Tag: ministry

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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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Luke: What Credit is That to You?

Read: Luke 6:27-49

Love your enemies, don’t judge others, the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, here the words and do what Jesus commanded.

Somewhere there’s a sign for the wall with these short phrases that summarize so much of Jesus’ teaching. The original audience that heard these words for the very first time were amazed at the teaching and very likely confused by the concepts. I’m confident that Jesus unpacked each point carefully with the crowds of people gathered around.

Here’s the main point: The love that Jesus is preaching is a love of action, not merely words. We are to take action and do what He says, not just sit and take notes.

You can stop reading now. That’s the gist of this post.

Love Your Enemies Luke 6:27-36

There are those who love you, who are good to you, and those who you will lend things to — even those who are completely evil. Big deal! Jesus makes it clear: we are to love our enemies.

If He said this just once, or with some caveats, we could walk away from the idea, but Jesus makes it clear that His ministry is about action, about doing things that are uncomfortable by earthly standards.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Luke 6:35

Jesus sets the bar high. It’s no wonder that the number of disciples thinned out as He preached. But to those who heard these edicts and responded, life on earth changed. What if a group of people decided to adopt these principles as they went about their daily routines? Could we change the culture around us?

Judging Others: Luke 6:37-42

Don’t judge or condemn. Practice forgiveness and give generously. Rest assured that your reward is greater than you can appreciate. This is easy to type, much harder to put into action because these are essentially responses to events.

Easy to do if we stay at home, surround ourselves with friends and family, avoid those who are difficult to get along with. That’s the secret, right? Nope. I don’t believe we were called to live the “safe” life. I think we were meant to get dirty, to go out and change the world by getting into the mess, joining the fray, making mistakes, risking too much for the sake of Christ — all based on love of others.

It’s much harder to withhold judgment when we get out into the real world where sinners outnumber the saints. But isn’t this what Jesus expects us to do?

A Tree and Its Fruit: Luke 6:43-45

Right after talking about judging others, Jesus is careful to remind us that our actions reveal our heart:

Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. Luke 6:44

It doesn’t do any good to wear a shirt that says, “I’m not judging you!” What we do will ultimately be seen, the results speak for themselves.

The standard is high, some days too high for me. We sang the song, Seasons, yesterday. It reminds me that we go through times of trial, cold winters that linger far too long. I needed to hear that…well, perhaps not past tense, I need to know that. Winter can be hard. Branches are bare, nothing green in sight. We need to be confident that the roots are being nourished even when the branches are brittle, that spring is sure to come–eventually. Accept this promise, help me to know Jesus is always faithful.

The Wise and Foolish Builders: Luke 6:46-49

There is a way to build a house, to create anything that will last. It requires digging deep and starting with a solid foundation. Sometimes this isn’t as easy to do as we would think. Some people keep digging deeper, looking for the rock, caught up in the effort, but getting nowhere. Perhaps we dig in the wrong place at times. Lord, help me to know when it’s time to relocate the building!

Lots of words. Random thoughts. Now it’s time for action. Lord, help us to be a people of movement, confident You are there to support and guide us. Jesus, we love You. Help us to go and share that with others, especially those who are not like us!

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Luke: Legalism Concerns – Fasting and the Sabbath

Read: Luke 5:33-6:11

“They said to Him…” begins the reading for today and one of my recurring nightmares: will I be counted as one of them? Am I in the “they” group? Jesus wants us all to be part of His family, but He is not about checking boxes to gain acceptance, that would be easy, He is about transforming hearts. The transformation begins with the one I see in the mirror.

This morning, we’ll pick on the Pharisees and teachers of the law for a bit. They don’t get it at all. They’re caught up in their world of legalism even more than we’re caught up in our church world that’s so focused on the Sunday production that at times, sometimes far too often, we have no clue. The animosity between Jesus and the religious right begins to simmer in these passages. Luke will shift to teaching for a while, but wants us to see that at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, “they” were watching, taking notes, and building their case. They’re always looking from the outside.

My prayer is we don’t become they.

Jesus Questioned About Fasting: Luke 5:33-39

This starts off with a simple question for clarification about fasting, or so it seems. Those who were being faithful to following their list of rules knew that fasting was something you were supposed to do, so they ask Jesus why His disciples are disobeying rule #___.

Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” Luke 5:34-35

Ok, that just went right over their heads! They were looking for something more concrete and Jesus starts to explain something about a wedding celebration. They are scratching their heads, so He explains with a parable.

