Tag: miracle

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Acts: Lame Beggar Healed — Sermon #2

Read: Acts 3

Acts 2 ends with some remarkable discussion about the fellowship of believers. While all this is going on, the disciples continue to preach the gospel. In this case, the sermon illustration comes from healing a lame beggar, one that everyone recognized.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Peter took him by the hand and the man was completely healed. I’d like to begin a sermon series like this!

It’s Not About Me

The people are amazed, as expected, I know I would be for sure, but Peter quickly points to the source for the healing.

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:12,16

Peter is not the least bit surprised by the miracle. He didn’t heal the man to make a point, he was being obedient to his calling.

On a much lower scale, I’ve experienced this sensation when dining at a local restaurant with a friend. As we got up to leave, we notice our server was not around, but somehow I got the sense that we needed to find Courtney and pray for her. When we found her alone in a room reserved for parties, etc., she was truly grateful and opened up to us, though we had not previously talked about our ministry. This is just one small example, but I think it’s normal for those who are sincerely seeking the lost for the sake of Jesus without selfish motives.

Sermon Number Two

In my imagination (forgive me if I venture too far), Peter is astonished that anyone would get excited about an everyday miracle but quickly seized the opportunity as the crowd gathers. This is like giving a microphone to a preacher!

Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. Acts 3:17

What a great way to start a sermon, “I know you’re all ignorant…” This is the simple formula the late Reverend Billy Graham used all the time, even in his old age.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

The timeless call to repent for your benefit. For our benefit. I love the phrase, “that times of refreshing may come.” I certainly need that, don’t you?

The short version of Peter’s sermon is captured in this chapter, but I get the feeling he took time to clearly explain the foundation for his claim, all the way back to Abraham, a message the people were eager to hear. This, of course, raises the eyebrows of the elite, as we’ll see in the next chapter. The main point is this: we should have known!

For generations, they were looking and waiting for the Messiah, but somehow they were mesmerized by the act of looking without seeing. In other words, they got in the habit of looking without any expectation that they might actually see. Perhaps miracles are within our grasp if we would have enough faith to see people the way Jesus sees them.

Peter didn’t have a seminary degree, but he was taught by Jesus himself. We don’t have notes from these lessons, but we do have two major advantages: 1) the Bible and 2) the Holy Spirit. While we could get by without #1, the gift of the Spirit is more than enough.

Lord help us to hear Your word clearly, to see what You see, or at least the tiny sliver that we are able to absorb. May we be attuned to the lame beggars of today, those that drive fancy cars, live in big houses, and those who hold up cardboard signs on street corners. Don’t let us be blinded by pretense and elitism. You are the miracle maker. May we be Your miracle workers for Your kingdom.

 

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Luke: Jesus Appears to His Disciples then Ascends

Read: Luke 24:36-53

Suddenly, we’re at the end of Luke’s gospel where he gives us a slight peek into Jesus’ appearance before leaving earth. The walk to Emmaus is followed up by an even more extraordinary event.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36

Holy ____! Seriously!

Luke tells us they were startled, frightened like they’d seen a ghost. I think that puts it mildly, to say the least. I’m sure they looked back and laughed at their first reaction, but during the event, I’m sure this was not the least bit funny.

Jesus kept the pressure on:

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  It is I myself Luke 24:38,39

Doubts

The disciples were unprepared to see Jesus in the flesh. Cleopas and his companion were trying to explain their encounter, the things Jesus said as He broke bread with them, but this was just too much to process for them. I can imagine they were doubting themselves as they retold the story.

Told You So

Jesus showed them His hands and feet, then asks them for some food. He’s hungry. They probably needed to eat as well. The conversation quickly turned to remind them of the times when Jesus had explained how and why this would happen.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Luke 24:44

Once again, we are exhorted to look at the Old Testament to understand the New. These writings are compiled for us to easily browse and read, but the disciples knew them well. I have no doubt Jesus invested time during the previous three years talking about these very scriptures.

