Jesus Begins to Form a Community – Discussion Questions

Interpreting the Text:

1. We always confess with Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. In fact we tend to think of “Christ” as his last name. But what do we do with all the talk about suffering obedience that Jesus’ vision of messiahship seems to imply? And what about suffering in the lives of those who follow him? Is that a metaphor for the occasional readjustment of priorities, or something tougher—and if so, what?
2. In Luke 9, Jesus begins to organize his followers for the work of ministry. How does Luke’s account of the commissioning of the apostles compare to Matthews (Matthew 16:13-20)?
3. The parable of the Good Samaritan is unique to Luke’s gospel. What does this story tell us about Luke’s objective in how he frames Jesus and his ministry?

Applying the Text:

1. Who are the contemporary figures in the parable of the Prodigal Son in your neighborhood? Which one do you resonate with most?
2. Who is the “other” in your community, and how do you understand the obligation to love the neighbor as it relates to that person?
3. In the story of Mary and Martha, why in the world does Martha get the blame for being just the sort of faithful person we have always assumed we are supposed to be? How do both Mary and Martha teach us something about ministry? Who do you most relate to?