Tag: leader

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Luke: Self-Righteousness and Little Children

Read: Luke 18:9-17

Luke makes a special note to address two particular groups of people in today’s passage: the self-righteous and children. The first comes in the form of a parable, the second is more direct. Both compel us to pause and consider these particular red-letter words from Jesus.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but this time reading through Luke, it’s really interesting to see how he sets up the text in his effort to “write an orderly account for you” (Luke 1:3). In this case:

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable Luke 18:9

The key to success in spreading the gospel seems to hinge on humility. If we believe that God is truly the Creator, that Jesus is truly His Son, and that the Holy Spirit is alive and well within each of those who profess Jesus as Lord, this shouldn’t be difficult. But obviously, it is!

The challenge, of course, is if we call someone out as being self-righteous, we have to wonder if we’re the ones being just a little more righteous than the one at the other end of our pointed finger.

In this parable, Jesus reminds us how not to act as well as how to act by providing two extreme examples. The Pharisees are notorious for their superior knowledge and prominent place in society while tax collectors fall at the other end of the spectrum, known for their arrogance and selfishness. The twist is no surprise to anyone who heard the original story: the sinful tax collector is the hero in this case.

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14

I’m sure we can substitute various people groups in either category, but what I’m wondering about is this, how do we keep from falling into the trap of false humility? This is why we gather as a community of faith, or at least it’s one of the many reasons why we don’t do this alone. This requires honesty and integrity, something that should set Christ-followers apart from the rest of society. I hope this serves as a reminder for all of us because it seems like those inside church walls are no different than those far from Christ. Not something to be proud of in the least!

Then come the children.

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16

We love to pull this out of context, but I’m not here to judge. Lots of signs hang around the children’s departments of churches with this verse — I’m not judging them! I’m only suggesting that Luke put this short section here on purpose. Compared to the Pharisees and the humble tax collector, we need to come before the Creator of the universe like little children. Innocent. Completely trusting.

I hope you look at the featured image on this post and smile. The two children that are hanging onto the hands of this father have complete faith and trust as he swings them around on the beach. What a wonderful time! The memories of joy and laughter fill my mind.

This is how we should approach our glorious Father in heaven. It would never cross the minds of these children to even attempt to reverse the roles. Can you imagine the little boy or girl saying to the father, “let me swing you, daddy!” That would be absurd! Exactly!

Lord, help us to have childlike faith while being bold and humble. It’s so simple to write, much more challenging to live out.

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Luke: Eschatology Lesson One

Read: Luke 17:20-37

Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” Luke 17:35

The Left Behind series, among a host of fiction novels that explore this concept, dive into the end times, those days we look forward to with great anticipation and fear. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll make this all clear for you. (lol).

Luke begins this section with a phrase that previously escaped my attention, “…on being asked by the Pharisees…” At this point in the narrative, the Pharisees seem like the least likely group to want a lesson from Jesus, but here they are again. Somehow Jesus is able to continue wading into a dialogue with those who sought to discredit Him, even to kill Him. He never backed away and somehow kept getting invited to the conversation. Lord, help me to learn how to You did this! How to keep involved, yet remain untainted. Amazing.

His response to the Pharisees is brief. Essentially, He tells them it’s right in front of you, but you are blind to the truth and therefore cannot see it.

the kingdom of God is in your midst.

Done with the Pharisees, though there’s no indication that they were dismissed, the conversation turns to His disciples. Jesus give them a history lesson, one that should inspire us to study what we refer to as the Old Testament. Remember Noah? Remember Lot? Think back on these old stories when people had no idea what was about to happen. Only the faithful were saved. The warning about the flood was boldly presented, but no one believed. Lot was saved, but the people who reveled in their depravity were destroyed in an instant. Jesus recalls these stories to make His point. We should not discount them, nor sweep them under the rug, even if they’re hard to understand.

Remember the stories of old. Learn from them. Don’t count on tomorrow. We simply don’t know.

Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Luke 17:33-34

I don’t like to dwell on eschatology, though I’ve read some books on the subject, years ago! As mentioned before, the subject is fascinating and frightening! Remembering this lesson is meant to encourage us all to take advantage of the few days we have on earth. The brief visit we have in skin.