Opened Their Minds

Then something miraculous happened:

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

I think this was miraculous because their heads were spinning out of control, they really didn’t know how to process all this information. Further, these rather simple men, chosen by the Lord, are changed from this point forward as they await Pentecost and the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Blessing of Jesus

Luke doesn’t waste much time in jumping to the end, but I like to think that Jesus carefully unpacked the scriptures after opening their minds. They discussed the details before Jesus led them out and blessed them.

I’m not able to appreciate fully what this means, but to receive the blessing in Jewish culture was a very big deal. This is not a quick pat on the back and move on, this is a moment when I envision Jesus looking at each of them, hands on their shoulders, or perhaps grabbing their neck and looking them straight in the eye. From this posture, each received their personal blessing from Jesus Christ. Wow!

The Ascension of Jesus

Luke’s concluding words are far better than any I can write. Joy has returned. You are indeed blessed by the Father, touched by the Son, and filled with the Spirit. I pray this will touch you the way I am this morning:

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:51-53

 

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Luke: When Darkness Reigns

Read: Luke 22:47-53

The title of this section in most Bibles is something like Jesus Arrested. Luke covers the event in seven verses. Incredibly brief, yet powerfully heavy. I pray that you will turn off all your devices for 3 minutes and read the passage linked above, or have it read to you, whatever it takes to let the words sink in.

While He was still speaking…

It’s super early in the morning or late at night, however you want to look at it, and Jesus is trying to explain to His disciples that they need to stay awake. He’s still speaking when Judas appears on the scene with the entourage of those who represent a small victory for darkness.

In their minds, they are doing the right thing. Judas is convinced this will somehow be better for the Kingdom, that Jesus has gone just a bit too far. I certainly don’t know what they were thinking, but I’m sure it was mixed up with truth and facts, but seen through the eyes of pious self-righteousness. The formula could only lead to disaster.

…cutting off his right ear

The disciples were not soldiers, to say the least. I can only assume the swipe of the sword was meant to remove the head of the high priest’s servant, not just knick his ear. The aggressive action from the unnamed disciple is quickly quenched by an instant miracle. That alone should have gotten someone’s attention, but perhaps it was so quick that the servant thought it never even happened. Such is the power of Christ.

Am I leading a rebellion…

Jesus reminds the angry crowd that there is no need for violence, though I’m sure He knows the pain that is just around the corner from the brutal Roman soldiers.

Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:53

As I read these verses over and over again, I’m struck by the last three words: When Darkness Reigns. I can’t let go of the thought. We sing songs every week about the beauty of Christ, what He did for us, His glory, His splendor, His words. Why would such a savior allow these people their hour of glory?

…but this is your hour

He who has the authority and power over all submitted Himself to the self-proclaimed authority of mere humans.

How many times have I been in their shoes? How many times have I demanded that this is my hour, my time, my way? For some reason, I get this sense of rage in their hearts, an anger that wells up from deep within. I hear this venomous cry in modern songs that are filled with vulgarity. While I’m sure they have a reason to be angry, the resolution to scream out profanities doesn’t move people to love–it merely incites a riot, draws a crowd, and convinces many that they are right in their own eyes. This is when darkness reigns.

There is no amount of anger that can turn hearts toward Christ. Jesus not only knows this truth, He demonstrates it here in the garden in front of His disciples and the priests. He shows the world how much He loves each of us through calm words that cut to the bone.

The reign of darkness is brief. It’s within these moments we all have a choice. Prisons are filled with those who chose poorly.

When darkness reigns in your life, I pray you will have a brother or sister to reach out to, someone to hold on to, or simply someone who is brave enough to look into your darkness, speak the truth, and be the light you need. Don’t expect an invitation or any fanfare. These moments come and go quickly.

Choose wisely.

Choose the way of Jesus.

 

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Luke: Jesus in the Temple Courts — Not So Friendly

Read: Luke 19:45-20:8

For those who have rendered Jesus as their personal companion, friend, and a buddy of sorts, the scene in the temple courts should provide some evidence that He did not come here to be best friends. The seriousness of His mission comes into focus as we enter the last section of Luke’s gospel. Beginning with yesterday’s triumphal entry through chapter 24, Jesus’ main purpose comes into focus. The first 19 chapters provided the foundation. Events will now speed up quickly.

