In Luke 12:1-12 Jesus once again finds himself in the middle of a throng of people. These people are trying to find fault in any word or phrase He speaks, they are trying to trip Him up. That's an impossible task; take a look at the last verse in this passage where it says that the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say at the very moment you need it!
Just before this Jesus had been dining in the home of one of the Pharisees and had given them a warning of repentance. Now within earshot of those Pharisees and thousands of others He speaks directly to His disciples and tells them to watch out for hypocrisy like that of the Pharisees.
Nothing that's done in secret stays in secret. We like the Pharisees sometimes do what we do to be seen by those around us and hope that people can't see what going on in our hearts, but God can see. What is done in a whispered gossip will be proclaimed from the rooftops. Quite a scary thought!
We are called His friends! "Do not fear men" He said. Jesus had just endured an angry attack by the Pharisees and was bringing words of comfort to His disciples "but fear God" the one who has power over evil and will punish it.
This passage shows a Heavenly Father who cares more about us than the tiniest of birds, a loving Lord who intercedes for us before a Holy God and a Comforter who instructs us, giving us the right words to say before your accusers. We are equipped with everything needed to lead a life pleasing to Him and to live a life without fear for His service.
Janis
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Luke 11:42-54 ~ Woes Against the Pharisees
“They interrogated him about several things, lying in wait for him to catch him in something he might say.” (Luke 11:53-54)
The outside world is watching us and waiting. We cannot be naïve to think that when we claim to be followers of Christ, people won’t be watching our every move. The reality is that those who trust in themselves for salvation and refuse to submit to Christ and His grace do not look well upon those who claim to live under grace or are “born-again.”
What does the “lost” world see when they look at your life? As they are, “lying in wait to catch” you in hypocrisy, sin, etc. what do you think they will see? The most important and influential people in your life will most likely always be the ones who are genuine and authentic in their lifestyle. When I think of my own salvation experience, I was led to Christ by someone who was living for Christ not just talking about Him. That made the difference for me!
The outside world longs for hope, whether they realize it or not. The great thing about Christ is that He makes the lost feel uncomfortable. Grace, in itself, is pretty unnatural as it relates to our own selfish and sinful nature. Therefore when people look at authentic, born-again Christians they should have some sense of unease as Christ’s light shines through. This is the power of God working in the life of that person. The conviction, questions, and rebellion can all be used as triggers for God’s divine intervention and saving power. It was in my life and probably was in yours as well.
Michael
The outside world is watching us and waiting. We cannot be naïve to think that when we claim to be followers of Christ, people won’t be watching our every move. The reality is that those who trust in themselves for salvation and refuse to submit to Christ and His grace do not look well upon those who claim to live under grace or are “born-again.”
What does the “lost” world see when they look at your life? As they are, “lying in wait to catch” you in hypocrisy, sin, etc. what do you think they will see? The most important and influential people in your life will most likely always be the ones who are genuine and authentic in their lifestyle. When I think of my own salvation experience, I was led to Christ by someone who was living for Christ not just talking about Him. That made the difference for me!
The outside world longs for hope, whether they realize it or not. The great thing about Christ is that He makes the lost feel uncomfortable. Grace, in itself, is pretty unnatural as it relates to our own selfish and sinful nature. Therefore when people look at authentic, born-again Christians they should have some sense of unease as Christ’s light shines through. This is the power of God working in the life of that person. The conviction, questions, and rebellion can all be used as triggers for God’s divine intervention and saving power. It was in my life and probably was in yours as well.
Michael
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Luke 11:29-41 ~ Easy Believism
We don’t usually think of the Ninevites as good people, in fact God-Himself called them “wicked” and Jonah went out of his way to avoid going to their city. Nineveh was known for its cruelty and brutality to its war captives as well as its blatant idolatry with several temples throughout the city (The Bible Knowledge Commentary). They were the bad guys. But Jesus says refers to the people of Nineveh as an example to his listeners in Luke 11.
