Tag: teach

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Luke: Detestable Things

Read: Luke 16:14-18

Just a few verses this morning, a pause between two lessons on money, compels us to rethink our perspective on riches of this world. Luke begins by clarifying that the Pharisees have an unhealthy love of money and their reaction to His lesson on the shrewd manager causes them to “sneer” at Jesus.

I’m no biblical scholar, but with the click of a few buttons I was able to look at the word “sneering” in the NIV translation to discover that the Greek word, ekmyktērizō, to deride by turning up the nose, to sneer at, scoff at*, shows up twice in the Bible. Both times by Luke, once here, and the other time in Luke 23:35 as Jesus is being led to His death on the cross. I’m sure Luke carefully placed this word in this context.

The Pharisees are appalled at the teaching of Jesus to the point that they ridiculed Him.

But God knows your hearts. Luke 16:15b

Those who justify themselves for the glory of man have no place in leadership for Christ’s church. Stern words, perhaps, but can you imagine a sermon based on this key verse:

What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15c

I might change that to “What you value highly…” What we value is detestable to the Creator, The I Am. The Message version of the Bible provides a concise thought here:

So Jesus spoke to them: “You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance. Luke 16:14-18

While this isn’t a lesson on marriage, Jesus uses divorce and adultery as prime examples to hammer the point home: we should be a people of integrity and we should have our priorities in order.

Lord, help us to run from detestable things that evoke such strong words of discipline from You. May we be people of integrity, different from the world, true in character, and full of love and compassion.

 

*https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1592&t=NIV

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Luke: Rejoicing for the One Who Repents

Read: Luke 15:1-10

Make no mistake, Jesus’ call to discipleship is serious and it begins with repentance. The decision to repent is significant. The first domino to fall in a succession of events we like to call sanctification. Luke recalls two of the many parables Jesus used to teach this point: the lost sheep and the lost coin.

Before we jump in, let’s not miss the prompt for these two lessons:

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. Luke 15:1

Jesus is once again mingling with those who are looked down upon by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He hangs out in places where they gather, eats with them, knows them by name — and they know Jesus. The true “least of these” are those who are lost. They might be wealthy or poor, part of a big family or an orphan. Whatever the social status, Jesus sees through the facade, straight to the heart, and knows them.

His first call is to repentance, to find those who are lost.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.Luke 15:7, 10

Two Parables, One Lesson

Lately, we’ve been singing Reckless Love, a wonderful song that embraces the overwhelming reckless love of God. Part of the chorus comes from the parable of the lost sheep where Jesus explains what everyone in the crowd gather knows is true: when a sheep wanders away, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go and find it. Likewise, the woman who loses her silver coin doesn’t rest until she finds the lost coin. In both cases they, along with their friends, celebrate! This is a great day! The lost are found!!

Invest Time With the Lost

How can we expect to find those who are lost if we don’t invest time with them? And by investing time, I mean building relationships, not preaching at them. I can imagine screaming at the wandering sheep as it bolts away from the heard — not very effective.

In our busy schedules, our crazy lifestyle of go, go, go, until we drop, have we spent time with the ninety-nine or the one? Have we counted nine silver coins over and over again, or have we turned on the lights to find the one?

Suppose one of you…

These two short stories begin with the phrase, “Suppose one of you…” Think about it. Act on the thought. Love God. Love yourself. Love others. Go find the one and let’s celebrate!

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Luke: Lament for Jerusalem

Read: Luke 13:31-35

What breaks your heart? I’m sure you could list a lot of things that move you to a place of serious mourning, especially those of us with children. There’s something special about the parent-child relationship that speaks directly to the heart. In this passage, Jesus laments for Jerusalem, the chosen city. His heart breaks for the people of Jerusalem. Though they were called to be a special people, so many have fallen away that it is no longer the place once hoped for. It’s not the end of the story, but a sad reminder of the reality that sin has tarnished us all.

Jesus is not the least bit dissuaded by the Pharisees’ fake concern for Jesus’ life. Across the translations, Jesus refers to Herod as a fox:

Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal. Luke 13:32

On the third day…interesting. It seems like Jesus is continuing to teach the Pharisees to read their own scrolls and recall the prophecies as they actually apply to Jesus–right in front of them. Most of them don’t get it.

This passage begins as if it’s another discussion with the Pharisees or about the Roman rule, but it quickly changes into a lament as Jesus ponders not only His fate in the coming days, but those who have gone before.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you… Luke 13:34

As we read the Bible as a whole, we see God’s story unfold, His great desire for His chosen people. The geographical center is still in Israel, Jerusalem in particular. Yet the wickedness of the heart of mankind turns what was designed to be a blessing into a painful reminder. Prophets are killed. Those who proclaim the good news are stoned.