Time is of the essence. Somehow we have to find balance being anxious and being content. Desperate enough to reach out to the lost, but solid in our faith and immersed in sound doctrine. It’s not easy, but that’s why we don’t do ministry alone. We sharpen each other, hold each other accountable, work together as a team.

In a way, I’m glad it’s not easy. But there are days when I wish each step was well defined. I’m so glad I don’t have to do this alone. How about you?

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Luke: Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy

Read: Luke 17:11-19

Traveling on the border between Samaria (the forbidden) and Galilee (the promised), Jesus encounters a group of men with leprosy. Somehow they heard about His ability to heal this dreaded disease, so they broke the rules and sought Him out, though they were respectful enough to stand at a distance and called out in a loud voice:

Jesus, Master, have pity on us! Luke 17:13

Without missing a beat, Jesus heals them and sends them to return to the priests to be officially accepted back into the community from which they were no doubt ostracized for their uncleanliness.

You would think they would all be overwhelmed with gratitude, praise, and worship beyond words. Not so quick. One of the ten sought out Jesus to show his appreciation. One knew he was clean and fell at the feet of Jesus. One.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19

The wording of Jesus’ response is interesting. The way I read this, Jesus is not looking for any glory at all. Instead, He points to God. I know this is a bit beyond human comprehension, the whole notion of the triune Father-Son-Spirit relationship is challenging, but for those listening, He provides another great example of His desire to follow the will of God.

So should we.

Even if we are foreigners.

It strikes me that we talk about Samaritans here as if we appreciate the implication. For our culture, we might substitute something a bit more relatable like whore, drug dealer, child-molester, Islamic State, Mormon, Wiccan, witch, etc., something to drive home the point that Samaritans were looked down upon as if they were scum of the earth. Obviously, I’m not advocating for anyone in the sample list provided, but let’s get real. We were called to seek those who are lost. I don’t relate to anyone in the list, but I must somehow get my mind wrapped around the idea that God wants all to come into His glory–even those I don’t like to think about!

Years ago I, when I was on active duty in the military in England, I removed myself from chapel leadership because of the presence of the new Base Chaplain. You see, he was a Mormon and was implementing new policies that offended me as a Christian. For example, the Base Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was renamed the Base Holiday Tree. Seriously. Like any other religion has an evergreen tree as its centerpiece. Don’t get me started!

I ran and joined a wonderful group of Christ-following missionaries in a nearby village. I hid myself until one day we had an event in the base chapel where we (five of us) sang an old a capella song as a tribute to someone being transferred back to the States. I sang low bass. After we were done an old lady (I mean this with the best of intentions) came up to me and asked me where I’d been? You see, I was the “song leader” for the chapel prior to the Mormon’s arrival. She flat out rebuked me: “Don’t ever hide your gifts from God again,” she convicted me, “promise me you won’t ever run away again. We needed your leadership while we were going through this dark time!” Ouch!

Glory and gratitude belongs to God alone. I’ll never forget that rebuke and I suspect the disciples will never forget the story of the Samaritan leper who was cured and worshiped Jesus.

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Luke: Sin, Forgiveness, Faith, and Duty

Read: Luke 17:1-10

What is discipleship all about? Sin, forgiveness, faith, and duty. The reading this morning encourages us to look at three aspects of discipleship, well, bullet points from Jesus’ presentation.

  1. Don’t cause someone else to sin: Luke 17:1-3a
  2. Forgiveness: Luke 17:3b-4
  3. Have faith: Luke 17:5
  4. Do your duty: Luke 17:6-10

Causing someone to sin who is under your leadership is a tragedy that will not be overlooked. This is not intended to be a guilt-trip for those with rogue students. From my perspective, this short narrative serves as a strong reminder that we must take our role as discipler seriously. I think it’s reasonable to extend this into other venues, e.g., work, home, etc., since the thought of leading someone astray can arise in many areas, but help me to stay focused as Jesus is speaking to us directly.

This heavy edict is followed quickly by the need to forgive — often. Jesus knows us well. He knows we will continue to trip and fall. The good news is that He not only forgives us, He teaches us to forgive others.

Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them. Luke 17:4

I’m so very thankful for this assertion, and unhappy at the same time. Thankful for those who forgive me, unhappy that I have to forgive someone again and again! I’m just being honest. This is not as easy as it sounds!

This verse always astounds me:

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5

Don’t you find this troubling? The apostles, the very men that walked with Jesus, watched Him perform miracles, saw how He handled religious leaders, these men have to ask Jesus to increase their faith. Their struggle helps me to know I’m not alone. Thanks, Luke, for putting that in there for us!

Jesus’ answer let’s us know that it doesn’t take a certain amount of faith to do amazing things. In other words, don’t wait until you have all of your faith merit badges before you start your ministry!

The last point in this passage addresses those who simply doing their duty. This story depicts a servant that does his job all day, then comes in to serve his master a meal. I want to say, “there, there,” to the servant, take a break, but that’s not his job. He has a responsibility to serve the master his supper.

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. Luke 17:10

Lord, help me to hear what you command and go about doing your business as required. It it my duty. Beyond that, I should not look for rewards or recognition. Help me to work with excellence beyond what is simply required without any promise of earthly reward.

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Luke: Detestable Things

Read: Luke 16:14-18

Just a few verses this morning, a pause between two lessons on money, compels us to rethink our perspective on riches of this world. Luke begins by clarifying that the Pharisees have an unhealthy love of money and their reaction to His lesson on the shrewd manager causes them to “sneer” at Jesus.

I’m no biblical scholar, but with the click of a few buttons I was able to look at the word “sneering” in the NIV translation to discover that the Greek word, ekmyktērizō, to deride by turning up the nose, to sneer at, scoff at*, shows up twice in the Bible. Both times by Luke, once here, and the other time in Luke 23:35 as Jesus is being led to His death on the cross. I’m sure Luke carefully placed this word in this context.

The Pharisees are appalled at the teaching of Jesus to the point that they ridiculed Him.

But God knows your hearts. Luke 16:15b

Those who justify themselves for the glory of man have no place in leadership for Christ’s church. Stern words, perhaps, but can you imagine a sermon based on this key verse:

What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15c

I might change that to “What you value highly…” What we value is detestable to the Creator, The I Am. The Message version of the Bible provides a concise thought here:

So Jesus spoke to them: “You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance. Luke 16:14-18

While this isn’t a lesson on marriage, Jesus uses divorce and adultery as prime examples to hammer the point home: we should be a people of integrity and we should have our priorities in order.

Lord, help us to run from detestable things that evoke such strong words of discipline from You. May we be people of integrity, different from the world, true in character, and full of love and compassion.

 

*https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1592&t=NIV

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Luke: Forgiveness and Grumpy People

Read: Luke 15:11-32

One of the most familiar stories in the Bible, otherwise known as the prodigal son. This is every parent’s nightmare as well as every parent’s fantasy. Not that our children would squander whatever we give them, but that they would one day realize just how much we love them and the extent to which we will go for them. And then, the real prayer, that they would understand the bigger story in the story and see God the Father and His relentless pursuit of His children.

Two sides of this story revolve around the prodigal son. Jesus is reaching out to those who are lost, as in the two previous parables, and celebrates when the lost are found. The feast is open to all, yet there are those who would find fault, criticize, and openly fight against such forgiveness.

Grumpy People.

Do you agree that the older brother is a metaphor for the Pharisees? Perhaps for the pious church leaders of today that have strings attached and conditions for acceptance rather then complete forgiveness. It’s messy to forgive someone who’s squandered all that’s been given to him. It certainly requires discernment, but my prayer is that my reliance on discernment isn’t the same as the older brother in this story.

The younger son had to be completely broken before he realized what he had in his hands all along. He had no idea that he would be accepted when he returned, but he humbly returned anyway. After it all fell apart, the memory of a loving family flooded his mind. A safe place where servants and sons were cared for. Is our home that inviting? Is our church willing to forgive that much? Are we the beacon of hope Jesus talks about?

Forgiveness.

