Kingdom Values and the Call to True Discipleship
- Be God's Glory
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Welcome to Day 301 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
These chapters present Jesus’ teachings on stewardship, humility, repentance, faith, and the cost of entering the Kingdom of God. Through parables, miracles, and encounters with various individuals, Jesus reveals the heart of God toward the poor, the repentant, and the persistent. He exposes the dangers of pride, wealth dependence, and self-righteousness, while emphasizing faith, obedience, and humility as the true posture of those who inherit eternal life. These chapters contrast earthly thinking with Kingdom principles, showing that what is highly valued among men is often detestable in God’s sight, and reminding believers that entry into the Kingdom comes only through complete surrender and childlike trust in Christ.
Luke 16
Luke 16 centers on the themes of stewardship, money, and eternal accountability. Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest manager to illustrate that believers must use worldly resources wisely in light of eternity, showing that faithfulness with little reveals one’s readiness for greater spiritual responsibility. He confronts the Pharisees for their love of wealth, teaching that no one can serve both God and money. Jesus then shares the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, revealing the eternal consequences of selfish living and ignoring the needs of others. Through this parable, He emphasizes that earthly status does not determine eternal destiny and that repentance must happen in this life, as there is no second chance after death. Ultimately, the chapter calls readers to examine where their loyalty lies and to live with eternity in view.
Luke 17
Luke 17 teaches about forgiveness, faith, obedience, and the coming Kingdom of God. Jesus begins by warning His disciples not to cause others to stumble and commands them to practice continual forgiveness, even when wronged repeatedly. He explains that genuine faith, even as small as a mustard seed, has the power to accomplish great things when rooted in obedience to God. The healing of the ten lepers reveals the importance of gratitude, as only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Jesus, highlighting that salvation is tied to faith and worship, not just physical blessing. Jesus also speaks about the unexpected return of the Son of Man, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot, when people lived normally until sudden judgment came. This chapter urges believers to remain spiritually awake, faithful, and ready for Christ’s return.
Luke 18
Luke 18 emphasizes persistent prayer, humility, true righteousness, and the cost of discipleship. Jesus begins with the parable of the persistent widow to demonstrate that God honors unwavering faith and teaches that His people must not lose heart in prayer. Through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, He exposes the danger of self-righteousness and shows that God exalts the humble who acknowledge their need for mercy. Jesus blesses little children, declaring that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with childlike faith and dependence. When the rich ruler asks about eternal life, Jesus reveals that attachment to wealth can hinder wholehearted devotion to God. The chapter concludes with Jesus predicting His death and healing a blind beggar, reinforcing that spiritual sight and salvation come only through faith in Him.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Luke comes from the Latin Lucas or Lucanus, which is believed to be derived from the Greek word Loukas, meaning “light-giving” or “bringer of light.” This meaning is fitting, as the Gospel of Luke shines light on Jesus as the Savior for all humanity, illuminating God’s love, mercy, and salvation.
Purpose of the Book:
Luke explicitly states his purpose in Luke 1:3–4:“…it seemed good to me also… to write an orderly account… that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Primary Purposes:
To present an accurate historical account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
To show Jesus as the Savior of all people—not only Jews but also Gentiles, women, the poor, and the marginalized.
To emphasize the humanity and compassion of Jesus, highlighting His role as the “Son of Man.”
To provide assurance to believers that the Christian faith is grounded in truth and eyewitness testimony.
To prepare readers for the mission of the Church, which is continued in the Book of Acts.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Gospel of Luke is universally attributed to Luke the physician, a Gentile companion of the Apostle Paul. Evidence from Scripture and early church history strongly supports this authorship:
Biblical Evidence:
Colossians 4:14 – Paul refers to “Luke, the beloved physician,” distinguishing him from Jewish companions, indicating he was likely a Gentile.
2 Timothy 4:11 – “Only Luke is with me,” showing a close companionship.
Philemon 24 – Luke is listed among Paul’s fellow laborers.
Acts 1:1 directly references the Gospel of Luke as its first volume: “In my former book, Theophilus…”—showing that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts.
Historical and External Sources:
Early Church Fathers
Irenaeus (AD 180) stated: “Luke, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him.”
Eusebius of Caesarea (4th century) confirmed Luke as the author in his Ecclesiastical History.
The Muratorian Fragment (circa AD 170) identifies Luke as the physician who wrote the Gospel.
Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry but gathered his information carefully from eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1–4). His Gospel is the most historically and chronologically detailed, reflecting the work of a careful researcher and historian.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure; presented as the Son of Man and Savior of the world.
Mary – The mother of Jesus; her faith and prophetic declarations are highlighted.
Zechariah and Elizabeth – Parents of John the Baptist, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
John the Baptist – The forerunner of the Messiah.
The Apostles – Especially Peter, James, John, and the Twelve.
Simeon and Anna – Prophets who confirm Jesus' identity shortly after His birth.
Herod Antipas – Ruler involved in Jesus’ trial.
Pontius Pilate – Roman governor who presides over Jesus’ crucifixion.
