Tag: ministry

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Luke: Jesus is Risen

Read: Luke 24:1-12

Finally, the event that overshadows all events in history: Jesus is resurrected! The course of the world is changed from this point forward. Luke provides words that are beyond amazing:

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:5-6

The women came with spices to anoint the body of their beloved friend. They waited as Jewish law forbid they do any work on the Sabbath, let alone touch a dead body. They came in reverence, with great sorrow and humility. The weight of the past few days was heavy on them.

To me, it feels like a train wreck. One moment we were barreling down the tracks, rocking gently as the wheels clacked against the rails then SLAM! Into the mountainside. Crushed. Derailed. Stopped.

To have some inkling of what it must have felt like for these women, my mind wanders into that space of complete despair. From this perspective, the words of angels a great and amazing indeed!

Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:6-8

Then they remembered. Like cold water splashing across your tired face, they woke up!

Yes, they were there with Jesus when He said these things. These women are honored above all as the first to come to the realization that what He said would happen has indeed happened!

They go tell the disciples, the eleven, but it’s impossible to believe. I don’t think this is from a condescending perspective, they knew these women, had been doing ministry with them for months, the disciples were still in shock.

But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Luke 24:11

I’ve never experienced shell-shock, but I understand the concept. An explosion goes off close enough to you that you are temporarily disoriented, unable to process information. That’s my understanding of what the disciples felt.

Then there’s Peter. The one who began mourning for Jesus before the crucifixion, already in deep darkness because of his denials. Peter seized the moment:

Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:12

I love the way Luke paints this picture. Peter is scratching his head, what happened? He wants desperately to believe in that which makes no sense at all. Oh, Jesus, please don’t leave me hanging here for too long!! Show yourself to me!

Luke teases us by writing the Road to Emmaus story before answering Peter’s question, so we’ll have to wait for a bit to get beyond this moment.

This concluding remark is worth reading a few times:

The resurrection was not created by the church; rather, the church was created by the resurrection. See NIVAC below.

The resurrection of Jesus is the defining difference between Christianity and the religions of the world. It is incredible and impossible to believe except by faith.

Lord give us the faith to believe in the impossible, the improbable, the undeniable power of Your work in the world today. Wake us up out of the foggy sleep that holds us back from seeking the lost, the lonely, the least in this world. Fill us with the assurance that You did what You said You would do. Help us to get a tiny foothold on this concept:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

 

 

NIVAC: 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 56014-56015). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Jesus is Buried

Read: Luke 23:50-56

It’s important to appreciate the significance of this short passage: Jesus’ body was dead and buried. Anything short of death would fuel the conspiracy theorists who suggest that Jesus wasn’t actually dead, that somehow He survived the torture and cross. This is nonsense, of course. The Roman soldiers were good at completing their mission of executing people. There is no doubt that they succeeded in their mission.

Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph didn’t agree with the council’s decision, but there was little he could do.

a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action… Luke 23:50-51

Once the execution was complete, he approached Pilate and was allowed to take Jesus’ body. The fact that he has access to Pilate gives me the impression that he was someone of notoriety, at least recognized and respected by the Roman authorities.

The earthly family of Jesus had no special place to bury Him. He would have been buried in a paupers tomb if Joseph did nothing. I imagine this was outrageous to Joseph, to the extent that he was motivated to provide an extravagant burial place. In many ways, this enunciates his disagreement with the Sanhedrin, though he must not have been completely convinced about Jesus’ talk of resurrection. At the very least, he could provide a respectable resting place for this amazing man.

The Women

Luke is constantly reminding us that women are actively involved in ministry.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. Luke 23:55-56

These women followed Jesus throughout His ministry and while they were certainly treated as second-class citizens, they followed Jewish laws in strict obedience. For some reason, the actions of Martin Luther King and the demand for nonviolent protests come to mind. We can protest while remaining obedient and showing respect for authority that is in place if we act wisely.

The women wait for the time to reappear and apply the burial spices. Little do they know what awaits them.