The people of Nineveh repented after Jonah went yelling through the city, he didn’t do any fancy miracles, he just said “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” That’s it! In Luke 11, Jesus is performing miracles, casting out demons which was an “in-your-face” sign of the Messiah, yet the people still ask for more!
Sometimes I think that we ask for more, “God, if you just do this one thing, then I’ll believe.” Or we try to bargain, “OK, if you ___(insert God-wish here)___ then I will ___(insert good works here)___.” It’s the same thing as the people in Luke 11, they ask for a miracle but they really don’t and won’t believe. So quit asking and be like the Ninevites (!) and simply believe the message.
The really is the essence of faith.
Samantha
The people of Nineveh repented after Jonah went yelling through the city, he didn’t do any fancy miracles, he just said “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” That’s it! In Luke 11, Jesus is performing miracles, casting out demons which was an “in-your-face” sign of the Messiah, yet the people still ask for more!
Sometimes I think that we ask for more, “God, if you just do this one thing, then I’ll believe.” Or we try to bargain, “OK, if you ___(insert God-wish here)___ then I will ___(insert good works here)___.” It’s the same thing as the people in Luke 11, they ask for a miracle but they really don’t and won’t believe. So quit asking and be like the Ninevites (!) and simply believe the message.
The really is the essence of faith.
Samantha
Luke 11:14-28 ~ Choosing Sides
Have you ever seen a pick-up game of volleyball at a park? Opposing teams start battling it out and then some people straggle in and begin to watch, content to be spectators until they decide what team they like best. In Luke 11 Jesus teaches that whether you know it or not, there are no spectators in the spiritual realm. Everyone has already chosen a side.
The scene begins with the crowds hovering around Jesus while he demands that a demon depart. Luke 11: 14 says the crowds were AMAZED. But Jesus was not interested in amazing people. He had a much deeper purpose to his miracles.
Jesus used the scene to teach an important lesson to the crowd- a lesson about teams. Just like in athletics, there are two teams. God’s and Satan’s teams are opponents in every way with opposing agendas and opposing methods. When people accused Jesus of casting out demons with Satan’s power, he explained that teams stick together if they don’t want to fail.
But some people were unsure of what team they were on. Some thought they were on God’s team because they were impressed with Jesus’ miracles or because they had not made up their mind and certainly didn’t chose the OTHER TEAM. But Jesus basically says, you can admire me and be amazed by me, but the bottom line is Have You Ever Made A Decision To Be On My Team? If you have not, you are automatically on Satan’s team. There is no fence, no in between. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me.”(11:23)
Today a lot of people think they are sitting on the fence, waiting to make a decision about God. But one thing is for certain, everyone is on one of those two teams. It is past time to choose sides, but there is still time to change sides, especially since His side has already won.
John 6:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
Jeannie
The scene begins with the crowds hovering around Jesus while he demands that a demon depart. Luke 11: 14 says the crowds were AMAZED. But Jesus was not interested in amazing people. He had a much deeper purpose to his miracles.
Jesus used the scene to teach an important lesson to the crowd- a lesson about teams. Just like in athletics, there are two teams. God’s and Satan’s teams are opponents in every way with opposing agendas and opposing methods. When people accused Jesus of casting out demons with Satan’s power, he explained that teams stick together if they don’t want to fail.
But some people were unsure of what team they were on. Some thought they were on God’s team because they were impressed with Jesus’ miracles or because they had not made up their mind and certainly didn’t chose the OTHER TEAM. But Jesus basically says, you can admire me and be amazed by me, but the bottom line is Have You Ever Made A Decision To Be On My Team? If you have not, you are automatically on Satan’s team. There is no fence, no in between. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me.”(11:23)
Today a lot of people think they are sitting on the fence, waiting to make a decision about God. But one thing is for certain, everyone is on one of those two teams. It is past time to choose sides, but there is still time to change sides, especially since His side has already won.
John 6:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
Jeannie
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Luke 11:1-13 ~ Persistent Pursuit
There are times in each of our lives when we have a specific need. By need I mean something that we cannot wait for but have to have immediately. We find ourselves in a near state of panic as we try to figure out how we are going something paid, accomplish the task set before us, a family member or friend is facing a life threatening illness, we are confused about what to do about a certain relationship etc.