When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” Luke 19:45-46

Forget the image of Jesus as the mild and meek carpenter’s son. Regardless of His physical stature, no one is about to stand in His way as He drives out those who have turned the Temple into a business enterprise.

One thing I find interesting is His physical action here. The wind and the waves obey His simplest of demands to “be still,” but in this instance, He gets physically involved. Once again, we are given an example that we can follow. His actions are not supernatural, though I would certainly not want to be one that stood in His way!

The chief priests and teachers of the law, however, have had enough of this Jesus guy. From their perspective, it’s bad enough that He performs miracles they can’t begin to replicate or preaches sermons they can’t understand, now He’s directly in their business! No doubt each of the sellers doing business in the Temple courts contributed to their bottom-line. Now Jesus is driving them away. Something has to be done!

The foolish priests’ first plan of attack is question Jesus’ authority.

“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” Luke 20:2

I’m confident they’ve heard all the stories, if not witnessed some of the miracles, and yet they are confused about His authority. Well, actually, they’re not confused. It’s simply a trap to get Jesus to publicly say something that they could use to kick Him out of Jerusalem.

Jesus doesn’t play well with this kind of attitude. He fires back a question that they have no way of answering without recognizing the true authority.

He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” Luke 20:3-4

They hold an emergency council meeting to debate the pros and cons of possible answers, but ultimately they give up and admit, they don’t know. Their position in the church (to use a contemporary term) would be severely compromised if they take a position on His question. If they confirm John’s baptism was from God, they are at fault because they did not present themselves to John for baptism. However, if they affirm his baptism was human, all of the public support for John would turn against them.

These leaders of the Jewish faith are more concerned about appearances than facts. Their position, their status, even their livelihood is based on maintaining their authority and high status in society.

I wish this were only a story from ancient days, but sadly this is a theme we witness in our ultra-conservative, postmodern society. At the risk of showing my age, I’ll quote a Billy Joel song,

Honesty is such a lonely word, but mostly what I need from you.

Lord, help us to expand Your kingdom on earth by being honest with each other. Teach us to wade into the pool of transparency without drama. May we each find brothers or sisters in Christ that we can openly confide in. May we be the church you meant when you reminded us to forgive one another, to love uncontrollably, and to reach out to the least, the lonely, and the lost.

 

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/luke-jesus-in-the-temple-courts-not-so-friendly

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Luke: Triumphal Entry as Jesus Weeps

Read: Luke 19:28-44

Most of this passage is focused on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as prophesied hundreds of years before. The text contains highlights of the momentous occasion, songs, and joyful celebration as well as tears from Jesus as He reflects on the future. Let that last thought sink in for a moment. Only God can look back on that which has not happened in our time.

As we dive into the passage, I can’t help but wonder how amenable the owner of the colt was to the disciples’ request.

As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” Luke 19:33-34

With that short explanation, they take the colt and present it to Jesus. This is a colt that’s never been ridden before. The owner must have been thinking these guys are a bit off their rocker for borrowing this particular colt. I can picture him shrugging it off with a “good luck with that” kind of glance.

No one hesitates. The colt is secured, covered with a few coats to make the ride comfortable, and the animal appears to calmly accept its burden. Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Memories flood the minds of the crowd of disciples, more than just the twelve, a festive atmosphere begins to fill the hearts of the few that actually got to witness that which multitudes have been hoping to see for centuries.

the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38

Not everyone was happy about this moment. Luke reports that some of the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples. From their perspective, this couldn’t possibly be right. With their pious belts tight, they have the audacity to confront Jesus, but He will not be moved.

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40

Without a doubt, Jesus will be honored, He will be praised. For most of those present, at least from Luke’s account, this is a joyful moment.

The Roman authorities are not in the least bit threatened. The people might be using the word “king,” but where is the army? No worries, go about your business. This is just some religious thing. I suspect they simply dismissed the activity.

