Luke – Page 18 – Be Still…

Luke 10:1-20 – Bold Witness

This is the second time Jesus sends out his disciples here in Luke. This time, however, there are more than just the twelve, and it is likely that the original twelve are not part of this new group of 72.

It is clear that there have been more than just twelve surrounding Jesus, hanging on his every word, and following him where ever he goes. It is now their turn to see the power of God at work. It is now their turn to be obedient and be God’s missionaries. Continue reading “Luke 10:1-20 – Bold Witness”

Luke 9:51-62 – What Does Your To-Do List Look Like?

Read Luke 9:51-62

What is on your agenda for today? For me, I have grocery shopping, phone calls to return, dog medicines to administer, and laundry to do. What if Jesus came and said, “Follow me.” How would you respond to him?

The two people in our reading today needed to get their “to-do” list done first and say goodbye to family. But Jesus wanted followers immediately. He expected to be first priority and there was no time for excuses. I would happily leave my laundry behind, but not bidding farewell to family might be harder. For us today, it’s hard to imagine not being connected because of cell phones, the internet and even snail mail. Yet for this person, it could be goodbye forever.

But Jesus deserves to be our FIRST priority. Continue reading “Luke 9:51-62 – What Does Your To-Do List Look Like?”

Luke 9:37-50 – Wisdom

Read Luke 9:37-50

Today’s reading may be a bit disjointed by several stories. I did see a couple common themes. The disciples are struggling, and Jesus was getting a little frustrated. Up to this point, Jesus has seemed very positive, in contrast to some of the verses in Mark.

We can also discern much wisdom in these verses.

So, what’s happening here? We’re just down from the mountain top experience for Peter, James, and John. Now, the next day, these disciples couldn’t cast out the demon causing the young boy to foam at the mouth. I don’t know about you, but Jesus’ response was a little startling. Continue reading “Luke 9:37-50 – Wisdom”

Luke 9:28-36 – Transfiguration

Read Luke 9:28-36

What does transfiguration mean? One definition suggests: “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.”

This is precisely what the select few of Jesus’ disciples got to witness firsthand in today’s reading. This has always been a reading that intrigued me. Imagine waking up from a nap only to see your friend in a changed form. The glory of the Lord was shining brightly. That is certainly something we don’t see every day.

Also, how did Peter know that it was Elijah and Moses? That has always puzzled me. Maybe they had pictures in their Bibles? I think it more likely God was imparting that wisdom. Continue reading “Luke 9:28-36 – Transfiguration”

Luke 9:18-27 – Here’s the Scoop

Read Luke 9:18-27

There are some beautiful passages in today’s reading and some that leave me a little perplexed. Did you feel that way, too?

It’s the first time, in Luke’s account, that Jesus warns his disciples about his future death and resurrection. Quite a turning point, but I’m certain his followers didn’t understand. It would be hard for them (and us for that matter) to truly grasp what Jesus was saying. I’m sure they didn’t want to believe it even if they understood.

The verses we’ll focus on are “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Continue reading “Luke 9:18-27 – Here’s the Scoop”