1What is the upside down pyramid when talking about the centurion and the widow at Nain in Luke 7?
It represents God’s kingdom reversing worldly values—those with low status are lifted up, and those with power show humility and faith.
2What is a centurion in ch. 7?
A Roman officer over 100 soldiers who, though a Gentile, shows great faith in Jesus.
3Why is the death of the widow’s son so devastating?
As a widow, her son was her only support; his death left her completely vulnerable and alone.
4How does Jesus ignore social norms with the widow at Nain?
He touches the coffin, making himself ritually unclean, to show compassion and raise the dead.
5What is the Decapolis?
A region of ten Gentile cities east of the Jordan, highlighting Jesus’ outreach beyond Israel.
6Why does John the Baptist ask if Jesus is the Messiah in Luke 7?
John, in prison, sends messengers to confirm Jesus’ identity, reflecting human doubt and Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy.
7Why was John placed in prison?
He condemned Herod’s unlawful marriage, leading to his arrest.
8What is significant about the forgiveness of the prostitute in Luke 7?
Jesus forgives her sins publicly, showing that salvation is by grace through faith, not status.
9What do we see about the Pharisee and his relationship with Jesus in Luke 7?
The Pharisee fails to honor Jesus properly, showing a lack of love and understanding of grace.
10What is Luke showing by acknowledging women at the end of Luke 7 and beginning of 8?
Women are valued participants in Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing equality and inclusion.
11What does “crowd” mean in Greek that is different from English?
In Greek, “crowd” implies a disorganized, possibly unruly mob—not just a large gathering.
12What is the message of the sower and the seed in Luke 8?
God’s Word is sown widely, but only hearts prepared by faith receive and bear fruit.
13What do we know about the Sea of Galilee in the Jordan River Valley?
Its low elevation and surrounding hills cause sudden storms, setting the stage for Jesus’ miracle of calming the sea.
14What is the significance of Jesus calming the storm in Luke 8:22-25?
It shows his authority over creation and deepens the disciples’ faith.
15What problem is found in the beginning of the demoniac story in Luke 8?
Luke mentions one demon-possessed man, while Matthew mentions two, showing different narrative focuses.
16Which miracle is in all four gospels?
The feeding of the 5,000.
17What follows the feeding of the 5,000?
The sending of the 12 disciples, showing their active role in ministry and reliance on Jesus.
18What does the number 7 mean?
Perfection or completeness in biblical symbolism.
19Who is an “expert in the Law”?
A religious scholar skilled in interpreting Mosaic Law, often called a scribe.
20Why does Jesus send out the 12 in Luke 9:1-9?
To proclaim the Kingdom of God, heal, and prepare people for Jesus’ message.
21What was the effect of sending out the 12?
Increased awareness and curiosity about Jesus’ identity and mission.
22What is the transfiguration?
A moment when Jesus reveals his divine glory to Peter, James, and John on a mountain.
23Who appears with Jesus during the transfiguration?
Moses and Elijah.
24What is Mt. Hermon known for?
A 9,000-foot mountain whose snow feeds the Jordan River and Sea of Galilee.
25What is Peter’s confession in Luke 9?
Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
26What does “pick up your cross” mean in Luke 9?
To follow Jesus with full commitment, even through suffering and self-denial.
27How does “pick up your cross” relate to the centurion and the “first shall be last” idea?
It shows that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and sacrifice, not status or power.
28How does Luke 9:57-62 show the cost of discipleship?
Jesus challenges would-be followers to put him above comfort, duty, and delay.
29What is a parable according to N.T. Wright?
A subversive story meant to provoke thought and reveal truths indirectly.
30How does the Good Samaritan fit Wright’s parable definition?
It overturns expectations and reveals what true neighborly love looks like.
31What do the woes in Luke 11 criticize?
Religious hypocrisy, legalism, and superficial faith.
32What does “whitewashed tomb” mean?
Someone who looks righteous outwardly but is spiritually dead inside.
33What does “straining the gnat” mean?
Obsessing over minor rules while ignoring greater moral failings.
34What’s the difference between a gospel and a biography?
Gospels are theological testimonies about Jesus, not just life stories.
35What is each gospel’s major emphasis?
Matthew: Jewish Messiah; Mark: Suffering Son of God; Luke: Savior for all; John: Divine Son.
36Why is the number 72 significant in Luke 10?
It represents all nations, showing the universal scope of Jesus’ mission.
37What does Jesus sending out the 72 show?
That his message is for the whole world, and ministry is shared with followers.
38Define Justification.
God declaring sinners righteous through faith in Christ alone.
39Define Sanctification.
The Holy Spirit’s work of making believers holy in life and conduct.
40Define work righteousness.
The false belief that good deeds can earn salvation.
41How are we to approach prayer according to Jesus?
With childlike trust, persistence, and faith in God’s goodness.
42What warning does Matthew 6 give about prayer?
Don’t use empty words like pagans or pray for show like hypocrites.
43What danger can affect any of us in prayer?
Treating prayer as a ritual or performance rather than heartfelt conversation with God.
44Define liturgy.
The structured order of worship in which God serves his people through Word and Sacrament.
45Who ruled Perea?
Herod Antipas.
46Who ruled Judea?
Pontius Pilate.
47What is the Sanhedrin?
The Jewish ruling council responsible for religious and legal matters.
48What made the rich man in Luke 12:13-21 a fool?
He hoarded wealth for himself and ignored God—valuing earthly over eternal.
49How is the parable of the rich fool revolutionary?
It redefines success and challenges materialism, calling for spiritual richness.
50What does Simply Jesus ch. 6 say about how people misunderstood Jesus?
They expected a revolutionary king, but Jesus brought the kingdom of God through peace and healing.
51What does Simply Jesus ch. 8 focus on?
The clash between God’s kingdom and the powers of the world, and how Jesus redefined kingship.
52What does Simply Jesus ch. 10 explain about Jesus’ actions?
Jesus acted out parables through his miracles and meals, demonstrating the arrival of God’s kingdom.