Country Poetry by Cora Gail Gunn Trent

Luke Part 1

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 John's Birth Foretold Zechariah Doubts Jesus' Birth Foretold Mary Visits Elizabeth Mary's Song John's Birth Zechariah's Song The Birth of Jesus Jesus Presented in the Temple Prophecy About Jesus Losing Sight of Jesus The Boy Jesus

John's Birth Foretold (Luke 1) Luke was a physician, and was inspired by God to write what he'd seen and heard. With Paul he traveled on missionary journeys to spread abroad the Gospel, Christ the Word. An orderly account he gives, to verify the others, to certify the truth for those in doubt. No stone is left unturned in the search for righteousness, which is the aim of all who are devout. During the reign of Herod the Great, a priest named Zechariah was serving in the temple of the Jews. He and wife Elizabeth were upright, obedient, observing all the laws to pay their dues. Elizabeth was barren, they were well along in years, when Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, appeared to Zechariah at the altar of incense, and, gripped with fear, his heart was beating hard. But the angel said to him "Do not be afraid; your prayer for children has been heard by God. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a precious son to be named John, the righteous road to trod. He will be to you a joy and delight throughout his days and many will rejoice because of him, for he will serve the Lord in a great and wondrous way, and the lamp he carries never will grow dim. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and with the Holy Spirit will be filled. He will bring back to the Lord many straying Israelites, who through the years have grown to be self-willed. He will go before the Lord, in the spirit of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their young, and those who disobey to the wisdom of the Father, for righteousness whose savor is far flung, to prepare a holy people, made ready for the Lord, and welcome in the dawning of the age. The Messiah promised long ago is coming very soon, and John will preach repentance, set the stage.” § Zechariah Doubts (Luke 1) When Zechariah heard the news that he would have a son, it seemed a bit too good to be believed. "How can I be sure of this, an old man past my prime? Elizabeth is too old to conceive." Said Gabriel, "I've been sent to tell you this good news, and because you doubted God's own words to you, you now will be unable to speak of what you've heard until this blessed promise has come true." Zechariah was a priest, and knew the word of God, about Abraham and Sarah, very old, who begat the promised Isaac by a miracle of God exactly as the angel had foretold. The glory of this mighty being in God's holy temple was proof enough that he was heaven sent, just as nature shows us everywhere the evidence of God, and his wrath on unbelievers he will vent. The congregation wondered what was keeping Zechariah, and when at last he finally came out, he kept making signs to them, and they saw he could not speak, no words to tell just what it was about. Although he was a righteous man, he still had human faults, and was penalized for doubting God's good news. But he did not use his handicap of being deaf and mute to escape the payment of his temple dues. Only when his time of service to the Lord had been completed did he return back home to celebrate. When Elizabeth was pregnant, she remained in close seclusion, with thankfulness to pray and meditate. "The Lord has done this for me," she knew without a doubt. "He has shown his favor in my later years, removing my disgrace of being sadly barren which has been the cause of many wrenching tears." God can do anything, and with us he shares his power to become what we could not without his grace. His promises are sure, and he gives us confidence that someday his saints will look upon his face. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! § Jesus' Birth Foretold (Luke 1) Luke was the only Gentile whose writing is included in the Bible as a book of inspiration. Well educated by the Greeks, primarily he wrote to his fellow Gentiles, not the Jewish nation. Galilee was mostly Gentile, and the town of Nazareth, where the angel spoke to Mary long ago, six months from the encounter with Elizabeth, her cousin. He predicted pregnancy, and it was so. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but as yet was still a virgin, when the angel said she would conceive a son. His name would be called Jesus, which simply means the Savior, and through him man's redemption would be won. Mary was an upright Jewess, finding favor with the Lord, and she wondered how a virgin could conceive. "The power of the Most High God will overshadow you, and his blessed promises you will receive. Your son will be the Son of God, will sit on David's throne, reign over Jacob's house forevermore. The kingdom he establishes will never have an end, and will bring his saints to that eternal shore. Elizabeth, your relative, is heavy now with child. By God's design she soon will bear a son who will pave the way for Jesus just when the time is right, and the last age of the earth will have begun." "May it be to me as you have said; I'm a servant of the Lord," said Mary, what we all should say today. She knew her pregnancy would bring her much shame and disgrace, and yet prepared to walk God's chosen way. By Hebrew law she could have been quickly stoned to death, but she had faith that God would see her through. And we have such a promise, that by his blessed grace, he protects the souls of saints, his righteous few. § Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1)   When the angel had departed, Mary hurriedly got ready and made a long trip to Judea's hills. There she entered Zechariah's home in the tiny town, sharing with Elizabeth her fears and thrills. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting in her humble home, inside her womb, the baby leaped for joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed, "You are so blest to bear this baby boy! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me at such a happy time? Blest is she who has believed that what the Lord has said will be accomplished by his power sublime." Mary was not the mother of God; he existed long ago. Through a miracle he wrought, the son she bore was just the human body he used while here on earth, the tent his everlasting Spirit wore. She did not remain a virgin, had several children later. James and Jude, the authors of important books, were brothers in the flesh as well as brothers in the Spirit, and of his kingdom blessings they partook. Jesus loved his mother dearly, but never intimated that she was due our worship or our prayers. Only he can intercede to the Father for our sins, only he bears all our burdens and our cares. She was made a saint, like us, when she was sanctified in baptism, through the blood he shed for all. She had the honor of nurturing him, the pain of his crucifixion, and the glory promised in the Gospel call. § Mary's Song (Luke 1) "My soul praises the Lord who has blessed me beyond measure, and my spirit sings with joy in God my Savior, for he is mindful of his servant in her humble state and knows the weakness of her best behavior. All generations from this day forth will call me very blest, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. His mercy is on those who fear his righteous, holy name. Obedient faith has always been his plea. Performing mighty, wondrous deeds with power none can match, he has scattered those whose inner thoughts are proud. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but lifted up the humble, whose earnest prayers are said with spirits bowed. Those who hunger for the Bread of Life are filled with lasting good, but the rich are famished, empty in their souls. He has helped his servant Israel, Abraham's descendants, just as he promised in the days of old." Few physical descendants of faithful Abraham obeyed the Lord and followed in his ways. The righteous remnant who remained and served through thick and thin are called New Israel in these last days. From Genesis to Revelation, God's word is consistent: Believe, obey, become a new creation. Live up to what was given you - the righteousness of Christ - to show that his church is a holy nation. We must display a contrite heart, true sorrow for our sins, producing works of faith until the end. The light of Christ reflected in our humble daily lives illuminates the way for erring friends. § John's Birth (Luke 1) The proof that a prophet is from God: his prophecies never fail. The wiles of Satan cannot change the tiniest detail. When the time was right, Elizabeth gave birth to her promised son. Her neighbors and relatives heard the news of what the Lord had done, and shared her joy in motherhood that came so late in life. God's mercy took away the shame of Zechariah's wife. At the eighth day circumcision they thought his name should be Zechariah, like his father, gilding the family tree. But Elizabeth insisted, "He is to be called John." They made signs to Zechariah for his in-put thereupon. On a slate he wrote, "His name is John," and suddenly could speak, praising God for all his blessings, ordinary and unique. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and spread the word around, knowing that this child was special and would the world astound. The name "John" he was given means "God's gift," very apt. In preparing the way for Jesus he was never handicapped. § Zechariah's Song (Luke 1) Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesied: Praise be to God, the Lord of Israel, because he has redeemed his people with his mighty power and brought salvation, faithful hearts to swell. The house of his servant David is saved from enemies, from Satan and the worldly ways of sin, from snares that tempt us daily to turn our backs on God and destroy our precious spirits from within. In his covenant with Abraham, he swore a holy oath to rescue us from earthly fear of death, enabled us to serve him without a hint of fear in righteousness until our final breath. And you, my child, will be a prophet of the Most High God, will go before the Lord to pave the way, to give his people knowledge of salvation's great forgiveness, that his Rising Sun will bring the light of day, to shine on those in darkness, now dying in their sins and guide their feet into the path of peace. He will lead them through the valleys up to the mountaintop where unimagined blessings never cease. § The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2) Hundreds of years before the fact, Micah prophesied that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, whose name means simply "City of Bread," very appropo. Christ is our Bread of Life, a costly gem. The Roman Empire then was great, its borders always spreading, and a census of the people was required every fourteen years, like clockwork, for tax collection info, so that all the needed funds could be acquired. Instead of going house-to-house, as might be done today, each family went to their native city, doing all the work themselves in order to be taxed, requiring patience and some nitty-gritty. Joseph and Mary make the trek from Galilee to Judah, she pregnant with the very Son of God. The inn is bursting at the seams, no rooms at all to rent. Out to the barn these weary pilgrims plod. Amid the sounds and acrid smells of animals and dung, the Christ child is presented to the world, a humble setting for the birth of this most humble gift, as the