No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. Luke 5:38

My strange sense of humor sees them nodding in agreement: yep, that’s how you work with wine and wineskins, makes sense. But what about the fasting question? Luke lets that just slip on by. As we will see, their question is irrelevant, yet reveals their heart, their motivation. I think that’s the main point.

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath: Luke 6:1-11

One Sabbath, then another, and another. Luke likes to point out when Jesus is teaching on the Sabbath, healing, loving, doing life on the day which is supposed to be a day of rest.

Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5

I’m confident that God is serious about taking a day off, no doubt; otherwise, it wouldn’t make the top-ten list. We know from those who have invested a lot of time into researching the ways of the Pharisees, they had hundreds of rules about everything. I’d love to see a mindmap about these rules, how they centered on the Ten Commandments and branched off into rules about rules, etc. The geeky part of me would be fascinated by looking at 600+ segments. I can easily get distracted!

In this passage, Jesus makes a point of teaching the Pharisees in particular that He is above their rules. He can sense their confusion, so He heals a man with a shriveled right hand in front of everyone. No hiding, no call to step behind the curtain. Jesus wants to make a point.

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” Luke 6:9

I really think He’s really giving them a chance to see the err of their ways more than poking them in the eye. Their reaction reveals their heart, they become furious about Jesus’ actions and miss the fact that this man has been healed and quite likely can now begin to provide for his family.

Are we they?

I hope not, but don’t be too quick to answer. This is why we have each other, to hold each other accountable, but not a checklist. Checklists are for the head. Please tell me when I’m acting like a Pharisee! Let me know when I’ve slipped into Sunday production mode rather than being the hands and feet of Jesus for the lost, the lonely, the least! You are my brother and sister in Christ, don’t be afraid to call it like it is. My commitment to you is to do likewise. Don’t wait for Sunday.

Luke is carefully selecting stories that speak about transforming the heart. May our hearts be changed.

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Luke: Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit, Heals Many

Read: Luke 4:31-44

Rejected by His hometown, Jesus goes to Capernaum, some 40 miles (a 9-hour walk according to Google Maps). Luke surrounds these two miraculous interventions with observations about the spreading of Jesus’ ministry. Don’t miss the detail that Jesus is not only teaching on the Sabbath, but He is also “working” by casting out demons and healing people. Somehow the religious leaders have outlawed such activity. Strange.

It seems Jesus is recognized by the rabbis in the area since we find He is teaching on the Sabbath he taught the people (Luke 4:31) in the synagogues. Interesting. It doesn’t take long for His fame to rise as He begins to demonstrate His authority over impure spirits, sickness, etc.

And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Luke 4:37

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. Luke 4:35

I wish I could say I understood this passage, and other references to Jesus’ ability to see impure spirits, to command them, and at least for the moment, set people free. Those from the cessations camp suggest that all miracles cease to exist today. Other suggest this still happens, but we are blinded to the power of the Spirit because of our own shortcomings.

Rebuking demons:

Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. Luke 4:41

From my perspective, we must not limit God in any way. I’m caught up in this world as much as anyone in society, so there’s no doubt in my mind as to why I seem to be unable to speak and command demons, but I would not conclude this is impossible. To suggest such would put God in a box. I’m not about to do that! Nor would I want to hear stern words from Jesus!!

Jesus Heals Many

Moving on to Peter’s home, we see his mother-in-law is sick, something that Luke (the doctor) tells us includes a high fever.

So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. Luke 4:39

Her reaction is to turn and serve Jesus and the others present — perhaps it’s her love language!

Side-note: Don’t miss the mother-in-law title. This means that Peter is married and likely has a family to consider as his call to ministry begins as well.

At sunset, many are brought to Jesus and He heals them all. What an amazing, miraculous sequence of events!

Jesus knows His time on earth is limited, so he tells the people:

“I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43

Why were you sent? What is your main purpose for the brief time on this planet? What if your time were limited? Would you make different choices if you knew you only had 3 years to minister to those you see in your path?

Lots of unanswered questions to consider. Here’s my advice: Ask God. Ask your closest friends. Pray about it, but don’t be obsessed by it because you are not Jesus! I am not Jesus, but I am His adopted heir. He cares about my ministry and understands that I am fully human. The key difference is the Spirit lives within me. The more attune I am to the Spirit, the more effective my ministry.