The women disciples – Especially Mary Magdalene and other women who play a prominent role in supporting Jesus’ ministry and witnessing His resurrection.
Theophilus – The individual to whom Luke’s Gospel is addressed; believed to be a high-ranking official or patron.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Luke concludes with Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, confirming His identity as the risen Messiah and Son of God. It emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the unstoppable nature of God’s salvation plan. Luke ends with a call to witness: Jesus commissions His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations, starting from Jerusalem (Luke 24:46–49).
The Book of Luke shines as a Gospel of hope, compassion, and divine purpose, inviting believers to see Jesus as the Savior who came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). It bridges the Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Christ and prepares the stage for the global mission of the Church continued in Acts. It is a testimony that the light has come into the world—not for one nation only, but for all humanity.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Luke 16
In Luke 16, God is revealed as the righteous Judge who sees beyond outward appearances and discerns the motives of the heart. He is a God of justice who demands faithfulness and integrity in how we handle resources, reminding us that what we value on earth must align with eternal priorities. God cares about the poor and oppressed, showing that His heart is moved by compassion toward those who are forgotten by society. He is also a God of truth who holds humanity accountable for how we live in light of His Word.
The lesson of Luke 16 is that earthly wealth is temporary, but how we use it reveals our spiritual condition. God calls us to be wise stewards who invest in eternal purposes rather than temporary gain. We learn that ignoring the needs of others and living selfishly leads to judgment. The chapter teaches that there is no repentance after death, and therefore, we must choose to respond to God’s truth now.
Luke 17
In Luke 17, God's character is shown through His mercy, faithfulness, and desire for relationship. He is a God who calls His people to live in continual forgiveness, reflecting His own unending grace toward humanity. God rewards faith, no matter how small, when it is rooted in obedience and trust in Him. He is also revealed as sovereign over the future, reminding believers to remain spiritually ready for His return.
The lesson of Luke 17 is that discipleship involves a lifestyle of forgiveness, gratitude, and faithfulness. Jesus teaches that faith must be active and accompanied by obedience. We see that thankfulness draws us closer to God, as seen in the one leper who returned to give glory to Him. The coming of God’s Kingdom will be sudden, so we must live ready, not attached to worldly comforts.
Luke 18
In Luke 18, God is shown as compassionate, attentive to prayer, and responsive to persistence. He is a God who honors humility and rejects pride, lifting up those who come to Him with a sincere heart. Jesus demonstrates God’s heart for the weak, such as children, the blind, and the humble sinner seeking mercy. God is also revealed as the source of salvation, calling His people to trust in Him rather than in earthly riches or status.
The lesson of Luke 18 is that persistent, humble faith is the pathway to receiving from God. Jesus shows that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who depend on Him like little children. We are reminded that self-righteousness hinders our relationship with God, while true righteousness comes through faith. The chapter teaches that surrender and spiritual vision are required to follow Christ fully and inherit eternal life.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
What does Luke 16 reveal about God’s concern for how we use our resources, and how does this reflect His justice and holiness?
How is God’s compassion shown in His attention to the poor and overlooked, such as Lazarus, and what does this teach us about His heart?
In Luke 17, what does God’s call to continual forgiveness reveal about His nature and the way He extends grace to us?
How does Jesus’ response to gratitude in Luke 17 (the one leper who returned) reveal God’s desire for a personal, thankful relationship with His people?
How does Luke 18 portray God as a just Judge who hears and responds to the persistent prayers of His people?
What do Jesus’ interactions with children in Luke 18 teach us about God’s tenderness, love, and desire for humility in His followers?
How is God’s character of mercy and righteousness displayed in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of stewardship in Luke 16 challenge our understanding of wealth and its role in the Kingdom of God?
What does the contrast between the rich man and Lazarus reveal about the theme of eternal consequences and accountability?
In Luke 17, how does Jesus illustrate the theme of faith through His teachings on obedience and the mustard seed analogy?
What does the healing of the ten lepers reveal about the theme of gratitude versus entitlement?
How does Luke 18 emphasize the theme of humility over self-righteousness in matters relating to prayer and salvation?
In what ways is perseverance in prayer a central theme of Luke 18, especially in the parable of the persistent widow?
How is the theme of total surrender to God illustrated in Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler in Luke 18?
Reflective Application Questions:
How does my current use of money and resources reflect my trust in God and awareness of eternity, as shown in Luke 16?
Am I more focused on earthly status or eternal purpose, and how does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus challenge my priorities?
In what ways do I struggle with forgiveness, and how does Jesus’ teaching in Luke 17 call me to extend grace as God has extended grace to me?
Do I show gratitude in my daily life like the one leper who returned, or do I receive blessings without acknowledging God?
How persistent am I in prayer, and what does the example of the widow in Luke 18 teach me about not losing heart?
Where might pride or self-righteousness be hindering my relationship with God, and how can I adopt the humility of the tax collector?
What is God calling me to surrender completely, as He did with the rich ruler, and am I willing to let go in order to follow Him fully?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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