Setting

This lesson concludes the central section of the Gospel (9:51-19:27). The events took place as Jesus went through the city of Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. In this final phase before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, many of the major themes in Luke will appear again, including the Lord’s concern for the needy and sinners, the importance of faith, God’s glory, the issue of material wealth, stewardship, and the kingdom of God.

Key Verse

(19:10)

Did You Know...?

1. Sycamore tree (19:4): A sturdy tree from 30 to 40 feet high, with a short trunk and spreading branches, capable of holding a grown man. ^[ref]
2. Ten minas (19:13): About two to three years’ wages.

Outline

• Healing A Blind Beggar
  (18:35-43)
• Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
  (19:1-10)
• Parable of the Ten Minas
  (19:11-27))

Keywords/Phrases

earned, faith, faithful, glorifying God, has/does not have, Jerusalem, kingdom of God, minas, salvation, save, seek, sinner, son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of Man, Zacchaeus

General Analysis

Segment Analysis

• 18:35-43

  1.

  Why did those who went before warn the blind man to be quiet? What does this say about them?         Show Answer Like the disciples who forbid the little children (18:15), these people might have felt that the man was not important enough to warrant Jesus’ attention. They did not share Jesus’ compassion and concern for the needy. Hide Answer

• 2.	What is remarkable about the way the blind man addressed the Lord Jesus?         Show Answer The blind man knew that Jesus was the “Son of David,” the Messiah. Despite his blindness, he made known to the people that Jesus was the Messiah. Hide Answer

• 3.	The blind man was commended for his faith (42). In what ways did he demonstrate his faith?         Show Answer He believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, who had power and mercy to heal him. Although he was warned to be quiet, he was persistent in his plea. Hide Answer

• 4.	What can we learn from these words, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (41).         Show Answer These words expressed Jesus’ humility. He was ready to serve the blind man’s needs. Hide Answer

• 5a.	What did the blind man do after receiving his sight?         Show Answer See verse 43. Notice that the miracle and the blind man’s action led to the people’s praise. Hide Answer

• 5b.	What lesson can we learn from him?         Show Answer Just as the blind man loudly proclaimed God’s glory, we should become witnesses for the Lord after we have received His mercy. Out of our gratitude, we should become His follower to be close to Him and serve Him. Hide Answer

• 19:1-10

  6a.

  Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see the Lord?         Show Answer From the way he joyfully received Jesus to his house and his response to the Lord’s salvation, we know that his desire to see the Lord was more than out of curiosity. He was aware of his sinful past and was hoping to receive the Lord’s forgiveness and salvation. Hide Answer

• 6b.	What can we learn from the way he sought to see Jesus?         Show Answer Just as Zacchaeus was eager to see Jesus and overcame all obstacles, we should also seek the Lord with such persistence and urgency. Hide Answer

• 7.

  Pay close attention to Zacchaeus’ actions throughout the incident. What do they teach us about our relationship with the Lord?         Show Answer He ran; He climbed (4). He made haste and received Jesus joyfully (6). Upon hearing the people’s complaint, he stood up and promised the Lord that he would rectify his mistakes (8). In our relationship with the Lord, we must be quick to respond to His call and to accompany our faith with immediate actions (cf. Song 1:4; Ps 119:60). Hide Answer

• 8.	Why did the people complain?         Show Answer They did not think that it was right for Jesus to associate with such a notorious sinner, who became rich through cheating and extortion. Hide Answer

• 9a.

  How did Zacchaeus demonstrate the meaning of repentance?         Show Answer He was willing to give his possessions to the poor and repay those he had cheated four times the amount (the OT law required only one-fifth in addition to the full amount; cf. Lev 5:16; Num 5:7). His determination to make restitutions shows that he was bearing fruit in keeping with repentance (Lk 3:8). Hide Answer

• 9b.

  How was he different from the rich ruler in 18:18-23?         Show Answer Upon receiving Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus gladly gave up his possessions to make right the wrongs he had done. Unlike the rich ruler, his riches did not hinder him from entering God’s kingdom, for he forsook all things for the sake of Christ. Hide Answer

• 10.

  Verse 10 contains the key verse of this Gospel: “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (19:10). In the story, how did Jesus seek Zacchaeus?         Show Answer Jesus looked up and saw Zacchaeus (19:5), for He knew that Zacchaeus eagerly hoped to see Him. Then the Lord called him and said that He must stay at his house. Zacchaeus knew that he was the chief of sinners. Yet, of all people, he was given the privilege to receive Jesus. The fact that the Lord chose him and stayed with him must have touched him deeply and led him to repentance. Hide Answer

• 11.	How did the Lord Jesus seek and save you when you were lost?         Show Answer (The answer is empty) Hide Answer

• 19:11-27

  12.

  Who do these characters represent? a. The nobleman b. The servants c. The citizens         Show Answer a. The Lord Jesus. b. Followers of Christ c. Those who reject Jesus as King. They may refer specifically to the Jews who would put Jesus to death. But they can also include everyone, both then and now, who refuse to accept Jesus Christ. Hide Answer

• 13.

  “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return” (12). What could this represent?         Show Answer The Lord Jesus has received all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18). After His ascension, he poured out the Holy Spirit to establish the church as a spiritual kingdom in heaven (cf. Phil 3:20; Eph 2:6). He will then return to earth one day to exercise judgment. The term “far country” may suggest an apparent delay of the Lord’s return. Hide Answer

• 14a.

  What are the minas the Lord has entrusted to us? What does He want us to do with them?         Show Answer The minas refers to the saving grace of God, which enables us to bear fruit (Jn 15:5, 8, 16). Having received God’s redemption and forgiveness, we should be faithful stewards, live a life pleasing to the Lord and fulfilling the commission of preaching the gospel. Hide Answer

• 14b.	How are you investing your minas?         Show Answer (The answer is empty) Hide Answer

• 15.

  What excuse did the wicked servant give for failing to earn anything? Why was the excuse invalid?         Show Answer First of all, his depiction of the master as someone who collects what he did not deposit and reap what he did not sow is far from the truth. The master has entrusted each servant with one mina, which afforded them the opportunity to earn more, even if the earning came from simply collecting interest. Secondly, the servant’s action of putting away the mina was inconsistent with his fear of the master. If he had truly feared his master, he would have made some effort to invest the mina. But he failed to do even the least. Hide Answer

• 16.

  Explain the meaning of verse 26.         Show Answer When we make good use of the opportunity and talent the Lord has given us to carry out the Lord’s mission, the Lord will entrust us with even more gifts and greater responsibilities. But if we “put away” our God-given time and ability, the Lord will take away completely even the very opportunity to serve. Hide Answer

• 17.

  Why did Jesus speak this parable? How did the parable serve that purpose?         Show Answer He gave the parable because the people thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately (11). The parable points out that there will be a period of seeming delay before the coming of Christ. It serves to teach the Lord’s disciples what we must do while we wait for His return. Hide Answer