Luke 5:17—6:11: Radical Authority
GOD IS ALWAYS full of surprises. Those who know him delight in this. This, however, upsets people who feel secure only with neatly structured beliefs that are left untouched. One problem for them is that every now and then God chooses to do something new and fresh. Then packaged religions and secure traditions fall apart! This often happened when Jesus came on Israel's religious scene with surprising teaching and authority.
Warming Up to God
Do you wish you had more or less authority in your life? Why?
Read Luke 5:17—6:11. »
Discovering the Word
- Imagine yourself a part of the religious establishment mentioned in 5:17. How would you have viewed Jesus' growing popularity?
- Compare the Pharisees' questions in 5:21, 30, 33; 6:2, 7—criticisms which climax in 6:11. What pattern(s) do you observe?
- What skills in answering religious critics can you learn from Jesus?
Applying the Word
- Jesus was relentless in his battle with the religious legalists of his day. He clearly saw that in distorting God's laws they also distorted God's image. What religious legalisms can keep you from enjoying the Lord and his true sabbath?
- Over which area of your life do you see Jesus exercising authority?
- Over which area of your life do you sense an absence of Jesus' authority?
Responding in Prayer
Ask Jesus to rule over your whole life.
For Further Study
Authentic Leader by Bill Donahue