BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 1 - LukeSample

As Jesus sets out to Jerusalem, he sends out a wave of his followers to prepare each city where he plans to stop along the way. They travel light, no luggage or moneybags are necessary, and they go equipped with the healing power and message of the Kingdom of God. This shows us again that Jesus’ followers are active participants in the mission of God in the world. Jesus gives the good news of the Kingdom, and those who believe it don’t just receive it, they join him in giving it away to others. This is the Kingdom way. It’s not about accumulating power and wealth from this world; it’s about receiving the provision of heaven to bless the world. So in this next section, Luke records many of Jesus’ teachings about trusting in God’s provision. Jesus teaches on prayer, management of resources, and radical generosity. In response to his teachings, the poor and afflicted celebrate. But the religious leaders rage as they hear Jesus correcting their greedy way of life, and they begin to plot against him.  

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

In Jesus’ parable, the man who was robbed was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, so listeners would have assumed he was from Israel’s capital and therefore a Jew. The religious Jewish leaders, who you might expect to help the man, avoided him. The only one to provide for the injured Jew was a Samaritan. (10:25-31)

• Knowing that Samaritans were despised by Jews, why do you think Jesus added this detail to the story? How does this expand your understanding about what it means to “love your neighbor?”
  
• Is there a person in need who despises you? What have you received that you can share? What practical step can you take this week to provide help and show mercy to your neighbor?
  

The Kingdom of God is about receiving the generous provision of heaven so that you can generously provide for others. So followers of Jesus are called to leave distractions behind and trust (10:42) that God is a good provider and knows how to give good gifts to his children (11:1-13). Notice that Jesus explains that God’s good gift is the Holy Spirit (11:13) and it is a gift meant to be shared(11:5-6).

• Have you ever asked God for something specific but received something else instead? How did God’s answer bring the Holy Spirit’s help, comfort, and teaching into your life? How did his provision enable you to provide for others around you in unexpected ways?
  
• Let your reading and reflection prompt a prayer. Talk to God about what inspired amazement. Be honest about your disappointments. Ask him for what you need to share God’s mercy this week.