The song, So Will I, is constantly playing in the background as I type this.

If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

Thanks Beth for sharing the song, for tilling the soil and leading us on this journey to Christ, with Christ, and His desire for our lives. May we grow and learn to say, So Will I.

 

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Luke: Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Read: Luke 4:14-30

Back from the desert temptation experience, Jesus’ ministry is now set for launch. Not surprising, His teaching is exceptional and people are amazed. They were amazed when He taught as a 12-year old (Luke 2:47), I can’t even fathom what another 18 years of life on earth added to His sermon archive!

In this passage, Jesus quotes Isaiah and declares He has come to fulfill the prophesies that begin with five specific proclamations:

  1. proclaim good news to the poor.
  2. proclaim freedom for the prisoners
  3. recovery of sight for the blind,
  4. set the oppressed free,
  5. proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

He does a lot more than that! This is just the beginning.

Soapbox Begins

Forgive me for getting on my soapbox to preach this lesson once again, but I can’t help myself! One thing I want to specifically draw your attention to is #1 on the list. We often think about poor as those who are homeless, financially challenged, etc., but I hope you will consider the term poor in a much broader sense. Those who have not been adopted into the family of Christ are all poor. They might have great earthly wealth, but we all know that passes in a blink. Yes, those who have no earthly possessions, those who struggle day to day for a meal or a place to stay warm know that they are poor. We are obligated to care for the fatherless, the downcast, those who can’t care for themselves.

Somehow we have to learn to look beyond outward appearances and see people the way Jesus sees them. Those who are the pious poor are probably much more challenging to minister to, but that doesn’t let us off the hook. Lord, I pray for discerning eyes and ears to see and hear people they way You see them. Open doors that we might minister to them in ways that please You.

End of Soapbox

You would think that people would hear His teaching and get excited, right?

He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Luke 4:15

The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:20-21

Everyone praised Him, eyes and ears glued to His teaching. Then some of the pious rich make the observation:

“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

Hold everything! The people remember this was the little boy that grew up down the street. Surely He cannot be who He claims.

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. John 1:46

Jesus selects a few examples for the self-righteous to hear. He picks two of the all-time favorite prophets of old: Elijah and Elisha. Those hearing these words would know of the references and we are privileged to have the Old Testament to understand their significance. Here are a few main points to consider:

  • Prophets were rarely welcome in their home towns; their ministry was consistently harsh and not welcomed
  • The examples of Elijah and Elisha pointed to helping Gentiles, not Jews
  • Elijah and Elisha prophesied during some of the worst times in Israel’s horrible history

Their reaction:

They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. Luke 4:29

Miraculously, Jesus simply walked away from the crowd and went on to continue His ministry.

This is a rather troubling text to consider. Those who wanted to throw Jesus off the cliff were the established church of their time. They couldn’t hear His message, though it was obviously presented in a compelling and exciting manner. People got the message. Religious leaders wanted to kill Him.

Jesus was not affected by their misgivings. He walked away and sought those who wanted to learn about adoption into the royal family — His kingdom. Lord, help us to do likewise!

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Luke: Temptation of Jesus — Three Tests

Read: Luke 4:1-13

Tempting Jesus has always seemed like a moot point to me. Each time I read this passage, it seems there’s no way Jesus would actually be enticed by Satan’s offers. The highlight reel of this extended time of fasting includes three specific temptations:

  1. prove God is the ultimate provider
  2. bow down to Satan
  3. test God, make Him prove Himself

Jesus is filled with the Spirit and led by Him into the desert for 40 days of fasting.

where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:2

In contrast, my submission to temptation would probably take about 40 seconds, 40 minutes on a good day, 40 hours on an exceptional week — no way would I last 40 days in the desert!

One commentator on this passage makes a very interesting observation:

Jesus’ testing takes place in an environment opposite to the one Adam faced.NIVAC (see footnote)

This isn’t a lush garden where He is surrounded in comfort–this is a harsh place, void of life, dusty and dirty. Adam’s temptation came during a time of luxury. Life was great! What harm could there be in doing one thing that was off limits?

Jesus’ temptation comes on the heals of His baptism and complete submission to God at the beginning of His ministry. The desert provides a distraction-free zone, no doubt Satan loves to work in places where we feel alone, empty, and hungry.

