Luke 17-22 Flashcards
Luke 17:11-19 – “Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy”
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’”
This passage highlights the importance of thankfulness and recognizing Jesus’ power. Though all ten lepers were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This shows that many people receive blessings without acknowledging the giver. Jesus emphasizes the significance of thankfulness, not just in words but in action and lifestyle. Just as the healed leper praised God, we should also live with gratitude, recognizing Jesus’ provision in all aspects of our lives. True healing—whether physical, mental, or spiritual—comes through faith, and it is our responsibility to thank Jesus for His blessings. Praise isn’t only in singing but also in living a Christlike life. By thanking Jesus, we express our trust in His ability to deliver.
Luke 18:1-8 – “The Parable of the Persistent Widow”
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, “Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!”’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’”
(Luke 18:1-8, NIV)
Analysis: This parable teaches the importance of persistence in prayer. The widow, despite the judge’s indifference, persistently sought justice. Jesus compares this persistence to the faithfulness we should show when praying to God. Unlike the unjust judge, God is just and cares deeply for our needs. The key message is to keep praying and trust that God will respond. Persistence in prayer strengthens our spiritual growth, and Jesus encourages us not to lose heart. Even when it seems God isn’t answering, He will respond in His perfect timing. God’s justice and mercy are far greater than any human judge, and our faith in God should be unwavering.
Luke 18:9-14 – “The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector”
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’”
(Luke 18:9-14, NIV)
Analysis: In this parable, Jesus teaches the value of humility in prayer. The Pharisee, confident in his righteousness, compares himself favorably to others, while the tax collector acknowledges his sinfulness and asks for mercy. Jesus praises the humility of the tax collector, showing that true righteousness comes from recognizing our need for God’s mercy, not from self-righteousness. This parable calls us to humble ourselves in prayer and in life. Our prayers should focus on adoration and praise of God, not on boasting of our good deeds. Jesus’ message is clear: humility leads to exaltation, and pride leads to disgrace.
Luke 18:22 – “The Rich Man’s Challenge”
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’”
(Luke 18:22, NIV)
Analysis: Jesus challenges the rich man to let go of his material wealth to follow Him and inherit eternal life. The rich man had kept the commandments but was not willing to part with his possessions, which highlighted his attachment to earthly treasures. Jesus’ response indicates that following Him requires a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Faith in Jesus transcends wealth, possessions, and earthly comforts. To truly follow Jesus, we must be ready to give up the things that hold us back from fully committing to Him. This passage reminds us that our focus should be on eternal treasures, not temporary worldly ones.
Luke 19:1-9 – “Jesus Visits Zacchaeus”
“Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’”
(Luke 19:8-10, NIV)
Analysis: Zacchaeus’ story exemplifies the transformation that happens when a person truly repents. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, often seen as a sinner, but upon encountering Jesus, he acknowledged his wrongdoings and sought to make restitution. Jesus declares that salvation has come to his house because of his repentance. This shows that no one is beyond redemption, and true repentance involves a change of heart and actions. Jesus came to save the lost, and by giving up his wealth and restoring what he took unjustly, Zacchaeus showed his commitment to following Christ. This passage teaches that salvation is available to all who truly repent and turn to Jesus.
Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Ten Minas
In this parable, the nobleman entrusts his servants with minas, representing the gifts and responsibilities God gives His people. The faithful servants wisely invested their minas, leading to greater rewards. The unfaithful servant, however, did nothing with what he was given and faced consequences for his inaction. This story teaches that we are stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us, whether they be talents, resources, or opportunities. If we are faithful and use them for God’s glory, we will be rewarded. Conversely, neglecting or hoarding our gifts leads to loss. God expects us to be diligent and active in serving Him with what He has given us, knowing that faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities.
Luke 19:38 - The Triumphal Entry
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Analysis:
The crowd’s proclamation as Jesus entered Jerusalem acknowledges His kingship and divine authority. This moment foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate reign, not only over Israel but over the entire world. The praises of the crowd reflect the recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, even though they may not fully understand the nature of His mission. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey signifies peace and humility, contrasting with the expected triumph of a conquering king. This passage reminds us that Jesus is King and worthy of our praise. His authority is supreme over both heaven and earth, and our response should be one of adoration and worship.
Luke 21:1-4 - The Poor Widow’s Offering
As Jesus looked up, He saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.
“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Analysis:
The poor widow’s offering highlights the true nature of sacrifice. While the wealthy gave out of their abundance, the widow gave everything she had. Jesus commends her for her generosity, showing that the value of an offering is not in the amount, but in the sacrifice and heart behind it. Her gift, though small in monetary value, was greater in its spiritual significance because she gave all that she had. This teaches us that God values selfless giving, not based on what we have left over, but on what we are willing to sacrifice for His kingdom. True generosity reflects trust in God’s provision and a heart that prioritizes His work over personal security.
Luke 21:33 - Jesus’ Words Endure Forever
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Analysis:
This statement by Jesus emphasizes the eternal nature of His teachings. The physical world is temporary, subject to decay and change, but the words of Jesus are eternal and unchanging. His words provide the foundation for our faith and guide us through every situation in life. Jesus’ teachings have authority that transcends time, and we are called to live by them regardless of circumstances. His words are the only constant in a world that is constantly changing. We must commit His teachings to memory and live by them, for they lead to eternal life.
Luke 22:3 - Judas’ Betrayal
Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
Analysis:
Judas’ betrayal of Jesus is a tragic example of how Satan can work in the hearts of even those closest to Christ. Despite being one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas allowed his heart to be swayed by temptation and greed. This serves as a warning that even the most faithful can be susceptible to the devil’s influence if they are not vigilant. It is important to guard our hearts against the enemy’s schemes, through prayer, faith, and a close relationship with God. Jesus’ example shows us how we must resist temptation and stay focused on the mission He has called us to.
Luke 22:31-32 – Jesus Prays for Peter
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Analysis:
In this powerful moment, Jesus warns Peter that Satan is actively seeking to test and shake the disciples, just as wheat is sifted. Yet instead of stopping Satan directly, Jesus offers something even more personal—His intercession. He prays specifically for Peter’s faith to remain strong. This reflects what Jesus continues to do for us daily: interceding on our behalf before the Father.
Jesus’ prayer shows us that faith is a battlefield, and even those closest to Christ will face spiritual attacks. But it’s also a reminder that we’re never alone—Jesus is actively praying and working to ensure that we endure. He doesn’t just pray for our protection; He prays that our faith would not fail in the midst of trials.
Satan doesn’t care how “good” we think we are—he’s after our faith. But Jesus cares deeply about the condition of our hearts, and He wants them to align with His through trust and perseverance.
Just as Jesus tells Peter to strengthen others once he’s recovered, we too are called to build others up after coming through our own spiritual battles. Faith is not just about survival—it’s about being restored and then helping others do the same. Believe in His intercession. Trust that He’s fighting for you, even when you can’t see it.
