Blog

Sometimes the Bible seems to avoid being direct, other times it’s quite clear. Here’s a mix: Pilate mixed blood with sacrifices. In other words, he had Galileans slaughtered along with their sacrifices. What was that about? Jesus doesn’t miss a beat, “unless you repent, you too will perish.” Not that he isn’t saddened by Pilate’s actions, but his focus is on the coming weeks when he will enter Jerusalem for the ultimate sacrifice.

The parable that follows is one of my favorites. The fig tree that produces no fruit gets one more year, another season, one more chance. The farmer appears to graciously allow for another chance, though the story is left open-ended.

Luke 13:1-9

The peace that Jesus brings is Peace with the Father. This will result in conflict as Satan will not be satisfied with anything the draws people to Christ–expect problems! Families will be divided. It’s interesting to read how Jesus expresses his desire to be beyond this baptism, these constraints.

I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!

 

Matthew 10:34-36, Luke 12:49-53

Matthew, Mark and Luke all include warnings to be watchful, to be ready at all times–for all to be on guard. In this passage, Jesus provides a parable to underscore the importance of being alert by prepared for the master’s return–any time.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 12:35-48

I should have included this passage when I covered Matthew 6:25-34 (see post here), but it’s ok to visit this twice, if not providential! Instead of focusing on the first half, “do not worry,” let’s focus on the second part, “But seek his kingdom…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Luke 12:22-34

Jesus responds to someone in the crowd with a quick response: “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” then tells the parable of the rich fool to warn us about all kinds of greed.

…life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

We are not judged for having wealth, we are judged when such blessings take priority over our love of God.

Luke 12:13-21

Jesus is pretty clear here: “For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.” Those who heard Jesus speak these words were quite familiar with the story of Jonah and knew the depravity of Ninevah. I wonder what it was like for them to hear for the first time, “and now something greater than Jonah is here.”

Matthew 12:38-42, Luke 11:29-32