banner of salvation is unfurled. To lowly shepherds in the fields, an angel of the Lord appears with news of gladness and great joy. "Unto you is born a Savior, the long-awaited Christ. In a manger you will find the baby boy." They hurry off to Bethlehem, this miracle to witness, and spread the news to everyone they see, glorifying God and praising him for what they have been through - amazing, as the people all agree. No room in the inn for Jesus, no room in most hearts today. He is a stumbling block to those who doubt. "Lord, Lord," they say, but will not obey his rules of righteousness. Alas, their darkest sins will find them out. § Jesus Presented in the Temple (Luke 2) Jesus' life from the very first was true to the commandments of the law God gave for Hebrews to obey. The name the angel gave him was made formal at the time when he was circumcised on the eighth day. When the time of purification according to the law had been completed by the mom and babe, his parents took him to the temple at Jerusalem and his consecration to the Lord was made. "A pair of doves or two young pigeons" was the sacrifice they offered up to God at this event. With thankful hearts, they treasured all the blessings that they shared, the miracle by which their son was sent. A certain man named Simeon, righteous and devout, moved by the Spirit, came into the temple. He took Jesus in his arms, praising God with all his heart, from a faith so deep and pure, and yet so simple. "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you can now dismiss your servant to leave this life and rest in blissful peace, for my eyes have seen the Savior, the source of your salvation, where wondrous spiritual blessings never cease. In the sight of all the people, both Israelite and Gentile, you have prepared the greatest gift of all, a light of revelation to illuminate the way so that those who follow him need never fall." Even though he had no sin in his short life here on earth, Jesus oft identified himself with man. He came here to fulfill the law, obeying it completely, despite the brutal gauntlet that he ran. And we - in Christ, through Christ, as Christ - the body that he bought, have kept the law completely through his love. Through the prism of the blood, God sees our life as perfect, and our spirits dwell in heavenly realms above. § Prophecy About Jesus (Luke 2) Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon had said about their firstborn child that God had sent. They knew their son was special from the time of his conception, but hardly knew the depth of what it meant. Simeon added, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in the lineage of the Jews." The hierarchy of the priests would fall with the razing of the temple. In 70 a.d. this event was news. The lowly of their number, fishermen and tax collectors, would rise to lead the world to saving grace. The downfall of so many would be their selfish pride, with humility and love to take its place. "He will be a sign from God, oft maligned and deeply hated, so the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." The priests and scribes, God's leaders, led the cause for crucifixion, and few of them repented to be healed. "A sword will pierce your own soul, too," said Simeon to Mary. To see the tortured body of her son hanging on the shameful bloody cross, a sword thrust in his side, was the hardest thing a mom has ever done. A very old woman, Anna, a prophetess of the Lord, came up to them and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to Jerusalem's redemption. Their enmity would soon be reconciled. When Joseph and Mary had done everything that the Jewish law required, they returned to Nazareth in Galilee. The child grew tall and strong, and also grew in wisdom, with the grace of God his youth to oversee. § Losing Sight of Jesus (Luke 2) At Passover time Joseph's family went to Jerusalem each year, to attend the customary feast and keep their consciences clear. When Jesus was twelve, they made the trek, and on the way back home, he came up missing at the end of day, though he'd never been one to roam. They looked among the kin folks, but no Jesus could be found, so despite their weary bodies, they turned themselves around and went back to Jerusalem, to start from the beginning. Sometimes that is the only way with any chance of winning. When we lose sight of Jesus among the neon lights, the worldly lusts and passions, the endless smells and sights, we must go back to the Bible, the grace of God to seek, the only source of righteousness to keep us pure and meek. We may think he's in our company, with relatives and friends, but how sad to find him missing when the journey ends! Fruits of the Spirit in our lives - love, joy, patience, peace, kindliness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control that does not cease, and gentleness with all mankind will be apparent signs that Christ's own Holy Spirit is keeping our hearts in line. § The Boy Jesus (Luke 2) Even at the age of twelve, Jesus knew his place, among the teachers, listening and learning, asking questions wisely, with amazing understanding, the knowledge of these holy men discerning. For three long days his parents searched all through Jerusalem before they thought to look inside the temple. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" The answer to their quandary was simple. If we seek Jesus in his word with humble, honest hearts, he will reveal himself in truth and grace. To conjure up emotions and pray to hear his voice is to look right past the glory of his face. In following the pattern laid down by the apostles directly through the Spirit's inspiration, steadfastly to continue in the doctrine they were given leaves little room for man's imagination. Young Jesus was obedient to the Father's word, over and above his parents' needs. He said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Obedience goes beyond all human creeds. Jesus grew mentally, physically, socially, and especially in spirit, obedient to his parents and to God, preparing body, mind and soul for that day of horror when the road to Calvary he chose to trod. His mother treasured everything that Jesus did and said against the day her loving heart would break. She willingly gave of herself to nurture and to guide, a selfless sacrifice for Jesus' sake. His wish was her command, and we can do no less if we truly love and hope to please the Lord. He only wants the best for us, shows us the perfect way, and promises eternal, rich rewards. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 2