In looking at the passage referred to as the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:1-13 Jesus tells a story about a man who had an immediate need. The man went to the house of a friend only to be turned down in the late of the night. Jesus points out that” … because of your shameless persistence he will get up and give you whatever you need” (Luke 11:8).
Much in the same way is our Father in Heaven. T. Wright observes that Jesus “is encouraging a kind of holy boldness, a sharp knocking on the door, an insistent asking, a searching that refuses to give up” (134). When it comes to our immediate needs the Lord is completely aware of them. However, He wants us to besiege Him in faith through prayer and petition for the things that concern us the most.
As Wright correctly observes: “There are, of course, too many things to pray about. That’s why it’s important to be disciplined and regular” ( Wright, 129).
Each day we face new challenges and have new needs, and all too often we become overwhelmed by the demands placed on us by bosses, coworkers, family, friends and even ourselves. The truth is that we all have needs and we need answers now. May this passage serve to remind us that we have a loving Father who is standing by waiting to hear from us. He longs for His children to cry out to Him. May each of us take time out today from our hustling around to meet deadlines and demands to besiege our merciful, loving Father. And may we each begin by saying “Father, may your name be honored; may your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we too forgive all our debtors; and don’t put us to the test” (Luke 11:2-4).
Bryan
In looking at the passage referred to as the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:1-13 Jesus tells a story about a man who had an immediate need. The man went to the house of a friend only to be turned down in the late of the night. Jesus points out that” … because of your shameless persistence he will get up and give you whatever you need” (Luke 11:8).
Much in the same way is our Father in Heaven. T. Wright observes that Jesus “is encouraging a kind of holy boldness, a sharp knocking on the door, an insistent asking, a searching that refuses to give up” (134). When it comes to our immediate needs the Lord is completely aware of them. However, He wants us to besiege Him in faith through prayer and petition for the things that concern us the most.
As Wright correctly observes: “There are, of course, too many things to pray about. That’s why it’s important to be disciplined and regular” ( Wright, 129).
Each day we face new challenges and have new needs, and all too often we become overwhelmed by the demands placed on us by bosses, coworkers, family, friends and even ourselves. The truth is that we all have needs and we need answers now. May this passage serve to remind us that we have a loving Father who is standing by waiting to hear from us. He longs for His children to cry out to Him. May each of us take time out today from our hustling around to meet deadlines and demands to besiege our merciful, loving Father. And may we each begin by saying “Father, may your name be honored; may your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we too forgive all our debtors; and don’t put us to the test” (Luke 11:2-4).
Bryan
Luke 10:38-42 ~ Perception is Everything
There was a movie out recently called “Vantage Point.” In this movie there was a terrorist attack. The first part of the movie showed the attack through the eyes of one witness. Then the movie showed the attack through the eyes of another witness. They did this several times; and each time it was shown over through the eyes of a different observer; it looked like a replay but with more information. So it is in Luke 10:38-42.
At first glance we can take a look at Martha and think that she had everything together. In verse 38 she displays her hospitality by inviting Jesus into her home. In Luke 10:40 she is quite involved with much serving, so, evidently she had a servant’s heart. Also in verse 40 she called Jesus “Lord”; that is a good thing – we need to see Him as Lord.
At second glance we see Martha through the eyes of Luke, (the writer of this Gospel). He said that Martha was “cumbered about with much serving”. This word cumbered means, drawn from the center. Luke’s observations would suggest that she was missing what was central or important.
At third glance we hear from Martha; she indicts herself with just two short sentences. First she accused the Lord of not caring; she also accused Mary of not helping. When we are out of balance spiritually we can get critical and judgmental. Secondly, she didn’t ask her sister to help, instead, right in front of her sister, she complained to Jesus. Thirdly, we can see that she called Jesus “Lord” but then started bossing Him around. Lord means “boss” but she inadvertently tried to trump His Lordship by telling Him what to do. You can see in her two short sentences that she was self-absorbed as she used three or four personal pronouns.
