Week 1 & 2 (due Monday, 8 August):
1. What are four of the titles attributed to Jesus in the Gospel? Give a scripture reference for each one. How might knowing these titles of Christ help readers of the Gospel in their faith journey?
2. Jesus' ministry was a ministry of 'release.' (see Lk.4:18ff). Explain what is meant by a ministry of release and explain how in the Gospel Jesus 'released' people. Give at least three examples of ‘release.’
3. Describe some aspects of 'salvation' as Luke uses it in the Gospel. Give examples of people being 'saved' in the Gospel. In what way are they saved? What is similar and different about the type of salvation they received?
4. After Jesus is confessed to be Messiah by Peter (and disciples) in 9:18-20, Jesus gives his first passion prediction (9:21-23) followed by a call to discipleship. Give a couple of examples of how you can “lose your life for my sake and save it” (9:24). In other words, give a couple of examples of how you can give your life away to help save others.
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QUESTION 1:
ReplyDeleteThere are multiple names that Luke titles Jesus with throughout his Gospel and I believe that he strategically done so to suit the variety of audience of his time. He refers to Jesus as the Christ/Messiah 9:20, the Son of Man 22:69, a prophet 7:16 and a Saviour 2:11. Luke does this to show that Jesus fufills the expections of the Jewish Religion based on many different references in their Hebrew Scriptures. Also it is valid to those readers who are influenced by the Greco-Roman world who are interested in philosophers and the like. As a reader today in the 21st century living in the western world, I would say most people in the west including me are attracted to the title of Saviour because our teachings emphasize the idea of Jesus saving as opposed to one prophesying or fulfilling ancient Hebrew Scriptures. Anymore input classmates?
QUESTION 2:
ReplyDeleteAs I read Luke 4:18ff I see a common theme of ‘releasing’ those who are living at the bottom of the ladder in society. Although we know salvation is for everyone, the focus seems to be primarily on those sort of people; the poor, prisoners, those who are blind (spiritually) and the oppressed. Jesus’ ministry of release is a ministry for our freedom which involves the bringing of good news and healing (physically/spiritually). Tax collectors who were thought of as unworthy to be around 19:1-10 (note verse 10). Even woman were thought of as less than men but Luke consistently shows Jesus acknowledging ‘release’ for women too as in 7:36-50. Also Luke heavily emphasies Jesus’ concern for the poor, especially in his parables and sermons (16:19-38).
QUESTION 3:
ReplyDeleteLuke tends to incorporate salvation with the here and now kind of idea. Today…a Saviour is born (2:11). Today…this scripture is fulfilled (4:21). Today…salvation has come to this house (19:10). Today…you will be with me in paradise (23:43). It is interesting to note that a lot of people receiving salvation in Luke’s gospel receive it by faith like the sinful women 7:50 and the bleeding woman 8:48. Also notice how Luke reminds his readers that salvation is for everyone by using a variety of people who can and are being saved like the shepherds in 2:11, tax collector 19:9 and even mentions ‘whoever’ in 9:24.
QUESTION 4:
ReplyDeleteGiving your life away can be effective and as simple as serving others as better than yourself. Jesus came to serve (22:27) so by following this example we are giving up our life as servants to ourselves in hopes that we well save those we encounter in our lives as servants. Another example of ‘giving your life away’ could be that of investing your own time into the well being of others. This may seem difficult as we live in a fast paced society, yet the value of investing time in another is so high that the hope for another’s salvation is worth it. Ultimately the best way to “lose your life” for Christ would be taking this verse literally and to die in the place of another as our Lord Jesus Christ did. This is the ultimate way to show love for somebody. What you guys think?
Jacob, regarding question 1: It is true that Luke's use of titles for Jesus adds to his portrait of Jesus and would connect with and mean something to his audience. "Saviour" is a common title for Jesus to us because of our focus on what he did on the cross. But what he did on the cross wasn't isolated from the story he was completing and bringing to fulfillment concerning God's promises to Israel and to the world. He is Saviour because he is Messiah. He came to rescue (save) his people from whatever "bound" them. Interestingly, Luke is only synoptic gospel writer to call him "Saviour" and he never explicitly connects his death on the cross as a saving event in the sense of atoning for sins. He does explicitly emphasise Jesus as saving people throughout his ministry. Clearly there is something deeper about Jesus as Saviour than simply his death on the cross to atone for sins (which other biblical writers make clear - esp. Paul).
ReplyDeleteJacob, regarding question 4: Yes, "giving yourself away" would involve investing yourself in others and that would mean more than simply a one-time serving (or a "drive-by service") (sometimes though that is all it takes - a one-time act of service but most of the time it is more). Giving yourself away would be more than simply "doing something nice" for someone. It would mean serving others in a redemptive way or with a redemptive purpose or intention and, like I said, would involve a consistent involvement in the lives of others. It would involve ourselves being in their life to help them in their journey to God. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAmong the many titles Luke uses for Jesus in his gospel are: "Son of God" (Luke 1:32,35); "Saviour" (Luke 2:11); "Son of Man" (Luke 5:24); "Christ" (Luke 2:11, 9:20).
