VBCC Sermons

LUKE 23 - THE POWER OF INNOCENCE

Read Luke 23:44-49. Luke records the centurion’s confession (v47) as the ‘final pronouncement’ on Jesus’ life. What do you think he witnessed that convinced him of Jesus’ innocence?

Jesus’ innocence unmasks our sin. Read Luke 23:13-25 and list the characters mentioned. How does each contribute to the end result of an innocent man being killed? What underlying sins/motivations are exposed along the way? How does the cross unmask our sin as well?

Jesus’ innocence conquers over sin. Read Col 2:15 and Revelation 5:1-5. Why does Jesus’ blood conquer sin when nobody else’s can?

Jesus’ innocence replaces our sin. The veil of the temple (v45) represented a necessary separation between a holy God and sinful man. What role did Jesus’ innocence play in the veil’s destruction and our access to God? (For help, see Heb 7:26-27, 10:19-25)

Jesus’ innocence is our mission. Read Philippians 2:14-16. What role does innocence play in the witness of the church? In v16, some translations read ‘holding fast’ while others read ‘holding forth’. What is the difference between these, and why are both necessary? How does a mission of innocence affect the way we respond to the unrest in our nation today?

Luke 23 is designed to focus our attention on Christ, his innocence, his power, and his mercy. Take time together to reflect slowly and quietly on the passage and respond in prayer and worship.

For further discussion:

Our nation is experiencing extraordinary unrest after the killing of George Floyd. Share with one another how you are personally processing. What emotions are you feeling? How do you think the Lord wants you to respond?

Pastor Chris Georges stressed the importance of ‘deep empathy’, of recognizing injustice and racism not as ‘their’ problem but as ‘our’ problem. What makes empathy between black and white cultures in America so difficult? What role can we play in addressing the issue?

In the dialog with Pastor Georges, Robb mentioned two unhealthy ways to respond to Floyd’s killing: violence/destruction and apathy/silence. Why is each of these unhealthy? To which are you more inclined?

In the current climate, the loudest voices tend to be accusatory ones on every side. It is important to confess and repent of sin, but it is also important to celebrate the grace of God and give thanks for the good work he has accomplished. Where have you seen forward motion regarding justice and racial reconciliation in our nation? In our church? In your personal sphere?

Look again at Luke 23:13, 18. With the entrance of the Roman authorities, what critical shift occurs in the role of the people (compare Luke 19:47-48, 20:19, 21:38, 22:2)? How would you explain this baffling dynamic? What lessons can we learn about our own culture’s social dynamics, mob culture, & political allegiances?

Throughout Luke’s gospel, we’ve seen the consistent categories of religious leaders, people/crowds, and disciples. In chapter 23, the disciples are glaringly absent and silent. What role does their silence play?

Jesus Barabbas was in prison for killing someone during a riot (v25). Considering our current national climate, how do you respond emotionally to this character? To the crowd’s insistence that he be released?

LUKE 22 - MAKE YOUR CHOICE!

Read Luke 22:3-6 and 22:54-57. Compare the betrayal of these two men.

With which man do you identify? (No judgment!)

Read Luke 22:22-23. Why would the other disciples discuss who would betray Jesus?

In this week’s message, Zach encouraged four choices - commitment, listening to Jesus (the Word), awareness about Satan and your fleshly desires, and repentance. Did any of these resonate with you?

How has the COVID19 pandemic created opportunities for both failure and spiritual growth?

LUKE 21 - UNSIGNS & SIGNS

In his sermon this morning, Robb spoke about two common unhealthy responses to COVID-19 stressors - “giving up” on the disciplines of daily life, or “giving in” to fear and anxiety. Which of these do you see more in your circles? In your own life?

Read Luke 21:8-19. These ‘unsigns’ bear witness, not to the end, but to the current brokenness of the world. What instructions or exhortations does Jesus give us in these verses? How do they relate to us during the COVID-19 era?

Compare and contrast Luke 21:20-24 with vv25-28. What key event does each section foretell? What sign[s] accompany each event? Why do you think Jesus spoke to these two events, when the disciples seemed to only ask about one (v7)?

Read Luke 21:29-33. The parable of the fig tree corresponds to the prophecy in vv 20-24. Luke’s gospel was almost certainly written and circulated before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70, and there are substantial traditions from the early church that Jerusalem Christians successfully escaped that terrible event, fleeing the city when they saw “Jerusalem surrounded by armies.” Some believe these words were fulfilled at that time, while others believe a more complete fulfillment is yet to come. Either way, what value is there for us in knowing Jesus spoke these words, if we ourselves will likely never need to flee Jerusalem?

Read Luke 21:34-36 and Matthew 24:42-44. This second parable of the trap/thief corresponds to the prophecy in Luke 21:25-28. How is the application different from the parable of the fig tree? What does it mean for us to ‘stay awake’?

LUKE 20 - AUTHORITY

When have you been blessed by someone else’s exercise of authority? When have you seen authority misused or abused? Contrast these experiences aloud with your group. What makes for good or bad uses of authority?

Read Luke 20:1-8. Why is Jesus’ question difficult for his opponents? What does it reveal about the way they understand authority?

Read Luke 20:9-18. When the villains in the story are brought to justice, how do the religious leaders respond (v16)? Why would anyone protest justice being served to murderous villains in a make-believe story!? What was Jesus revealing about the religious leaders’ own authority?

