Inspire Bible for Kids Luke Sampler - Book - Page 28
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LUKE 6:8
Devotion
The Tax Man
What other name was Matthew
known by?
a. Levi
b. Simon
c. Thaddaeus
In Jesus’ time, Jewish tax
collectors (people who collected
taxes for Rome) were despised
and were called sinners. But
when Jesus walked past a tax
collector’s booth run by a man
named Matthew (also called
Levi), he said, “Follow me and be
my disciple” (Luke 5:27).
Matthew got up and
immediately followed Jesus.
Later, Matthew invited Jesus
and Jesus’ disciples to dinner
at his home with some other
tax collectors. The Pharisees,
who were very strict about
keeping the religious laws, were
disgusted that Jesus would dine
with such people.
Jesus heard and answered
them, “Healthy people don’t
need a doctor—sick people do.
I have come to call not those
who think they are righteous,
but those who know they are
sinners” (Luke 5:31-32).
Often, people who are careful
about following all the rules
don’t think they need to be
saved. Sadly, this pride keeps
them from coming to Jesus. If
you know someone whose life
is filled with sin, it may be that
he or she is closer to having a
relationship with Jesus than
someone who always seems to
be doing the right thing. Jesus
came for those who realize they
need a Savior.
Focus Verses: Luke 5:27-32
8 But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed
hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” So the man came forward.
9 Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit
good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save
life or to destroy it?”
10 He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold
out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 11 At
this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what
to do with him.
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he
prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples
and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:
14 Simon (whom he named Peter),
Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
15 Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
16 Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Crowds Follow Jesus
17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with
Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the
crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from
as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear
him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil* spirits
were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went
out from him, and he healed everyone.
The Beatitudes
20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,
“God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
21 God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for in due time you will laugh.
22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock
you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that
happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.
Sorrows Foretold
24 “What sorrow awaits you who are rich,
for you have your only happiness now.
25 What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,
for a time of awful hunger awaits you.
6:18 Greek unclean.
Answer: a