ReplyDeleteFor the first century audience, these titles are signs that this man, Jesus was the fulfillment of the messianic prophesies from the Scriptures. The titles also clarify that Jesus is indeed of God and is who He claims to be. For us today, knowing and being familiar with the titles that Luke uses to describe Jesus helps the reader understand Christology. It helps us understand better the different "persons" and "roles" that Jesus had here on earth and at the same time we gain insight and understanding as to the nature of Jesus. Knowing these, our knowledge of Jesus' role in our life becomes greater and we may be able to understand more His role in our lives. In so doing, our journey in faith becomes fuller, and hopefully, stronger.
1)Among the many titles Jesus is referred to in the gospel of Luke are Son of God 4:31, Teacher 7:40, Master 5:5 and Lord of the Sabbath 6:5. Knowing these titles of Christ help readers in their faith journey by explaining who Jesus is, Son of God, and what authority he has. Hes from Heaven, unique and set apart from us in the sense that we sin. He teaches us our purpose in life, how we should live our lives, the truth and about God. As a Master he lead the way for his followers by being an example, keeping the whole law, and lastly His title Lord of the Sabbath, indicates He is God and creator of all!!! Amen!
ReplyDelete2)Jesus ministry was a ministry of setting people free, whether physically or spiritually. Reading Luke 4:18ff he was sent to proclaim freedom for the prisoners etc. In a spiritual sense being set free from spiritual bondage, death, and releasing from sin. On the other hand Jesus also released those physically some examples of this are in 4:38ff when he heals simons mother from illness, and 5:17ff healing a paralytic .
ReplyDeleteAfter Jesus read from Isaiah in Luke 4, he proclaimed to the people listening that the prophecy is fullfilled in their hearing. Part of the prophecy was "freedom for the prisoners" and the "oppressed set free". These passages tell us that part of Jesus ministry on earth was to release people. Release in this sense can mean several things as we see in the Gospel. We see this when he released the sick, the infirm and the outcasts of society from their physical problems. These sicknesses and physical problems caused these people to not be fully a part of the community. They were considered not whole persons and so they lived lives on the outskirts of Jewish society. By healing them, they are free to move about and live in the community. We see this also when Jesus released people from the cultic requirements of the Jewish faith. We see this when he rebuked the Pharisees, Scribes and others in their legalistic interpretations of the Scriptures. We see this further and more importantly when he release people from their sins. The ultimate release Jesus provided was through his death on the cross through which we are freed from the bondage of sin.
ReplyDelete1.
ReplyDeleteIn Luke 2:11....”For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savoir, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 1: 32 “Son of the Most High”
Here we see that Jesus id called ",Savior, Christ, Lord, and Son of the Most High." These names make us know who he is and what place he sits in. These names are also evidences of who he really is. It helps me know where i stand, that he is The Lord, the Savior. to the people back then, this is what they were waiting for a messiah. this helps them understand who he is and for us the readers know that Jesus is the Son of the Most High.
i agree with what Jake, Ethel, and Cristy said. All so true.
2.
ReplyDeleteHere we see how Luke records how Jesus taught and how he was, which helps us understand the way of salvation. Here Jesus shows us how we are to live and how salvation is found. And here we see how this was quoted by Jesus from Isaiah 61: 1, 2. The deliverance of Israel from exile is pictured by Isaiah as a Year of Jubilee where all that is owed is cancelled, property is returned to its original owners, salves are set free. But Isaiah must have been talking about the future, a future of the messianic age.
“Today the scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” He, Jesus, was proclaiming himself as the one who was to bring the good news. He himself was not accepted as a prophet in Nazareth. I think we all have the same attitude. It shouldn’t be a surprise to us when people we know do not accept us because we are living a Christian life and have faith. Tthe reason is that they know who you are, they know your background, how you live, your failures. They might not be able to see the new you but we should let God work in our lives, pray and be a positive witness, and be patient.
I hope i said the right thing for question two. what do you guys think?
ReplyDeleteJacob, regarding question 2: I agree that Jesus’ ministry was a ministry of releasing those who are living at the bottom of the ladder in society. But he is actually come to releasing the whole society and brought us the good news (salvation), so that we all will be forgiveness from sin. Through our own strength there is impossible. Through the mercy of God, he had sent his only son, Christ’s Jesus to come on the earth and die, to release his people from sin. But Jesus’ ministry of ‘release’ is not only spiritually but also physically and social status too. He did care everyone not only the Jew but the Gentile also; the salvation is for all (Luke 4:23-29). Jesus healed the man with leprosy which is unwanted in the society (Luke 5:12-15), and also he healed the crippled woman on the Sabbath day, He could get in trouble because it is against the laws of Mosses, but because his love for his people. Even woman the unworthy status in the society, Jesus healed the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50).
ReplyDelete3.
ReplyDeleteSalvation isn’t just I’m saved now. It deals with the past, present and future. It emphasizes on the here and now. Like what Jake wrote, “Today a Savoir is born, today scripture is fulfilled, today salvation has come, and today you will be with me in paradise. It just shows us how salvation is God’s plan, God’s purpose, and then God as the main actor, focused on Jesus. It also shows us the continuity of the old and new covenant.
