Authority of Jesus (Luke 5-6)

A. Icebreaker

When you were in school, which teacher did you respect the most? Why?

What shocking claims did Jesus make and on what basis? See note.
How did the people respond to these claims?

B. Authority Declared (Read Luke 4:18-21)

Note: The portion of scriptures Jesus read was Isaiah 61:1-2, a messianic passage. He concluded His reading with the words, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor stopping in the middle of the verse without reading the next line in Isaiah 61:2 about God’s vengeance. When Jesus added, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” the implication was clear. Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah who could bring the kingdom of God which had been promised for so long… They were amazed at His gracious words, but they immediately began to question the authority with which He could say these things… The Bible Knowledge Commentary, John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Victor Books, 1983.

This questioning of Jesus’ authority set up the events in Luke 5-6.

C. Authority of Ministry ( 5:1–6:16)

a. Over the Disciples (Read 5:1-11, 6:12-16)

3. Why do you think the people responded to Jesus’ call?

4. What was Jesus’ purpose for calling these people?

5. How does Jesus call us today and for what purpose?`

b. Over Defilement (Leper Healed) (Read 5:12-16)

6. What is leprosy symbolic of in Jesus’ time?

7. What did Jesus demonstrate by cleansing the leper?

8. Is there anything in which we have which cannot be cleansed by Jesus?

9. How does one come to the point that Jesus alone can cleanse us?

Note: The Law of Moses and Leprosy The ancient Jewish Law made no provision for the cleansing of a leper, but only the ability to declare someone clean who had been suspected of leprosy. The Law required lepers to be quarantined, and there were strict rules for ceremonial cleansing. For a man that was suspected of leprosy the priest would make the decision if the disease was harmless or dangerous. He would examine the skin, hair, and beard and if the man was “smitten with the plague of leprosy” he would be cast out of society. The priest would also give the word if the disease was harmless and the man would be considered “ceremonially clean” and he could live a normal life. https://www.bible-history.com/backd2/leprosy.html

c. Over the Pharisees’ Critical Eyes (Read 5:17–6:11)

Healing of a Paralytic (5:17-26)
Calling of a Tax Collector (5:27-32)
Questions about Fasting (5:33-39)
Jesus’ Authority over the Sabbath (6:1-11)

Note: Refer to the above passages to answer the question below. Suggest approach: Choose one or two passages from above and then answer the questions below.

10. What was the agenda of the Pharisees and teachers of the law: 5:21, 30, 33, 6:7?

11. What did Jesus do and say that exasperated them?

12. What were their reactions? Why?

13. How do we address the critical spirit in our own hearts today? I John 1:9

D. Authoritative Teaching: The Sermon on the Plain (Read 6:17-45)

Blessings and Woes (6:17-26)
Love for Enemies (6:27-36)
Judging Others (6:37-42)
Two Kinds of Trees (6:43-45)

Note: Refer to the above passages to answer the questions below. Suggested approach: Choose one or two passages from above and then answer the questions below.

14. What was Jesus addressing in the Sermon on the Plain?

15. Why was His teaching so radical then, and still is today?

16. Why do you think some people respond and other not?

Two Kinds of Builders (Read 6:46-49

17. How is that the “Two Kinds of Builders” (6:46-49) was a fitting summary of the Sermon on the Plain?

Application

18. In this lesson, Jesus is demonstrating his authority in a variety of ways. How does your life demonstrate Jesus’s authority?

Authority of Jesus - Luke 5-6