Luke – Be Still…

Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray

This reading moves us to the second half of our theme of the “Holy Spirit & Prayer.” The idea of prayer can be foreign to new Christ-followers who wonder what it means to pray. Isn’t Jesus the best source to teach us to pray? The disciples thought so, too. They had often seen Jesus go off on his own to spend quiet time with God. Talking to God is what prayer is all about.

I imagine the disciples wondered what Jesus would ask the Father. For folks who grew up in a Protestant church like I did, these words in our text are familiar. Known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” we find another teaching of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:9-13. The Lord’s Prayer is read weekly by congregations as part of the order of service. What a great prayer to pray in community as well as individually! Continue reading “Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray”

Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?

Read Luke 2:1-21

We often overlook the significance of this birth announcement. Jesus wasn’t just some baby who was born over two thousand years ago. Instead, quite a “somebody” because we’re still talking about him all these years later. People who know and love Jesus understand that he is way more than just a baby from the history books. This Bible passage is golden to help us see the “truth” be born.

Jesus is the truth that guides and shapes our lives. Jesus said of himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” When you think of Jesus’ birth, think of who he is and why it matters. Jesus shows us the way. It’s such an honor to know the life-giver as our way to the Father. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?”

Luke 15:11-32 – A Father’s Love

Read Luke 15:11-32

Jesus teaches us some very profound lessons when he uses stories like this one, called parables. This parable is one of my favorites and reflects God’s loving character so well. It’s easy to imagine the story playing out right before your eyes. If you’re an “empty-nester parent” like me, you might even find yourself identifying with the father just a little bit. It’s always a good thing when we can insert ourselves into the Bible’s narrative.

We are often like that wayward son living our lives away from our Heavenly Father. We think we’ve got it all figured out as we “do our own thing,” trying to make our way. When we finally figure out that life can be so much fuller with God, we come running back, or maybe slinking back, to see if God is still waiting for us. Continue reading “Luke 15:11-32 – A Father’s Love”

Luke 6:27-28 – Love Your Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (Luke 6:27-28)

These verses challenge us, don’t they? Jesus knew that not everyone would be up for the task. We know this by the way he leads into this command. I don’t know about you, but I want to listen to everything that Jesus says—even the hard stuff.

Context (Luke 6:27-36): Here, Jesus is addressing us about loving our enemies and what that looks like. It makes total sense that Jesus would make a special point to share this message because it isn’t something we would think to do otherwise. People don’t naturally go out of their way to love people who have hurt them or are mean and cruel. It’s in this section of the Bible that we find the “golden rule,” when Jesus says, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (verse 31) It’s easy to love the lovable, but it takes dedication and loyalty to Jesus to love our enemies. Continue reading “Luke 6:27-28 – Love Your Enemies”

Luke 16:10 – Faithful Responsibility

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (Luke 16:10)

If there was such a thing as “faith scorecards,” then we’d all want to be recognized for the large faith opportunities we encounter. Jesus makes a bold observation here. Are there ever exceptions? It’s interesting that Jesus compares faithfulness and dishonesty in this example.

Context (Luke 16:1-18): Jesus was great at telling stories or parables to teach his audience. This verse falls right after Jesus’ Parable of the Shrewd Manager and right before Jesus tells us we can’t serve two masters, in particular, God and money. The lesson of the parable had been to use your worldly resources to “benefit others and make friends.” While the surrounding verses are somewhat connected, it seems our memory verse could also stand alone and not be involved in the money discussion. Continue reading “Luke 16:10 – Faithful Responsibility”