Chapter Summary

Jesus' doctrine of prayer. Jesus charged with casting out demons by Beelzebub, and His answer. Woes denounced upon the Pharisees and lawyers.

Discussion Questions for Luke, Chapter 11

1. The disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray in Luke 11:1 and Jesus provides a model prayer to follow. Why does the church call this the Lord's prayer when it is not really the Lord praying? What are the different parts of prayer found in the model prayer? When you read the prayer, there isn't requests to heal the sick or provide wealth but yet many times these are the things we pray for most frequently. Why do we not follow the model prayer when we pray?
2. Beginning in Luke 11:5, Jesus begins to tell a story illustrate persistent prayer. What are some potential challenges we might face when it comes to persisting in prayer? How can we overcome these challenges while maintaining trust in God's wisdom?
3. Jesus says the only sign that will be given to His generation is the sign of Jonah is Luke 11:29. What does Jesus mean by comparing himself to the "sign of Jonah"? How does this metaphor help us understand his mission and purpose? Why can our generation place faith in the prophecy of Christ's return when He fulfilled the sign of Jonah?
4. Jesus pronounces "woes" against the religious leaders of His day beginning with Luke 11:37. What do the "woes" pronounced by Jesus against the Pharisees and experts in the law reveal about the dangers of hypocrisy and outward religiosity? How can we avoid falling into similar traps?
5. What does it mean to "clean the inside of the cup"? How can we focus on developing inner righteousness rather than merely seeking external approval?
6. Jesus says in Luke 11:28, "Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it." How does Jesus emphasize the importance of both hearing and doing the Word of God? What are some ways we can ensure that our faith is active and transformative rather than just theoretical?
7. Reflecting on your own experiences, how has practicing the teachings of Jesus led to growth, change, and greater alignment with God's will?
8. In the context of the "lamp of the body" metaphor found in Luke 11:33-36, how does Jesus' teaching about light and darkness relate to our inner lives and the influence we have on others?
9. Luke 11:24-26 tells how an unclean spirit may leave a house but if nothing fills it place, it will return and be worse than before. How does this relate to those that battle addiction? An addict admits that they are never fully healed. How can you support an addict while they are still using or partaking in act they are addicted to? How can you support an addict that has been able to leave the addiction for a time?
10. Reflecting on the persistent friend mentioned in Luke 11, how can we distinguish between bold and persistent prayer verses "empty phrases"? What is the role of authenticity and intentionality in our prayers?

Key Words/Phrase

Prayer, v. 1. Evil generation, v. 29 (14,54).

Characters

Jesus, disciples, Satan, Jonah, Solomon, Queen of the South, Pharisees, lawyers, scribes, Abel, Zacharias.

Strong Verse(s)

2, 3, 4, 9, 13, 23, 28.