man and predicts His second coming (21:27,28; 22:69). At the end of Luke, you also find the promise that the Holy Spirit will be sent which is the next major event to come after Jesus’ ascension (24:49). 

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

Through reading Luke, I was reminded of the importance of allowing my light to shine. In 8:16-17 it says that light is not given to hide but to be put out for all to see. God wants me to use the light that He has given me to bless others and bring them closer to Him and His will. I am to freely give that light to others just as it has freely been given to me. It is not something that I am to keep to myself or hide away somewhere. Rather, I am to take the light of salvation and the light of revelation that He shines upon me and reflect that light out into the world. But it first of all starts with loving Jesus and pursuing Him. The more I look at Jesus, the more my image becomes pure and mirrors His image. Through looking at Him I end up becoming a reflector of the light that He shines on me.  

2.     Point of Passion

I find it interesting that both John and Jesus, the two men who the Old Testament closes with prophecy about, end up living in the wilderness before they are called into public ministry. Luke 1:80 says that John lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry. Chapter 4 verse 1 says that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. Verse 14 says that he then returns in the power of the Spirit. People don’t normally say they enjoy the “wilderness experience”. Yet, here you find the prophet that prepared the way for the Messiah and the Messiah Himself being led into the wilderness prior to their public ministries. Any leader that God calls to public ministry will have to go through some type of wilderness experience at some point or another. These times, as difficult as they are, should be embraced. That is where Jesus Himself received the power from the Holy Spirit that He lived out in His public ministry. What God does in secret eventually comes out into the light (8:17). The wilderness is often a place where you end up wrestling alone with God. Yet, God eventually brings the fruit of that dry experience out into the light in amazing ways.  

Mark

Mark

Finding the Context:

1.     What do you see in this book that tells about the Original Reader?

Mark was written to the suffering Christians who resided in Rome. Mark would have been written around the time that Nero was Emperor of Rome and the Christians would have been undergoing heavy tribulation, suffering and persecution at this time and would have needed to be encouraged. You can see that this was written to the Romans in 1:12,13 where Mark, unlike the other gospels, mentions that Jesus went out among wild animals to be tested. The Romans would have related with this since wild animals tortured them. You also see in 7:3 and 12:18 that Mark has to explain Jewish tradition and Jewish leaders to the original readers because they would not have been aware of these things. Mark focuses on Jesus being more of a suffering servant than a king and the Romans would have related with this because they would have identified with salvation coming in the form of someone coming to serve them. It also would have reassured them that Jesus was not a threat to their government. 

2.     What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Mark is the one who is traditionally considered to have written this book. Many call this book Peter’s gospel because Mark was an assistant to Peter during his time in Rome and he probably transcribed it for him. Peter’s hand in this could be seen by the fact that Mark is a very brief and too the point gospel which coincides with Peter’s personality and manner. Mark is believed to be the individual in the garden who was stripped of his clothing and ran away naked (14:50-52). Some believe this random fact was Mark’s way of stamping his authorship on this book in an undercover way due to the persecution in Rome. Mark was also younger and was not one of the original disciples. You also find that this book presents the disciples in more of a bad light than the other gospels.

3.     What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one-sentence summary of the “main idea”?

Mark was written to encourage the Romans to follow in the footsteps of the suffering servant who was their Savior and was able to identify with them.

You see from Mark that there are several occurrences of fast action words such as, “Immediately, Quickly and Suddenly” (1:42; 2:1,8; 4:39; 5:42; 8:10; 10:52; 14:43,72). Mark brings out the action part of the gospel. This book is the shortest and the most fast paced. There was an instant-ness that he wanted to bring out in this gospel.

You also see a major theme of faith through out the book of Mark. Over and over Jesus heals people because of their faith. He is constantly speaking of faith throughout this book in a number of different situations (2:5; 4:40; 5:34; 6:5; 9:23,24; 10:51,52).

4.     What is the primary reason this book was written?

Mark was written to encourage the Roman Christians who were experiencing persecution in Rome. It was written to give them an understanding of the fact that their Savior was someone that they could identify with. He took the role of the suffering servant just as they were doing. Revealing Jesus in this way would have been an encouragement to these believers that Jesus was someone who really did understand and relate with them (10:42-45).

