Tag: Luke

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Luke: A House Divided Cannot Stand

Read: Luke 11:14-23

We’re getting deeper and deeper into challenging concepts from Jesus that confused the original Jewish leadership while making modern theologians search for answers. In this case, Jesus is casting out a demon and fields objections by those in the crowd:

But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” Luke 11:15

The first argument provided by Jesus is straight-forward: why would Satan go about driving out his own demons? The logic is impossible to refute. I suspect there were lots of heads nodding in agreement as the “aha” moment sinks in.

But Jesus isn’t done yet. Since He has their attention He continues to explain that while it’s obviously not Satan, or Beelzebul, it must be from somewhere else. Here is both a challenge along with an answer. Verse 19 asks a penetrating question: “Whom do your followers drive out demons?” The direct implication puts them on the spot. Do they try to drive out demons? Crickets.

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Luke 11:20

The phrase, “kingdom of God has come upon you” is critical. The way I read this Jesus is telling the people gathered at that time this significant truth, which of course applies today just as well: here, right in front of your eyes, you are seeing God’s work.

You’ve seen it, now you must make a decision. Jesus makes it clear:

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Luke 11:23

Either in or out, there is no in between.

We are constantly confronted with the notion that there are lots of ways to God; many religions, but all the same God. Many have adopted this perspective, but Jesus is clear, there is only one way to the Father. It’s not about being a snob, it’s simply about understanding the truth.

Lord, we are with you! Help us to see how to gather with you today!

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Luke: Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Read: Luke 11:1-13

The Twelve disciples have watched Jesus pray on many occasions. Finally, they stop and ask Him to teach them just as John taught his disciples. What a lesson on discipleship!

I love the fact that Luke captures the expanded lesson in the text here. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide as Matthew provided. Here are some words to follow along with a parable that explains why and how to pray. It seems simple, but the reminder is significant.

Begin with remembering what most Christians take for granted: we have a Father that is to be revered and worshipped. He alone is worthy of praise. Pray for daily bread, for forgiveness of sins, the great need to forgive others, and for wisdom to keep us from temptation. Pray and believe.

Shameless Audacity

I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:8

Would someone describe you as one with shameless audacity? In a recent conversation with a close friend, I had to confess feelings of complacency, I was neither happy or upset about a particular subject. This is a scary place to be as one who is a fully devoted follower of Christ. The great tempter smiles at complacency and cowers at the mention of audacity.

Do you have a friend who is shameless? Whose audacity drives you nuts? If so, I would say you have a true friend. Sure, there are times to sit around the camp fire and sing kumbaya, but I’m one who needs to be stirred to action much of the time. We all know John 3:16, but do you know Revelation 3:16? Same author, very different idea.

Audacious Love of Christ

We are beyond blessed to know that we live with the Holy Spirit inside of us, that our presence here on earth counts for something, in spite of our shortcomings.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

Oh, the reckless love of Christ! How beautifully wonderful it is to read these words. How important and significant it is to share this with all we meet, wherever we are, whatever we are doing.

Lord, thank you for teaching us to pray and for these incredible reminders. Don’t let us be lukewarm. Turn up the heat!

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Luke: Martha and Mary

Read: Luke 10:38-42

Of all the stories Luke has to choose from, and I’m sure there were literally hundreds, he selected a scene were two sisters appeared in conflict. In an age where women were minimalized overtly, we are asked to consider who is doing the most important thing. Martha takes charge while Mary doesn’t say a word, and apparently didn’t do anything to lend a hand in preparation for Jesus’ visit.

Before we get too critical of Martha, we need to consider that she took the initiative and opened her home to Jesus and the disciples.

…he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. Luke 10:38

The event seems much more impromptu than something planned for days. Martha and Mary probably heard they were coming through when Martha decided to make her home available. This is a good thing.

But the point of opening her home was not for the home itself. The point was to meet with Jesus. Mary saw this opportunity and was all in, while Martha was busy trying to “cook the casserole” as Albert Tate embellished.

Martha isn’t the shy one in the story, to say the least, so she confronts Jesus:

She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40

She “asked” with the expectation that Jesus would send Mary to the kitchen to help. Jesus lovingly rebukes Martha with words I hope I can learn to take to heart:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Look at how we “do” church these days, perhaps how we do anything. How many times are we so focused on the preparations that we miss the time of gathering?

I definitely have a Martha-complex when it comes to events. I get so focused on preparation that I often miss out on the interaction for which the event was created. It’s necessary, to a point, but this passage convicts me and challenges me to stop worrying about many things and focus on the few, or indeed the one thing that is needed. Guilty.

Albert Tate used this text to open the main session at Exponential 2018 just a ten days ago (time flies). I’d love to just insert his talk here, it will definitely be one to see when we get the Digital Access Pass, but one of his main points is simply this:

Are you living for your resume or are you living for your eulogy?Albert Tate

As we settle into the rhythm of ministry, whatever titles are attached to our names, I hope we focus on the one thing that really matters and let go of the busyness that creeps in to control our lives. We need to learn to think differently, as Albert reminded us, to focus more on being a hero maker than shining the light on ourselves.

Lord, there is much to do each and every day. Help us to help each other to remember the better thing, even the best thing to do at any given moment.