QUESTION 4:
ReplyDelete"Lose your life for my sake and save it" (Luke 9:24)or other words "Hoe can we give our life away to help other" When I read from this passage, it remind me about one of my friend, who decided to quit his job and left every thing he have; good job and secure, house, friend and family to be come a Missionary in Thailand. From convenience lives to be inconvenience, learning new langue and culture, making new friends and learning new thing, which hardly for him. He gave his life away and willing to do God will, to save other soul and spread the gospel all of Thailand. Now, he have been in Chiang Mai, Thailand over 21 year already and he have brought many Thai to Christ, and one of them is me and my wife. If he didn't give his life away and decided to come to Thailand, therefore me and my wife would not know God. From this passage (Luke 9:24) give our life away to help other is more than just being nice and helping other but it is to put all of our heart and strength to help other to know God or growing brother and sister in Christ faith, so that they would be mature more like Christ. So I think, some how that I decided to come to NZ, to study the words of God would be a helpful for God's work in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to share and teach the words of God and to glorify his kingdom through our short life.
1. Jesus the Messiah (Lk.2:26), Savior (Lk.1:47), Son of Man (Lk.5:24), Son of God (Lk.1:35) From knowing these titles and the meaning of each one help us as the readers to realize that Jesus have come to fulfill the promises that God promised us to do, to remind ourselves of who He is, it will be a firm foundation and for our journey. He is Christ/Messiah the anointed one, He is the Savior for all people, He is the Son of Man; He was a human just like us, he suffered and died. And He is the Son of God, send by the Father and God raised him on the third day.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3:
ReplyDeleteSalvation is the major theme of Luke’s Gospel. It is the promised of God to his people continuing between the old covenant and new covenant, now is fulfilled in Christ’s Jesus. Luke emphasizes on the promise of God and the fullness of life as God intends for people. Luke emphasizes that salvation is not only what God promised in the pass but salvation as a reality to be experienced here and now. We can see from how he repeated the word today:
“Today…a Savior is born” (2:11)
“Today…this capture is fulfilled” (4:21)
“Today…salvation has come to this house” (19:10)
Even though salvation has a future as well, like, when Jesus speaks to the man who is about to die, he uses the same word, he promise him the life after death: “Today…you will be with me in Paradise” (23:43). The focus of salvation of Luke’s Gospel also point to the quality of the life that God allows people to have in present. God want peoples to be set free from certain things and to be able to experience life as God intends. Like, some people are ill and need to be healed; blind’s people want to be able to see; other are possessed by demons and need to be exorcized. Luke also use this word “salvation” to descript what Jesus dose for the people, for example, Jesus tells Zacchaeus that he is coming to his house and he tells Zacchaeus that salvation has come to his house (19:9), I think the main point of Luke is not that Zacchaeus will go to the heaven after death but it is that Zacchaeus has been set free from salvery to mammon and now experience life as God intends. God didn’t want us just to be simply waiting for the second coming of Jesus, but he wants us to live our life as God intends for people.
Ethel, regarding question 1: these titles Luke attributes to Jesus helps to fill out his Christology but not just for the purpose of explaining who Jesus is. These titles help to clarify what he is up to, too. It has been noticed for a long time that the title, “son of man,” only comes from the lips of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels. Jesus always refers to himself as the “son of man” and no one else ever calls Jesus “son of man.” (The exception is in Acts 7:56 where Stephen refers to Jesus as “son of man.”) Much has been written to explain this. Whatever else we make of this phenomenon, we may understand that after Jesus’ resurrection and the beginning of the church that the church never used this title to refer to Jesus because post-resurrection it wasn’t totally adequate. Their understanding of him was so much deeper and richer so titles of “Messiah” (which he was confessed as during his ministry), “son of God” and “Lord” described their understanding of who he was and what he was up to so much more clearly than “son of man.” Even though Jesus consistently referred to himself as “son of man” in his ministry the church moved on to attribute these other titles.
ReplyDeleteI’m also looking forward to the conversation about the nature of Pharisaic opposition to Jesus. Traditionally (thanks to Luther) Protestant Christendom hears the conversation between Jesus and his detractors (the Pharisees and cohorts) as a conversation of grace vs. legalism. I don’t think that is accurate. I don’t believe the Pharisees were legalists as we have understood and used the term. The Jewish writings from that time period make it clear that they believed that salvation was by grace through faith. I think the argument was instead over “who was a true Jew?” In other words, the burning question was what does a real covenant member look like (believe and behave)? There is much more to say but framing the argument between Jesus and his Pharisaic detractors helps to clarify what Jesus is up to.
O, you "hit the nail on the head" with question 4. THe American missionary who "gave himself" to Thailand is exactly what Jesus was talking about in Luke about losing life for Jesus' sake. You see when we give ourself to others we are being redemptive. We are giving our life away in order to find the life of GOd. I hope when you and Nid go back to Thailand you will be following the example of your American missionary friend because he was following the example of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christy. THe many titles Luke uses for Jesus helps to clarify who he is and what he is up to. This in turn helps us to know who we are and what we are to be up to, too. If we read Luke carefully we will see that the way he uses his titles for Jesus is somewhat different than how Matthew or Mark or even John uses the titles they have for Jesus. This helps us see the layers and depth of their understanding of Jesus. We get a deeper and richer (and more complex) picture of Jesus when we listen to what each of the Gospel writers say about Jesus than simply lumping them all together.