Our limited time on earth is challenging. Lord, give us strength to stand when all around us we have excuses to sit. May we be known as one who comes in the name of the Lord, may we long to hear Your blessings, and may that lead us to action:

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Luke 13:35

 

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Luke: The Narrow Door

Read: Luke 13:22-30

Jesus is teaching on the way to Jerusalem when someone asks:

Lord, are only a few people going to be saved? Luke 13:23

It’s a reasonable question for those who’ve been paying attention to His teaching. While Jesus shows great compassion for the least, the lame, and the forgotten, He also teaches tough lessons about leaving everything to follow Him. The question prompts a somber discussion that reminds me of Matthew 25, five words that stopped me cold when I read them:

And the door was shut. Matthew 25:10

It’s almost Easter 2018. The seminal moment that separates Christians from the rest of the world: The Resurrection. They didn’t expect it when it happened years ago and many don’t expect Jesus to return anytime soon today. Such complacency has eternal dire consequences.

The words in today’s passage don’t prompt me to stand up and beat my chest like a victor in March Madness. Instead, it makes me wonder if I’m really doing all I can to represent the urgency of an inner commitment to Jesus.

These words should frighten us:

I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers! There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth…but you yourselves thrown out. Luke 13:25, 27, 28

These words from Jesus should stir us to action, not out of a concern about our salvation, but look at those around us who think by wearing the Christian badge that they have checked the boxes necessary to gain entry into heaven.

As Easter approaches, I pray we will seek to enter true and honest relationships with those who are far from Christ, whether or not they “go to church” frequently.

Lord, help us to be bold, to do as You say here:

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24

We’ll celebrate Easter with great enthusiasm, as we should. We’ll have special events and send post cards to gather with us, as we should. This is the highlight of the Christian year, a special season, and we must be excited!

My prayer is that we don’t rely on excitement to save, on emotions to get decisions. My prayer is we would love people so relentlessly that we would seek to save the lost every day, that this would be our signature, not only on special occasions.

Look, the door is narrow. Most won’t see it unless we are willing to slow down enough, to be patient enough to develop relationships one-on-one. That’s where hearts are changed. Forever.

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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: Hard Lessons to Consider

Read: Luke 12:49-13:9

Spanning the artificial chapter boundaries, this morning we consider three hard lessons. Jesus loves people, no doubt, but He is not about to hold back when teaching subjects that are challenging. One of the key lessons I take here is this: grow up, learn to read yourself, you have enough information to make a decision so decide. Even though we waver, Christ will be patient, but not forever.

Division Instead of Peace

Jesus is fully aware that His presence will force people to make a choice that will divide families. This is clearly seen in predominantly Muslim countries where those who become Christ followers are severely rejected by their Muslim families. The warning then is true today:

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51

The sad reality is that we’ve watered down what it means to be a Christian in this country that the decision to follow Christ is shrugged off, no big deal. Statistics show us that Christians look like non-Christians across many categories.

Our home group studied unChristian a few years ago. While the content is a decade old, I doubt much has significantly changed. Consider this excerpt:

…most of the lifestyle activities of born-again Christians were statistically equivalent to those of non–born-agains. When asked to identify their activities over the last thirty days, born-again believers were just as likely to bet or gamble, to visit a pornographic website, to take something that did not belong to them, to consult a medium or psychic, to physically fight or abuse someone, to have consumed enough alcohol to be considered legally drunk, to have used an illegal, nonprescription drug, to have said something to someone that was not true, to have gotten back at someone for something he or she did, and to have said mean things behind another person’s back. No difference.*

I bolded “No difference” above to make the point that this should not be the case. We should look vastly different. Agree?

Interpreting the Times

How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? Luke 12:56-57

In the midst of the Information Age, we have a preponderance of evidence to support the call to Christ. How is it this can be missed? We will be held accountable. Our salvation secured is not a badge of honor. If we value salvation, we simply must be better witnesses to the lost. It’s not a popular position, not politically correct, but we must fit in and stand out at the same time. Trust that the Spirit will make this possible. Ask for vision. Have faith when challenged.

Repent or Perish

It’s interesting to hear Jesus speak about current events during His time on Earth. Here the people refer to bloodshed by Pilate and Jesus adds a reference to 18 who died in a disaster in Siloam. Both tragic events are used as examples of why we should decide now, not wait. Twice in the same short story Jesus exhorts:

But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:3,5

Our loving Savior, the Great and Mighty is ever patient and kind. I’m grateful to know He gives us second and third chances:

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 3:8-9

Lord, help us to remember that the sand does eventually slip through the hourglass, that there is a point when our chances run out. May we be the voice in this present age, in this hour of darkness, that speaks to those who would otherwise perish. To God be the Glory. Amen.

