Tag: Luke

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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: Go Tell Everyone How Much God Has Done For You

Read: Luke 8:26-39

Who asked this question?

“What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” Luke 8:28

If someone that is possessed by a legion of demons can approach Jesus with this level of honor and recognition, where does that leave us?

Sure, we can talk about the pigs and the townspeople, their reaction to the event, but here’s my suggestion today. Begin your prayer time by asking the question of an insane man from 2,000+ years ago:

What do you want with me today? 

Don’t be afraid when you hear the command:

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:39

Follow the lead of a crazy man that found Jesus.

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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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Luke: Jesus, the Itinerant Preacher

Read: Luke 8:1-3

Just a short segue between stories, Luke adds some interesting detail about the preaching and teaching tour of Jesus. Back in the old days, even before my time, the idea of circuit-riders or itinerant preachers modeled their ministry based on this idea:

Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Luke 8:1

He traveled with The Twelve, no surprise, but He also traveled with women that supported the ministry:

These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:3

The thought of a band of travelers preaching the Gospel is compelling, challenging, and interesting to imagine. The fact they were supported by women who were able to support themselves is quite intriguing! Apparently, they were not slaves of men, but independent and self-assured adults that they didn’t need to be center stage to be effective.  They enabled the gospel to spread by supporting the men without much fanfare at all. Luke names a few for us to remember, but I’m sure their support was significant–just not the main point. They humbly served behind the scenes. I like that.

It wasn’t, however, a traveling magic show. While Jesus performed miracles all over the place, that was obviously not the crux of His travels. This is significant in my mind because Jesus did not miraculously (or magically) produce shekels, mina, or talents when they needed money to buy food or pay for lodging. He didn’t miraculously make dinner every night. Instead, He and The Twelve relied on the generosity of others, in particular, these women.

I have no doubt He could have chosen a different path, but that would not be reproducible–we could not model His behavior. Jesus leads us by example. He demonstrates how to make disciples, how to invest into people, how to spread the good news even without intervention.

We only get a glimpse, a handful of days and stories to consider, as Luke picks memories that are most helpful for us to consider. Day after day, Jesus and His band traveled about talking to real people about real problems. Just humans loving on humans. He could have come in on a helicopter with loud speakers announcing the end of all time (or else), but He chose to walk from village to village with dusty sandals and dirty hands. Nothing fancy. No private jets or extravagant hotels. Somehow their basic needs were taken care of by friends and relations they created along the way.

Unless I missed something, Jesus never said, “build a 100,000 square foot building here…” or anything that came close to confusing a building with a cause. Not that we don’t need places to meet, I get that, but we must figure out a way to understand the difference between a place of worship and being the church. Please pray that we get a sense of what the Spirit wants us to do in this regard.

Lord, thank you for those who faithfully supported Your earthly ministry and those who support ours. May our faith increase as we attempt to spread the good news, the GREAT news, to those around our towns and villages.

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Luke: Your faith has saved you; go in peace

Read: Luke 7:36-50

Today, we get to revisit Mark: Jesus Anointed at Bethany from a different perspective and at a different time. This is not during passion week, not just before Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, so it seems this is a separate event that ends with a different emphasis near the beginning of Jesus’ traveling ministry.

The passage we read in Luke ends with, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” For some reason, I’m stuck on that sentence. It seems likely that Luke places this story here quite intentionally, though different from Matthew, Mark, and John — all recall this scene as Jesus foresaw. After examples of a centurion’s faith, the widow’s son, and John the Baptist, we are taken to a Pharisee’s home to witness a sinful woman’s faith. How incredible!

Simon the Pharisee

Jesus demonstrates the width of His ministry in this story by accepting an invitation to dinner with a Pharisee. That alone is interesting and revealing. We don’t know if Simon was looking for some insider information or if he was starting to lean toward Jesus’ teaching, though the former seems likely. In any case, Jesus shows up. Lord, help me to just show up in the right place at the right time!

The NIV Application Commentary adds a bit of backstory for consideration. In those days, when a public figure was invited to dinner, the front door of the house remained open to allow the public to hear what was said–it was an event, not a private affair. The woman in the story takes advantage of the opportunity, but steps across the line to wipe Jesus’ feet with her hair. Simon kept his distance as he considers the offensive event:

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Luke 7:39

I have to be honest, I love when people are talking to themselves, thinking Jesus has no clue, then He turns to them and addresses their concern as if they spoke out loud. I can imagine Simon took a step back when Jesus looked at him and offered a parable to help him understand. He wisely responds, “tell me…”

The Parable

Two people are forgiven their debts: both quite a lot, but one ten times as much. Jesus asks Simon a simple question:

Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Luke 7:42

It’s interesting to try and quantify the amount of love offered to the one who forgave the debt, but Simon gets the point, so I don’t think dwelling on the thought of loving more is appropriate, just something to let sink in a bit.