ReplyDeleteJohn, thanks for you response. You are right in suggesting that the titles of Jesus help us to know how we are to live in the world. When we see the titles as windows into who Jesus is we should see a reflection of who we are to be as followers of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteYour comment about Jesus' use of Isa.61 in the context of the year of Jubilee found in the Law is "spot on." The Jewish people were waiting for the real messianic Jubilee and Jesus said, "today" the jubilee has arrived (in the person of Jesus). Jubilee is a code name for the kingdom of God.
Gip, yes, these titles help us to see that Jesus is the one who came to fulfill God's promises to his people and to the world. No one else. These titles, coupled with Jesus' words (preaching/teaching) and works (healings/miracles) and symbolic acts all work together to clarify who Jesus is and what he is up to (which is what God is up to). These titles are an important part of knowing who Jesus really is and what he is all about. And this then clarifies for us who we are to be and what we are to be about, too.
ReplyDeleteO, "AMEN" on question 3. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2:
ReplyDeleteJesus’s ministry was a ministry of release. In Lk.4:18-19; Jesus came to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim the freedom for the prisoners, to heal the blind, to release the oppressed and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Jesus have come to this world not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. From Lk.4:31-44 Jesus went down to Capernaum and around synagogues of Judea after he got rejected from his hometown (Nazareth) to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. He was not only preached but He drove out an evil spirit and healed many. Jesus released them physically and spiritually. His ministry of releasing according to Isaiah 61:1-2.
Thank you David! Actuary the Missionary that I mention on the question is David Allen at Cheung Doi Church. He gave his life a way and he have been an example for me how to live our life as Jesus intends us to be, the life that always giving away and sacrifice for other, seek other sake first not our. "It is to be giving rather than receive"
ReplyDelete1. The four titles of Jesus which I like are: Savior (1:47), Lord (2:11), Light (2:32), and Dayspring (1:78). Human need help in some ways. They may be hopeless in their lives. They may be accused until they do not want to live and even though they cannot imagine what really happiness is. Saved is the light of life, it is hope, warmth, and energy. When someone knows that Jesus Christ, the Lord, is the Savior who is the hope of human that He came to this world to save those who need help. There is no one else like Him, so he is the Light that shines into the darkness as same as Dayspring in the early morning. The word “Light” is also linked to the light in John 1:4, 5 and 9 which John describes about Jesus. When we study or journey through the entire Bible we will understand more that why Luke calls Jesus, our Lord, is the Light and Dayspring.
ReplyDelete2. Ministry of release is a kind of the authority that can set free those who are prisoned in something that is not only the jail. For examples; Jesus casts out the evil spirit form a man (4:33-36), He set this man free from the suffering of uncontrolled himself. Jesus releases a sinful woman (7:36ff), He said “your sins are forgiven… your faith has saved you; go in peace.” He does release her from her sin, at the same time, He releases her from her shameful too. Because He is the master that people in the village give him respect, when the master accepts her it means she gets her honour back. Jesus releases a bleeding woman from her 12 year sickness (8:43ff). This woman is hopeless, in Mark 5:26 describes more details “She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.” When she touches Jesus’ cloak she is healed immediately “she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” These are 3 different kinds of releasing of Jesus.
ReplyDelete3. Luke uses the word “salvation” in the meaning of the kingdom of the Lord is coming or has come. People will be saved or will receive the kingdom of God by the action of faith. For example;
a. Jesus said to the sinful woman “go in peace” (7:50) because she was sorrow for her sin.
b. Jesus said to the bleeding woman “go in peace” (8:48) because she believed that Jesus can help her.
c. Jesus said to Zacchaeus “Today salvation has come to this house” because Zacchaeus repent from his sin.
d. Jesus said to the criminal at the cross “today you will be with me in paradise” because this man believed Jesus is the king of the Jews and will come into his kingdom.
All of these are different people and situation, but the same idea of receiving salvation from Jesus is faith in Him.
4. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. The best example is from Jesus’ life, he is God, but made himself nothing and being made in human to help his people. If Jesus can do for us, then why we can’t? I know many preachers who submit their lift to Jesus by serving their brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are not Christians until sometime they have problem with their family because they have little time with family. More than that, to be preacher in my country will get very less money. If they don’t love God and submit their life I think they can earn more money. For me, last year I took one sister to a delivery room in a lately night because her husband was far away. I can remember that day I just finished taking shower and ready to sleep almost midnight. My phone rang and I knew suddenly it was time to go. I did as I was her husband. Today I read from Facebook a picture of 1st year celebration of that baby and under the picture there is a sentence “…we will never forget that P Sam …..” I am glad that I do not think for my sake only. I lose my sleeping time for them and it was very valuable. This mission was not to save, but to make them know that we are family. They are growing in faith and I wish the husband will be one of the church leaders in the future. The experience of going out at night for “Street Help” project is the same kind of losing sleep time to serve our social.
