Luke 19, The Last 17 Miles
Introduction: Luke 19 documents the last 17 miles of Jesus’ travel from Jericho to Jerusalem where He eventually would be crucified within a week. Near Jericho, Jesus brought salvation to a despised sinner, taught a kingdom lesson on stewardship, displayed His personal triumph entering into His beloved city Jerusalem, and gave dire warning to the obstinate.
Icebreaker: Describe what is it like for you during the last 17 miles on a trip.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector– Read Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus was a despised chief tax collector looking to get Jesus’ attention when He was passing through his neighborhood. Jesus took note of Zacchaeus’ effort and brought salvation into his home. Zacchaeus demonstrated true repentance and faith.
- What impressed you about Zacchaeus the chief tax collector?
- How did Zacchaeus interrupt Jesus on His travel?
- How did Jesus respond to Zacchaeus in contrast to the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-30? Why did He approach them differently?
- How did Zacchaeus respond to Jesus? (19:8)
- What did Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus reveal about His mission? (19:10)
- Where, when, and how did Jesus first find you? What was going on in your life? How did you respond to Jesus?
Parable of the Ten Minas– Read Luke 19:11-27
There was a misconception on the timing of the coming of the kingdom of God. Jesus taught from a parable what believers should be doing while waiting for the kingdom of God.
7. What triggered Jesus to tell this parable of the ten minas? (19:11)
8. In the parable, what did the master expect from the servants while he was away and with what did he entrust them?
9. Why do you suppose the servants’ actions varied so much? (19:16-21)
10. How did the master respond to the servants, especially the third servant in verse 22?
11. What are the lessons relating to the kingdom of God according to verse 26-27?
12. How can we guard against having the third servant’s attitude toward God?
13. What should you be doing with your talent, time and resources and for what reasons?
Jesus Enters into Jerusalem as King– Read Luke 19:28-44
Jesus made a triumphal entry into Jerusalem with His disciples recognizing Him as the King who came in the name of the Lord. The Pharisees objected. Jesus was saddened and He prophesied what would become of Jerusalem.
14. Why did Jesus receive a triumphal reception upon entering Jerusalem? (19:28-38)
15. Why were the Pharisees so indignant according to verse 39, particularly with one word in verse 38?
16. If Jesus triumphantly entered into our city, what kind of reception might He receive from the churches, city hall, media or homeless shelters, etc.?
17. Why did Jesus weep and how was His response so prophetic, sad; how does it hit home with us?
18. As believers, what should we weep/mourn today in our world, and what is the promise according to Matthew 5:4?
Jesus at the Temple– Read Luke 19:45-48
Jesus expelled the sacrilegious out of the temple to restore the temple back to a house of prayer.
19. How do verses 45-48 relate to Jesus’ concern about Jerusalem and why was there such an extreme response?
20. How has Jesus “turned over tables” in your life?
21. What should you replace the “turned over tables” attitude or lifestyle with; especially if this was the last 17 miles of your life?