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32

Jesus talks about forgiveness quite often. Maybe it’s easy for Him, after all, He’s been around forever. But wait, aren’t we more than mere mortals? If we get a tiny glimpse of what it means to be an eternal being, one with the Father for all eternity, perhaps then we too can be a people that forgives like Jesus. The epitome of Christlikeness.

Lord, I want to be one known for love and compassion, one who is quick to forgive completely — just like You.

Happy Good Friday.

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Luke: Rejoicing for the One Who Repents

Read: Luke 15:1-10

Make no mistake, Jesus’ call to discipleship is serious and it begins with repentance. The decision to repent is significant. The first domino to fall in a succession of events we like to call sanctification. Luke recalls two of the many parables Jesus used to teach this point: the lost sheep and the lost coin.

Before we jump in, let’s not miss the prompt for these two lessons:

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. Luke 15:1

Jesus is once again mingling with those who are looked down upon by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He hangs out in places where they gather, eats with them, knows them by name — and they know Jesus. The true “least of these” are those who are lost. They might be wealthy or poor, part of a big family or an orphan. Whatever the social status, Jesus sees through the facade, straight to the heart, and knows them.

His first call is to repentance, to find those who are lost.

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. There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.Luke 15:7, 10

Two Parables, One Lesson

Lately, we’ve been singing Reckless Love, a wonderful song that embraces the overwhelming reckless love of God. Part of the chorus comes from the parable of the lost sheep where Jesus explains what everyone in the crowd gather knows is true: when a sheep wanders away, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go and find it. Likewise, the woman who loses her silver coin doesn’t rest until she finds the lost coin. In both cases they, along with their friends, celebrate! This is a great day! The lost are found!!

Invest Time With the Lost

How can we expect to find those who are lost if we don’t invest time with them? And by investing time, I mean building relationships, not preaching at them. I can imagine screaming at the wandering sheep as it bolts away from the heard — not very effective.

In our busy schedules, our crazy lifestyle of go, go, go, until we drop, have we spent time with the ninety-nine or the one? Have we counted nine silver coins over and over again, or have we turned on the lights to find the one?

Suppose one of you…

These two short stories begin with the phrase, “Suppose one of you…” Think about it. Act on the thought. Love God. Love yourself. Love others. Go find the one and let’s celebrate!

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Luke: Jesus and the Pharisees Again

Read: Luke 14:1-24

Once again we see Jesus addressing the Pharisees. After rolling my eyes and a deep sigh, I jumped into the passage with the expectation of reading a lesson for the ancient religious leaders and its relevance to today’s church. While that is evident – something not to miss – this morning I was drawn to the fact that Jesus is still interacting with the Pharisees. Why is that?

Look at the beginning words:

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, Luke 14:1

This passage involves a Sabbath and a prominent Pharisee. Jesus was apparently invited by this Pharisee and He accepted the invitation. Let’s stop there and learn something from the implication. At this point we’ve read about several interactions with this small, but significant group or religious leaders. Luke includes the Pharisees in each of the last three chapters, a total of 28 times in the gospel.

Here’s the thought: Jesus cares about the Pharisees. If Jesus cared about them, so should I.

While the Pharisees don’t exist as a group today, legalistic leaders certainly do. It’s also very likely that we wear the robe of a Pharisee with our own set of rules, most of which we are not aware of. You see, we are a privileged people who are proud of choices.  We choose what to watch, what to wear, when to come, and when to go. All that’s well and good, but we also choose who to do all the above with. We select friends that are compatible with us, who watch things we watch and wear things we wear. We’ve become biased. We’ve become Pharisees.

Unless we make an intentional effort to seek those who are not like us, we will no longer be salt.

Lord Jesus, You healed another person on the Sabbath and the Pharisees watched in silence, unable to respond to your questions. You invite those to Your banquet who cannot possibly repay the lavish generosity, while the privileged list excuses why they cannot attend. Yet You invite us anyway.

May we get excited about this idea:

‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Luke 14:22

There is still room.

There is still room, so let this be the day we make friends with someone who doesn’t look like us, one who doesn’t fit in with our crowd. There is still room for the most unlikely.

