INTRODUCTION
In last week’s passage, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man in the country of the Gerasenes—Gentile territory. Now, in Luke 8:40–56, Jesus returns to an expectant crowd in Galilee—Jewish territory. Jairus, the ruler of a local synagogue, pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way to Jairus’ house, Jesus compassionately encounters and miraculously heals a suffering woman. This healing demonstrates Jesus’ power over disease. Though the situation with Jairus’ daughter seemed beyond hope (v. 48), Jesus raises her from the dead, demonstrating his victorious power over death. As you study Luke 8:40–56 this week, may your heart be captured with amazement as you gaze upon the glory of Jesus Christ.
DISCOVERING THE PASSAGE
Take time to pray, asking the Lord to grant a clear understanding of this week’s passage.
After praying, read Luke 9:1–17 slowly and thoughtfully. Write down any words that need explanation and/or questions that come to mind.
Can you think of a time when you were sent out to do something, but had no idea what the results would be? Describe what that experience was like.
STUDYING THE TEXT
SECTION 1: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve (vv. 1-10).
1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,
2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.
4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.
5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead,
8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen.
9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.
Keywords/Characters/Concepts:
Why does Jesus send out the twelve apostles? What instructions does Jesus give them?
What is the kingdom of God (v. 2)? What is the gospel (v. 6)? How do these terms relate to each other?
Why was Herod perplexed (v. 7)?
Connecting to the Whole:
According to Luke 23:8–12, why did Herod desire to see Jesus?
Applying the Text
How should we as believers today apply the words of Jesus in verse 5?
How do verses 1–10 challenge the way you think about evangelism and missions?
For Growth Group Discussion
Why did the ministry of Jesus and the twelve include both preaching and healing? What implications does this have for the church’s ministry today? What happens when one of these aspects gets over-emphasized to the neglect of the other?
Imagine yourself as one of the twelve. What would you be thinking/feeling as Jesus gives these instructions (vv. 3–5)?
How would you answer the question that Herod asks in verse 9—Who is Jesus? If you had a few minutes to share about who Jesus is with an unbeliever, what would you say?
Recommended Resource: For an excellent article on the identity of Jesus Christ, check out “Who is Jesus” by Greg Gilbert at the following link: https://www.crossway.org/articles/who-is-jesus/
Studying the Text
**SECTION 1: (vv. 11-17).Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
11 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”
13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”
14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
15 And they did so, and had them all sit down.
16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Keywords/Characters/Concepts
What is Jesus’ response to the crowd (v. 11)?
Why did the twelve tell Jesus to send the crowd away (v. 12)?
What is the purpose of Jesus’ miracle (vv. 14–17)?
Connecting the Whole
What additional details do you observe in the following parallel passages: Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:32–44, and John 6:1–15?
How is the event recorded in 2 Kings 4:42–44 similar to the feeding of the five thousand?
Applying the Text
It is easy for most of us to experience frustration when our schedule is interrupted. Jesus was retreating with the apostles, yet he welcomed the crowd. How does this challenge the way you think about ministering to others in their time of need?
For Growth Group Discussion
What is our responsibility to “give the crowd something to eat” today? How does this connect with our responsibility to carry out the Great Commission?
What are some ways that you observe Jesus training the twelve In Luke 9:1–17? How should we apply these same principles of discipleship in our church today?
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?
How does Luke 9:1–17 provide certainty about Jesus?
How are you encouraged as a result of studying and meditating on this passage?
Prayer & Evangelism Equipping
We have now reached the fourth and final week in our evangelism equipping for the month of July. This week we are challenging everyone to share this basic gospel outline with someone outside of our church family. This can be someone in your neighborhood, your extended family, your workplace, even a friend on social media. Prayerfully go and be bold with the gospel over these next few weeks.
Prayer Points:
Pray for an open door for the gospel message to go forth (Col. 4:3). Pray and trust that the Holy Spirit will either bring someone to your heart and mind OR bring someone into your path this week to whom you can share the gospel. Many groups are having summer engagements.
Pray for opportunities during these events.
Pray for open mouths to proclaim the gospel clearly and with boldness (Acts. 4:29).
Pray for open hearts for those who hear the gospel message (Acts 16:14). Pray for the Lord to open their eyes to their sin and need for a Savior.
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.
https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Luke/6