Luke – Be Still…

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”

Luke 11:28 – Follow-Through

^“Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 11:28)

What happens to the people who don’t “hear” the word of God? Are their blessings limited or non-existent? I can’t answer that, but I do believe that is why Jesus wanted us to be sharing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Everyone should have the opportunity to hear God’s word, God’s message to the world. Those who scoff at it are missing out by their own choice. It’s those people who have never heard it or truly listened that break my heart.

Context (Luke 11:14-28): Shouldn’t we listen to what Jesus told us about the Bible? To His first audience, Jesus had just been teaching about evil spirits and opposition by those who don’t follow Him. Suddenly, Jesus was interrupted by a woman wanting to bless him, or Jesus’ mother actually. The mystery woman must have been moved by Jesus’ wisdom concerning the evil one. Our memory verse is Jesus’ response to her. What a beautiful way to segue from his previous discussion! Continue reading “Luke 11:28 – Follow-Through”

Luke 23:46 – Jesus’ Last Words

“Then Jesus shouted, ‘Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!’ And with those words he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46)

What do we learn from Jesus’ last words? He trusted God, his Father, to the very end. We can’t even begin to imagine the agony Jesus went through for us. Yet through it all, he stayed true to God. Before his ministry even started, the devil tried to derail Jesus’ mission. Jesus overcame so many of the tests we face as humans. Jesus “shouted” these words as if there was an unspoken exclamation point.

Context: Chapter 23 of Luke covers a lot of ground from Jesus’ trial before Pilate, to the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. All the events we, as Christians, remember on Good Friday. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard children ask, why is it “good” if Jesus died? They bring up a very good point. Continue reading “Luke 23:46 – Jesus’ Last Words”

Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth Story

Read Luke 2:1-20

What a birth story! Any mom will tell you their story of what happened during their pregnancy and delivery. There is something precious and holy about the miracle of life that breaks forth from our bodies. While memory of the pain of childbirth fades, other details are held dear as a precious treasure. There is no greater joy than to see your baby for the first time. Is that what Mary was feeling in this story? Imagine Mary looking at her son, and it was the LORD looking back at her.

This story can become too familiar when we hear it year after year. How do we keep it fresh so that the joy and wonder can be felt afresh each time we read it? We can insert ourselves into the story and imagine we were there as a shepherd or even a barn animal looking on. A different vantage point brings fresh perspective. We can also try to set aside everything we know and read the story as if it’s the first time we heard it. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth Story”

Luke 3:7-18 – John’s Message

Read Luke 3:7-18

We met John in our last Advent reading. His preaching was certainly no nonsense as he prepared the people to meet Jesus. By this time, Jesus was all grown up. You may recall earlier in Luke when John’s mother, Elizabeth, was visited by Jesus’ mother, Mary, while pregnant with Jesus. Even while in his mother’s womb, John couldn’t stay still in Jesus’ presence. John could sense even then that Jesus was someone to be honored and celebrated.

How does John describe Jesus in this passage? As someone “greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals.” Imagine having grown up as cousins with Jesus, the Messiah. For others to be ready to meet the Messiah, the people needed to act. Here, John gives them tangible examples of changes they should make to be ready for Jesus. Continue reading “Luke 3:7-18 – John’s Message”