The actions of Joseph and these women remind me that we are called to action, to do that which is right, even when it doesn’t make sense, when we are confused, and even when we are emotionally wrecked. Lord, help us to learn from these examples!

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Luke: Crucifixion

Read: Luke 23:26-49

The crucifixion of Jesus, the horrible torture to death invented by the Romans, was a public spectacle designed to deter people from breaking laws. It literally made no sense for Jesus, He did nothing to earn execution, except that it was required for our redemption.

The gospel writers don’t provide a lot of detail about the process, others have covered that in gruesome detail. Instead, they focus on the people who witnessed the event.

Simon from Cyrene was not looking to become a part of the drama when the soldiers forced him to carry the cross, but he is mentioned by Matthew and Mark as well.

Women are following Jesus through the crucifixion, mourning and wailing unashamedly. He addressed the crowd as He consistently did during His ministry.

Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. Luke 23:28

It’s going to get a lot worse for Jerusalem. We have the historical perspective, but they were living through these events. Hearts were broken by the speed of His faux trial and execution.

Jesus provided an important rhetorical question for the crowd to consider:

For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Luke 23:31

The extreme measure of the crucifixion of the Messiah, when God was there with them, is compared to a time when He is no longer in their midst. If they would crucify Jesus, what would they do to an ordinary person?

The soldiers mocked Him, the rulers sneered, the people watched from their positions of safety. The public spectacle is repulsive. Their participation is indicative of the darkness they hold onto. This is not a human being tortured and killed, this is an entertainment event, something to watch and be reminded of how good our lives are in comparison.

Jesus’ kindness is seen throughout. To the one being crucified with Him who is humble, the man who recognizes the injustice while knowing he is about to die, Jesus offers one last glimmer of hope:

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

The Death of Jesus

Let there be no doubt, Jesus died on the cross. His human body did not somehow survive the torture and pain associated with the methodical process of crucifixion. He died.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

With a loud voice, Jesus silenced the crowd. At least in my imagination, when these words were spoken, everyone stopped, everything was silent. The centurion on duty recognized the significance. Those gathered to witness the event got the message, beat their breasts and left.

But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:49

They watched from a distance. I don’t think this was out of concern for safety, rather, they couldn’t bear to get too close. Those who were mocking and sneering only added insult to injury. From a distance, they could watch and see Jesus, their friend, the Messiah, freely pay the ultimate price for all.

I’m glad I know the rest of the story; otherwise, this would be too much to bear. Honestly, it’s hard enough to write about even knowing what happens next. I hope these words help us all to get a sense of the weight of the burden Jesus bore, of the cost of discipleship, the seriousness of the call we either answer or ignore. There is no in between.

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Luke: Pre-Trial of the Messiah

Luke 22:63-71

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 begin to treat Jesus brutally.

They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him. Luke 22:64-65

For some reason, Joseph Conrad’s, Heart of Darkness, comes to mind. We see here those who are supposed to be most civilized acting with complete disregard for human life. Beating a blindfolded man makes no sense. Mocking and insulting their prisoner is surrealistic, out of step with Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry. And yet it is real.

The council of elders must know this is going on. There is no indication that the guards are bridled in the slightest. The mock trial continues.

Daybreak

Sleep deprivation is one of the most often used techniques for breaking prisoners. If you keep someone awake long enough, they’ll say whatever you want at some point. In this episode, I think the council is losing focus, not Jesus. They are working hard to come up with a case they can present before the Roman authorities since they are trying to put the responsibility for eliminating Jesus on government shoulders.

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” Luke 22:70-71

The entire Sanhedrin finally gets the non-answer that they wanted. By not refuting their claim, Jesus admits He is indeed the Son of God. That seals it for the Jewish leadership. They heard what they wanted to hear.

Darkness

Though it is daybreak, the story turns incredibly dark. In God’s great compassion for mankind, He sent Jesus into the world and only a few received Him. It seems we, as a race, haven’t advanced far from Genesis:

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5

Instead of flooding the earth this time, God provided the perfect sacrifice to save the world. This doesn’t make sense to most people because their focus is on themselves first, lost in the sea of selfish desires.

