Text Study for Sunday, March 30, 2025

Series Theme: Finding What Is Lost

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Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Connecting Question

What defines wealth? What shapes that definition in people’s lives?

Prayer for Illumination

God of mercy, you promised never to break your covenant with us.

In the midst of the multitude of words in our daily lives,

speak your eternal Word to us,

that we may respond to your gracious promises

with faithfulness, service and love.

Amen.

CONTEXT

It’s Lent, time for Jesus to set his face on Jerusalem and reveal who he truly is. It’s time for each of us to look toward Jesus on the cross, what does that mean in our journey, how can you live faithfully during Lent? We want you to reflect and talk about lost things, what are you looking for your life? Use this Lenten season to let Jesus reveal himself to you, to allow yourself to be lost and found in Jesus. Let’s take this journey together in “Finding What Is Lost”!

From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:

This parable sits in the context of Jesus criticizing the Pharisees, whom Luke accuses of being “lovers of money” (16:14). But the parable speaks not only about them; it extends to Luke’s readers, warning them about the blinding, dangerous capacities of wealth.

Look at the Book

How is it with your Spirit as we head to the fourth week of Lent?
Do you have any hopes for connecting with God or others this Lent?
Open to Luke 16. Where have you heard the name Lazarus before?
Turn to Luke 6:20-25. What does Jesus say there? How might it compare to this story?
Why does Jesus tell stories like this?
What is a story you tell about your family? Are there certain stories that keep popping up?
In verse 19, what did wealth look like?
What did poverty look like with Lazarus?
Who does the rich man call out to in “Hades?” Why?
In verse 24, what important detail does the rich man know?
In verse 31, what event is being foreshadowed?
How does this story speak to you today?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

How does money make you feel? What small act can you take with your money for the betterment of someone else today?

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | March 30, 2025