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Jesus presents Himself ultimately in this book as a servant. He states that the whole reason that He came to earth was to serve and to give his life for many (10:45).  He is represented as the ultimate servant, offering His very life for the salvation of mankind.

Jesus is also seen as someone who was very revolutionary in how He saw people. You find him in Mark touching untouchable women and responding favorably to a Syro-Phonecian woman, caring for them when they would have been considered worthless and unimportant (5:25-34; 7:24-30). It shows that God cares about everyone, not just the highest class of a society. He was willing to break with cultural practices and beliefs in order to reach out the people no one cared about because He is a God who cares about every individual no matter who they are.

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Mark reveals that Jesus came to be the Messiah for everyone, not just the Jews. He says in 10:45 that He came to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark also includes the story of the officer at Jesus’ crucifixion acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah (15:37-39). He also makes sure to include that this man was a Roman Officer. This book would have been written to Roman individuals and Mark wanted to reveal that God’s ultimate redemption was offered to everyone.

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

As I was reading Mark I was reminded of the importance to always be watching and praying. God has been speaking to me lately about the importance of prayer and how crucial it is to be constantly alert and active in my prayer life. In 13:33,35-37 Jesus tells his disciples to be alert and watchful and in 14:38, he commands them to watch and pray in order that they don’t enter into temptation. As a soldier of Christ, it is important for me to maintain an active prayer life and not become lazy and naive in my spiritual life. This is the key to saying no to temptation and being prepared for any unexpected situation that may arise. Successful Christians don’t make it through difficult situations very well if they are not actively pursuing their walk with Christ. Success is not something that just happens. If I want a successful life in God’s eyes, it is something I have to fight for and pursue and a huge part of that fighting is done through looking at Jesus and actively pursuing prayer.

2.     Point of Passion

From Mark we see that Jesus highly valued solitude. Over and over you find Jesus trying to get away from crowds and go somewhere to be alone with either His Father or with His disciples. You also see him trying to keep his fame from spreading and trying to avoid crowds (1:12, 35, 44,45; 6:31,32, 46; 7:33,36; 8:30; 9:25; 14:32-40).

If Jesus, who was the ultimate leader and God Himself, needed time to be alone with His Father, how much more should leaders today make solitude with God a priority? Success in ministry can only live and grow out of a place of solitude with God. That should be the number one goal of every leader who desires to serve God. This place of rest and communion with God is essential to the life of every individual and crucial for success in leadership. It is something that will require a sacrifice. Time, and most likely many other good things, will have to be sacrificed to make this place of solitude with God a reality. Yet, it is probably the most important thing anyone could spend his or her time on and it is key to effective leadership.

Jesus also sought solitude with His followers. It is important for leaders to take time to be alone with their disciples. Mark says that Jesus and His disciples were so busy that they didn’t have time to eat (6:31,32) Jesus then tells them that they should go to a place where they could be alone. Jesus knew the importance of pulling his followers out of the busyness of ministry to allow them a chance to rest with Him. Leaders today should also take the time to bring those that serve under them out of the busyness of ministry for a while in order to refresh and pour into them. This will strengthen and build up their followers so that they will be able to ultimately end up leaders themselves just as the 12 disciples did. 

Matthew

Matthew

Finding the Context:

1.     What do you see in this book that tells about the Original Reader?

Matthew was written to the Jewish people. It was written to reveal to them that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. The genealogy of Jesus is included in this book and would have given the Jews “proof” that Jesus was who He claimed to be (1).  Jesus discusses several heart issues throughout this book (5:27-30, 43-47; 6:25-33; 7:1-5; 9:4-6; 15:10-20; 22:36-40). At this stage in history the Jews had become overly concerned with rituals and being ceremonially clean and would have needed to be reminded that God cares more about the heart and what is inside than what is on the outside.

2.     What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Matthew is traditionally considered to be the author of this book. There is little known about Matthew except that he was a tax collector and would have been considered to be one of the more “dirty” Jews because of his associations with sinners and Romans (9:9-11). Yet, out of all of the disciples He is the one who ends up writing the gospel that is addressed to the Jews.

3.     What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one-sentence summary of the “main idea”?

The main idea of Matthew is that Jesus has come as the long awaited Messiah and has fulfilled the entire law and the many Messianic prophecies.