Prove God is the ultimate provider

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” Luke 4:3-4

Later we read about Jesus feeding thousands with morsels of food, so this must not be about having breakfast. This temptation suggests that God is not enough, that His provision will not happen on time, Jesus should take charge of the situation Himself. Jesus points to God’s word as the source of understanding. Yet another reason to immerse ourselves in the Bible.

So many times I look at a situation and wonder if this is God’s will or my will. Should I wait or act? Do I fully understand that God will provide? I’ve watched God take care of our family in so many situations, some extreme, some subtle. It’s hard to call them miracles, but I’m most thankful for the times when I feel like I’ve completely let God direct my steps.

Bow down to Satan

The temptation of power, position, and prestige. Satan often tempts us with recognition, filling our egos with fame and fortune.

If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Luke 4:7-8

Satan deceives himself by thinking he is actually in control. God is ultimately sovereign. Honestly, I don’t understand why He allows Satan to have any dominion, but He is God, not me! The assertion that “it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to” (Luke 4:6) is a scary thought to say the least. The kingdom-sized ego of Lucifer would love nothing more than to see people falter.

The solution: let go of worldly recognition. Draw near to God, listen for His voice, go and do what He says — only.

Test God, make Him prove Himself

Ah yes, cherry-picking scripture to make your point! Here we see a perfect example of taking scripture out of context to make a point. If nothing else, perhaps we can learn from this example.

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. … Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:9, 12

It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t correct Satan here. He doesn’t engage in a theological debate about misuse of the quote. Instead, He simply ignores the indiscretion and makes the stronger point that we should not test God.

The Lesson

The primary lesson I draw from this passage is to spend more time in God’s presence in order to discern His voice, His desire, and His direction for my life. Lord, help us to surround ourselves with like-minded people continuously. It’s not a once-a-week solution! The indwelling of the Spirit in each of us means we have the ability. May we remind each other as a community of believers, the thing You call church.

 

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 Location 46740). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: John the Baptist and Jesus

Read: Luke 3

We fast-forward to somewhere between A.D. 25 and A.D. 26, when John the Baptist, and his cousin Jesus, were about 30 years old. John preaches the need for repentance through baptism and even baptizes Jesus. Luke covers the story of John the Baptist differently than the other Gospel accounts. His intentional process of identifying key moments and details gives us some interesting insight into John’s ministry, then shifts to Jesus for the rest of the writing. We also get a snapshot of the genealogy of Jesus to affirm His position in history.

John the Baptist

After all, he was born for this role! John announces something the people have been waiting for, someone they have long talk about. This baptism leads to salvation — not just a temporary fix.

He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3

Jews were quite accustomed to repeated acts of sacrifice, but John is pointing to the Messiah. This baptism is part of the preparation for the coming King, the hope that “all people will see God’s salvation” (Luke 3:6; Isaiah 52:10).

John’s ministry is revealed in some detail here. To begin with, John explains that you can’t rely on your ancestry for salvation:

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8

Just because your father’s father, etc., and you, follow the ordinances of Judaism, you are not guaranteed salvation, your heart must change. We must change our ways and produce fruit.

Tax collectors and soldiers, notoriously wicked people, heard the message and were moved. Their response wasn’t merely to agree, they wanted to know what to do next. John didn’t shy away from giving them direction:

  • Tax Collectors: don’t collect more than required
  • Soldiers: don’t extort money or accuse falsely
  • Herod: you are a sinner.

In these two examples, John calls them out–their actions are visible to God and they will be held accountable. The third bullet will eventually get him beheaded.

The thrust of the message is clear: Jesus, the Messiah, is coming. Get ready!

It’s no surprise that the people think John is the Messiah. His message is unique and fresh, his resolve is unprecedented. He is filled with the Holy Spirit and people can discern the difference in his preaching versus the typical Levitical homilies. John is quick to let them know he is not the One.

John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16

Jesus Baptized

Luke quickly covers the baptism of Jesus by John. Though He was baptized “when all the people were being baptized,” Luke doesn’t record any reaction from the crowd or John. From Luke’s perspective, it seems there are two main points: Jesus acknowledges John’s ministry and God announces this is indeed His Son.

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22

Jesus’ ministry on earth will now begin!