In Luke 20:42-43. Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1. This Old Testament passage is quoted more often in the New Testament than any other scripture, revealing its great importance. How would you answer the question Jesus asks in v44? And how is it that this passage finds fulfillment in Jesus? (For help, see Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2:32-35)

Jesus warned his disciples against the scribes’ example of leveraging authority for self-serving gain (Luke 20:45-47), and instead set an example of leveraging authority in self-sacrificial servanthood (Luke 22:25-27). In the heightened tensions of this COVID-19 era, how might we be tempted to make grabs for authority or serve ourselves rather than others? What specific choices can we make to follow Jesus’ way of sacrificial love instead?

ACCEPTANCE:
Luke 19:1-10

1. What are some of the ways that the blind beggar (right before Zacchaeus) and Zacchaeus and himself could have justified feeling totally unworthy of Jesus’ attention? What are some of the things you would use to justify why you don’t think you are worthy of Jesus’ attention today?

2. What are some of the ways that the bling beggar and Zacchaeus had to overcome obstacles in order to meet Jesus? What obstacles are you experiencing today in trying to meet Jesus?

3. The story about Zacchaeus, the story of the blind beggar, and the parable of the minas all talk about stewardship of God’s resources as an act of worship stemming from God’s acceptance of us in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. One of the most interesting components of this story is the servant who chose not to invest. Why do you think this mina was taken from him? What do you think his lack of investment of the mina communicated about his view of the nobleman? Was the nobleman actually a harsh master? Does his giving of cities communicate that he is harsh? How do you see our relationship with God? Do you view him as harsh and cruelly judging the investment of our stewardship or do you see him as generously rewarding and celebrating our choice to love and trust him?

JUSTIFICATION
When you go to God in prayer, what are your most common habits of thought and emotion? What might they tell you about how you relate to God?

Read Luke 18:9-14. This parable contrasts two strategies for justification. What were the 3 contrasts mentioned in the sermon today? Are there any other contrasts you see?

In Philip Eveson’s essay on the doctrine of justification, he introduces justification as a grace given to “guilty sinners, who turn in self-despairing trust.” What is meant by ‘self-despairing trust’? How does the tax collector embody it? What would it look like for someone in our day?

Everyone struggles with self-righteousness to some degree. Review the ‘diagnostic questions’ from the sermon. Which question is most helpful to you in identifying your own tendencies toward self justification?

Do you have a tendency to look down on others with a critical eye?

Does your sense of personal goodness, acceptability, and self worth rise and fall according to how well you think you are performing?

When you think about your ‘righteousness bank account’, are you worn out from trying to make deposits to keep it (hopefully) in the black, or are you resting in the finished work of Jesus’ merciful atonement?

End your time in celebration of God’s merciful atonement for sinners. Review this list of verses on justification (or another list of your choosing). Speak verses to one another and to the Lord by ‘personalizing’ the address. For instance:

“Joe, Phil 3:9 says you are ‘found in Him, not having a righteousness of your own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, a righteousness from God that depends on faith.”

“Katie, just like Abraham, you have believed the Lord, and he has counted it to you as righteousness (Gen 15:6)!”

“Lord, you yourself bore our sins in your body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By your wounds, we have been healed. Thank you! (1 Peter 2:24)

MAY 3, 2020

1. What are the contrasts to highlight the differences the rich and poor man experienced in life?
2. What are the contrasts after death?
3. What is the significance of Jesus mentioning Abraham in this story?
4. In the story, Jesus only seems to highlight that which the rich man failed to DO in life that led him to eternal suffering in hell. Is Jesus teaching a works-based salvation?
5. The name Lazarus means “whom God helps.” Share some ways that God has helped you through Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter! He is risen!

What about ‘normal life’ are you missing most during this COVID-19 lock down? How do you find joy in the midst of this crisis (or any crisis)?

Read Luke 15:1-7. To whom does Jesus direct his parable? Why did he tell it to them?

Peruse Luke 15:8-32. Here, Jesus tells two more parables that mirror the first one about the sheep & the shepherd. Which words from the first parable are repeated over and over in the other parables? In what way[s] do the parables differ/progress? What do these details tell us about what Jesus is trying to communicate?

Read Luke 15:17-20, 25-30. Describe in your own words the action of each son toward his father. How does his father respond to each? What do these interactions tell us about the heart of God?

In his sermon, Robb focused mainly on the relationship between the father and the younger son. What is the role of the older son, in light of Jesus’ audience (v1-2)? What message/application might the Lord have today for those of us who have been part of the ‘religious insider’ group for some time?

Today is a day to worship and celebrate. Take time to sing, pray, feast and enjoy the Father’s heart of love toward you. Respond wholeheartedly to his love by drawing near to him in JOY.

Sermon: The Humble Friend

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Sermon Discussion Questions

What is the fanciest meal you’ve ever been to? How did it make you feel to attend?

Read Luke 14:1-6. How would you describe the relationship between Jesus & the religious leaders in this story? Why do you think the lawyers and Pharisees failed to answer Jesus’ questions?

Read Luke 14:7-11. In this parable, what actions does the host perform? How does this parable describe the events that took place in vv1-6?

Jesus’ parable ends with a proverb in v11. This proverb is a classic example of the ‘divine passive’, a way of expressing the action of God without naming him (as a way of showing reverence). What does this punctuating statement tell us about the character of God?

Read Philippians 2:6-11. How does this ancient Christ hymn illustrate the principle of the parable in Luke 14?

Read Philippians 3:4-9. What did Paul have to abandon in order to ‘humble himself’ and receive Christ (vv5-6)? What kinds of things might we put in a similar list? What 'false confidence’ might you personally need to set aside in order to know the fullness of fellowship with Jesus?