Passages: Luke 15-18
Big Idea: Jesus invites us to live in his upside-down kingdom.
Ages: 5-7
Eight lessons on Luke chapters 15 to 18.
Luke chapters 15 to 18 are set in the context of Jesus resolutely heading for Jerusalem. The Saviour of the world is on his way to the cross. (Luke 9:51)
The previous chapters, Luke 12 to 14, speak of the cost of discipleship, while chapters 15 to 18 hold a collection of parables that highlight the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom. Things aren’t what they appear.
Jesus’ parables have unexpected twists, catching his original listeners off guard. In a world that craves power, wealth and position, Jesus describes a kingdom turned on its head. The wayward younger son was welcomed back, while the eldest son, who’d stayed and worked, was rebuked for failing to celebrate his brother’s return. It was the rich man who was shut out, while the poor man was welcomed in. Only the Samaritan came back praising God for what Jesus had done for him. The Pharisee who lived trying to please God, is left speechless as the Tax Collector leaves justified. The rich man, who had it all on earth, walked away sad and empty handed.
We also see God’s heart in these chapters. His heart for the lost, as he rejoices over every sinner who repents. His heart to restore and cleanse. His heart to warn so that people might repent before it’s too late. His heart to do good for his people as he patiently waits for them to depend on him in prayer. His heart to welcome even the littlest of children into his arms, because to such belongs the kingdom of God.
The rich man asked Jesus, ‘What must I do to gain eternal life?’ He asked the wrong question. He should have asked, ‘Jesus what must you do so that I can have eternal life?’ In these chapters, Jesus is on his way to the cross to do the impossible - to open the door to heaven for everyone who trusts what he has done for them. What is impossible for us, Jesus makes possible.
Luke chapters 15-18 is an invitation by Jesus to come to him and live in his upside-down kingdom.
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