John the Baptist The Dove of Peace The Temptation of Jesus Jesus Rejected at Nazareth Jesus Heals Many Calling of First Disciples Healing the Obvious The Calling of Levi Fasting Lord of the Sabbath Sermon on the Plain Love for Enemies

<previous                                                                                                                                                             >next John the Baptist (Luke 3) A careful historian, very detailed, is Luke in his account of all the things he'd seen and heard, where truth is paramount. Here he lists the various leaders during the preaching of John, when his voice was heard in the desert, around Jordan and beyond. Baptism of repentance for forgiveness of their sins was the gist of his new message, salvation and heaven to win. Repentance is a change of heart that causes change of action, godly sorrow for a wasted life that brings small satisfaction. This new command, baptism, God gave to pave the way for the coming of the Savior whose word is here to stay. The burial in water is a semblance of the grave that buries the iniquities for which our bodies crave. A new man rises from the depths, a baby without sin, whose nourishment is Gospel milk, a new life to begin. The difference in John's baptism and the one that Christ commands, they had no Holy Spirit to help them understand. Only after the death of Christ and ascension into heaven was the promise of the in-born Spirit to believers given. Some came to John for baptism without repentant hearts, only looking for "fire insurance" in which they might take part. John said, "A tree must produce good fruit or be cut down and burned. Without the righteousness of God, your worthless gifts are spurned. One more powerful than I will come, baptizing with the Spirit, bringing good news to the humble who truly want to hear it. The rebels he will baptize with the fire that can't be quenched, separated from his love, their fate eternally cinched." John exhorted the people with many other words, preparing the way for Jesus, who as yet had been unheard. § The Dove of Peace (Luke 3) Jesus was baptized by the very first fire and brimstone preacher, to fulfill all righteousness by God's command. When he rose out of the water, the Holy Spirit came, descending on him from the Father's hand. In bodily form like that of a dove, it was a sign from God, and a voice from heaven said, "You are my Son. I love you and am pleased with you," for all around to hear. His ministry of service had begun. The dove is used to represent peace to humankind because it has no gall, no bitterness. And as the Spirit fell on him, it falls on us today at baptism where he gives us righteousness. The Spirit is our comforter, counselor and friend who comes alongside our disabled ship and guides us to the shore so that we can be secure. Dead in the water, we are ill-equipped to reach the isle of Paradise for which we set our sails. So we humbly ask for help and do his bidding. He does for us what we cannot, with our cooperation, and outfits our old boat with all new rigging. Everything we lost in Eden has been restored in Jesus. Our sinful nature has been overcome by the blood shed by this perfect man, his sacrifice of love, that is offered even to the lowest scum. He is now our new High Priest to intercede for us because he understands our human ills. No other intercessor can meet God at the throne, nobody else all righteousness fulfills. We saints are kings and priests, can pray directly to him and use the power that his word provides. He promises a safe arrival unto heaven's shore if we heed his call, sail closely by his side. § The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit - power beyond measure - returned from his baptism in the Jordan and was led by the Spirit to the desert, where he fasted, the temper of his human will to harden. When the forty days were ended, hunger gnawed within his belly, and the devil used his weakness for a test. "If you are the Son of God, make some bread out of these stones," Satan whispered with the hope of quick conquest. To be tempted is a normal part of life upon the earth, as our body aches to meet its own desires. But it is no sin unless we let our selfishness run wild. Restraint of self is what God's law requires. In answer to the challenge, Jesus simply quoted scripture, "It is written: Man lives not on bread alone." God's word has all the answers to the problems that we face if for the truth we're hungry to the bone. Satan showed the Lord a vision of the kingdoms of the world, said, "Worship me, and this splendor can be yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: The focus of your worship should be the Lord your God, with no detours." Then a vision of Jerusalem was set before his eyes, and he stood upon the temple's highest spot. "Throw yourself down from here, and God will rescue you to show the world you're the Son that he begot." The devil quoted scripture as well as any preacher, can