Tag: disciple

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Luke: Samaritan Opposition

Read: Luke 9:51-56

Luke is already beginning to point to Jesus’ resurrection, though it’s a bit early in the narrative, as His ministry spreads. It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t hesitate to not only go through Samaria, but made plans to stay in the area much despised by the Jewish leadership.

The messengers sent to prepare a place are rejected, so the disciples have a suggestion:

When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” Luke 9:54

Two of the inner circle have an idea: Blast ‘Em! (thus the featured image).

But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village. Luke 9:55-56

The positional authority that Jesus has over His disciples is truly amazing. They have so much respect for Him, yet they have so much to learn. Jesus picked these guys to ignite the flame of Christianity for the world. I’d like to take time to catalog all the episodes where Jesus has to rebuke His chosen few, something for another day.

The lesson here is seen in many places in the Bible. Hardened hearts will not be turned by forcing the issue. Dust off your sandals and press on. There are those who will listen and those who will not. Let’s focus on those who are truly seeking the kingdom and pray for the Spirit to soften hearts.

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Luke: Tough Lessons Through Healing and Prophecy

Read: Luke 9:37-50

Last week we kicked off the Lenten season for 2018, February 14 through April 1st. Mardi Gras (Feb 13th) is probably celebrated with more enthusiasm than Ash Wednesday, but the timing of this season with reading Luke 9 and following is interesting. As we approach Easter, the pivotal event that ultimately defines Christianity, I pray that Lent will cause us all to stop and consider our faith.

The world is watching, to be sure, and I believe the world would like to see miracles and marvel at amazing works. The Cessationists would argue that God has withdrawn Spiritual gifts of healing (among others), but we still hear miraculous stories, though not very often. I don’t want to open that line of discussion here, at least not today, but it was a challenge when Jesus was walking on earth with His disciples, so let’s wade into that story this morning.

We just left the Transfiguration story, now we read about the inability of the disciples to maintain the healing ministry Jesus began, we see the disciples bickering over who is greatest, and the temptation to talk bad about those who don’t come from our tribe — all in 24 verses! No wonder that the disciples were confused (Luke 9:45)!

Jesus and his disciples are becoming known for their healing miracles, but apparently, the gift of healing is not for those with little faith. Luke begins this section with a report that calls out the disciples (not sure which ones in particular–no speculation):

I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not. “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Luke 9:40-41

By now, the disciples are getting used to hard lessons and tough love that Jesus provides. He’s not holding back here! We might be prone to use language that gets bleeped out on videos!

Jesus casts out the demon and those watching were amazed. The disciples get defensive and start to argue about who is greatest among them. How does this make sense? It doesn’t. Jesus quickly sets them straight, but I greatly appreciate the story captured by Luke. How often do we elevate ourselves in the shadow of Jesus?

Others are casting out demons and the disciples want to squelch that ministry because they’re not part of the selected few. Jesus ends the debate quickly:

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:50

This is a pretty amazing statement. Ministry is not limited to those with special robes or fancy titles. I look forward to the day when everyone recognizes they are a minister of the Gospel — not just the paid staff!

The humanity of those doing daily ministry with Jesus gives me some comfort as I struggle, trip and fall. My prayer is that I constantly look to Jesus for guidance in those moments.

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Luke: Transfiguration

Read: Luke 9:28-36

Three chosen disciples, the inner circle, were able to see the kingdom of God through the transfiguration, the single event when the glory of Jesus was seen for a moment. Matthew and Mark talk about the disciples being terrified and frightened, Luke took them into the cloud, frightened, and John’s gospel account seems to assume we understand this from his first few verses. This was another event that identified that Jesus was more than a prophet, teacher, or preacher.

Then there’s Moses and Elijah. These two appear and the disciples get a full sense of the weight of the event, but not necessarily the meaning. I’m with them in this regard, why did we need this event? Perhaps this is the bridge needed to assure Jews that Jesus is the extension of Moses and Elijah. In those days, these two were well known and highly regarded. In today’s culture, the negative news makes sure we temper any desire to honor people: we all have faults, some more than others. The underlying assertion is that no one is actually good. Turn up the background noise. Drown out the music.

The three disciples were forever changed by this momentary experience. My prayer is simple today: may we be changed as well.

 

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Luke: Are You Sure You Want to be a Disciple?