On the other hand, Jesus looks to the future and sees what no one else can. As I proposed at the beginning of this post, He reflects on the future. He knows that within the human lifespan of many of those who are singing, Jerusalem will be destroyed. Utterly and completely. No one of Jewish heritage could view that scene and hold back tears. This is a tragic moment.

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. Luke 19:41-42

This is our Lord, our Savior, our God. He is mighty and powerful and yet He truly cares about us and for us. There are a lot of “ands” in the last sentence, not enough to capture His essence, but I hope you get the point.

In His role as Creator, I don’t think God gets excited about judgment or effecting His wrath. But I don’t think He withholds it either.

We are about to enter the last days of Jesus on earth through Luke’s eyes. It seems fitting as we continue to prepare for Pentecost at this present time. Lord, help us to remember and help us to look forward to your next triumphal entry. May this thought cause us to spread your Gospel today!

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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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Luke: Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Read: Luke 13:10-17

While my focus in this post will center on the leaders, I don’t want to lose the excitement surrounding this amazing event. Jesus, full of compassion, reaches out to a woman who has lived with a crippling infirmity for 18 years. In an instant, her body was restored, she could stand tall again. Lord, don’t let me miss the miracle in the debate. Jesus healed this woman through His miraculous touch.

Crippled By A Spirit

Luke was a physician by vocation, so the insertion of this phrase, “crippled by a spirit,” is significant. We fight battles in the spiritual world we know little about. I’m sure you’ll agree with me in this assertion: that which is unseen is far more dangerous than that which we can see. But that is difficult to explain and hard to express to those who are far from God, let alone Christ followers.

The NIV Application Commentary pointed to C.S. Lewis’, Screwtape Letters, as a troubling reminder of the battlefront in spiritual places. In the preface of this incredible book, Lewis draws us into the conversation:

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. Readers are advised to remember that the devil is a liar.C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

The last statement is an important reminder, “the devil is a liar.”

Leadership

Jesus is stern with the Jewish leadership. They are lost in their pious attitude and react with some crazy notion that miracles are only performed Monday through Saturday, as if they have ever healed anyone!!

The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Luke 13:15

Seriously, it’s ok to tend to an animal, but not touch someone? Even more, why not release someone from bondage on the Sabbath as an even greater example for the people.

Here’s a thought: By healing her, she can now rest. This will be her first real Sabbath in 18 years!

 

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Luke 13:17

Is it possible that we are so steeped in our religiousness that we might make the same mistake as our Jewish forefathers? Are we out of touch with the people to the point that we can’t celebrate with them? Have we elevated ourselves as shepherds and teachers so far above the crowd that we no longer see people?

It seems we’re back to the concept of choices. In this case, the people fully embrace the beauty of the moment while the leaders are lost and searching the Shabbat for an escape clause.

 

 

Reference from the NIV Application Commentary:

Jewish tradition was particular about Sabbath labor. In the Mishnah, the book of Jewish tradition from the late second century, we are given a list of thirty-nine activities prohibited for the Sabbath (Shabbat 7: 2). Other texts outline the limits for how one handles cattle on the Sabbath (Shabbat 15: 1– 2; 5: 1– 4; ʿErubin 2: 14). The rules are specific, though it is not clear precisely which rule Jesus has violated. All he has done is to address the woman and touch her.

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 51527-51531). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Choices

Read: Luke 11:24-36

This section in Luke digs into some details that are challenging to discuss with those raised in a Christ-centered home; imagine what it’s like to talk to a non-believer about these things! An impure spirit is released and the house left empty, Jesus’ mother is honored, demands for a sign, and the parable of lamp of the body all require we make the right decision. Faith is challenged and stretched when we slow down and consider the passage this morning.

Perhaps this should be four separate posts, but then again, maybe Luke wanted to paint a broad stroke across the canvas with the word: Choices.

Empty House

The last time I cast out an impure spirit from someone, I made sure to remind them… Oh, wait. Start over with the thing about casting out impure spirits. I’d be happy to have that ability, then it seems easy to appreciate the need to fill the void.

