JESUS' MOTHER AND BROTHERS

Luke 8:16-21

Key verse: 8:21

* A LAMP ON A STAND (16-18)

1. What is the purpose of a lamp? Why is it not put under the bed but on a stand? What does the lamp seem to represent? (Jn 1:4,9;8:10-12)

2. What does this teach us about Jesus? About our world and ourselves? (See in 3:19-21)

3. In what respect is God's word a lamp? (Ps ;19;105) How can we live in God's light? (Ps 119:8-12)

4. Read verse 17. When will everything be disclosed? (I Co 4:5; Mt 25:3133) What is God's word of promise about this? (2 Pe 3 : 4-10 )

5. Read verse 18. What is the meaning of 18a? What kind of attitude should we have toward God's word? Why? How does the principle in 18b apply to faith? To obedient Bible study? To a fruitful life?

6. Who are some of the men of faith who took God's word seriously? With what result? (Ge 6:22; Ge 12:4 & 15:6 & 22:18) Who are some who did not? (Ge 19:14)

* JESUS' MOTHER AND BROTHERS (19-21)

7. Why did Jesus' mother and brothers probably come to see him? (Mk 3: 21) Why couldn't they get near him? What was he doing? What does this teach us about Jesus?

8. How did Jesus answer the one who informed him that his mother and brothers were outside waiting to see him? Was he rejecting his family? (Compare in 19:25-27) Why did he say this about his family?

9. What two standards did Jesus set for his family members? (21; Mt 7: 24) What does it mean to listen to God's word? To put it into practice?

10. Why is it so important to hear God's word and put it into practice? (1 Pe 1:24,25) How can we obey God's word? (in 14:21,23,24) What is Jesus' example? (Php 2:8)