Read: Luke 9:23-27

I really have a hard time appreciating the gravity of this assertion:

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

In our modern society we don’t require criminals to bear the instrument of death upon which they will be publicly humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed. We’re much too civilized for that! For those hearing this command for the first time, this imagery was real. It was visceral. When Jesus spoke these words, I imagine He paused and looked deeply into the eyes of those who were listening to make sure they understood.

Bonhoeffer refers to this as “costly grace,” not some fake, cheap gospel that doesn’t require anything of us. Proclaiming Jesus as Lord means we are marked. In our politically correct world, the concept is watered down, but today I wonder if I will do what the song Devotion reminds me to do:

I will take up my cross and follow Lord where you lead me and I will take up my cross and follow wherever You go. Hillsong United: Devotion, 2007

Seriously, I can’t listen to this song without tearing up. Self-doubt wells up inside me as I look around at the comfort in which I live. Have I really denied myself for sake of the One who gave His life for all? Sure, I know Satan loves it when I doubt myself, when I waste time aimlessly wondering about my salvation, I get that, but that’s where you come in. The fellowship of believers we refer to as church.

The reason we are not a group of individual islands is obvious: divided we have no chance. That’s how the wolf attacks the flock. He picks off one, separates him from the herd, and devours his prey. However, together, united by Christ, we are unstoppable. We become the very force that will change the world. When like-minded, devoted followers of Christ team up, the Spirit moves mountains, lives are changed for eternity. I love to sing this part over and over again:

the sinners seek devotion, lost become chosen, and I fall to my knees.Hillsong United: Devotion, 2007

I hope you hear your call to ministry quite clearly this morning. Honestly, I hope that doesn’t mean working in a church building; rather, I hope you’re called to work around people that don’t think about Jesus at all! That’s where we have the best chance at building relationships with those who need to hear about the Savior who gave His life, who literally took up His cross for the world.

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Luke: God’s Messiah

Read: Luke 9:18-22

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” Luke 9:20

Yes! Jesus is the Messiah! It’s time to kick butts and take names. Wooohoooo!

Well, that would have been my response if I were sitting around the table having a private conversation with God incarnate, wouldn’t you?

In general, people are impressed with Jesus, that’s why so many sought him in remote places. To conclude that Jesus is the Messiah takes everything to a whole new level, something these disciples were ill-equipped to handle.

Jesus immediately follows Peter’s incredible confession with some sobering words:

The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Luke 9:22

Before we strike up the band and announce Jesus to the world, we have a difficult path to follow. That’s a gross understatement. The disciples are living in the moment with the Messiah, they are there, but they really don’t know what’s next. They just feed thousands of people. They’ve seen miracles that truly defy logic or experience. Now Jesus is saying things like suffering must happen, death and resurrection must occur.

I have to believe that none of this makes sense to those first hearing these words. In our culture, there are at least two distinct groups of people that might hear this assertion: those who have been raised in a Christian church and those who know nothing of the need for a Messiah, let alone a true appreciation for Jesus.

I’m in the first group. I’ve heard Jesus is the Messiah since I can remember. Any difficult situation or question is easily answered with: Jesus. I’ve heard this so much that I don’t appreciate the weight of the words, I simply take this for granted. This is a great victory for Satan as it means my witness, my level of evangelism approaches zero if I merely accept the statement that Jesus is the Messiah. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case. The rambling words in this blog are my attempt to keep the fire burning within my heart, stoking the flame that should be a light to this dark world. I pray this is working in some way.

The second group is also difficult, but perhaps not as troublesome as we are led to believe. Those that don’t know they need a Messiah will come to a point when they question life on earth. Some emotional event will happen that will make them wonder about their existence.

The key question here is this: have we built a bridge to them?

Have we invested time in creating an authentic relationship with those who are far from Christ? Or are we content to punch our Sunday card and polish our Christian image?

Jesus is the Messiah!

We need a Messiah. Without Jesus, the struggle of human existence is futile, the agnostics win, just do what you want because your days are numbered.

Lord, help us to get a glimpse of the significance of Peter’s confession. Keep the flame burning bright within us so we can be the light for this dark world.

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Luke: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Read: Luke 9:10-17

Jesus’ ministry is in full motion now. Initially, He went and preached with a few, then appointed the Twelve, now they have just finished their first real world experience in preaching the incredible news: the kingdom of God is available to all! The lesson is as provocative today as it was years ago. The response will be the same as well: people want to gather to learn more.

