Category: Harmony of the Gospels

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Sickness and the Death of Lazarus

This is part one of the story of Lazarus, his death. Lazarus is Mary’s brother, part of a family that Jesus knows well, a family he loves. This really struck me this morning. Jesus was known for many great works and amazing sermons, but Jesus was fully human as well, he spent time with others in a variety of “normal” settings. The humanness of Jesus is hard to comprehend, but here we read “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Jesus sets the stage for his disciples and tells them what’s about to happen, though (as usual it seems) the don’t quite understand what he’s telling them when Jesus says, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep.” Their reaction: “Lord, if he sleeps he will get better,” so Jesus tells them plainly: “Lazarus is dead.” Oops. There must have been times when the disciples talked amongst themselves and wondered if they were really the right guys.

They have a rather long, sad walk back to a place where they know Jesus was threatened and now they know there is a scene that they really can’t begin to comprehend. We have the advantage of reading the next section of scripture, they were walking one step at a time.

In the section before we read where the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, now they get that opportunity. But first the walk.

Thomas, later referred to as Doubting Thomas, spurs them onto action, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Count me in Lord! Let’s Roll!!

Jesus does that which is not ordinary for people who need extraordinary help. Thank you Lord!

Bible Gateway Links:

John 11:1-16

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Sin, Faith, Duty — Watch Yourselves

Jesus set the standard extremely high in verses 1-4 and the disciples respond: “Increase our faith.” Wow! The disciples are listening to Jesus describe what will happen to those who cause people to stumble and they get it–they will be held accountable. There will be a time when leaders will have to answer for their decisions. “So watch yourselves,” Jesus said.

If you have even a small amount of faith, you can do amazing things. But we are called to be humble and to do all things giving God the glory:

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”

God will do amazing things through our hands, our voices, our lives. Be truly humble when He does!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 17:1-10

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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The Rich Man and Lazarus

The parable of the rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus (not the one Jesus raised from the dead) is entertaining to read and consider, but includes a very serious lesson in the last verse.

The rich man lived in luxury ever day of his life on earth. Dressed in fine linen, he had appeared to have everything one could every want. In contrast, Lazarus sits at the rich man’s gate and begs for food, even the crumbs that would fall from the man’s table. In time they both die. The rich man goes to Hades and the beggar stands beside Abraham in heaven and there is a conversation between the two. It’s obvious that the beggar is now completely healed and happy while the rich man is tormented daily.

The beggar’s trials were temporary and his reward eternal. The rich man’s reward was temporary as well and his eternal suffering overshadows the few days of wealth on earth.  Great perspective as we go through our daily struggles.

The conversation between the two in eternity has been the subject of many books and movies. The rich man in Hades begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his family to warn them lest they end up in Hades with him.  The classic “angel returns to earth to undo wrongs” kinda story. It’s fun and light until Jesus ends the story and probably leaves people scratching their heads:

If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

Jesus provides some insight into his resurrection and rejection by those who will simply refuse to believe. As we read through Christian apologetics and learn more of the factual evidence that supports Christianity we always come back to this point: we must have faith. No amount of tangible evidence will convince the close-minded–even if they see someone come back from the dead. The good news is that many will be changed, many will come to Christ, so our job is not done.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 16:19-31

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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God’s Law Will Remain

These few verses give us great reason to read and understand the Old Testament, the Law that was provided by God (as opposed to that which the Pharisees had created). Jesus defines a point in history that is before and after John the Baptist:

Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. (NLT)

People are eager to hear the Gospel, they really are! Perhaps we make it too difficult, too complex or maybe we make it too simple, too cheap!! Somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum we need to preach the Gospel and let the Holy Spirit do his great work. We don’t have to have all the answers or even pretend to understand all that is before us. What we know is that Jesus came to fulfill all we read about in the Scriptures and we must share that as faithful witnesses.

The Law will not disappear. Adultery is still adultery, yet another reference that points to the sanctity of marriage (that’s a whole different subject). God provided a firm foundation in the old covenant and Jesus builds the church on top of this unmovable force.

 

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 16:16-18

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Parable of the Shrewd Manager

This is a most interesting parable, one that truly shows us the unconventional nature of Jesus’ teaching. As with most parables, there are two major takeaways for us to consider: 1) learn how Jesus deals with those far from the church and 2) learn from the lesson itself. This is like learning to fish rather than just having fish suddenly appear. Watch and learn how Jesus attracts those who are far from the church by using a scenario that clearly has nothing to do with religion, the Bible or the Jews.

Jesus honors successful people in the marketplace as the key players in this parable by taking a look inside how they make deals and manage people. This is how you include business people in the church–speak their language. The parable begins with some bad news: a manager is about to get fired! There’s no debate about whether the accusation is valid; neither the manager or the boss take time to debate the issue, he’s simply no longer trusted and will be fired. The manager is completely aware of what’s about to happen so he takes steps to find favor with the boss’ clients…after all, he’s going to be looking for a new job very soon.