Yes, Jesus, the one who was forgiven more. Simon wins the Sunday School prize.

Simon’s Rebuke

Simon didn’t expect Jesus to tie the story to the offensive woman. Jesus points out that Simon didn’t greet Him with a customary kiss, nor did he wash His feet or offer perfume for His head. Instead, this notoriously sinful woman performs this incredible service.

Sins Forgiven

Here’s the crux of the story: because she showed such deep faith, Jesus forgave her sins. This is a mic-drop moment during dinner. The other Pharisees heard that, if nothing else, and are now in a tizzy.

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Luke 7:49

It’s funny that they’re talking amongst themselves when Jesus is standing right there. Cowards! Ask the question! Nope. I suspect this is a sub-theme that Luke chose to weave into his writing, letting us see that there are those watching and keeping score in secret.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Jesus knew their thoughts as well. His response has nothing to do with the doubters. Jesus accepts the woman’s offering and turns to her:

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:50

Not her perfume, though that was expensive. Not her tears or wiping His feet, though that was appreciated. Her faith is more important than any thing she did.

Lord, may we do what is right, what is honorable, these things are important, but please increase our faith as we battle this crazy world!

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Luke: Jesus Affirms John the Baptist

Read: Luke 7:18-35

Affirmation. We all need to be affirmed by qualified sources, those whom we esteem to be an authority in our particular ministry. A car mechanic might not think working on the fuel injection system is a ministry, but I beg to differ! Everyone is a minister, each is an evangelist for that which they are wired to serve. I think we long for assurance that what we’re doing at this moment is the right thing, that it’s meaningful and important; otherwise, why do it?

Why should I type these words? Is it worth the time invested? The difference between good and great is often the affirmation that the task has some enduring impact.

In this morning’s passage, we’re somewhat shocked to read that John the Baptist actually needs some assurance that Jesus is who he’s been preparing the way for, that his ministry was on target and effective. I’m pretty sure John knows that his days are numbered. In light of his eminent execution, he wants to leave the world knowing he hit the target.

The way Jesus handles this situation models how we should disciple others, how we lead by honoring those who are doing their part for growing the kingdom, no matter how seemingly insignificant. This is not a simple pat-on-the-back, nor is it insincere, but I think it’s exactly what John needed to hear, as well as the others that Jesus addresses.

Are You Sure?

Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Luke 7:18-19

John the Baptist was a prominent, notable figure in his day. Many people knew about his ministry and were compelled to be baptized by he and his disciples in response to his message.  Jesus even submitted to baptism by John. Perhaps while he is in chains, thanks to Herod, he thinks about the prophesies of the Messiah, how He will come and change the world. In those dark moments in prison, I wonder if John started to imagine how he would like to see the Messiah, his definition of who Jesus should be.

In sports, we refer to this as taking your eye off the ball, missing the catch because you were watching the oncoming defender or swinging at a ball that is nowhere to be found. Strike!  Fortunately, there are three strike to an out and four downs in a series–we get another chance.

John takes a swing and sends two for verification. Did he doubt? Yes. If the cousin of Jesus had doubts, rest assured your doubts are in good hands.

Jesus Responds

“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard…Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Luke 7:22-23

He could have said lots of things, but Jesus is proud of John, He is pleased with his ministry and is careful in his rebuke in verse 23, but make no mistake, Jesus smacks him for asking. And Peter and Thomas a bit later on. And you and me.

Here’s the thing, Jesus is completely truthful, but he has no desire to squash John or us. The mirror must reflect what it sees, but poorly created mirrors distort reality. Jesus is pure and perfect, yet chooses words carefully to show His appreciation for John while using his question as a teachable moment for those gathered. Cool stuff!

Children in the Marketplace

I love the parenthetical statement that Luke provides in Luke 7:29-30, but the Pharisees…

Jesus provides a parable of finger-pointing kids arguing for no valid reason. The Pharisees and teachers of the law have no clue. They refused to be baptized for sure, but more than that, they refused to see what was right in front of them.

Greg Wiens loves to talk about finding your A-Game. This is based on introspective analysis that is most useful when viewed from those who know us best, our friends and associates. It’s often difficult to see if one is really working within their greatest strengths and gifts. There is great value in affirming a brother or sister in Christ, providing appropriate feedback that they are doing what they are called to do.

Who should you affirm today?

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