 

*Kinnaman, David. unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters (p. 47). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. See the article “American Lifestyles Mix Compassion and Self-Oriented Behavior” (February 5, 2007) at www.barna.org.

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Luke: Do Not Worry

Read: Luke 12:22-34

The narrative today begins with the words “then” and “therefore” as a reminder that it’s important to remember this is a continuing story related to the previous lesson on greed. The next section of this chapter continues the lesson, but it seems prudent to post in smaller bites as long as we keep the bigger picture in mind. I hope you agree.

Do not worry. Do not be afraid. Have faith.

End of lesson, yes? Not quite. As I read the words of Jesus, I realize I have those phrases out of order, in fact, backwards. It should be:

Have faith. Do not be afraid. Do not worry.

The emphasis is on faith. Jesus, the masterful teacher, provides tangible examples to draw us into the story to help us learn this truth. Consider the ravens, birds of the air; look at the wild flowers, here one day and gone the next. All concrete thoughts that transcend time. We can nod our heads in agreement with our brothers and sisters from 2,000+ years ago. The NLV picked up on the footnote in the NIV translation:

Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? Luke 12:25

I can’t make myself taller by worrying, nor can I add a single hour to my life. This isn’t a license to do nothing. It’s a strong reminder to stop focusing on myself, to stop being so self-centered.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:29-31

This morning, in particular, I found the phrase, “for the pagan world” was most interesting. Jesus, God incarnate, sees the world with eyes that are far different than our own. He created the birds and the fields, the wonders of the heavens and the depths of the oceans. All nature obeys His voice. (The song, So Will I is now playing in my head.) Then we consider humankind. There are those who choose to love the Lord and there are pagans who refuse. We have a choice to make. We can join the pagans and chase after the things of this world, to set our hearts on transient, earthly goals, or we can seek the kingdom of God first and have faith that God will provide.

I’ve experienced this blessing over and over again. From outrageous tax refunds to checks showing up from places I never expected. Somehow, for some strange reason, God continues to fill whatever needs I have for daily bread, clothing, and shelter.

While I’m reminded of these blessings, I’m also challenged to do something as a result.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

“Little flock.” Now I’ve been put in my place! Please hear this human, the Father has given you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, that which will not wear out, will not wither, will not die.

Do not worry.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Remember that verse. It’s easy: Luke 1-2-3-4. 🙂

Lord, increase my faith this morning, this day, this month, this year. Right now and from now on, I trust that you will provide. Teach me to give away all I can and have faith that you are there to take care of my simple earthly needs.

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Luke: Rich and Foolish

Read: Luke 12:13-21

The parable of the rich fool was setup by someone in the crowd that wanted Jesus to get in the middle of a sibling battle over inheritance. It’s interesting that Luke captured the moment that prompted the parable. Here we have Jesus preaching and teaching on matters of eternal importance and someone in the crowd sees an opportunity to get their portion of earthly inheritance. Wow!

How many times have I had a chance to learn, to grow, the mature, and yet my mind was focused completely in the wrong direction?

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

The silver lining in being a family that moved a lot was the release of possessions as we packed up and moved frequently. Hoarding stuff is just not in my DNA, but I still have to clean house from time to time. This prompt, the precursor to the parable, reminds me of an important truth: life is not about stuff you collect; it’s about a legacy you leave.

To hammer home the lesson, Jesus paints a picture story for the crowd of a rich man with an exceptionally good season. The money just flows in.

Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ Luke 12:19

We like to immediately judge the guy above because we know that Jesus is setting up the story for a reason, but humor me for a minute. Who doesn’t want to hit the pause button? What if you won the lottery? Pick some huge amount of money. What would you do? Would you take it easy and have the time of your life? I’m sure I would for at least a month or two (or three).

The NIV translation provides an important element – it’s the ground that yielded an abundant harvest. Sure, he worked the ground, planted at the right time, weeded, nurtured, etc., but the abundance was the result of good soil, of an earthly origin. His focus was in the wrong direction.

The man in the story gets excited, tears down the small storage units, and builds a huge system that will let him live out the rest of his days in luxury. No longer concerned with the world or anyone else, let the party begin!

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

Pay special attention to the bookends on the quote above: “But God said…toward God” There is no doubt where our focus needs to be, and it has little to do with us or anything on Earth.

I do pray for abundance, for seasons of incredible yield, but not for jet-setting and wild living. My prayer is to be generous with that which is given at all times, whether a lot or a little. All this stuff is just temporary. Lord, help me to be a good steward of all the amazing things You continue to give me.

Lord, keep us far from greed, from storing up earthly possessions when the richness of heaven is at our fingertips. Help us to be rich toward You!