David, thanks for the comment regarding question 1 regarding the titles clarifying what Jesus was up to. Thinking more about it now, it does help me understand as well what Jesus was doing during those times which in turn allows me to think more fully about what I should do in response to the things that he did here on earth. I love how Cristy frames it in her answer as Jesus showing us the way of how to live life.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the grace vs. legalism issue between Jesus and the Pharisees, I am still quite confused about this. Having been brought up with this almost caricature-like image of the Pharisees, it is hard for me to distance myself from the concept of them being legalistic more than anything else. However, through many classes that we have had last year, I was able to gain a more fuller understanding of their history and what they were up to. Really, more than anything else, what they wanted to do was just try to please God in the way that they thought God wanted. If I understand it correctly, given the situation of the Saducees being not very good leaders yet still comprising the core of the Sanhedrin, I think the Pharisees were just trying to get the Jews back on track when Jesus came along and added another problem to the situation that they were already facing. So their opposition to Jesus really also stemmed from the desire in their hearts to get the Jews right with God.
Okay, now for question 3:
Salvation as used by Luke covers many different things. It is not only salvation as Jesus' dying on the cross to redeem us from our sins. It is also Jesus' freeing people from oppression as was stated in Luke 1. Jesus healed the paralytic man thereby freeing him from his malady but more than that Jesus freed him from his sins. Salvation in Jesus is having those who were once in the outskirts of society be integrated once more through casting out of demons, healing of sicknesses and such. Women were accorded great dignity and respect. Jesus reversed the traditional thought by saying in 6:20 "blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of God". Salvation in Jesus is not only salvation that bring us to heaven. It is also the salvation that brings his kingdom here on earth.
On Question 4:
ReplyDeleteThanks for that story O. That is a great illustration of "saving life by losing it".
For me, what immediately came to mind when I read the question is the song "Follow Me". I've always loved that song because it talks about how our human minds look at our sacrifices to become Christians, to live in Christ and to minister to others as great things. And yet, these all pale to what Jesus did for us. Add to this the fact that even though we "lose" our life, we gain so much more.
This is so true with the people I've seen who have dedicated their lives to Christ. Coming from a culture that is so focused on material gain, seeing people who put their whole focus on Christ reminds me of what true joy and happiness is.
On a personal note, I felt like coming to Bible college was losing my life because I was going to put my career on hold for two years. During my first year, I spent many nights just freaked out over the fact that my friends are all working and establishing themselves in the legal profession and I can barely remember what is written in the Rules of Civil Procedure. And yet, looking back, "losing" my life even for just two years has actually saved it. If I am totally honest, had I not come here, I would have probably gone down the road of materialism and earthly success. Maybe that was part of the reason why I came here ultimately. It was that I knew that coming here would save my life in Christ.
Question 1:Regard from Gip, Jesus the Messiah (Lk.2:26), Savior (Lk.1:47), Son of Man (Lk.5:24), Son of God (Lk.1:35) all of these titles help us to see that Jesus is the one who came to fulfill God's promises to his people and also to every one in this world. No one else.It really help us to know who he really is, so that we can walk firmly and trusty in him while we are living according to what God's intends us to be with out fear. Jesus is the saviour have such a meaningful to me, where ever I go or be, he will always save me. It give a big confidence and do not be fear of any things. He is the Son of Man, also encourage me that he know how I feel and how hard to be in this world and to be tempted. I use to think that Jesus is God and he won't know how hard to be a human, but he really is a human and he had experienced al kind of thing that all human are facing. So it help me and build me up to not easily give up on thing or to look on him as an example, how live as God's intends.
ReplyDelete3)Throughout Lukes gospel there are many exmples of those being saved!Not only suggesting that Jesus dying for us brought salavation but there are examples of salvation from sin and saved physically etc. I like the example of 6:20ff Blessings and woes of to rich and poor etc- chapter 7 Jesus raises a widows son, chapter 5 physically healing a paralytic and a beautiful illustration of Jesus annointed by a sinful woman in chapter 7 "Your faith has saved you; go in peace"! All similar in terms of faith, and different in the sense of what they are being saved from.
ReplyDelete4)"lose your life for my sake and save it" when I first ever heard this it seemed so backwards to me and admittedly sometimes still does as I no longer can follow my own fleshy desires of this world, I realize that choices I make in life may affect someone elses salvation! So when I read this passage I immediately think of being an example to others by following Christ, anyone can claim to be Christian but am I actually following Christ, am I displaying characteristics of Christ? am I displaying Love? Am I going outside of my comfortzone for the sake of others? Just a few questions I often ask myself!
ReplyDeleteIn response to Ethel I agree coming to bible college is an example of "lose you life for my sake and save it", I have many friends myself who have 'gone ahead in the world' and me well gritting my teeth i decided to come college and learn about my creator,had I not made this decision I could have quite happily gone back to the world!!!!