Just before being officially fired, the manager cuts some deals with the boss’s main business contacts, his debtors. For one he cuts his debt in half, for another a twenty-percent instant reduction. The manager was shrewd, used exceptional judgement, and the boss was pleased because he came out looking good even though he fired the manager.  It appears that the manager knew the right debtors, the right amount and the right timing for his actions. Who can argue with the results.

For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

I imagine myself sitting in the audience and shaking my head in agreement at those words, “well said Jesus, thanks for the lesson. I’ll be sure to be shrewd in my business dealings.” But the very next phrase changes everything and turns the spotlight directly at us:

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Interesting. Why do some have wealth and others do not? Here’s a clear answer: to build the church! No matter who you are, at some point it will be gone…you can’t take it with you. “When it is gone” comes sooner or later so use it wisely and build the church!!

Jesus goes on to explain there are two kinds of people: those who can be trusted and those who cannot. The implication here is there are two masters to serve: trustworthy and untrustworthy — we are with one or the other, no in between. “You cannot serve God and money.”

This parable is Packed with lessons and wisdom, Lord help me to understand and DO what you say!!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 16:1-15

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Rejoice When the Lost Are Found!

Luke dedicates chapter 15 to remind us that we should rejoice when the lost are found! Three examples are provided: 1) lost sheep, 2) lost coin and 3) lost son.

1. The Lost Sheep. Sheep are certainly important to the shepherd and losing even one might be grounds for losing his job! Jesus uses this common knowledge to emphasize the importance of seeking and finding the lost. In this example, Jesus concludes:

Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

2. The Lost Coin. For those who have lost something important to them, a physical “thing” such as a precious coin, or perhaps you misplaced a ring or cell phone! When you finally find the thing, you want to celebrate with your friends. It is good to proclaim, “Rejoice with me.” Two great examples of why we should rejoice as a family of faith.

3. The Lost Son (the Prodigal Son). This famous story is one of the most memorable from my childhood since I have an older brother. Not that we acted like the characters in the story, it just got my attention. Here we find more details in the narrative, but the end result is the same: the lost are found.

Two lessons: 1) seek the lost and 2) rejoice when they are found!

Lord help us to have eyes for the lost in our world and teach us to celebrate, to rejoice with the angels, when one is found. One by one you will transform the world.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 15

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Cost of Being a Disciple

One of my favorite songs from Hillsong is Devotion, I sing this song nearly everyday. The bridge simply repeats: “I will take up my cross and follow you wherever you lead me.” Jesus makes it pretty clear in this passage,

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Jesus provides some examples:

  1. If you want to build a tower, you estimate the costs before laying the foundation; otherwise, you will hear: “This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.”
  2. Going into battle, first compare your forces with that of the opposing army. If it looks like sure defeat, time to send a delegation and work out a compromise!
  3. Salt is only good when it is salty!

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s, The Cost of Discipleship, provides much to consider with this as a framework. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, “It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.”

It’s time to let go of this world and grab onto that which is eternal!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 14:25-35

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Parable of the Great Banquet

This passage in Luke appears during the meal at the “prominent Pharisee’s” house, apparently a theme Jesus taught on more than once. In Luke one of those in attendance, perhaps a Pharisee, says:

Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Jesus affirms this and tells a story about those who are just too preoccupied with busyness to come when called. Ouch! Those who are specifically invited, but made excuses why they couldn’t attend, so the master invites others in an effort to fill the banquet hall.

I tell you , not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.

Have we heard the invitation and been too busy to answer?

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 14:15-24

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Jesus at a Pharisee’s House

Here is another miracle that was 1) performed on the Sabbath and 2) for someone who didn’t apparently ask (not that he wasn’t thankful), repent or confess Jesus as Lord. To add to the interest of this particular interaction, this was in front of a prominent Pharisee and his compatriots who “remained silent” and “had nothing to say!”

Jesus explains to the guests that are gathering and clamoring to sit closest to the Pharisee of Honor that this behavior is unnecessary and even humiliating. And to the host, the one I call the Pharisee of Honor, Jesus tells him not to invite those who can return the favor, but rather

invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Packed with lessons in these few verses, Luke gives us a lot to consider!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 14:1-14

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem

Some Pharisees appear to help Jesus by letting him know that Herod is seeking to kill him–just a ruse in an attempt to get him to leave the area. Jesus’ response: “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people…'” lets them know he knows exactly what they are thinking and it is unlikely that they are part of Herod’s inner circle!

Jesus goes on to lament for Jerusalem, “…how often I have longed to gather your children together…Look, your house is left to you desolate.” (see also Matthew 23:37-39.) We have some understanding of these words because we have the advantage of hindsight, the perspective that history allows us to have. At the time, Luke would not have known about the complete destruction of the temple that would come in the near future, but here we hear the words of Jesus, sad about what is to come.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 13:31-35

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