One of the biggest themes in the book of Matthew is the kingdom of God. Matthew gives the reader several examples of what the kingdom of God can be related to. He also discusses what it will look like and how to identify it. The Jews would have been searching for this and now Jesus is found in the book of Matthew revealing more about what His kingdom is like (5:3,10,19,20; 6:33; 7:13,14; 13:11,24-52; 16:28; 18:1-3, 23-35; 19:14,23; 20:1-16; 21:31-46; 22:1-14; 25; 26).

You also see a theme of “living out commands, not just doing them” found frequently in this book. Jesus is constantly stating the importance of not just stating what is important but actually doing it. He also gives many practical instructions on how to go about fulfilling the law and living out His teachings from the heart (5-7, 15:1-20; 23).

4.     What is the primary reason this book was written?

Matthew was written to reveal to the Jewish people that their long awaited Messiah and finally come in the person of Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament you find many prophecies about the coming Messiah. In Matthew you see frequent references back to these prophecies that the Jews would have been familiar with, offered as proof that Jesus was who they had been looking for all these years (2:5,6,18,23; 3:3; 4:14-16; 8:17; 11:10; 12:18-21; 15:8,9; 21:42; 26:31; 27:7-10).

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

In Matthew you find God revealing Himself as the Redeemer of the people (26:26). For hundreds of years the Jews has been offering sacrifices and awaiting the Messiah to come and redeem them. Matthew reveals that God is indeed a Redeemer by sending Jesus to die for His people (27).

You also that God still remains as honest as He was in the Old Testament. Jesus is not someone to “sugar coat” things but rather continually speaks out the truth even when it is considered offensive to those who may hear it (12:21-24, 39-45; 21:45,46; 23).

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

You finally see all the Messianic prophecies that have been previously prophesied fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Matthew refers to these prophecies over and over affirming that Jesus is the Messiah. Matthew also gives its readers a description of the death of Jesus, which was God’s ultimate act of redemption for His people (5:17-19, 27, see also above for references regarding prophecies).  

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

I’ve been thinking lately about motives and how they relate to actions. One thing that stood out to me from Matthew was Jesus’ command to do things for Him in secret. He commands to give, fast and pray in secret and not to do it before people (6:1-6, 16-18). I must be constantly checking myself and evaluating my motives in doing these things. Do I do them simply to be seen or do I do them to please the Lord? There are times and certain actions that when done for Christ need to be done in a place where just Him and I alone can see and I want to be faithful to do that and not live out actions for the sake of how it makes me look. Yet, Jesus also commands in 5:14-16 to let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father for a light is meant to be put on a lamp stand so that everyone in the house may receive light.  So obviously, there is also a time to shine before men because it brings glory to Christ. As I think about how to reconcile these two passages, I believe that a lot of it boils down to motives. Why do I do what I do? Am I living for my own selfish desires or am I living to promote the Father? Lord, make my life so marked by such intimacy with Christ that I lose sight of the fact that I even exist so that every thing I do would be done out of a heart to please and promote you alone. May I always live for an audience of One in everything!

2.     Point of Passion

       I love the first command that Jesus ever gives His disciples when He calls them. “Come follow me” (4:19). The very first thing they were to do was simply follow Jesus and the result was that He would teach them how to catch men. I love the simplicity in this as it applies to evangelism. Jesus didn’t initially tell his disciples to follow Him and do some big great thing. He told them to simply follow Him. Once they did that, Jesus did the next thing. He SHOWED them how to catch men. Some versions say, “He MADE them fishers of men”. Either way it was something that Jesus did, not the  disciples. They were simply commanded to follow Him. So many of us can get so easily get caught up in doing a million and ten things and coming up with all different kinds of strategies and programs in order to win men to Christ that we forget that the first and foremost thing is to simply follow. Do we take the time and effort to make sure that we have done that well first or do we simply rush ahead with all of our own great ideas before we even stop to determine whether we are truly following Jesus? If we can reach the place in our lives where we are truly fixed upon Jesus alone and walking wherever He decides to walk, everything else will take care of itself. He will show you how to do what He wants you to do and He will change you to become what you could have never become otherwise. You don’t have to figure out all these great strategies and come up with all these great ideas to win men and women to Christ. All you simply have to do is follow. Just simply follow Jesus and He will take care of everything else. Too simple? Last I checked, Jesus usually doesn’t like doing things our way. 

