8 Lessons (Lessons A-H)

Gerard (Gerrit) van Honthorst (1590-1656), Adoration of the Shepherds (Die Anbetung der Hirten, Adorazione dei Pastori, 1622)If you're just joining Discipleship Training in Luke's Gospel during the Advent season -- Welcome! The focus of this series is Jesus' disciple-training mission, with each of 120 lessons in the series aimed at grasping the lessons that Jesus sought to impart to his disciples.

Unlike most studies of Luke, I've chosen to conclude our study of Luke with the accounts of Jesus' birth rather than begin there. That is because Jesus' discipling ministry began at about age 30. However, from Luke's perspective as an evangelist, the infancy narratives are important because they help the reader understand just who Jesus is. He is the Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born into a loving human family.

Jesus is not just a precocious young man who rose to great renown. He is sent from the Father into this world for a particular mission that will climax with the cross and salvation. As you study the story of these events, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for how Jesus' birth is part of God's plan throughout the ages.

You might want to study these lessons at the rate of two per week, during the four weeks of Advent. When you finish, why don't you join us at the beginning of our JesusWalk in Series 1.


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Dr. Ralph F. WilsonNote that the purpose of this study is to train you as a disciple, not to "cover lots of material rapidly." To change your heart takes time. It is a process. You can't rush it, even if you try. This material is deep and takes time to absorb and respond to. Nevertheless, you have a choice of frequency. -- Pastor Ralph

To sign up, start by clicking on your e-mail frequency preference:

If you need to go faster, all the lessons are online for your reading. But mere reading doesn't equal heart change required in discipleship.

There is no cost to participate in the study, though donations are encouraged so we can create more studies and reach more people.

We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.

Please don't sign up for more than one of my Bible studies at one time. There's no penalty, but each of them is pretty intensive. If you try to do too many studies at the same time without adequate reflection, you'll miss out on God speaking to you.

  1. Zechariah's Vision in the Temple (1:5-25). Audio (21:50)
  2. The Annunciation to Mary (1:26-38). Audio (11:23)
  3. Mary Visits Elizabeth (1:39-56). Audio (17:28)
  4. Birth of John the Baptist (1:57-80). Audio (22:01)
  5. Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem (2:1-7). Audio (11:41)
  6. Shepherds in Bethlehem (2:8-20). Audio (24:34)
  7. Meeting Simeon and Anna in the Temple (2:21-38). Audio (25:56)
  8. The Boy Jesus at the Temple (2:39-52). Audio (21:34)

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.