As a dad, I resonate with the message of Luke 11. Jesus asks, 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 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!” On the... Read more
Luke 10 opens the dialogue that redefines our typical definition of neighbor. We think of a neighbor as the person next door, but Jesus had something else (and something better) in mind. The question: “Who is my neighbor?” The response: “The one who had mercy on him [the one in need].” In the story used to answer the question, known as the account of the Good Samaritan, many interesting observations can be made. The person… …was in need. …could not... Read more
Our consumer culture envies the pursuit of publicity for its organization’s latest product or service. Fans camp out for the latest iPad or film release. Politicians even pay attention to the ever-changing trends in popular culture, knowing their message is impacted by what happens elsewhere. But how did Jesus make headlines? It’s an interesting question. In some ways, he didn’t. Jesus didn’t publish bestselling novels, direct a film, or start the First-Century equivalent of Microsoft or Facebook. On the flip... Read more
After watching numerous videos of Japan’s earthquake and the ensuing tsunami, my heart breaks for those whose lives have been lost and the loved ones they leave behind. Like many, I wonder, “Where is God?” The disciples once had a similar experience on a much smaller scale. In Luke 8, Jesus and his twelve disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat. While Jesus slept, a storm came upon the vessel and threatened to overturn it. In a culture... Read more
The words of Jesus in Luke 7 offer powerful insight into the issue of forgiveness. We are told Jesus sat at a meal with a wealthy man in his community when a woman appeared and began washing his feet with tears. The guests thought to themselves,”Why is he allowing this? Doesn’t he know what kind of woman she is?” Jesus did know. He used this teachable moment to communicate a profound spiritual truth: Those forgiven much love much. I’ll let... Read more
Many think of Jesus as a mild-mannered Clark Kent-like character. But since he was the God-man (Infinitely better than Superman!), often acted in ways that contradict our cultural views of Christ. Luke 6, for example, shows Jesus staying out all night. Okay, he wasn’t clubbing or doing anything rowdy, but we are told, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Jesus prayed all night. Convicting. I’ve had many... Read more
Luke 5 shares a fascinating story that reveals Christ’s attitude toward sinners. It also reveals the attitude the religious leaders held toward him. The text, in part, reads: 27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. 29 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large... Read more
Luke 4 reveals the mission of Jesus on earth. He communicated that he was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy he had just read in the synagogue at Nazareth. The prophecy read: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of... Read more
Luke 3 introduces us to the work of John the Baptizer. He was called to prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus, and called people to change. But what did John tell them to do? Two things. First, they were to change their hearts. The Christian term, repentance, means just that. John called people to have a change of attitude toward God and his coming Messiah. Second, John called people to change their actions. Specifically, he addressed what I call... Read more
Luke 2 is where we usually turn for information concerning the birth of Jesus. However, we often overlook the fact that the first recorded witnesses to his birth (other than Joseph and Mary) were shepherds. God could have sent an angel to the political leaders of Bethlehem or the most influential business leaders, but he didn’t. Instead, he chose those who would listen and obey. To them, the angels called the birth of Jesus “the good news.” Sometimes, we wonder... Read more
Holy Writ
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