Dana Hagstrom – Page 430

Luke 5:12-26 – Healed & Forgiven

We have many accounts of healing in today’s reading. A few of those are detailed for us. Imagine how in the day without the internet, newspapers, or cell phones that such word about Jesus and his teaching and miracles got around. Jesus was causing a stir, as he should. He was the son of God after all.

So far in Luke’s gospel, we see Jesus as calm and available. I loved the faith of the man with leprosy when he said, “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus was willing and the man was healed. That was a horrible disease, and to be freed from it must have been such a relief. I’m not surprised that he couldn’t keep it to himself.

Despite the throngs of people coming to Jesus, he continued to give and serve. Yet we are told he did need his quiet time, and I always appreciate hearing that. We all need our quiet time with God. Continue reading “Luke 5:12-26 – Healed & Forgiven”

Luke 5:1-11 – Follow Me

Read Luke 5:1-11

Does it take a miracle to follow Jesus? For some it may, and for others they will buy in because of the love and acceptance. Here in today’s story, we see a miracle, probably witnessed by many.

Picture the scene. Jesus had been teaching a huge crowd down by the lake. They were probably closing in, trying to hear better. Jesus sees an empty boat and all but “escapes” out into the water to preach to them from there. Perhaps his voice would also carry well.

Jesus used this then as a teachable moment for Peter, James and John. It is obvious from Simon’s words that he was familiar with Jesus as he called him “Master” and later “Lord.” Continue reading “Luke 5:1-11 – Follow Me”

Luke 4:31-44 – Here We Go!

Read Luke 4:31-44

Have you ever witnessed a healing or a demonic possession? I haven’t either, in person. I have heard of them from many friends, and I recently saw a video of a little boy being healed of cerebral palsy in Puerto Rico. God’s power is alive and well.

Here we go, Jesus’ ministry was just beginning, and he was beginning to test the power he had inside that came from above. While Jesus was fully human, yet he was also fully divine.

After leaving Nazareth, he ended up in Capernaum, about a 9 hour hike (today by road). From the sounds of it, he spent some time there teaching weekly in the synagogue. “Once”, indicating it happened during this time or another time and place, we hear of the demon possessed man being healed. Did you notice that the demon speaking knew Jesus was the Holy One of God? Yet, the demon taunted and was called out, never to bother that man again. To see that had to stir amazement and awe. It would for me. Continue reading “Luke 4:31-44 – Here We Go!”

Luke 4:14-30 – Rejected!

Read Luke 4:14-30

Did you get goosebumps when you read this passage? I did. I was totally immersed in the scene of Jesus preaching to his hometown crowd. The words from Isaiah that he read that day were, in fact, being made true that very moment. Profound. Miraculous!

I don’t think the people even realized. After all, wasn’t he Joseph’s son? This speaks loudly to us that Jesus did grow up quietly and in an unassuming way, never drawing attention to his kingdom royalty.

He did go on to explain, and even gave examples. The reality is that hometown kids don’t always get the best reception with those familiar to them. Many times, their mission was not in their hometown with those most dear to them. We need to be ready to be used by God wherever he leads us. Continue reading “Luke 4:14-30 – Rejected!”

Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?

Read Luke 4:1-13

Does it make you feel better to know that even Jesus was tested? What can we learn from his response to the devil’s schemes?

We see Jesus in this passage from the perspective of knowing who he is and how his life played out. Imagine if we were only seeing him for the first time in these few verses. What if we didn’t understand or realize he was the Son of God? Read the passage again through that lens (yes, I know it’s hard).

What are your impressions now? Here are some of my observations.

The devil knew Jesus was the Son of God. I wonder how?
I can’t imagine not eating for 40 days! I definitely would be hungry, I’d want to eat everything in sight!
Boy, Jesus was strong to resist that bread!
The devil tried to use Scripture, too, to fool Jesus. Crafty. Some people try to use it for their own purposes, too.
Why didn’t Jesus run away from the devil?

Continue reading “Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?”