Luke 19:28-40 – Triumphant Entry

Read Luke 19:28-40

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Jesus’ ministry had continued, and he had not been crucified? That could never have happened because Jesus was destined for the moment of his death and resurrection. But at this high point in his ministry, people were really getting into it and seeing him for who he was.

Word had spread about what Jesus was doing, how he was teaching, healing performing miracles, and not cowering to the religious leaders. The people were so hungry for this kind of leadership. Yet, they were also dreaming of a mighty king who would rescue them from their oppression. Jesus would rescue them but in a way they weren’t expecting. Continue reading “Luke 19:28-40 – Triumphant Entry”

Luke 19:11-27 – Are You Using Your Gifts?

Read Luke 19:11-27

This may be a wake up call for some of us. I found it interesting that Jesus used this as an illustration that the kingdom is not yet fully here. But the more I ponder and reflect, I see the correlation. Jesus wants us to think about how we act and respond to his gifting while we wait for his return. When he returns, the kingdom of God will be fully realized.

What else was strange to me is that he had ten servants but we only hear from three. I wonder why Luke used ten when the Matthew text used only three. Sometimes I get stuck on details that really don’t matter. I’m guessing if Jesus were to have told about the results of all ten, there would be varying degrees of success. Since the nobleman told them to invest it for him, I’m hoping none of the other servants disobeyed and hid their share. Continue reading “Luke 19:11-27 – Are You Using Your Gifts?”

Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus

Read Luke 19:1-10

What a story! This has always been a favorite. I’m a little “vertically challenged” myself, so I can totally identify with Zacchaeus’ problem of seeing over the crowd. This is a familiar passage, in particular because of the song we sang as children – can’t help that running through my brain right now. If you’ve never heard it – take a listen HERE.

When I read this passage today I noted a couple things. First, Zacchaeus was searching out Jesus. We’re told this man was a chief tax collector, a “chief”, so probably in charge of a lot of other ruthless tax collectors in the area, and also very rich. When we think of the people following Jesus, we don’t often picture rich tax collectors. (Exception Matthew, a called disciple who left behind that line of work.) What was Zacchaeus’ motive? Why was he so anxious to see Jesus that day? He even climbed up a tree to see him! Continue reading “Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus”

Luke 18:35-43 – Be Bold in Your Faith

Read Luke 18:35-43

This may seem like just another miracle story, but there is more here. How did the blind man call out to Jesus? He didn’t say, “Hey you” or even “Hey Jesus!” He called to the “Son of David.” This is significant because it reveals that this man was not blind to the identity of Jesus. Son of David would point to Jesus as the Messiah, the descendant of David, their promised King.

Jesus wanted to know this man’s desire. After all, he was a beggar, perhaps he just wanted coins or enough food for his daily needs. But this man who knew who Jesus was wanted to see. His sight was immediately restored, and Jesus proclaimed that his faith had healed him. His faith in Jesus as the Son of God, the promised Messiah, truly a faith without seeing. Continue reading “Luke 18:35-43 – Be Bold in Your Faith”

Luke 18:31-34 – They Don’t Get It

Read Luke 18:31-34

This isn’t the first time that Jesus tells his disciples about what is going to happen to him. In this instance, he’s not referring to himself in first person which is a little odd. I wonder why he did that? Even more perplexing is that it says the significance of Jesus’ words was “hidden from” his followers.

I understand it to mean that God chose to keep the full picture of what was to come hidden or obscured from understanding. What do you think the disciples would have done if they had known the full story or understood the agony their friend would endure. Would they have tried to stop it? Would they have taken Jesus a different way so as to avoid his fate in Jerusalem?

Continue reading “Luke 18:31-34 – They Don’t Get It”

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