Teacher's Guide

Luke/Acts for Beginners

This series will review Luke's two-volume historical narrative concerning Jesus' life and ministry as well as the beginning and spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire as he experienced it.

Jesus in Galilee

Public Ministry Begins - Part 1

Luke describes the many miracles and teaching sessions by Jesus performed in and around his home town and neighboring area.

Teaching Strategy

The focus of this lesson is the early public ministry of Jesus as found in Luke 4:1 – 6:16. Teachers and students should review the relevant materials before class.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Know: Summarize the early public ministry of Jesus.
  • Feel: Value the teachings of Jesus as he begins his ministry.
  • Do: Apply the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke to help students grow spiritually.

Body of the Lesson

1.0 - Jesus Begins his public Ministry – 4:14-44
2.0 - Jesus teaches in Nazareth
2.1 - Jesus performs miracles – 4:31-44
2.2 - Jesus chooses disciples – 5:1-6:16
3.0 - Lessons
3.1 - Beware of spiritual complacency
3.2 - True confirmation of God’s presence
3.3 - Jesus continues to call people today

Discussion Questions

Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson.  There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts.  These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.

1. Put yourself in the place of Jesus as He began His public ministry. What would you consider important as a place to start teaching?

Look for responses such as who He was, why He was there, and what was most important for others to learn. The intent of this question is to have students think about what Jesus was doing as He began His ministry. By doing so, they will gain insight into how to tell others about Jesus in a logical way.

2. As Jesus continues His early ministry He travels to Capernaum. Provide a short summary of the events described in the passages from:
3. What characteristics did the apostles possess that would make them valuable as apostles for Jesus?

We don't see much about the character of many of them, especially in the early days of Jesus' ministry. Many responses will single out the personality traits of Peter such as his leadership, passion, habit of speaking out quickly and taking quick action. Some of the apostles were even sworn enemies of each other (Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot). Except for Judas Iscariot, these men were brought together as an unstoppable force in spreading the gospel and Kingdom of God. It was not their power, but the power of God working through them.

That is why Jesus selected as His apostles, men that would be considered very ordinary, even despised in the community. They were not from any of the religious or community leaders.

4. Note the statement in Luke 6:12. Jesus, as the Son of God, prays before selecting the apostles. Why would He pray at this time and what can we learn from His example?

Desired response: We don't know the content of the prayer, but it is likely that given the importance of the selection, Jesus would have prayed for wisdom and guidance for these 12 men. This is what He prayed for on other occasions (John 17). We can learn from this that we too must go to our Father in prayer as we deal with situations in this life. Our prayers should include prayers for wisdom and guidance as we make decisions.

5. Why would Jesus select ordinary men as His apostles and not known leaders or people with power?

Answers will vary but it is important to realize that the entire life and teachings of Jesus were not what was expected by the Jewish people. Most of the people misunderstood scriptures about the Messiah and the spiritual nature of God's Kingdom. As a result, most of the leaders rejected Jesus. The lesson for us is to understand who Jesus truly was and what was the nature of His Kingdom. We must also realize that the gospel is for everyone.

It is also important to know that all throughout man's relationship with God, it is the humble or those who learn humility that best serve God. Those not able to show or learn humility do not seek to serve God.

6. What is meant by the expression, "spiritual complacency" and why is it dangerous?

Complacency means to be satisfied with the status quo or how things are currently. This can lead to a sense of mental atrophy where we either don't recognize a need to grow and change, or we refuse to accept this as a need. As for spiritual complacency, it is a condition where a person does not recognize the need for salvation and therefore will not seek after it.

7. Read Luke 5:21-24 and 6:6-11. Both events depict miraculous healings by Jesus. What is significant about these two events?

Desired response: These clearly point to the Deity of Jesus. In Luke 5:21-24 it shows His Deity by being able to forgive (remove) sins. In 6:6-11 it shows His Deity by His authority over the Law given by God to Moses and the customs brought about by the Jewish leaders. Jesus, as He did in the Sermon on the Mount gave clarity and insight into the will of God the Father. This proof of Deity and the lowering of the importance of customs over the Law would later be the basis for the Jewish leaders' desire to seek His death.

8. Why would anyone who witnessed the miracles performed by Jesus continue to reject Him?

It is difficult to understand why someone would reject Jesus with such obvious proof of who He was. Perhaps it was because He did not fit the pattern of what they expected. Perhaps, as recorded in other gospels, they were jealous of Him or fearful of the loss of their own status.

A lesson for us is that even though we read about the life and teachings of Jesus, and see the change He makes in lives, many still reject Jesus and will until He returns. But those that believe and obey Jesus will continue to teach Him and show Him in their lives. This is the call to faithfulness that disciples of Jesus continue to answer.

9. As you continue to know more about Jesus and His teachings, what will you do to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Him?

Look for responses that indicate an acceptance of concepts taught in this presentation and other resources. Look for responses that show a commitment to learn more and grow spiritually. In the event students offer generalities, challenge them to make it more specific. For example, instead of saying "I'll read my Bible more often" or "I'll pray more" challenge them to start now and set a regular time for study and dedicated prayer. Also encourage them to begin telling the story of Jesus to others now. In doing this they will gain more knowledge of the Lord and confidence to fulfill their role as disciples.