Lord, help us to step back and see what it is You see, through Your eyes. There are too many times that we are surrounded by darkness. Don’t let our hearts feel the weight of those who would be misled. Instead, fill our hearts with the joy of Your salvation and may this true light be our testimony.

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Luke: Who’s Wife Dilemma and the Sadducees

Read Luke 20:27-40

Enter the Sadducees. Luke inserts the memory of a conversation that includes the Sadducees, along with others. They don’t believe in the resurrection, life after death, spiritual battles, or anything not explicitly written in the first five books of the Old Testament. Their impact on Jewish culture was significant during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, but they ceased to exist as a group when the Romans destroyed the Temple in A.D. 70., about the same time Luke was writing his gospel.

I don’t want to get side-tracked in discussing the Sadducees, but it’s important to dwell on them a bit to appreciate the question and answer to their “who’s wife” dilemma they pose to Jesus.

Consider this modern example. If someone from a highly politically motivated group came to a debate at a church and asked a question that was meant to support their radical beliefs, how would you respond? To make the example a bit more poignant, let’s say the group is a Pro-Life, abortion advocate, trying to secure more funding for Planned Parenthood. Is your blood pressure rising a bit now? In my mind, this is what the Sadducees represent. At this point in history, they had significant political clout. It’s an interesting study, but I’ll hold off for the moment and simply provide a link below if you’re interested.

The Resurrection

The fundamental question in this discussion is that of the resurrection. Is there life after death? Jesus answers the Sadducees question with an argument that undermines their basic belief system. By pointing to Exodus 3:2-6, the burning bush, where Moses hears the voice of God proclaim,

I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Exodus 3:6

Jesus soundly proclaims there is an afterlife.

He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive. Luke 20:38

This has to put them on their heals, scratching their heads, as they wander off, dismissed by the Son of God.

Is there marriage in heaven? Was that really the question? For those who are with Jesus, He provides some insight, even though it is hard to understand beyond some practical reasoning.

But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels
Luke 20:35-36

Since we can no longer die, it makes sense that we don’t need marriage in heaven, nor do we need to continue procreation. Sorry. It’s different in eternity!

But don’t miss the beginning of that quote, “those who are considered worthy…” That had to sting a bit for all to hear.  At first, I suspect the Sadducees were glad to hear that heaven was for a select few until Jesus explained the resurrection in terms of Moses as mentioned above.

There will come a day of judgment, a time we don’t like to dwell on when there will be a separation between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not.

Lord, help us to be a people who are not dissuaded by powerful political people inside or outside of the church. Help us to be a people that are drawn to You, who hear Your message of salvation and the hope You taught in the resurrection for all.

 

 

 

See https://www.gotquestions.org/Sadducees.html for more details.

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Luke: Ten Minas and a Choice

Read: Luke 19:11-27

Interestingly, just after we read about Zacchaeus’ conversion, Jesus continues with a parable that uses money management to make His point. Much like Matthew’s account (Matthew 24:14-30), Luke presents three servants to depict those who do and those who do not. From the outset, it’s important to appreciate this is not a parable of the haves and have-nots. That seems obvious, but I want to make sure we’re at least on the same page there!

There are several things going on at once in this parable. Honestly, I had to read it a few times to grasp some of the subtleties. There are ten servants, though we only hear about three, and there are the master’s subjects whose fate is horrible in the end.

The parable is about the coming day of judgment, a subject we tend to avoid, and about the ultimate authority of Jesus as Lord and Master. For those who are using Multiply as the resource for discipleship, this concept is discussed in the very first chapter, the third question for those trying to wrap their mind around what it means to be a disciple.

Jesus is pretty clear here. We are each given a mission, a ministry if you will. He will be gone for some indeterminant amount of time, but He will return. And when He does, He anticipates we will have done something positive with that which He provided.

