Creative Space for Wanderers
Read: Luke describes this disturbing scene with a few words that should stop us in our tracks: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. What has been going on in the mind of Judas for this seminal moment? What would be that last straw that convinced him that he would give …
Read: The balance of chapter 21 is titled, The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times. Mostly red letters, the words of Jesus, are meant to motivate us to be courageous as the world falls apart. Mostly. Some quotes make me pause. Entire books have been written on the Olivet Discourse, so …
Read: Mark and Luke both provide two brief stories to contrast pride and arrogance versus humble obedience. The former will be severely punished while the latter is honored far above the proud. The Proud Jesus holds no punches in revealing the proud and arrogant Pharisees, the teachers of the law, that go about in flashy …
Read: Chapter 20 seems to be a chapter of questions and answers, some of the FAQs for our edification as we grow in our knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. The Pharisees ask about Jesus’ authority, and whether it’s right to pay taxes. The Sadducees try to find support for their short-lived movement by talking about …
Read Enter the Sadducees. Luke inserts the memory of a conversation that includes the Sadducees, along with others. They don’t believe in the resurrection, life after death, spiritual battles, or anything not explicitly written in the first five books of the Old Testament. Their impact on Jewish culture was significant during the time of Jesus’ earthly …
Continue reading “Luke: Who’s Wife Dilemma and the Sadducees”
Read: Eight times in this short passage we see the words “they” or “them” as Luke refers to those conspiring to kill Jesus. Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. At the beginning of this chapter Luke identifies those who are leading the conspiracy as a band of …
Read: The way Luke presents the narrative, Jesus simply keeps going after denying the chief priests an answer to their insidious question about His authority. This time, the parable is directly aimed at those who are still trying to figure out how to trap Him. One important lesson to draw from this chapter is that …
Read: For those who have rendered Jesus as their personal companion, friend, and a buddy of sorts, the scene in the temple courts should provide some evidence that He did not come here to be best friends. The seriousness of His mission comes into focus as we enter the last section of Luke’s gospel. Beginning …
Continue reading “Luke: Jesus in the Temple Courts — Not So Friendly”
Read: Most of this passage is focused on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as prophesied hundreds of years before. The text contains highlights of the momentous occasion, songs, and joyful celebration as well as tears from Jesus as He reflects on the future. Let that last thought sink in for a moment. Only …
Read: Interestingly, just after we read about Zacchaeus’ conversion, Jesus continues with a parable that uses money management to make His point. Much like Matthew’s account (), Luke presents three servants to depict those who do and those who do not. From the outset, it’s important to appreciate this is not a parable of the …