Jesus knew He would only spend a thousand or so days preaching during His time on earth. If Jesus would take time to give one of those days to the Pharisees, perhaps the song we sang last night should encourage us: So Will I.

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Luke: Lament for Jerusalem

Read: Luke 13:31-35

What breaks your heart? I’m sure you could list a lot of things that move you to a place of serious mourning, especially those of us with children. There’s something special about the parent-child relationship that speaks directly to the heart. In this passage, Jesus laments for Jerusalem, the chosen city. His heart breaks for the people of Jerusalem. Though they were called to be a special people, so many have fallen away that it is no longer the place once hoped for. It’s not the end of the story, but a sad reminder of the reality that sin has tarnished us all.

Jesus is not the least bit dissuaded by the Pharisees’ fake concern for Jesus’ life. Across the translations, Jesus refers to Herod as a fox:

Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal. Luke 13:32

On the third day…interesting. It seems like Jesus is continuing to teach the Pharisees to read their own scrolls and recall the prophecies as they actually apply to Jesus–right in front of them. Most of them don’t get it.

This passage begins as if it’s another discussion with the Pharisees or about the Roman rule, but it quickly changes into a lament as Jesus ponders not only His fate in the coming days, but those who have gone before.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you… Luke 13:34

As we read the Bible as a whole, we see God’s story unfold, His great desire for His chosen people. The geographical center is still in Israel, Jerusalem in particular. Yet the wickedness of the heart of mankind turns what was designed to be a blessing into a painful reminder. Prophets are killed. Those who proclaim the good news are stoned.

Our limited time on earth is challenging. Lord, give us strength to stand when all around us we have excuses to sit. May we be known as one who comes in the name of the Lord, may we long to hear Your blessings, and may that lead us to action:

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Luke 13:35

 

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Luke: Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Read: Luke 13:10-17

While my focus in this post will center on the leaders, I don’t want to lose the excitement surrounding this amazing event. Jesus, full of compassion, reaches out to a woman who has lived with a crippling infirmity for 18 years. In an instant, her body was restored, she could stand tall again. Lord, don’t let me miss the miracle in the debate. Jesus healed this woman through His miraculous touch.

Crippled By A Spirit

Luke was a physician by vocation, so the insertion of this phrase, “crippled by a spirit,” is significant. We fight battles in the spiritual world we know little about. I’m sure you’ll agree with me in this assertion: that which is unseen is far more dangerous than that which we can see. But that is difficult to explain and hard to express to those who are far from God, let alone Christ followers.

The NIV Application Commentary pointed to C.S. Lewis’, Screwtape Letters, as a troubling reminder of the battlefront in spiritual places. In the preface of this incredible book, Lewis draws us into the conversation:

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. Readers are advised to remember that the devil is a liar.C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

The last statement is an important reminder, “the devil is a liar.”

Leadership

Jesus is stern with the Jewish leadership. They are lost in their pious attitude and react with some crazy notion that miracles are only performed Monday through Saturday, as if they have ever healed anyone!!

The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Luke 13:15

Seriously, it’s ok to tend to an animal, but not touch someone? Even more, why not release someone from bondage on the Sabbath as an even greater example for the people.

Here’s a thought: By healing her, she can now rest. This will be her first real Sabbath in 18 years!

 

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Luke 13:17

Is it possible that we are so steeped in our religiousness that we might make the same mistake as our Jewish forefathers? Are we out of touch with the people to the point that we can’t celebrate with them? Have we elevated ourselves as shepherds and teachers so far above the crowd that we no longer see people?

It seems we’re back to the concept of choices. In this case, the people fully embrace the beauty of the moment while the leaders are lost and searching the Shabbat for an escape clause.

 

 

Reference from the NIV Application Commentary:

Jewish tradition was particular about Sabbath labor. In the Mishnah, the book of Jewish tradition from the late second century, we are given a list of thirty-nine activities prohibited for the Sabbath (Shabbat 7: 2). Other texts outline the limits for how one handles cattle on the Sabbath (Shabbat 15: 1– 2; 5: 1– 4; ʿErubin 2: 14). The rules are specific, though it is not clear precisely which rule Jesus has violated. All he has done is to address the woman and touch her.

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 51527-51531). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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