At fourth glance we can see this situation through the eyes of Jesus. He spoke very compassionately to her as He called her name twice, (maybe somewhat of a calming address). He proceeded to tell Martha that she was worried and bothered about too many things; (we get our word, “turbulence” from the Greek word, “turbozo”). It was as if Jesus was watching her run on the hamster wheel of life, and He finally addressed her troubled state when she came in to spew her feelings.
At fifth glance we can’t tell what Mary was thinking; only that she was sitting and listening. Interesting observation: all three times Mary is mentioned in the gospels she is at the feet of Jesus. Two of these times she is being accused by someone. In this passage she is being accused by Martha; in John chapter 12 she is being accused by Judas for wasting pricy perfume. Both times she is being attacked – she said nothing; but both times Jesus came to her defense.
I guess from this overview, our perspective should be: We would do better to rest at the feet of Jesus.
Andy
At first glance we can take a look at Martha and think that she had everything together. In verse 38 she displays her hospitality by inviting Jesus into her home. In Luke 10:40 she is quite involved with much serving, so, evidently she had a servant’s heart. Also in verse 40 she called Jesus “Lord”; that is a good thing – we need to see Him as Lord.
At second glance we see Martha through the eyes of Luke, (the writer of this Gospel). He said that Martha was “cumbered about with much serving”. This word cumbered means, drawn from the center. Luke’s observations would suggest that she was missing what was central or important.
At third glance we hear from Martha; she indicts herself with just two short sentences. First she accused the Lord of not caring; she also accused Mary of not helping. When we are out of balance spiritually we can get critical and judgmental. Secondly, she didn’t ask her sister to help, instead, right in front of her sister, she complained to Jesus. Thirdly, we can see that she called Jesus “Lord” but then started bossing Him around. Lord means “boss” but she inadvertently tried to trump His Lordship by telling Him what to do. You can see in her two short sentences that she was self-absorbed as she used three or four personal pronouns.
At fourth glance we can see this situation through the eyes of Jesus. He spoke very compassionately to her as He called her name twice, (maybe somewhat of a calming address). He proceeded to tell Martha that she was worried and bothered about too many things; (we get our word, “turbulence” from the Greek word, “turbozo”). It was as if Jesus was watching her run on the hamster wheel of life, and He finally addressed her troubled state when she came in to spew her feelings.
At fifth glance we can’t tell what Mary was thinking; only that she was sitting and listening. Interesting observation: all three times Mary is mentioned in the gospels she is at the feet of Jesus. Two of these times she is being accused by someone. In this passage she is being accused by Martha; in John chapter 12 she is being accused by Judas for wasting pricy perfume. Both times she is being attacked – she said nothing; but both times Jesus came to her defense.
I guess from this overview, our perspective should be: We would do better to rest at the feet of Jesus.
Andy
Monday, December 1, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 ~ The Good Samaritan?
It wasn’t orchestrated, but the placement of the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37) at this point in our course is God-ordained, perfect timing. We are at the tail-end of our Redemptive Presence project, and I hope you did not miss the connections.In his wring, Wright points out that this is the first parable in the Discipleship section of Luke (p. 128), thus emphasizing it's importance. Moreover, he wants us to move beyond the obvious moral lessons of 1) helping those in need, 2) even if that person is somehow your mortal enemy. Rather, the greater, or probably the “deeper,” lesson is: that as followers of God we should not just do good, but that we should see ourselves as called to do good (i.e., Micah 6:8).
In the text Wright asks: “will we see it as a call and challenge to extend that love and grace (God’s love and grace given to us) to the whole world” (p. 129)?
This is certainly, in light of our recent work, a very appropriate question for us to ask.
He concludes: “No church, no Christian, can remain content with easy definitions which allow us to watch most of the world lying in half-dead in the road. Today’s preachers, and today’s defenders of the Gospel, must find fresh ways of telling the story of God’s love which will do for our day what the brilliant parable did for Jesus’ first hearers.” (p. 129)
So, how is our Redemptive Presence? Is there something for all of us to learn from this courageous Samaritan?
Bill H
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