Dana Hagstrom – Page 431

Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?

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?”

Luke 3:21-38 – Meet the Family

Read Luke 3:21-38

Today’s reading has two parts, (1) Jesus’ baptism and (2) recitation of his family tree. Both have their own power. Jesus’ baptism is recorded here and in the other Gospels. Luke’s account is very short and interestingly placed after we are told (in previous passage) that John the Baptist was in jail.

No matter the order of events, we are now focusing on the start of Jesus’ ministry. While most people were getting baptized because of sin, Jesus did not have sin. His public appearance was simply to be used by God to reveal Jesus to the world. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, announced God’s love for his Son, Jesus. (Noticed the capitalized “S” in son.)

Jesus’ earthly mission has begun! Continue reading “Luke 3:21-38 – Meet the Family”

Luke 3:1-20 – Prepare the Way

Read Luke 3:1-20

Today we have a snapshot of John the Baptist. Just several short verses ago we learned how an angel brought the Lord’s message to his aging parents, telling them their son would prepare the people for the coming Messiah. We see that prophecy, as well as Isaiah’s words from the Old Testament, coming alive before our eyes.

John is quite a character. We are told he was living in the wilderness. I suppose that elicits a certain image in your mind, doesn’t it? He would have been very resourceful to maintain that lifestyle. He listened to God’s call on his life and gave it his all. Continue reading “Luke 3:1-20 – Prepare the Way”

Luke 2:41-52 – Who’s Teaching Who?

Read Luke 2:41-52

So many thoughts run through my head as I read this passage.

How frantic Mary and Joseph must have been. Have you ever lost your child, even for a moment in a store while shopping? Remember that feeling?
Did Jesus or the religious leaders ever take a break and sleep during the 3+ days Jesus was “missing.”
How could they not know what Jesus meant, had they forgotten he was the “Son of God?”
If the religious leaders were all amazed at his answers at age 12, what happened to them when at age 30 they wanted to kill Jesus?

Did you have another revelation or thought when you read this passage? Perhaps there is something missing in your life that you want to find? I suppose the mother in me really resonates with the first one and can’t imagine the anguish Mary felt. Continue reading “Luke 2:41-52 – Who’s Teaching Who?”

Luke 2:21-40 – Hello World

Read Luke 2:21-40

Joseph and Mary continue to be faithful to their traditions and beliefs. They present their son, Jesus at the temple along with their required sacrifice. (Side note: did you notice required sacrifice was two turtledoves, and I’m writing this on the 2nd day of Christmas.)

With the events of the birth night still fresh in their minds, wouldn’t you think this young family was hoping to find some normalcy? I suppose having the son of God in your midst could always be a bit daunting, but the love for your child and the innate need to protect would certainly be strong guiding emotions. Continue reading “Luke 2:21-40 – Hello World”