Daniel

Daniel

Finding the Context:

The prophet Daniel wrote the book of Daniel. We know from Matthew 24:15 that Jesus refers to words that He claims were spoken by Daniel. This book was written the Jews who were living in Babylon during the time of the exile. It was most likely compiled near the end of the time of their exile. You see from 10:1 that part of the book occurred around the time that the exiles were returning to Jerusalem. The book of Daniel has numerous accounts of visions regarding various kingdoms (2:27-45; 5:1-28; 7:2-14; 8:3-12,19-26; (9:22-27; 10:20-12). You see that God also reveals information regarding His kingdom. The main theme is stated in 4:37 stating that God is the sovereign king over all the nations. You see this from various stories found through out the book (i.e. firey furnace-3; Nebuchadnezzar becoming an ox-4 and Daniel in the lion’s den-6). The book of Daniel would have revealed to the Jews that their God and His kingdom were greater than all other nations and kings.

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

God reveals Himself as being completely trustworthy in this book. Numerous times His servants are placed in difficult trying situations and God is faithful to deliver them as they seek him (3,6).

You also see that God is in control of everything. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing is too difficult for Him. Whether it involves having to humble a wicked king (4), deliver his servants from a furnace (4), deliver them from lions (6) put down evil kings (5) or strengthen his servants (10:15-19), He is capable of doing anything and using anyone that he wants.

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In the book of Daniel you see predictions of the Messiah and His kingdom (7:11-14; 9:25,26).  You see the death of the Messiah predicted in chapter nine where it states that “the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing”. You also see the ultimate culmination of God’s redemptive plan promised to Daniel in 12:13 stating that he will rise to receive the inheritance that is set-aside for him.

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

I found it really encouraging to see Daniel’s humanness constantly mentioned. Over and over it says that Daniel was afraid, fainted, terrified, filled with anguish, trembled, was pale with fear, and confused (4:19; 7:15,28; 8:15,17,18, 27; 10:8,9, 10,11,15-19. Daniel is considered to have been such an amazing prophet and man of God and yet the things the Lord revealed to him constantly terrified him. Yet, despite his fear and weakness, God still speaks to him and uses him as a prophet of God. It’s such an encouragement to me that even when I’m afraid or terrified of what God may be saying to me or doing in my life, I can rest that He is in control over everything and He will be faithful to continue to speak to me and work in my life for His glory.

2.     Point of Passion

You see an amazing contrast between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar’s attitudes in this book. Both were leaders and both had powerful influence. Yet, these two men chose to approach things very differently. You see Daniel portray an amazing sense of humility that the king does not possess at first. Despite the fact that he is wiser and more knowledgeable than all other men in the kingdom (1:17-20; 5:11,12) Daniel never exalts himself but rather acknowledges that his gifts and abilities come from God alone (2:26-28). In contrast you see Nebuchadnezzar constantly promoting himself. He makes a golden image of himself, which he commands everyone to worship. This would have been an attempt on his part to take control of the spiritual environment of his kingdom (3). You also see in chapter 4 that he boasts of making Babylon so great by his own power (4:30). God eventually chooses to humble Nebuchadnezzar by causing his mind to become like that of an animal. He spends 7 years eating grass like an ox (4). He then realizes that God is sovereign and acknowledges that God is able to “humble the proud” (4:37). While Nebuchadnezzar is humbled, Daniel is exalted over and over. God continually grants him favor in the eyes of his captors making him one of the most influential men in the kingdom over and over despite the political changes occurring in Babylon (1:19-21; 2:48,49; 5:29; 6:3, 25-27). It doesn’t matter how many gifts, skills or abilities we may have, we never reach a place where we are not to walk humbly. Daniel never became proud despite the fact that he was constantly put in high positions. He never took credit for his abilities but always pointed the kings that he served back to God. If we desire God’s blessings and want to influence worldly kings that we serve, we are going to have to constantly choose to remain humble. We must never make ourselves the focus of what God chooses to do in and through us. We must always humbly be point back to God. Only when we are obedient to God and walking humbly before Him will the kings that we serve truly be able to see that God is the One doing great and amazing things (2:47; 3:29; 5:11; 6:25-27).