Welcome to the Luke Bible Study Journal!
We’re so glad you’ve chosen to dive deeper into the Gospel of Luke with us. This journal is designed to help you engage with God’s Word in a meaningful and personal way. Over the next few months, we’ll journey through Luke’s Gospel, discovering the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus, as shared through the eyes of an eyewitness account.
Here’s how it works: Each Sunday, we’ll explore a passage from Luke during the sermon. Then, throughout the week, this journal will guide you in daily devotionals (Monday through Friday) to reflect on and apply what we’ve studied together. Each day will offer Scripture, prompts for reflection, and space to record your thoughts and prayers.
This journal is more than just a tool—it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, listen to God’s voice, and allow His Word to transform your heart. As we engage with Luke’s Gospel, we’ll see how Jesus' message of hope, love, and salvation speaks not only to the world but directly to each of us.
Take your time with this study. Pray over what you read, journal what’s on your heart, and consider how God is calling you to respond. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have been studying it for years, this journal is for you.
We’re excited to see how God will work through this study in your life. Let’s journey together to grow deeper in faith and closer to Jesus.
Let’s begin!
Read Luke 15
This Chapter includes three stories of lost things: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Most of us know these stories well and it is easy to skip over the details inside the stories. So, this week let’s slow down and pay attention to the details of these parables Jesus told. Go back to the beginning of Chapter 15 and read verses 1-2.
What do these verses tell you about Jesus?
What do these verses tell you about the teachers of religious law?
Tim Keller said, “In response to the Pharisees attitudes Jesus tells these parables. His purpose was not to warm their hearts but to shatter their categories.”
What can you learn from these verses?
Today end your time in prayer asking The Lord to give you a heart for the lost. Ask Him to lay the name or names of someone who needs a personal relationship with Jesus on your heart then right down those names and add them to your daily prayer list.
Read Luke 15:3-7
There is an often overlooked emphasis in this parable; the joy of finding the lost. Within this emphasis we get a glimpse into the hearts of the Pharisees and scribes who complained, because it sat in direct contrast to the heart of Jesus. They lacked joy when tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus. In this teaching Jesus was trying to get them to see how their hearts were in the wrong place. Again, when reading scripture we can miss little details that help us see Jesus for who He is and then how we see ourselves in light of who He is. Most often when reading this parable we focus on the sheep. But, today when you read this parable focus on the shepherd in verses 3-6. When you get to verse 7 focus on God.
What do you learn about the shepherd?
What do you learn about God?
What is it that stands out to you in this parable?
Today in your prayer time give thanks to our God for seeking you when you were lost! Ask Him to check your heart for the lost and to convict you of any blind spots you might have. Be sure to continue to pray for the name(s) that you wrote down yesterday. In addition, pray for the “ninety-nine” to have a heart for the “one” just as the Shepherd does and to find joy when they draw near to Jesus!
Read Luke 15:8-10
Jesus goes on to challenge the attitudes of the Pharisees by telling another story of the lost being found. I wonder if they are starting to get the message? Maybe. But, maybe not. Jesus obviously felt the need to give them another example to help them understand. As we read this short parable of the lost coin, take note of what the woman does in order to find the lost coin.
What were the steps the woman took to find the coin? (vs.8)
When seeking the lost, it is important to get our “house in order.” To make sure our lives are lived in a way that others can see Jesus in us! What does it look like for you to “light a lamp and sweep the house” of your life? What does it look like for you to look for the lost?
Today, pray for those individuals you have been praying for this week who are far from God. Ask The Lord to give you eyes to see the lost around you. Ask Him to help you keep your “house in order” so you can be on mission with Him in searching for the lost.
Read Luke 15:11-24
This may be one of the best known parables of Jesus. I find myself wondering if the Pharisees are one by one finally understanding what Jesus is trying to tell them. And, I wonder about us. After reading these three accounts of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son; do we understand? Really, truly understand the depth of God’s love for the lost and His love for us? “When I look through God’s eyes at my lost self and discover God’s joy at my coming home, then my life may become less anguished and more trusting.” (Nouwen)
Do you trust the love of God, The Father, for you? Do you truly feel welcomed and fully embraced by your Heavenly Father? If so, write down how this makes you feel. If not, what keeps you from feeling fully loved by God?
Today, reflect on The Father’s love for you. Write a prayer thanking Him for welcoming you home and declare that you are a loved and fully accepted child of God. If you have doubts about His love for you, that is a lie of the enemy. Be sure to ask The Lord to help you set aside those lies and embrace who you are because of who He is! Today rejoice in your life as a “found” son or daughter of God! Continue to pray for the prodigals that are still lost. Write their names and pray that they will come home to a personal relationship with God soon.
Read Luke 15:25-32
“Why doesn’t Jesus finish the story and tell us what happened?! It is because the real audience for this story is the Pharisees, the elder brothers. Jesus is pleading with his enemies to respond to his message.” (Keller) We don’t know if the older son decided to join the party or not. Jesus, the master storyteller, leaves it open-ended for the Pharisees. It is from this place of the older brother that they must decide to respond. Jesus did not tell stories for entertainment purposes. He told stories to teach life-transforming lessons. In His stories He reveals His heart. We can see our Savior more clearly as we read The Word with an open heart and open mind to all He wants to teach us.
Describe what you have learned about the heart of our Savior this week.
How does seeing His heart change your’s?
Today, continue to pray over the names of the lost God laid on your heart at the beginning of the week. As you end your time in the journal this week, pray that God will continue to grow in you a heart like His as you learn more and see more of who He is!