EXAM QUESTIONS

Points of Interest:

The people of Israel can rejoice because the saviour and his prophet are born – the whole of chapter 1 records the joy of these events – clear from start that ‘joy’ is part of Luke’s writing.

• Joy is mentioned within the first chapter of Luke – 1:14 – the angel announces to Zechariah that many will rejoice at the birth of his son, John: ‘He will be a joy and a delight to you’.

• 1:44 – The child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting.

• 1:47 – Mary’s song – her spirit rejoices in God her saviour, for he looked with favour on the lowliness of her servant.

• 1:58 – Neighbours and relatives rejoice at the birth of John. The disciples can rejoice because discipleship is worth its cost.

• 6:23 – There is joy of the persecuted in the beatitudes.

• 10:17–20 – The mission of Jesus is embarked upon with joy – ‘The seventy-two returned with joy’. Jesus tells them not to rejoice that the spirits have obeyed them but to rejoice that their names are written in heaven.

• 10:21 – Jesus is full of joy through the Holy Spirit – the source of joy here.

• 13:17 – the people rejoice at Jesus’ healing ministry. The parables contain joy.

• The parables of the lost sheep, 15:5ff, and the lost coin, 15:9 – full of joy/rejoicing when the lost is found.

• 15:32 – The father rejoices at the return of his lost son. The people of Israel rejoice at Jesus as Saviour.

• 19:37 – Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week.

• 24:41 – The disciples were joyful at the possibility of the resurrection.

• 24:52 – After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The Gospel starts with joy and ends with joy and the ministry of Jesus is seen to bring joy to those who receive his words and respond to them in a positive way.

Other themes in Luke may be mentioned – the poor, women, the Holy Spirit, the Gentiles – do these reflect the theme of joy also?

Points of Interest:

Jesus’ teaching on wealth and possessions in Luke’s Gospel looks at the stewardship of material possessions by those who have surplus. Jesus couples his concern for the poor with an emphasis on his disciples and followers not accumulating or hoarding riches for themselves.

• Luke is often referred to as the Gospel for the poor as it gives a focus to the poor and despised members of the Jewish society at that time.

• Luke 12:13–21 Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool in answer to a question to Jesus about a dispute over an inheritance. Jesus warned against all kinds of greed as a man’s life does not consist of his possessions.

• The parable warns that wealth and possessions will not be of benefit to a person on death; what matters is being rich towards God.

• Luke 16:1–9 Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager to reinforce the importance of preparing for the future in Heaven just as the shrewd manager prepares for his future.

• Luke 16:19–31 the parable of the rich man and Lazarus – Jesus tells this parable to show how wealth does not carry any significance in entering Heaven. Obedience to God’s word and responding to his teaching does. Because the rich man had disregarded the messages of Moses and the prophets and paid more attention to his rich lifestyle he was condemned to an eternal life in Hell.

• The story of the rich young ruler coming to Jesus in Luke 18:18–30 shows the significance Jesus gives to putting God first. The rich ruler goes away unhappy because he could not sell all and give to the poor despite living a life of obedience to the commandments of God. Jesus taught here that it is important that wealth does not come before the things of God.

• Luke 16:24 – ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’

• Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus results in complete revision of how he views wealth and he gives back the money he has defrauded – a changed personality, a better way of life as a follower of Jesus

• Jesus’ attitude to the woman with the jar of perfume when Jesus dined at the Pharisee’s house – her example of not ‘hoarding’ riches but giving/sharing/blessing others with her possessions.

• The example of the disciples leaving all and following Jesus.

• Some discussion on the qualities which God’s Kingdom expects. The importance of love, service, and humility as Jesus taught.

• The greatest commandments to love God and to love others as you love yourself.

• The Kingdom of God is entered through spiritual qualities not material possessions.

• Any relevant point made will be credited.