Genealogy

Luke takes us all the way back to Adam in his recording of the lineage of Jesus. I love the idea here:

Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, Luke 3:23

Luke makes a special note: “so it was thought.” In other words, here’s the Jewish lineage for all those who want to affirm the bloodline of Jesus, but make no mistake, Joseph is not the one who participated in conception of Jesus. The miracle of Jesus’ birth is hard to wrap my mind around and I’m sure it was helpful for the Jews of Luke’s day to have an account through genealogy.

Matthew’s account was quite different (see: Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus — The Women). The differences are in conflict with one another, but it’s interesting to see how each addresses a different audience in an effort to include as many people as possible.

Luke’s orderly process of covering events and details prepares us for the rest of the story. I especially appreciate the call to action, not just hearing the message. John the Baptist is unafraid to say that something needs to happen, that we need to do something. It’s not about sitting and listening in agreement, though that’s a good start, we actually need to do something in response.

Lord, help us to hear your word and respond appropriately as you have uniquely called us to do. Help us to hear and know what our next steps need to be. Jesus, we want to be walking in your will, doing that which best serves you today. The world would prefer that we get wrapped up in trivial pursuits, but I pray we would hear Your voice beyond the noise!

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Luke: The Boy Jesus at the Temple

Read: Luke 2:41-52

Today we read a story that I’ve read a hundred times. It reveals the incredible truth that Jesus was fully human and, we later appreciate, fully God. Of all the stories, I’m so grateful that Luke was careful about choosing this one.

There are times when I read a verse that my head seems to spin, my thoughts get completely lost and I simply have to stop. This is one of those:

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. Luke 2:41

I’m sure that most will read that verse and continue on to the main point of the story, but when I read the first four words today, I froze.

Every year

This young couple (well, at least Mary was young) invested 30 years into Jesus’ life before His public ministry began. Three-Zero. Something like 11,000 days Mary and Joseph woke up to see Jesus. At first they tended to Him when He was a baby. Feeding, dressing, holding, cleaning. Routine things you do with an infant. Later, getting excited about first steps, walking, talking, playing.

I don’t know when Joseph left the scene, but I can’t help but imagine the looks they gave each other and the conversations that began with, “what do we teach the Son of God?” Seriously!

Jesus’ parents

Jesus’ parents were so faithful, so obedient, completely confident that God would do what He said, that they raised Jesus in a home alongside other families, John the Baptist, His cousin, other children, James. I know I’m rambling a bit because, as I said, I’m lost in the wonder of thousands of days when Jesus called Mary and Joseph–mom and dad.

Perhaps this is the perfect couple. Jesus would later be referred to as the simple one that came from a lowly village, but no words are recorded that belittle Mary and Joseph. Not once do we read something negative about Jesus’ parents.

Thank you Lord for such an example of faithful, loving parents.

And then, the rest of the story. These perfect parents lose Jesus.

Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. Luke 2:44-45

They went back to find Him…oh my! They went back kicking and screaming, hair on fire, holy fill-in-the-blank, weren’t you paying attention, he said, she said–where is Jesus?!?!

I don’t know about you, but I’m sure that most of us have misplaced a child at least once, or maybe it’s just me. Like the Sunday when our oldest two, Miranda and Katrina, decided to walk to church, 12 miles away. Talk about panic! Or they time Alyssa took a nap in the third seat of our 15-passenger van. Oh yes, when we did not find them, we went looking with all kinds of thoughts running through our minds, no doubt. Looking back, knowing the complete story, I can be calm–not in the moment.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Luke 2:48

Anxiously searching, to say the least. Jesus was merely sitting with the elders having a conversation. I wonder if some of these same elders would later be early Christians, memories of this time flooding their minds when they heard stories about the preacher on the hillside.

Jesus’ response is amazing:

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Luke 2:49-50

No worries mom and dad, we were just walking to church, I was just taking a nap, or we decided it would be fun to walk in the woods, etc. We weren’t trying to upset you, we were just doing our own thing. Isn’t this what we want? Eventually, our children grow up and become independent of parents. Just not starting at 12!

The Son of God continues to amaze us as He shows His reverence for mom and dad, the earthly parents:

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. Luke 2:51

As a parent, this chapter tugs and pulls on my heart. You’ve probably figured that out by now. It’s such a challenging task to raise children, constantly wondering if this was the right discipline or if we should just let that slide with a glance and raised eye-brow. It simply amazes me that Jesus was obedient to his parents on earth. He walked and talked with his relatives and friends for many years before His ministry began.

Lord, of all the stories You could tell, all the books You could have inspired, thank you for giving us this insight into the early life of Jesus.

