Approaching the Bible Series [Part 7]: The Gospel of Luke 9–16

Read Aloud

In Part 6, we explored the beginnings of Luke’s Gospel (chapters 1–8), where we witnessed Jesus’ birth, His early ministry, miracles, and parables that revealed the heart of God. Now, in Part 7, we move deeper into Luke’s account (chapters 9–16), where the focus sharpens on discipleship, Jesus’ teachings, and His journey toward Jerusalem.

The Turning Point (Luke 9)

Luke 9 marks a significant shift as Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, empowering them to heal and proclaim the kingdom. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, and on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. From this point forward, Luke highlights Jesus’ steady march toward the cross.

Lessons in Discipleship

Throughout these chapters, Jesus teaches about the cost of following Him. He warns that discipleship requires self-denial, humility, and faithfulness. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) is a striking reminder that love for God must overflow into love for neighbor, regardless of background or prejudice.

Parables of the Kingdom

Luke’s Gospel uniquely preserves some of the most beloved parables in Scripture during this section:

• The Rich Fool (Luke 12): A caution against greed and false security in possessions.

• The Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son (Luke 15): Beautiful stories of God’s relentless pursuit of the lost, culminating in the well-known Prodigal Son.

• The Shrewd Manager and Rich Man & Lazarus (Luke 16): Teachings that challenge us to use worldly wealth wisely and to live with eternity in mind.

  
  

Jesus’ Heart for the Lost

A recurring theme in Luke is Jesus’ compassion for those on the margins—tax collectors, sinners, and the poor. In these chapters, He dines with sinners, welcomes children, and emphasizes that the kingdom of God belongs to the humble and repentant.

✅ Key Takeaway: Luke 9–16 invites us to see discipleship not as a path of comfort but as a journey of surrender. At the same time, it reveals the joy of God’s mercy—the Father who runs to embrace His wayward children.

📖 Reflection Question: Which of these parables speaks most deeply to your current season of life, and why?