SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 11th/12th May 2011
LUKE – Jesus, Son of Man

Chapter 20:19 to 21:4 Setting a trap

Jesus had now entered the last week of His earthly ministry. He was in Jerusalem – and every opportunity was taken to trap Him. His enemies were watching Him like hawks, so that they could get evidence to have Him killed. That was their sole purpose in asking the various questions. However, notice Jesus continues His ministry quite openly. He was in charge of the timing of His departure.

PAYING TAXES   Chapter 20:19-26
v19	What was their motive for seeking to trap Jesus? What was restricting their actions?
v20	‘They kept a close watch on Him’ – how and why? Any deception seems to be in order to trap Jesus. Why would they want to hand Jesus over to the governor? 
v21-22	 Certainly nobody then liked paying taxes to the Romans. So this was a good method to discredit Him –either before the people or more importantly against the powers of Rome. Notice how they begin this question(v21) –why?
v23	Jesus is not deceived. What does this tell us about Jesus?
v24-25	Is it that Jesus had no money –so He asks for a coin? Explain in today’s situations the answer that Jesus gives. Notice how balanced His answer is.
v26	Did their question have the desired effect?  How does Jesus come out of it? How also do the questioners come out it? What is their reaction?

GOD OF THE LIVING Chapter 20:27-40
The Pharisees had failed in their question so now the Sadducees have a go. 
v27	Notice what ‘they say’ – that is why they are ‘sad – u –cee’
v28	See how they try by reminding Him of God’s Law. How do people use the Bible (often mis-quoted) to trap us or get us to disbelieve?
v29-33 Asking this question –they probably thought an answer was impossible.
v34-36 Jesus answers their question by comparing this present life and the difference in the next.
What a lovely phrase – (v36) ‘God’s children’ . . ‘children of the resurrection’.
v37-38 Now He shows them the folly of their belief, from the Scriptures. What does v38 teach you?
v39-40	Maybe some Pharisees gloating over the Sadducees being ‘put right’. Did this question trap Him?

‘REVERSE THRUST’ Chapter 20:41-47
Jesus turns the tables on them –and gives them an even harder question to answer. A good way to round off that session.
v41-44 The question. What answer can you give from Scripture?
v45-47 Jesus now turns to the people and give warnings about their religious teachers. Any of these warnings for us today? How we need to examine our actions and motives.
Instead of seeking to put Jesus (the Son of God) to death –what should they do? (see Psalm 2)

CONTRAST – A WIDOWS GIFT Chapter 21:1-4
A simple event –but what a contrast to the last section. As has been said –here is some temple worship that needs no reforming.
v1	‘looked up’ and ‘saw’. What a challenge when we realise Jesus sees our giving.
v2	So small the gift –that is was probably discarded by the temple authorities- not by Jesus.
v3	Jesus applauds her gift – which others would not have noticed.
v4	‘but’ – notice how Jesus measures the gift.
What things does this passage teach us about our giving? E.g. 1 Chronicles 29:9 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
												D.J.
PRAYER POINTS:
Annual General Meeting – Thursday 19th May
London City Mission – items from last Sunday