Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Week 3: Chapter 2 — The Happiness of Christ
Read Chapter 2 of Gentle and Lowly. Primary Scripture: Hebrews 12:2; Luke 15:1–32.
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This chapter asks a question we rarely think to ask: Is Jesus happy? And if so, what does his happiness have to do with us? Approach these questions expecting to be surprised.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Ortlund opens the chapter by noting that we rarely think about whether Jesus is joyful, and that our imagination of him tends toward the grave and sorrowful. Where do you think that image comes from — is it the Scriptures, church culture, or something else?
2.Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross "for the joy that was set before him." What was that joy? Ortlund argues it was not merely the joy of obedience completed but the joy of bringing his people home. How does that reading land on you?
3.The chapter draws on the three parables of Luke 15 — the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son — to argue that Jesus portrays God as someone who throws a party when the lost are found. What do these parties suggest about the emotional register of heaven when a sinner returns?
a.Which of the three parables is most emotionally striking to you, and why?
b.Ortlund focuses on the father running toward the returning son. What does a running father communicate about the nature of Christ's welcome?
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