Luke

March 25, 2016

What does it mean to say that “Jesus is Lord?”Jesus challenged his followers by asking why their walk didn’t match their talk. It’s one thing to go around saying that “Jesus is Lord,” but it’s another thing to actually give Him control of every area of your life, obeying His commands. Is there a place in your life that you have yet to submit to Christ? On this Good Friday, when we remember that Jesus willingly gave His life for us, will we willingly surrender our lives to Him? Ask the Spirit to help you take inventory today. In what area of your life are you still retaining control? For if you have not made Christ Lord of all, then He still isn’t really your Lord at all.

March 24, 2016

This is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, describing the new economy of the kingdom of heaven. Instead of reciprocal response, the believer is to respond out of a new spiritual character, as God does. God’s kingdom people are to “love, do good, bless and pray” because this is what is in them to do regardless of how others treat them. God’s people are revealing His character to the world by this. Jesus’ sermon is subversive to the world’s economy which says to respond in kind. Jesus says that we are to “love, do good, bless and pray” no matter how we are treated. The Jesus’ Way turns the world upside down.

March 23, 2016

The Pharisees challenged Jesus’ choice of disciples. Unlike the followers of Pharisaic rabbis, or even the disciples of John the Baptist, the disciples of Jesus were considered uneducated and uncouth. They didn’t even fast. But Jesus defended his followers. First, he explained that fasting and wedding parties didn’t go together. His disciples were with the Bridegroom now, they would fast later when he was not with them. Then, he used a parable to illustrate the thinking behind his choice of disciples. He had called them because they were flexible enough to be teachable. Christ’s teaching was the “new wine,” and his disciples were the “new wineskins.” He didn’t have to overcome all of the Pharisaic teachings and additions to the Mosaic law with them. Every word he taught wasn’t challenged, but freely received by his disciples. Christ chose his disciples because they recognized him as having authority and were willing to believe and follow him. The Pharisees were like “old wineskins” that wouldn’t accept Christ’s authority, nor his teaching. The Pharisees were prideful, self-righteous and judgmental of others. Christ’s disciples were humble, self-confessed sinners who were amazed that Jesus would even consider calling them. What kind of “wineskin” are you?

March 22, 2016

A man “full of leprosy” fell on his face before Jesus saying, “Lord if you are will, you can make me clean.” And the Lord, who could’ve healed from afar, came near and touched the man who was leprous all over and said, “I will, be clean.” Jesus was not only willing to heal the leper, he was willing to touch him. The first action demonstrated divine power, the second divine love. Certainly, we rejoice in Christ’s healing and forgiving power that saves us. Yet, that Jesus is willing to touch us, calling us his own, moves us to even greater thankfulness and joy. He is not only Physician, but Friend!

March 21, 2016

When Jesus called Peter and his fellow fisherman to follow Him, they left their boats, nets and everything to be His disciples. Sure, there were a few occasions when Peter tried to return to his fishing, but his former life no longer aligned with his new life in Christ. Stop clinging to the former things that held your interest before believing in Christ. Experience the sweet release of leaving your self-effort behind and trusting Jesus with all. Leave and follow. Christ wants to take you places you could never go on your own. What aspect of your former life is keeping you from fully following Christ?

March 20, 2016

In the town of Nazareth, where Jesus had grown up, he returned from his 40 days in the wilderness to begin his public ministry. He attended the local synagogue and chose the passage from the Isaiah scroll that spoke of the Anointed One who would come. The word “anointed” is where the Hebrews get the word “Messiah,” and where the Greeks get the word “Christos.” Having read this passage, he lifted his eyes from the Scripture and instead of offering the usual commentary, he claimed to be the “fulfillment” of Isaiah’s prophecy. He claimed to be the Christ. This created quite a stir in the small synagogue. His hometown people rejected his claim saying, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” Their familiarity with Jesus actually caused them to doubt him. Is this happening in America, where everyone is familiar with Jesus the man, but not many believe in him as Lord?

March 17, 2016

Luke is the only gospel that described how Jesus grew up. The story of twelve year old Jesus talking with the teachers in the Temple, while His family was looking for Him, is a very interesting glimpse into His youth. And it begs the question, “What did it look like for the Son of God to grow up?” Luke summarized Christ’s growing years in a four part description. This description is helpful for those who want to grow to maturity as Jesus did.
The four areas of growth are:
1) Mental “wisdom”
2) Physical “stature”
3) Spiritual “favor with God”
4) Social “favor with men”
I use this verse to help set goals in my life each year, praying that Jesus will help me to grow more like Him. What are your “Luke 2:52” goals?

March 14, 2016

Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Christ child was a wonderful expression of submission to God’s will. Her faithful response stands in contrast to Zechariah’s doubtful one. Of course, Mary questioned the angel too, but her request was not for certification, but for clarification. Zachariah wanted proof that his barren wife would have a child. Mary wanted to understand the means of conception since she was a virgin. She asked for clarification, not confirmation. Mary’s response stemmed from her faith; Zachariah’s stemmed from his lack of faith.