In this instance, Luke tells us how thousands of people seek out Jesus to hear and learn. The sick are healed as the crowds swell. On a very practical level, the disciples suggest that Jesus disperse the crowd, but Jesus has a more important lesson to teach His disciples:

He replied, “You give them something to eat.” Luke 9:13

This morning, I’d like to focus on the first word of verse 13: You. Jesus didn’t tell them to sit back and watch, He gave them specific instructions.

“Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Luke 9:14-15

The image I have in my mind is one where Jesus is not on display here; rather, He’s talking to the disciples on the side and giving them instructions. The people are interacting with them, not Jesus directly. That’s not a new concept, but it’s important to consider.

Jesus sends us into the world with very specific instructions. He has provided all we need. The Spirit has equipped us with gifts and abilities. When we look in the mirror, we see only a little, but He sees one of His sons and daughters and has no doubt that we will succeed if we would simply follow His directions.

Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Luke 9:16

God has prepared a table before us. He cares about our every need and He wants a relationship with all who would answer the call.

The crazy thing is this: He wants us to distribute the bread.

Lord, may we see the opportunity right in front of us this morning. Help us to have faith that the little in our hands is exactly what you want us to have at this moment for Your greater purpose. Give us confidence as we go out into the world to make disciples–just as you commanded.

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Luke: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Read: Luke 9:1-9

Jesus sent out the twelve, not the eleven. As I read today’s passage, I’m intrigued by the notion that Judas Iscariot was among those who went from village to village to preach the Gospel. I’m not completely sure what to do with that thought. It reminds me of Paul’s assertion, as long as the message is heard (Philippians 1:15-18), that Christ is preached, we should all rejoice! I don’t know about you, but I wish we had more details here. What did they do, how long, how many stops, etc.?

Evangelism in our modern culture tends to take advantage of marketing experience we’ve learned from sales seminars. Whether multilevel marketing, telemarketing, cold calls, or MailChimp, we know that volume turns into results. All we have to do is crank up the numbers and the sales (or converts) will follow.

The temptation to flood the marketplace with Jesus has watered down the Gospel. I’m sure the intent is sincere, but a quick Google search reveals several places where we can buy hundreds of gospel tracts on the cheap. Whether $6 per 100, $6.95 for 250, or free from the Billy Graham association, we have easy access to this “effective and inexpensive” tool, but is this what Jesus suggested? I don’t think so.

In today’s “tract and dash” crazed culture, it’s important to remember this truth:

Evangelism requires engagement. It often requires serving people as well as preaching to them. Telling unbelievers that God cares should be reinforced by evidences of such caring.NIVAC (see note)

In 2018, this year, I hope to unlearn the marketing bonanza that I’ve been taught and relearn how to develop real relationships with people. I’m sure my numbers won’t excite anyone, the impact will be small, but I hope for those with whom I meet that sincerity will be visible.

I’m not looking for priestly robes or a clergy collar, just a focus on discipleship in this town:

Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. Luke 9:4

Yes, I’ll still be working with HGC and HGL, hoping to help many along the journey, but my heart will be primarily focused here, without visions of grandeur.

 

Note: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 49237-49239). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

Read: Luke 8:40-56

If you read the title to this post and just keep going, perhaps you’ve been in the Christian bubble too long, but don’t be upset with yourself, you’re in good company!

Our Daily Bread devotion this morning prompts us to read John 14:1-14 where Thomas admits he doesn’t understand and Philip is terribly confused. These two men were in the same room with Jesus and they struggled to understand who was talking to them.

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9

If these guys had difficulty, I think we’re in good company. The point I’m trying to make today is that one way I hope to read these stories is from a perspective of a non-believer, of one who has not been raised in a Christ-centered home or in a church that talks about Jesus all the time. I’m suggesting we should stop patting ourselves on the back for our amazing knowledge and try to appreciate how someone who is not part of our tribe might read these stories.

Luke gives us two people to consider, both lowly females. In our modern world, this probably doesn’t seem odd, but in the ancient world, women were considered second class citizens. Nonetheless, Luke uses the precious daughter of Jairus to show just how ridiculous Jesus can be:

Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Luke 8:52-55

They laughed at him. Thomas and Philip were confused. Dave has no clue. Are you still with me? How about the person pumping gas next to you this morning? Does he or she understand that Jesus came as God in flesh to reconcile the world to Himself?

Peter, James, and John got to go with Jesus to see the little one come back to life. When I read this story, I have to be filled with awe and wonder–I simply must! If I’m not astounded, I’ve been warming the pews for far too long.