Question #1:
ReplyDeleteWhen we study the book of Luke, we see that our Lord Jesus Christ has different names that identify him. In Luke 1:32, Jesus is called the Son of the Most High. In Luke 1:35, He is called the Son of God. In Luke 2:11, Jesus is called the Savior. In Luke 2:11, Jesus is also called the Messiah or Christ. In this book the most wonderful events that we can see are Jesus' miracles and how He is blessing the people, how he heals the sick, how he teaches them, how he preaches to them, and how he forgives them. But the most amazing event was when Jesus died on the cross. All over this book, Jesus is saving the world. With no doubt, these names that describe Jesus will help the readers in their walk of faith. Since now days a lot of people are desparate and a lot of people don't find answers to their lives. But this book teaches us that we have a Savior which is the Messiah, the one sent and annointed by God. These names that describe Jesus is a hope for each one of us so that we can trust more in him and so we can understand that he is the only Savior.
Question #2:
ReplyDeleteWith no doubt, Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, who came to rescue, save, and free humanity from the condition of the lost and of slavery. Jesus was elected by God to fulfill his purpose. In Luke 4:18, Jesus in three opportunities said that "the Spirit of the Lord is on ME, because he has annointed ME, and sent ME". So the releasing means that Jesus came to free us from our spiritual condition. We were suffering, we were slaves, and He released us by saving us. Jesus' ministry is to give freedom, to proclaim the good news, to heal, and to give salvation to everybody. The book of Luke shows us how Jesus is giving us a spiritual and physical healing. For example, in Luke 5:17, Jesus is forgiving and healing a paralytic. In Luke 8:40-56, Jesus is healing a woman and resurrecting a little girl. In Luke 23:43, Jesus is bringing a spiritual salvation to the robber on the cross next to him. So, Jesus saves not just my physical life but our spiritual lives. This is the reason that Jesus came to this world.
Question #3:
ReplyDeleteThere was always a plan in God's mind for salvation. And this salvation, in the book of Luke, is found everywhere but there's only salvation through Jesus. In Luke 1:69, the bible says "He has raised up a horn of salvation for us". In Luke 2:30, it says that "my eyes have seen your salvation". Luke 2:38 says that salvation came to those "who were looking forward to the redemption of jerusalem". Luke 4:18 and 19:10 says that "the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." God is fulfilling his promise of salvation to all humanity. The cross of Christ is for everyone and reaches every generation; past, present, and future. If we need to be healed from any sickness, Jesus is the answer. If we have a problem, Jesus is the solution. If we feel alone, Jesus is with us. And if we are lost, Jesus can save us. This is what we see in jesus all throughout the book of Luke. Jesus is healing people with demons, the sick, and He's saving the lost, which means everybody.
Question #4:
ReplyDeleteWhen it's about people's salvation and when it's about doing something for the kingdom of God, a lot of times we have to leave the things that are unnecessary in our lives. For example, a lot of times we have to leave our desires, dreams, comforts, and even our own will because now it's about what God wants for my life. It's not my life anymore, it's not about my pleasure and desires anymore, now it's about God because he is in control of my life. And for this reason, I have to obey him. He tells me to serve, preach, and teach everywhere with the purpose for everybody to be part of the plan of salvation. We need to understand the life in Christ is a sacrifice and many times suffering. I know some preachers that have lost jobs and families for the work of the Kingdom of God and for the salvation of the people. It's possible that we may lose stuff because of the Kingdom of God. But one day God will give us a reward which is the crown of life, the salvation of our souls.
Question 1
ReplyDeleteTitles found in the book of Luke helps us understand not only the meaning it had for the Jews but also helps us better understand the context in which the Jewish people was, no doubt contributed to the titles to Jesus in the Luke's Gospel, Son of the Highest (1:32), SON OF GOD (1:35), Saviour, Christ and Lord, (2:11), surely these titles were familiar for the Jewish nation and had a meaning very important in their lives, as the prayer of every Jew was hopeful about the coming of Christ, the Messiah, EL SALVADOR, sent by God.
Moreover, the genealogy of Jesus in the Book of Luke plays an important role in the lives of the Jews but it is interesting that Luke focuses his gospel from other genealogy perspective since found in this book runs counter to the address Mathew presented in his Gospel, Luke concludes his genealogy attributed to Jesus the title Son of God, this must mean for the audience to whom Luke is writing and certainly addresses one of the questions found in this gospel which the crowd of that time to, is not this the carpenter's son? (4:22), at least for the writer who diligently investigate all DONE Jesus for Luke Jesus is THE SON OF GOD AND SAVIOUR
Question 2
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that the Gospel of Luke shows us the ministry of Jesus as a INISTRY OF LIBERATION but we can also understand that the Jewish people was waiting for a saviour that would get rid of oppression in which they were under the government of the Roman Empire for that reason the Jews had a hard time understanding that Jesus who was called the carpenter's son to be a deliverer who were waiting, but the freedom that Jesus shows them spiritual freedom is something that cost them the Jews understand.
The example we can find in this Gospel helps us to better understand the kind of freedom that Jesus offers.
Deliverance from unclean spirits (4:31-37)
Liberator of diseases (4:38-41)
Liberator of sin (5:18-26)
Question 3
ReplyDeleteis interesting as Luke presents his Gospel from the point of view of salvation, emphasizing more of a chance that salvation is something that is received in time present making notes phrases like: here and now, it is also important to note that salvation offered by Jesus in this Gospel is not about only with the salvation of the soul but often salvation is about to be released from this condition that we are physical or spiritual.
the salvation in this case comes in many ways:
The leper was cleansed of his leprosy (5:12-16
The same case of the paralytic (5:17-26) or the thief in the cruz923: 43)
The case of the servant of a centurion who was near death (7:1-10)
These examples show us that salvation is not always viewed from the standpoint of the salvation of the soul but also involves physical and spiritual salvation in which I rescued from the condition in which you are.
