Luke 11:37–54
In this week’s passage, Jesus pointedly addresses the crowds with sobering truth. The people desire a miraculous sign, but Jesus points them to the sign of Jonah. Those who do not repent after hearing the gospel remain under the judgment of God, which Jesus warns against. Yet, the light of Jesus’ teaching is available to all who have eyes to see—a point established in verses 33–36. Those who repent and receive the light of God’s truth in turn become a light to others. It was for this very reason that the Lord saved and commissioned the apostle Paul, who was sent to the Gentiles “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me (Acts 26:17–18).”
Discovering the Passage
Take time to pray, asking the Lord to grant a clear understanding of this week’s passage.
After praying, read Luke 11:29–36 slowly and thoughtfully. Write down any words that need explanation and/or questions that come to mind.
For Growth Group Discussion:
How do you make big decisions? What criteria influence your decision? Do you have a process? If so, what is it?
Studying the Text
The Sign of Jonah (vv. 29–32)
29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.
30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
Keywords and Concepts:
Why does Jesus say, “This generation is an evil generation” in verse 29?
What is meant by “sign” and why were the people seeking signs?
In what way is Jesus a sign for the generation he is addressing? (v. 30)
What is a biblical definition of repentance?
Connecting to the Whole:
What is the sign of Jonah that Jesus refers to in verse 29? See Jonah 3:1–10
Read through 2 Chronicles 9:1–10 for the account of the queen of the South’s visit to Solomon. What point is Jesus conveying in Luke 11:31 when he references the queen?
Applying the Text:
Reflect on Jesus’ declaration in verse 31, “Behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” How is Jesus greater than Solomon and every other king in the Old Testament? Also, how does understanding the greatness of Jesus lead you to proclaim his greatness to others?
For Growth Group Discussion:
What are some common ways that people seek signs from God today? Is this a commendable practice? Why or why not?
From this text, how would you share the gospel with someone who says they will believe in Jesus, but only if a condition is met (heal me, get me out of this situation, etc)?
The Light in You (vv. 33–36)
33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.
35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.
36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”
Keywords and Concepts:
What truth is Jesus conveying through the metaphors in verses 33–36?
What is the connection between light and life?
Connecting to the Whole:
What does Jesus say about the light of his followers in Matthew 5:14–16?
What does the apostle Paul declare about light and darkness in 2 Corinthians 4:4–6?
Applying the Text:
Pray through Psalm 139:23–24 as you examine yourself before the Lord, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! “ Are there any areas of your life that are hindering the light of Christ from shining brightly through you? Confess those sins to the Lord, seeking his help and strength to more effectively glorify him.
For Growth Group Discussion:
Why is healthy physical eyesight important in our day-to-day lives? Why is spiritual eyesight important (vv. 34–36)? How can our spiritual eyesight be improved?
Voices from the Past:
Just as old or bleary-eyed men and those with weak vision, if you thrust before them a most beautiful volume, even if they recognize it to be some sort of writing, yet can scarcely construe two words, but with the aid of spectacles will begin to read distinctly; so Scripture, gathering up the otherwise confused knowledge of God in our minds, having dispersed our dullness, clearly shows us the true God. (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion 1, ed. McNeill, John T. Westminster, 1960, pp. 69-70).
Who comes to mind when you think about an individual in whom the light of Christ shines brightly and evidently. What are some of the godly characteristics and practices of that individual?
For Further Reflection and Discussion
Discuss the “So What” question from Sunday’s Sermon. What does it look like to live out this challenge practically and personally?
What does this text reveal about the mission of God?
Praying The Word
Growth Group - Pray for our growth group to treasure Christ, as the One greater than Solomon and Jonah, as the One to whom Solomon and Jonah point (Luke 11:31-32).
Parkwood - Pray for Parkwood that our eyes might be healthy and focused upon Christ so that our whole body might be full of light; do not let us be a body full of darkness in our community (Luke 11:34).
Neighbors - Pray that we will be lights as on a stand to our neighbors; take time to pray by name for neighbors who are in darkness (Luke 11:33).
Nations - Pray for the Tajik people who live in darkness to know the light; pray for the illumination of the Spirit to give light to their life (Luke 11:36).
SOURCES
Barton, Bruce B., David Veerman, Linda Chaffee Taylor, and Grant R. Osborne. Luke. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke: The NIV Application Commentary from Biblical Text to Contemporary Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
Garland, David E. Luke. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series: New Testament, V. 3. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.
Morris, Leon. Luke. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Nottingham, England: IVP Academic, 2008.
Thompson, Alan J., Andreas J. Köstenberger, and Robert W. Yarbrough. Luke. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2016.
Wiersbe, Warren. Be Compassionate. Luke 1-13. David. C. Cook Publishers. Pg. 568.