Those outside our spiritual family will join many in laughing at the idea that Jesus actually restored life, healed wounds, fed thousands, etc. They view these stories as fantasies, folklore, imagined events. They have to have that perspective, otherwise they would be wrong in their assertion that Jesus was just another cool preacher and therefore, not necessary for their daily lives.

Our individual ministry is to go out into this dark world and make disciples wherever we are. Lord, help me to be astounded at Your amazing love, at the miracles that you choose to enact, for Your crazy desire to reconcile the world to You through us. May I say something to someone today that would help them move one step closer to you.

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Luke: Jesus Calms the Storm

Read: Luke 8:22-25

Luke tells us a story that begins with “One day…” Most of us know the story about Jesus rebuking the wind and the waves. Beth Ehlert created a video as her song story for Peace Be Still and later wrote the script for a video that became the focal point for Hope Fellowship’s Christmas Worship Night in December 2017.

Both videos prompt us to respond to the question about storms in our lives. How do you respond when your ship is being flooded?

The featured image for this post provides a great example for us to consider. The picture shows an isolated storm from a boat on the same body of water. The sea is calm, yet the storm in the distance is quite substantial. For those in the center of the storm, there seems to be no escape. They can’t see the calmness around them. No doubt their boat is getting swamped!

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24

Remember that day? You know, the time you knew it was all over, your ship was sunk, life is over, some catastrophic event finally crushed you, that moment when all hope was lost. I’m sure we’ve all had those moments, some fresher than others. If you’re reading this post, somehow you survived.

Jesus’ response: rebuke the waves… and the disciples. Did you see that part? Yes, He calmed the sea, that was crazy, but in the same breath:

“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. Luke 8:25

Romans 4 reminds us to consider Abram’s faith as an example to follow. Even before he became the ultimate patriarch, Abraham, he believed God.

Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

When storms are raging around us, it’s important to keep our perspective. For those stuck in the middle of the storm, it’s no fun and it’s definitely real. A boat caught in the center of the thunderstorm in the picture is without a doubt getting hammered, but it will not last forever.

Take a break and watch Beth’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4ta1ze8sFQ

Listen to that voice that begs you to be still and know that God’s desire for your life is for good. There’s no guarantee that every moment will be a walk in the sunshine, but know for certain, His desire is for you to know the fullness of His love for you. With that assurance, have faith. Have so much faith that it spills over into everything you do today.

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Luke: The Word Applied

Read: Luke 8:4-21

The parable of the sower, a lamp on a stand, and Jesus’ mother and brothers — all carefully crafted to help us understand how to apply the Word of God.

Yesterday we talked about Jesus as an itinerant preacher, moving from town to town. Today we read some highlights of His preaching with an emphasis on not just hearing the Word, but doing something with that information.

Jesus tells the parable of the sower, but the disciples are confused, they don’t understand the teaching:

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. Luke 8:9

Kudos to the disciples for having the courage to raise their hand and ask the question that was likely on the minds of everyone. Jesus rebukes them with words from Isaiah, but clearly states the meaning for all to hear (Luke 8:11-15).

Hear With Your Heart

The Word is not something written on scrolls for the elite to access and consume, it is spoken for all to understand. The trick is we need to hear with our hearts, not just the auditory ear to brain function. Notice that the first example suggests the devil steals the Word from our hearts (see the featured image for this post). It doesn’t seem to matter that it’s in our heads, but once it gets into the heart, now it’s a precious commodity worth keeping.

the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12

Some hear and are moved, the Word sinking into their hearts, but before it takes root it is ripped away. This is an incredibly sad scenario.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15

Does this mean we should only speak to those with noble hearts? I don’t think so. I think Jesus is helping us to understand that as we travel about preaching the good news some people will get it, but most will not be ready. He’s encouraging us and depressing us at the same time.

It’s interesting to note that Jesus doesn’t say anything about holding hands or working really hard to convince those on the path, on rocky ground, or in the thorns to hear with their hearts. We don’t change the message for those who refuse to listen. The Word is the Word. Period. Free will is free to choose. Judgment is for God to invoke, not us.

Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Luke 8:18

Our role is to proclaim the good news without shame and without reservation. When we do, we should be prepared for rejection, but that must not deter our responsibility to speak the word.

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

Jesus includes the good soil group in His family, crazy stuff!

He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8:21

For those who have heard with the heart: Welcome to the family!

 

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