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Luke: Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders

Read: Luke 11:37-54

Invited to dinner with the Pharisees, Jesus is quick to point out their deficiencies as a group. The way Luke records this is fascinating. He sits down, doesn’t wash ceremoniously to get their attention, then proceeds to tell them they are fools!

Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Luke 11:39-40

Two chapters ago, before the Transfiguration, Jesus was telling His disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law…” (Luke 9:22), the very people who invited Him to dinner — now He’s openly criticizing them!

Before digging into the “woes” that follow, I find it quite interesting that these guys don’t storm out of the room. It seems to me that they’re so confident in their position that they stand their ground to teach Jesus a lesson or two. Their proud posture will ultimately be their downfall. Something I need to be reminded of when I take a stance for or against the church. Jesus is the truth, not Dave, not the scribes, not the Pharisees.

Another general observation is that Jesus makes His position known openly, He doesn’t speak to the Pharisees one way in front of them and another to His disciples. The Pharisees (and others) are often seen whispering among themselves, plotting in secret, and acting deceptively. Jesus has nothing to do with such behavior and calls out these actions frequently. Important lessons to learn when having crucial conversations — integrity is of utmost importance.

We must NOT engage in religious hypocrisy. That sounds intuitively obvious, but when, not if, we only surround ourselves with people that agree with our own perspectives, we risk becoming hypocrites by association. For this reason, among many others, we must get out from behind the walls of the church building and befriend those who are far from Christ where our pious positions are not so revered and honored.

The Woes of Legalism

  • you neglect justice and the love of God
  • you love the most important seats…and respectful greetings in the marketplaces
  • you are like unmarked graves
  • you load people down with burdens
  • you build tombs for the prophets… from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah…this generation will be held responsible for it all
  • you have taken away the key to knowledge

Jesus didn’t just criticize randomly, He provides specific issues for them to consider, perhaps for us to consider. The words here are laced with pride, especially pride in their legalistic system with which few can pass tests and therefore enter the elitist community.

May we surround ourselves with people of integrity that question our motivation and decisions. Keep me far from “yes-men” that make me feel good about myself for the sake of feeling good. At the same time, I’m not suggesting that being obstinate is not a badge of honor. Let’s just simply be people of integrity.

Luke was inspired to provide these specific words for us to consider. Lord, I pray we would not neglect justice for the least of these, that we would love You above all else. I pray we lay down our prideful nature and selfish ambition to make You accessible to all people, especially those who have not properly heard the gospel. Help us to be keys to knowledge, not barriers!

 

Footnote of Interest from the NIVAC:

The Pharisees and scribes were not the majority on the ruling council of Judaism (the Sadducees were), but they did have great influence there. While the Sadducees basically followed the Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy), the Pharisees developed an extensive tradition of oral law, applying it to every area of life; this factor made them the strictest of the Jewish religious sects. Though small in number (estimated to be over 6,000 at this time), as a lay movement they represented one of the more powerful influences on Judaism. 2 The scribes were scholars who tried to determine what following the law meant. They were respected by most Jews.

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 50699-50704). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Read: Luke 11:1-13

The Twelve disciples have watched Jesus pray on many occasions. Finally, they stop and ask Him to teach them just as John taught his disciples. What a lesson on discipleship!

I love the fact that Luke captures the expanded lesson in the text here. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide as Matthew provided. Here are some words to follow along with a parable that explains why and how to pray. It seems simple, but the reminder is significant.

Begin with remembering what most Christians take for granted: we have a Father that is to be revered and worshipped. He alone is worthy of praise. Pray for daily bread, for forgiveness of sins, the great need to forgive others, and for wisdom to keep us from temptation. Pray and believe.

Shameless Audacity

I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:8

Would someone describe you as one with shameless audacity? In a recent conversation with a close friend, I had to confess feelings of complacency, I was neither happy or upset about a particular subject. This is a scary place to be as one who is a fully devoted follower of Christ. The great tempter smiles at complacency and cowers at the mention of audacity.

Do you have a friend who is shameless? Whose audacity drives you nuts? If so, I would say you have a true friend. Sure, there are times to sit around the camp fire and sing kumbaya, but I’m one who needs to be stirred to action much of the time. We all know John 3:16, but do you know Revelation 3:16? Same author, very different idea.

Audacious Love of Christ

We are beyond blessed to know that we live with the Holy Spirit inside of us, that our presence here on earth counts for something, in spite of our shortcomings.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

Oh, the reckless love of Christ! How beautifully wonderful it is to read these words. How important and significant it is to share this with all we meet, wherever we are, whatever we are doing.

Lord, thank you for teaching us to pray and for these incredible reminders. Don’t let us be lukewarm. Turn up the heat!

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