And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. Luke 11:26

Jesus tells the story, but does not provide an answer, He simply casts a thought for our consideration. We’ve read several instances where demons are cast out (by Jesus and His disciples). The imagery here is of a clean house, a blank canvas, a glass in tact but empty. We have our first choice: fill the glass with the Spirit.

On a practical level, let’s say the impure spirit is television. Years ago we decided to save time and money by cutting out cable TV. The decision was easy, but what do we do with the time gained? Do we play games together, interact with each other or hide in our personal bubbles, lost in a game or book? It’s a choice.

If it’s an addiction, what do we do to replace the void? Whether drugs or some other vice, filling the void is as important, if not more important, than casting out that which causes us grief.

Privilege by Birthright

Talking about casting out impure spirits has the crowd confused so someone shouts:

Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. Luke 11:27

Ahem, change the subject, turn the page, change the channel, let’s talk about something else, right?

Jesus is not showing any disrespect of Mary here, but He is reminding us that the subject at hand is serious, requires our response, and is not limited to those born of royalty. The gates of heaven are open to all. Choose well.

We Need a Sign

YouTube would explode if Jesus had chosen 2018 to appear. We would watch miracle after miracle on endless loop. Highlight reels would proliferate the internet to show us the Son of God in action. Witnessing to people would be a simple matter of providing a link. No more tract-and-dash, just click-and-see!

Instead, we are required to build messy relationships, have faith, to choose to believe without seeing, to listen to those who have gone before and make a wise choice.

Light Within

“So let your light shine,” a phrase I remember from songs of my youth (now that was a long time ago!). Don’t hide your light, shine it for all the world to see. Absolutely important. Here’s the verse that jumped out at me this morning:

See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Luke 11:35

Think about that for a while. How can the light within you be darkness? I had to thumb through different translations to get to one that helped unpack this one. Try this:

Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. Luke 11:35

It’s all about choices.

Fill us with Your Spirit Jesus, help us make the best choices today, not just a good decision, but the best choice.

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Luke: Tough Lessons Through Healing and Prophecy

Read: Luke 9:37-50

Last week we kicked off the Lenten season for 2018, February 14 through April 1st. Mardi Gras (Feb 13th) is probably celebrated with more enthusiasm than Ash Wednesday, but the timing of this season with reading Luke 9 and following is interesting. As we approach Easter, the pivotal event that ultimately defines Christianity, I pray that Lent will cause us all to stop and consider our faith.

The world is watching, to be sure, and I believe the world would like to see miracles and marvel at amazing works. The Cessationists would argue that God has withdrawn Spiritual gifts of healing (among others), but we still hear miraculous stories, though not very often. I don’t want to open that line of discussion here, at least not today, but it was a challenge when Jesus was walking on earth with His disciples, so let’s wade into that story this morning.

We just left the Transfiguration story, now we read about the inability of the disciples to maintain the healing ministry Jesus began, we see the disciples bickering over who is greatest, and the temptation to talk bad about those who don’t come from our tribe — all in 24 verses! No wonder that the disciples were confused (Luke 9:45)!

Jesus and his disciples are becoming known for their healing miracles, but apparently, the gift of healing is not for those with little faith. Luke begins this section with a report that calls out the disciples (not sure which ones in particular–no speculation):

I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not. “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Luke 9:40-41

By now, the disciples are getting used to hard lessons and tough love that Jesus provides. He’s not holding back here! We might be prone to use language that gets bleeped out on videos!

Jesus casts out the demon and those watching were amazed. The disciples get defensive and start to argue about who is greatest among them. How does this make sense? It doesn’t. Jesus quickly sets them straight, but I greatly appreciate the story captured by Luke. How often do we elevate ourselves in the shadow of Jesus?

Others are casting out demons and the disciples want to squelch that ministry because they’re not part of the selected few. Jesus ends the debate quickly:

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:50

This is a pretty amazing statement. Ministry is not limited to those with special robes or fancy titles. I look forward to the day when everyone recognizes they are a minister of the Gospel — not just the paid staff!

The humanity of those doing daily ministry with Jesus gives me some comfort as I struggle, trip and fall. My prayer is that I constantly look to Jesus for guidance in those moments.

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Luke: 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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