Silencing the Scoffers

Sermon 69 in Series

Luke 16:14-18

[14] The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. [15] And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

[16] “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. [17] But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.

[18] “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Why is it so helpful to be continually confronted with Jesus’ teaching on money/possessions? How does it protect us?
2.  How do the Pharisees respond to Jesus’ teaching? How does their love of money serve as a warning to us?
3.  How does the mockery of the Pharisees anticipate the crucifixion? What does it show about counting the cost?
4.  In what ways does Jesus rebuke the Pharisees? How does he characterize their religious activity?
5.  What contrast is Luke drawing between vv. 14-15 and 16-18? What is he communicating about Jesus?
6.  How does Jesus explain the continuity between Old Testament Scripture and the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom? How does his teaching on divorce and remarriage provide an example?
7.  What is God’s view of marriage and divorce according to this passage? How do other passages like Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:3-9 as well as 1 Corinthians 7:15 fill out Jesus’ teaching?

References: Psalm 119:33-48 (corporate reading); Luke 15:2; 23:35; 14:27; 11:39; 20:47; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 23:5; 1 Samuel 16:7; Luke 1:17; John 1:31; Luke 14:23; 13:24; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Isaiah 40:8; Luke 21:33; Matthew 19:3-9; 5:31-32; 1 Corinthians 7:15.