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(Monday) Luke 15: Master Storyteller

What provoked Jesus’ parables (v. 1-2)? How is the third parable different from the first two?

In light of verse 2, what does Jesus want his critics to see about the father (v. 20-24)?

What is revealed about the father in his interaction with the older son (v. 28-32)? Why is God’s rejoicing nature offensive to some religious people (v. 2, 6-7, 9-10, 22-24, 32)?

How are you like the older son? The younger son?

Prayer Focus: Rejoice with God over his redemptive power

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-7. Why does God love sinners so much? What does it mean to repent? Are any of us righteous people who don’t need to repent?

(Tuesday) John 6: Food that Endures

How would you characterize the disciples’ response to the problem of feeding the crowd (v. 5-9)?

The crowd returns hungry again (v. 22-25). Why does Jesus try to redirect their thinking (v. 26-33)?

Why would Jesus deliberately repel the crowds by making them assume he was talking about cannibalism (v. 52-59)? How do the disciples respond to this hard teaching (v. 60-71)?

Jesus contrasts our desires for earthly “food” and spiritual “food.” Which is strongest in your heart?

Prayer Focus: Ask to be satisfied by God alone

Family Devotional: Read verses 24-29. What are some earthly things our family wants Jesus to provide for us? Why won’t those things satisfy us for long? How can we be satisfied by Jesus alone?

(Wednesday) Mark 7: Poles Apart

What are the Pharisees concerned about (v. 1-5)?

What specific complaints does Jesus raised about the Pharisees’ traditionalism (v. 6-13)? How does his view of becoming “unclean” differ from that of the Pharisees (v. 14-23)?

What does Jesus’ response to the woman’s request reveal about him (v. 24-27)? What does her response reveal about her?

What religious traditions influence your life? Are those traditions healthy or unhealthy?

Prayer Focus: For dead traditionalism in your life (in any form) to be redeemed and renewed

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-16. What kind of “cleanliness” is Jesus most interested in? How can God make us clean on the inside?

(Thursday) Matthew 18: Out of Bondage

The disciples want to know who will be greatest in the kingdom. How does Jesus reply (v. 2-5)?

Greatness in the kingdom is dependent on living a life of forgiveness and mercy. What does Jesus tell us about dealing with those who sin against us (v. 15-20)?

What does the parable of the unmerciful servant teach us about forgiveness?

We are all in bondage to sin. How does God’s act of breaking your chains and forgiving you affect your ability to forgive others?

Prayer Focus: Ask for full comprehension of God’s forgiveness, leading to a greater ability to forgive

Family Devotional: Read verses 21-35. How hard is it for you to forgive other people? How much has God forgiven you? As you keep that in mind, will it help you forgive others?

(Friday) John 10: No Secrets

In verses 11-15 Jesus talks about the shepherd’s care for his sheep. What can you learn about Jesus’ care for you?

According to Jesus, how are the Jews in this passage different from his sheep (v. 22-27)?

When Jesus claims that he and the Father are one, the Jews are violently angry (v. 30-33). How does Jesus’ response frame his deity (v. 33-36)?

How does Jesus’ dual nature (fully man, fully God) affect your relationship to him?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the Good Shepherd in your life

Family Devotional: Read verses 11-18. How has Jesus been the Good Shepherd to your family? What kinds of spiritual and tangible blessings has he given you?