 

Albert Tate is the founder and lead pastor of Fellowship Monrovia. Hearing the call from God, Albert and his wife LaRosa planted Fellowship Monrovia a Gospel-Centered, Multi-Ethnic and Intergenerational church in January 2012.

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Luke: The Good Samaritan

Read: Luke 10:25-37

This is probably one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, both in and out of church walls. A guy gets beat up, snobs walk by, then an undecorated hero steps in and helps the guy without any fanfare or hope for something in return. End of story, with one exception:

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37

Let’s rewind the story and look at the beginning. The “expert in the law” was not confused about helping someone in need, he was asking about something much more significant:

he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25

Jesus takes advantage of this lawyer by showing him he already knew the answer but is unwilling to do something with that knowledge. The lawyer wanted to quibble over the term “neighbor” to justify his narrow focus on who he is obligated to serve.

How many terms do we want to define for our perfectly happy little world? Maybe it’s just me. Dave’s dictionary has lots of definitions that allow me to sleep at night. Would you like to see the list? Ha! That’s not going to happen. Thanks for asking.

Jesus constantly points to a simple four-letter word that we struggle to understand: love.

I can’t get away from the word love. It keeps popping up in every context. I read The Forgotten Way, and Dekker talks about love. I teach a class on Spiritual Gifts and serving in the church, and end with 1 Corinthians 13. Jesus is cornered by an expert who knows he is simply supposed to love God and love others.

The theologian in us is quick to explain, “In the Greek, there are five different definitions of love: agape, eros, …” Now I bet you read that last sentence and said, no Dave, there are four, not five. I tricked you by showing you just how much of a learned scholar you are!

C.S. Lewis wrote, The Four Loves, to give us insight. I’m not going to argue with such an incredible mind. I’m only suggesting there is a fifth definition of love: love. Mix all four of the preceding definitions and learn to love one another. Now go and do likewise. Stop defining it, explaining it, debating it, and justifying it — go out and love God, love yourself, and love your neighbor. (Who said I wasn’t allowed to preach from time to time!)

What must I do to inherit eternal life? In Christ we can confidently answer, Done. We have received the Holy Spirit. Christ is in us. This mortal body we are privileged to possess is temporary, right?

Here’s a question to ponder, when does eternal life begin? Another trick question, I know. Grab your Greek dictionary or Google “eternal” and start enjoying eternity now.

God, please help me to stop justifying actions as I qualify people and circumstances. Help me just to recklessly love the way you did. Teach me how it makes sense to leave the ninety-nine behind and pursue the one who is lost. Rid me of my desire for self, my pride, my status, and help me to simply move in Your direction.

[Read the rest of the story here…]

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Luke: Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

Read: Luke 10:1-24

Luke’s masterful writing and arrangement of the text gives us a narrative that’s quite compelling. I love how the first two words of this chapter sets up the significant story:

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1

After this…after challenging people to consider the cost of discipleship, after checking all the excuses for not following Jesus, after the dead are buried, the family and friends considered, auto-payment setup, after this — we can get going.

The first nine chapters have been a whirlwind — things are about to start getting very interesting as the perfect ministry of Jesus is handed to a small number of people compared to the masses of those who heard Jesus preach, teach, and heal.

I wonder what it was like to be one of the seventy-two appointed by Jesus himself. Let that sink in for a minute.

Coach Jesus sends out his selected few with great words of encouragement, ending with:

“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16

Boom! When we pray as a worship team before stepping out on stage, we follow the amen with, “ready, break,” and all clap our hands once in unison. When I read these words, I imagine the group in a big circle listening to their coach, eager to get out into the mission field: ready…break!

Giddy with excitement, perhaps, they bolt off to proclaim the great news of salvation for the world.

What is at stake is the destiny of every person who hears the gospel. There is no room for the suggestion that one does not need the forgiveness Jesus offers or that somehow sin is passé. That is why Jesus tells his messengers to make clear that God’s blessing rejection is at stake. NIVAC Reference below

Mission Number One Complete

It’s encouraging and exciting to read the words Luke provides to describe the results of the first mission:

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Luke 10:17

These words are some of the most encouraging words in the entire New Testament. Jesus is filled with joy and the excitement has to be overwhelming!!

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. Luke 10:23

Be encouraged you ministers of gospel. Amen. Amen. Amen!

 

Reference: 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 50041-50043). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: The Cost of Following Jesus

Read: Luke 9:57-62

The last few days of February are upon us. Hard to believe! Here we are at Exponential in Orlando and the last paragraph in chapter 9 reminds us that the cost of following Jesus is higher than we can imagine. Luke provides three examples of men who physically encountered Jesus with the proclamation: I will follow You!

In the first example, we get the impression that the man who met Jesus was turn off by His response:

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58

Following Jesus means you might have to leave your place of comfort, your home, your pillow, etc. Birds and beasts have a place to call home, but not the Son of Man. Mic drop.

In the second example, Jesus extends an invitation:

He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Luke 9:59

The man’s response disqualifies him for service. It seems a bit harsh, but I suspect Jesus is looking deeper into the man’s heart, clearly seeing his motivation.

The third declares his desire, but only after saying goodbye to his family.

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

In my mind, these are just a few examples. I can come up with another dozen or so reasons not to follow Him today, at this moment.  How about you?

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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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