Creative Space for Wanderers
In the last post, our focus was on Peter’s denials and his reaction to the realization that what Jesus said previously was not symbolic–it was very real. During these pre-morning scenes, Jesus is aggressively questioned by the high priests who have already decided His fate. It seems the guards pick up the scent as they …
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: 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: I ordered a new set of reading glasses this morning, something I need, pretty common for people my age. My distance vision is great, but when I read, it’s a strain. This is quite a switch from when I was very young and couldn’t see the board at school. Eye doctors quickly figured out …
Read: Luke recalls a time when Jesus had the opportunity to interact with an authority figure, someone who carries the title “ruler.” Matthew’s account of this interaction notes this is a “young” ruler (), someone of social and civic prominence. It never ceases to amaze me how Jesus gets into these conversations. He gets invited …