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Temptation to be Relevant, Popular, and Powerful

Read: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

As I continue to ponder what Zechariah did during his 9+ months of silence as Elizabeth managed her high-risk pregnancy, I read this incredible section in the NIVAC (NIV Application Commentary).

I hope you’ll read this and consider your leadership role in the church. Whether you’re on staff or occasionally attend a gathering of people led by someone with the title of pastor (i.e., church), you play a part in the continuing story of the Creator and His desire to reconcile with His creation.

By the way, if you participate in any activity that represents a church, you are in a leadership position for that local body of Christ, whether or not that is explicitly stated. You don’t have to be a seminary professor, or even know what seminary is for that matter! As soon as we accepted Christ as Lord, we became heirs with Jesus and were given a leadership position.

I hope this extract from the NIVAC will encourage and inspire you to consider your next steps in your personal walk with Christ and your effective ministry.

NIVAC Excerpt 1:

An interesting work to ponder comes from the pen of Henri Nouwen 2. His autobiography relates a fascinating journey from teaching pastoral psychology and theology at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard for twenty years to burnout. From there he undertook a ministry in the home of the mentally challenged. There he learned that “service” given even to those whom the world does not see taught him as much as or more than his learning in seminary.  

Sometimes God is able to teach us in the midst of surprising circumstances. Ministry is not power and prestige, but humble service and trust.

Those who seek God’s deliverance and pursue it in holiness and service sometimes find themselves in places they never imagined ministering and in ways they never contemplated.

Here is his own testimony:

Let me summarize. My movement from Harvard to L’Arche made me aware in a new way how much my own thinking about Christian leadership had been affected by the desire to be relevant, the desire for popularity, and the desire for power. Too often I looked at being relevant, popular, and powerful as ingredients of an effective ministry.

The truth, however, is that these are not vocations but temptations.

Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Jesus sends us out to be shepherds, and Jesus promises a life in which we increasingly have to stretch out our hands and be led to places where we would rather not go. He asks us to move from a concern for relevance to a life of prayer, from worries about popularity to communal and mutual ministry, and from a leadership built on power to a leadership in which we critically discern where God is leading us and our people.

The people of L’Arche are showing me new ways. I am a slow learner. Old patterns that have proved quite effective are not easy to give up. But as I think about the Christian leader of the next century, I do believe that those from whom I least expected to learn are showing me the way.

I hope and pray that what I am learning in my new life is something that is not just good for me to learn, but something that helps you, as well, to catch a glimpse of the Christian leader of the future.

End of Excerpt.

The definition of “church” is changing more rapidly than any of us want to accept, especially those of us who’ve been around a while—we don’t want to give up our hard-earned status and reputation! I speak in inclusive terms that are somewhat hyperbolic, ok, downright exaggerated, but this is an important conversation to have at every level of church organization if we want to be an effective part of this society. Yes, the gates of Hell will not prevail against Christ’s church, but that doesn’t mean that our definition of the modern church will survive. Don’t get too comfortable. Multi-million-dollar church incorporated budgets do not guarantee success for Jesus, they merely perpetuate power and position or organizations that are well intended, but not necessarily effective.

In making this observation, it’s important to confess that I don’t have any special insight into this issue. There are many voices in this argument that have credentials to support their theses, such as Nouwen above. I’d love to invest the time to present a bibliography for consideration, but then again, I think I’d rather invest time in the 20-year old that wants to learn how to be a better disciple (or the 30-something, 40-something, etc.). I shouldn’t have to convince anyone that the local church is struggling, but this is not a topic that is discussed as we (church staffs) seek to deliver the goods on Sunday morning—that event that most people equate with church.

We need churches more than ever. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we close churches, far from it! My prayer is we would learn from Zechariah. Instead of demanding God show us a sign, that we would get to work doing that which He requires of us.

Maybe what we need is some Zechariah time, a period of silence that demands our attention. What would it be like if we stopped trying to be relevant, popular, and powerful and started listening to those around us – really listening – then doing.

References:

  1. 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 45779-45795). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
  2. Reference: In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership (New York: Crossroads, 1994). Pp 71-72

Note:

Here’s an excellent article from Christianity Today (Jan 2017) that provides a background about Nouwen. I’m thankful to note that as we focus on serving the local community, I’m beginning to make Catholic connections. We really need to be more intentional about working together! One body of Christ. Unity.

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