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”

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”

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