Tag: teach

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Luke: The Good Samaritan

Read: Luke 10:25-37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Read the rest of the story here…]

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Luke: Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

Read: Luke 10:1-24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mission Number One Complete

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

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

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

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

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

 

Reference: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 50041-50043). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Transfiguration

Read: Luke 9:28-36

Three chosen disciples, the inner circle, were able to see the kingdom of God through the transfiguration, the single event when the glory of Jesus was seen for a moment. Matthew and Mark talk about the disciples being terrified and frightened, Luke took them into the cloud, frightened, and John’s gospel account seems to assume we understand this from his first few verses. This was another event that identified that Jesus was more than a prophet, teacher, or preacher.

Then there’s Moses and Elijah. These two appear and the disciples get a full sense of the weight of the event, but not necessarily the meaning. I’m with them in this regard, why did we need this event? Perhaps this is the bridge needed to assure Jews that Jesus is the extension of Moses and Elijah. In those days, these two were well known and highly regarded. In today’s culture, the negative news makes sure we temper any desire to honor people: we all have faults, some more than others. The underlying assertion is that no one is actually good. Turn up the background noise. Drown out the music.

The three disciples were forever changed by this momentary experience. My prayer is simple today: may we be changed as well.

 

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Luke: God’s Messiah

Read: Luke 9:18-22

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” Luke 9:20

Yes! Jesus is the Messiah! It’s time to kick butts and take names. Wooohoooo!

Well, that would have been my response if I were sitting around the table having a private conversation with God incarnate, wouldn’t you?

In general, people are impressed with Jesus, that’s why so many sought him in remote places. To conclude that Jesus is the Messiah takes everything to a whole new level, something these disciples were ill-equipped to handle.

Jesus immediately follows Peter’s incredible confession with some sobering words:

The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Luke 9:22

Before we strike up the band and announce Jesus to the world, we have a difficult path to follow. That’s a gross understatement. The disciples are living in the moment with the Messiah, they are there, but they really don’t know what’s next. They just feed thousands of people. They’ve seen miracles that truly defy logic or experience. Now Jesus is saying things like suffering must happen, death and resurrection must occur.

I have to believe that none of this makes sense to those first hearing these words. In our culture, there are at least two distinct groups of people that might hear this assertion: those who have been raised in a Christian church and those who know nothing of the need for a Messiah, let alone a true appreciation for Jesus.

I’m in the first group. I’ve heard Jesus is the Messiah since I can remember. Any difficult situation or question is easily answered with: Jesus. I’ve heard this so much that I don’t appreciate the weight of the words, I simply take this for granted. This is a great victory for Satan as it means my witness, my level of evangelism approaches zero if I merely accept the statement that Jesus is the Messiah. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case. The rambling words in this blog are my attempt to keep the fire burning within my heart, stoking the flame that should be a light to this dark world. I pray this is working in some way.

The second group is also difficult, but perhaps not as troublesome as we are led to believe. Those that don’t know they need a Messiah will come to a point when they question life on earth. Some emotional event will happen that will make them wonder about their existence.

The key question here is this: have we built a bridge to them?

Have we invested time in creating an authentic relationship with those who are far from Christ? Or are we content to punch our Sunday card and polish our Christian image?

Jesus is the Messiah!

We need a Messiah. Without Jesus, the struggle of human existence is futile, the agnostics win, just do what you want because your days are numbered.

Lord, help us to get a glimpse of the significance of Peter’s confession. Keep the flame burning bright within us so we can be the light for this dark world.

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Luke: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Read: Luke 9:10-17

Jesus’ ministry is in full motion now. Initially, He went and preached with a few, then appointed the Twelve, now they have just finished their first real world experience in preaching the incredible news: the kingdom of God is available to all! The lesson is as provocative today as it was years ago. The response will be the same as well: people want to gather to learn more.

In this instance, Luke tells us how thousands of people seek out Jesus to hear and learn. The sick are healed as the crowds swell. On a very practical level, the disciples suggest that Jesus disperse the crowd, but Jesus has a more important lesson to teach His disciples:

He replied, “You give them something to eat.” Luke 9:13

This morning, I’d like to focus on the first word of verse 13: You. Jesus didn’t tell them to sit back and watch, He gave them specific instructions.

“Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Luke 9:14-15

The image I have in my mind is one where Jesus is not on display here; rather, He’s talking to the disciples on the side and giving them instructions. The people are interacting with them, not Jesus directly. That’s not a new concept, but it’s important to consider.

Jesus sends us into the world with very specific instructions. He has provided all we need. The Spirit has equipped us with gifts and abilities. When we look in the mirror, we see only a little, but He sees one of His sons and daughters and has no doubt that we will succeed if we would simply follow His directions.

Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Luke 9:16

God has prepared a table before us. He cares about our every need and He wants a relationship with all who would answer the call.

The crazy thing is this: He wants us to distribute the bread.

Lord, may we see the opportunity right in front of us this morning. Help us to have faith that the little in our hands is exactly what you want us to have at this moment for Your greater purpose. Give us confidence as we go out into the world to make disciples–just as you commanded.

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Luke: The Word Applied

Read: Luke 8:4-21

The parable of the sower, a lamp on a stand, and Jesus’ mother and brothers — all carefully crafted to help us understand how to apply the Word of God.

Yesterday we talked about Jesus as an itinerant preacher, moving from town to town. Today we read some highlights of His preaching with an emphasis on not just hearing the Word, but doing something with that information.

Jesus tells the parable of the sower, but the disciples are confused, they don’t understand the teaching:

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. Luke 8:9

Kudos to the disciples for having the courage to raise their hand and ask the question that was likely on the minds of everyone. Jesus rebukes them with words from Isaiah, but clearly states the meaning for all to hear (Luke 8:11-15).

Hear With Your Heart

The Word is not something written on scrolls for the elite to access and consume, it is spoken for all to understand. The trick is we need to hear with our hearts, not just the auditory ear to brain function. Notice that the first example suggests the devil steals the Word from our hearts (see the featured image for this post). It doesn’t seem to matter that it’s in our heads, but once it gets into the heart, now it’s a precious commodity worth keeping.

the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12

Some hear and are moved, the Word sinking into their hearts, but before it takes root it is ripped away. This is an incredibly sad scenario.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15

Does this mean we should only speak to those with noble hearts? I don’t think so. I think Jesus is helping us to understand that as we travel about preaching the good news some people will get it, but most will not be ready. He’s encouraging us and depressing us at the same time.

It’s interesting to note that Jesus doesn’t say anything about holding hands or working really hard to convince those on the path, on rocky ground, or in the thorns to hear with their hearts. We don’t change the message for those who refuse to listen. The Word is the Word. Period. Free will is free to choose. Judgment is for God to invoke, not us.

Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Luke 8:18

Our role is to proclaim the good news without shame and without reservation. When we do, we should be prepared for rejection, but that must not deter our responsibility to speak the word.

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

Jesus includes the good soil group in His family, crazy stuff!

He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8:21

For those who have heard with the heart: Welcome to the family!

 

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Luke: Jesus, the Itinerant Preacher

Read: Luke 8:1-3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Luke: Your faith has saved you; go in peace

Read: Luke 7:36-50

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

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

Simon the Pharisee

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

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

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

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

The Parable

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

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

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

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

Simon’s Rebuke

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

Sins Forgiven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Luke: Jesus Affirms John the Baptist

Read: Luke 7:18-35

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

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

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

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

Are You Sure?

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

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

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

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

Jesus Responds

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

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

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

Children in the Marketplace

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

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

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

Who should you affirm today?

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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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