The Subjects

Those who have hardened their hearts and have blatantly rejected Jesus will receive ultimate punishment. Don’t read my words, hear what Jesus said:

But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me. Luke 19:27

Their fate is sealed by dismissing Jesus with such brash words in verse 14, “We don’t want this man to be our king.” One comfort I take from this is simply that you and I don’t need to be their judge, Jesus will take care of this in the end.

The Good Servants

Those who invested wisely will be rewarded with even more.

“‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ Luke 19:17

Jesus greatly rewards those who have been trustworthy in small matters. These words provide great encouragement to all who are diligently following Christ with their whole heart. The reward is more than we can imagine.

The Bad Servant

For those who know the master, who have heard the instructions, but have chosen to go the other way, the words are rather harsh.

I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! Luke 19:22

This servant reminds me of many who have the arrogance to stand up against Jesus as if they had greater knowledge or insight. His words make no sense, and his accusation is unfounded, but the master plays along, then uses his own words to condemn him.

I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow. Luke 19:21

If the master were a hard man that reaped where he did not sow, why would the first two servants be rewarded so graciously? There is no indication of hesitation on the part of the master to reward those who did well. No, I’m afraid this wicked servant is making excuses that will not be tolerated.

The socialists complained that giving more to those who already had much was unfair, but Jesus is the judge and final authority, whether we like it or not.

“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Luke 19:26

In Luke’s last parable, Jesus presents a portrait of the end of time. Perhaps I should have named this post, Eschatology Part 2. While I’m looking forward to His return, I hesitate to stop and wonder if I look like the good servants in this parable. Of course, it is my desire to be counted in that group, but my failures seem to take center stage more often than they should. Isn’t this the voice of the deceiver? Genesis 3:1 creeps in uninvited,“Did God really say…”

Lord, may we be the good servants in this parable, those who do what you ask, even when unspecified. Help us to know Your voice and You so well that we naturally do Your will.

 

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/luke-ten-minas-and-a-choice

 

 

This parable has a historical background. Both Herod in 40 B.C. and Archelaus in 4 B.C. went to Rome to receive ruling authority from the emperor. In the case of Archelaus, who was not popular, there was a public outcry not to grant him the position. Rome responded by giving him a less comprehensive mandate— an ethnarchy, not a kingship.2 Part of the captivating interest in this story for Jesus’ original audience was its parallelism to these well-known ancient events.3

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 53677-53682). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

2Josephus, Antiquities 14.14. 1-4, 370-85
3C. Blomberg, Interpreting the Parables, 217-20

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Luke: Zacchaeus – Sought and Saved By Jesus

Read: Luke 19:1-10

Luke presents the wealthy, cheating, scum of the earth, tax collecting thief known as Zaccheus as the center point for teaching us how to reach those who are lost. Well, that’s probably what the people were thinking when they saw him run ahead to climb the infamous sycamore-fig tree.

Jesus is going through Jericho, it’s not His primary target. Zacchaeus gets wind of the occasion and for some reason wants to see Jesus. At this point Jesus’ earthly ministry was well known, I’m sure there were plenty of rumors going around. Perhaps Zacchaeus just wanted to see who this bigshot was for himself, an effort to separate truth from fiction.

This presented a logistical problem and time was of the essence. Jesus is not staying in Jericho, at least that’s not His itinerary, so Zacchaeus comes up with a plan that seems a bit odd to me:

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19:4

As I wonder about these actions, my imagination wanders. Does he have no other way to get a glimpse? How short is he? Was he the bullied child that became a tax collector to get back at people? Did people intentionally turn their backs on him and refuse to let him pass?

And what about the tree? Perhaps this was “the tree” that everyone climbed for processions going through town, common knowledge for anyone growing up in Jericho. But since when do adults go around climbing trees? I know I’m stretching the thought a bit, but on the heels of Luke’s story about the children coming to Jesus, I think of Zacchaeus as one who has childlike faith and enough agility to climb a tree just to get a glimpse of this famous teacher.