Question 4
ReplyDeletewell I think I share much of the meaning or Jake approach gives this passage, no doubt to be a true disciple of Christ must understand that we must be willing to deny ourselves, and that means stop doing things for my own benefit and do things for the benefit of others, some examples from the book of Luke in the call of discipleship are (Luke 9:57-62) where we found three disciples who want to follow Jesus, but Jesus shows them the disciple who wants to follow it unconditionally as Jesus does not offer anything in return, that is, not to follow Jesus in exchange for something.
Certainly the other two disciples following have not yet given up their lives and for them to follow Jesus before there is another priority in their lives (note the first word in both cases)
and the cross certainly represents a sign of death for the Jewish people for which the call is to be willing to die for the cause of Christ and live every day to give his life for others as Christ did in his ministry, only This way we can save our lives and that Jesus has the power to save our lives physically and spiritually.
another example found in Luke 14:25-33 this book where he explains a bit more clear what is meant to deny himself and take up the cross and follow, here grilled give up everything we own, helps us better understand both giving up himself as carrying the cross has to do with putting Christ first in our lives and it involves everything. (This does not mean we have to detach ourselves from everything we have or die literally hanging on a cross, but your dreams and desires and everything you own is not an impediment to follow Jesus.
Sam,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response, esp. #4. You said some very helpful things and thanks for sharing the story about your being willing to sacrifice sleep for the sake of someone else. That's the meaning of the gospel: giving our life for the sake of others.
Ethel, thanks. I think the Pharisees have been caricatured. THe reality is that the situation then is more complex than we have understood. We'll say some more about where they were coming from, the nature of their opposition to Jesus and hopefully clarify somewhat what their beef was with Jesus (and vice versa).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments on #4. I have a long way to go to truly "give my life away" to gain it. Selfishness is so strong. May I use part of your response to #4 when I travel and talk to supporters and other interested people in the Bible College. You will remain anonmymous but what you have said is so encouraging. Thanks.
Question One
ReplyDeleteLuke designates many titles to Jesus in his Gospel. Luke states that Jesus is the Christ or in some translations the Messiah 9:20, a prophet stated in chapter 7:16, a Saviour found in chapter2:11 and also the Son of Man 22:69.
Luke does this to make clear that Jesus is indeed the awaited messiah that they have been waiting for. Knowing these titles helps use get the fuller picture of the grand scheme of things. The Israelites then were expecting a certain type of Saviour, they don’t have the same privilege that we have like having the bible. So taking note of the different titles gives us better understanding of Jesus’ role and His life.
Question Two
Releasing Luke 4:18ff
Jesus Ministry was indeed a ministry of releasing which is evident in Luke 4:18. He quotes from a specific text in Isaiah which I find very interesting out of all the text he chooses that particular one. When quoting this he was announcing his ministry. Jesus’ ministry was on of releasing the physically destitute. The word freedom is mentioned recovery and the oppressed are free. He was not only mentioning this in a physical manner only but also in a spiritual aspect. Jesus was going to reach out to those that usually don’t have a voice those that can’t fan for themselves. The poor, prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. Jesus was going to release them from their current state. He was to set them free. Free from the things that was weighting them down
Question Three
Luke writes that Salvation is for all. The central of God’s plan on salvation is the kingdom of God. God’s plan ad purpose of salvation and Jesus is the focus. Luke writes it with the emphasise on the here and now. Luke used many characters to portray that salvation is indeed for all. The sinful woman with her faith in 7:15, the tax collector and shepherds in 2:11. Salvation in Luke was for the Gods kingdom here on earth and also salvation in Heaven.
Question 4
When I first encountered that text “lose your life for my sake and save it” (9:24) earlier on in my Christian walk I thought that Christianity demanded way too much of me. I took it in its literal form. Losing my life for His to me is being a servant. Not concentrating on you and serving others. Jesus came to serve and we are also called to serve. Placing others before yourself and going out of your way to bring joy or happiness to someone else. That to me losing my life. Some people that I have come across dedicate their lives in serving others. They work in ministries and work in community services. They are living their life like Christ. They can choose a different path. They could have perused the dream Job that they have always wanted and they could have lived in the comfort of familiar surroundings. But they placed others before themselves.
Question 3
ReplyDeleteSalvation is God’s plan to save the world through Jesus. Salvation is covered about past, present and future. The plan of Salvation is carry on from Old Testament to New Testament and fulfill by Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke shows that God is interested in saving soul. The primary theme of Luke relate to salvation, and salvation is related to the mission and the kingdom of God. When you think of salvation, you might think it is only about saving souls but it is also included physically (healing) and spiritually ( forgiveness of sins). Salvation and peace have to come hand in hand. Salvation is not only about the future but also now. For example in Lk.7:36ff. While Jesus were having dinner with Pharisee, there was a sinful woman came. She poured the alabaster jar of on Jesus’ feet, she wet his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair and kissed his feet. Jesus said, “ Your sins are forgiven and because of your faith has saved you, go in peace.” Jesus has done so many things(ch.4-9); healed many, raised the deaths, drove out demons, and feed multitude. And through the book of Luke, you will notice that Jesus was not talking about the life after death but taught how to live life on the present day by being the Light with put on where people can see and the parable of the Sower.