His pulse was racing when he saw Jesus. When their eyes met, I wonder if Zacchaeus could even speak. I wonder if he was able to comprehend the words spoken to him by this Rabbi that didn’t seem to care what others thought. Time stood still for a moment. Jesus’ words penetrated his heart.

So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. Luke 19:6

In an instant, Zacchaeus was changed. He vowed to give away half of his wealth and pay back four times as much to those he’s cheated (although he did say, “if”). He didn’t say, I’ll keep half my wealth, though some would like to argue from that perspective. Giving away half of his possessions for the poor is huge! And since he was the chief tax collector there were others who reported to him, so it is likely that by association he may be guilty of cheating many people–precipitous payments were likely. He probably knew of many inappropriate deals, even if he had risen above such, but that didn’t slow him down a step!

Enough of my imagination:

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”Luke 19:9-10

Of course, the people grumbled, Zacchaeus was used to this by now, but his heart was changed. He didn’t suddenly have all the answers, but he acted on faith and was rewarded beyond comprehension. I suspect he became an evangelist for Jericho by his actions more than his eloquent preaching.

Once again we have an example of Jesus not being swayed by the crowds or by politically correct behavior. Instead, He shows us that we must get out into the streets and make ourselves available to those who are lost, those who for a moment might be open to the gospel — even the wealthy.

The church must become the means for restoring the lost and rejected by seeking them out, not by remaining isolated from them. NIV Application Commentary

This is the church I long to be a part of. Lord, help us to be the Church that seeks those who are lost, regardless of social status. Help us to look up, down, left, and right, to find those who are seeking You. Give us the right words to say. Change our hearts as we are drawn to You.

Podcast idea. Let me know if you like this concept

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/luke-zacchaeus-sought-and-saved-by-jesus

NIV Application Commentary
 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 53587-53588). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

 

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Luke: Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time

Read: Luke 18:31-34

In the moment, the disciples are unable to comprehend what Jesus is telling them. It’s so easy to look back and criticize them, but Jesus’ actions were unprecedented, no one did the things He did, well, that is the point, right?

Here in the midst of some amazing teaching, Jesus takes the disciples aside and explains what will happen in the very near future. The scene I envision is one where everything seems to be going well, people are hearing lessons that inspire them to a higher calling.

We often like to portray the disciples as ignorant fishermen, those who have little education. While it may be true that their names are not suffixed with Ph.D., MBA, etc., that does not mean they are unwise. Wisdom is not equal to degrees. This is a reminder to myself as much as anyone!

It’s easy for us to pick up our Bibles and point back in time when Isaiah outlined this present future: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, but that’s cheating! We have the privilege of seeing the past, of pinpointing the verses that are surrounded by lots of details. This is the kind of stuff that makes forensic television shows so popular, where mysteries are completely resolved in 42 minutes (without commercials). Looking back, everything is clear. Not so much in the moment.

Luke is pretty pointed here in his version of Jesus’ third prediction:

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. Luke 18:34

It’s significant to see how Luke points out that Jesus took His disciples aside and told them what was going to happen during their traveling ministry. We have to wait until the end of Luke’s gospel, after the resurrection, to finally get hear these great words:

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

Aha! Finally, they get it! Not so fast, we’re not in chapter 24 just yet.

Allow me to lean into this passage a bit. Many times in our lives we don’t understand what is happening around us. Why certain events happen make no sense — good or bad. The list of confusing interactions in my life is long. We have four daughters. Enough said, right? Seriously, it would be easy to go into despair by overthinking each moment of every day, but that isn’t my point.

Just like the disciples, we have to have faith that God has a plan. Our responsibility is to continue to listen closely and live with the confidence that His will for our lives is better than we could ever imagine. Easier said than done. That’s why we don’t do this alone. Look at the example Jesus gave us and find a group of people you can walk with through the trials and tribulations of your present circumstances. Be one of those people known to be reliable. Pour into others and allow them to speak to you.

Learn from my Exponential friend, Ron Dotzler’s motto: Better Together. We’re not perfect, just better.

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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: 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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