Question 4
ReplyDeleteJesus’ life explained well from Lk.9:24 that say “whoever loses his life for me will save it.” He gave up his life for us to be saved. Jesus devoted all his life for God’s mission of saving the world, He left his throne to live like ordinary men for the sake of us. It sounds like a big mission when you to give your life to help save others. Actually you don’t have to be like a superman in order to save life but by the small act of service can save many lives. For example you could encourage to your friend who needed one, to say kind word for one another, and be willing to help. These small acts of kindness could save many.
Christy, thanks for your comments regarding "giving our life away" for the sake of others. THe questions you pose are the questions we should all ask ourselves. These are the kind of questions that help us to walk in "the way" of Christ, the gospel.
ReplyDeletePablo, thanks for your good responses to the 4 questions. You have demonstrated from the Scripture (Gospel of Luke) how Jesus' titles relate to his purpose and what he is up to; you have explained that Jesus' ministry is a ministry of release from our enslavements. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMarcelo,
ReplyDeleteGood response to #1. These titles were meaningful to the Jews, as you say, but they were also meaningful to the Greeks, too (maybe in a slightly different way though). The Roman Caesar's were referred to as "son of God" and "saviour." When Luke gives these titles to Jesus, the first readers, living in that Greco-Roman world, would understand that either Jesus or Caesar was saviour and son of God. Jesus is the true saviour and son of GOd.
"Amen" to #4. Thanks.
Gip,
ReplyDeleteYes, the "little" things we do for others can be an act of salvation and it doesn't have to be a "superman" act. Each act of service for others is a saving act if its done in the name of Jesus and helps people to see God more clearly and experience his life more fully. Thanks.
Laii,
ReplyDeleteTHanks for your good comments. Regarding #4, I think you are right. When we understand what Jesus is really saying, it opens up a new way to live as Christians. Living as a Christian may involve the literal losing of our life but it also means acts of service to bless others with God's life. It is more than making people happy, it is serving them so that they can experience God's life as he meant for it to be experienced. Thanks.
Thanks David! I'm looking forward to going through the stuff about the Pharisees too. And it would be my honor if you use the answer I wrote to number 4. As I said, I never realized how surrendering what I thought to be the idea of a "good" life ended up saving my spiritual life.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just to comment on your answer to number 4, Lai, I just want to say how proud I am that even though you are the youngest in our class, you display a spiritual maturity that is far beyond your years.
Question 1.
ReplyDeleteIn Luke 13;10-17 we find the claiming of the power of God. Ruler of Synagogue challenged Jesus actions. Riposte A common response to a challence name calling. Lasty comes from the outside, not the family they are public in nature, you must be ublic too. The titles are claim, challenge, riposte and virdict.
Question 2.
Luke 4;18ff I proclaim the good news to the poor, He sent me to proclaim freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind and to set the oppressed free ad proclaim the year of the God.
Question 3.
In Luke 2;30 we read: For my eyes have seen your salvation, Samaritans worship you don't know, we worship what we know salvation is from the Jews. Acts 4;12: Salvtion is found in no one else, there is no other name given under heaven by which we be saved. Acts 13;47: This is what the God has demmanded, you are a light for yhe Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.
Question 4.
Peter answared Jesus is the "God's Messiah. Jesus said that the Son of God must suffer many things, be reject by elders and the chief priest and want him to be killed if you want to be my disiple. Dey yourselfs take up your cross and follow me. The one that wants to save themselves will loose it, and the one's that give themselves will be saved. If you are ashamed of Christ, Christ will be ashamed of them when he comes i his glory.
All of you have done a great job on your comments, I can't add any thig to it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie. Yes, a disciple is one who is public with his/her discipleship. Do not be ashamed to be a follower of Jesus.
ReplyDelete4.
ReplyDeleteI think God here is telling us that that he wants first dibs on us. He wants to lead us where he knows we can serve. Where he knows we can be the most effective we can. I think it doesn’t necessarily mean that were going to preach and teach, it maybe in different areas. Organization, evangelism, even little things like cleaning up the church, visiting people, or even just prayer.
I don’t want to talk about me and what I do, for me it doesn’t feel right, but just to say. I think God pushes where he wants he wants us. He puts us in a place where we can grow, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we like where we go but that how he works. I was just coming of drug use and the last place I wanted to be was near people that did drugs. so in a weird way and uncomfortable way God sent me to this Jail ministry thing. I didn’t want to go, that’s the last place where someone like me wants to go. I didn’t know what to say to the people, I thought that I had to say something that’ll make them feel good. I was trying to control the situation. but when sharing time came, and they shared, they welcomed and made me feel at home in jail. (imagine a jail good for 200 people, that’s filled with 600-700 people) they smiled and welcomed me, this was very humbling for me. this showed me how God works in our lives through other people.