look just like an angel, shining bright. We must know the Bible well enough to see the broader view, to look beyond the realm of human sight. "Do not test the Lord your God," Jesus answered Satan flatly. There's a difference between a test and trust. To "take up snakes" or flirt with sin to try the Savior's power is gambling that his mercy is unjust. § Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4) Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him filled the countryside. He taught there in their synagogues, was praised by everyone, his wisdom gaining favor far and wide. Serving God was his custom, gathering with believers, whose common faith encouraged and sustained. But in his hometown, Nazareth, he was just a lowly carpenter, and the word of God he spoke met with disdain. There on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, stood up and read Isaiah from the scroll. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, who he has anointed. To preach salvation's good news is my goal. The poor in spirit, humble, meek, with hearts contrite and lowly, will greet the gospel gladly and repent. Prisoners of Satan and the sins to which they're chained will shout for joy that freedom has been sent. The spiritually blind, whose eyes have never seen the glory of God's righteousness and power, will be healed, to see the light, understand his truth and love, and sing his praises hour after hour." When finished reading, he sat down, with all eyes fixed on him, and said, "This scripture is fulfilled today." Amazed that this hometown fellow could speak so graciously, they could scarce believe the words he had to say. He had no rabbinical schooling - where did he learn such things? They were prejudiced and blind, these local Jews, rejecting his authority, like most Jews of the time, who could not see the truth of his good news. Perhaps he should work miracles to prove divinity, but he knew full well their stubbornness and pride would not accept his teaching, the word to save their souls, for their hearts were cold and hard down deep inside. He reminded them that God had often gone out to the Gentiles when rebellious Israel would not obey. They were furious at this, tried to throw him off a cliff, but he walked right through the crowd, went on his way. §  Jesus Heals Many (Luke 4) Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, where he earlier turned water into wine. He began to teach the people gathered on the Sabbath day, and they could tell his message was divine. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by an evil spirit. He cried out, "Jesus, what do you want of us? Have you come here to destroy us? You're the Holy One of God," disrupting the assembly with his fuss. "Be quiet," Jesus sternly said, "Come out of him at once!" Then the demon threw him down before them all and came out of the man without causing any harm. The people were amazed, surprised, enthralled. They said, "What is this Word? With authority and power he gives orders and the demon must obey!" The news about him spread, as his ministry unfolded. Through the area it echoed day by day. Jesus left the synagogue, went to the home of Simon, whose mother-in-law was sick and needed aid. Yes, Peter was a married man, and never was a pope. By human myth was this assumption made. Jesus bent above her body, rebuked the burning fever, and instantly it left without a trace. She rose at once to wait on him, thankfully submissive, to hold his righteousness in full embrace. Folks with varied sickness were brought before the Lord, and laying hands on each, he healed their ills. Demons came out of many, shouting, "You're the Son of God!" But he silenced them and told them to be still. At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place, as was his custom when he wished to pray. The people followed after him, tried to prevent his leaving, but he insisted he must go away and spread the word to others, the good news of the kingdom, the reason he came to this earthly realm. He taught men how to live and die, that they might live again, a message that can stun and overwhelm. § Calling of First Disciples (Luke 5) One day as Jesus stood by Lake Gennesaret, with people crowding round to hear the word, he saw there at the water’s edge two boats of fishermen, and realized he could be better heard with the water separating him from the pressing throng. So he got into the boat of Simon Peter. They pushed out into the water to give all a better view, where his voice was heard as through a modern tweeter. When he had finished speaking, he said to his friend Simon, “Put out into deep water for some fish.” Simon answered, “Master, all this night we have had no catch, but I’m willing to try anything you wish.” This is the kind of active faith that Christ expects of us: “Speak, Lord, your every word is my command.” Be bold, take risks, dare deeper waters.  He is our lifeguard.   Resources multiply within his hands. When the nets were dropped where he insisted, they began to break, and others had to come help haul them in. The boats became so full of fish that they began to sink, and Jesus likely sat back with a grin. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees, confessing that he was a sinful man. Astonished at the catch of fish, their faith in Jesus growing, their new career in fishing soon began. “From now on, you’ll be catching men,” Jesus said to them. James, John and Simon left their boats behind, and gave up everything to become scum of the earth, a better way - eternal life - to find. We must set our hearts on things above, live constantly for Christ, exhibit love in all we do and say, saturating every fiber of our being with the word, living stones on duty twenty-four hours a day. § Healing the Obvious (Luke 5) Paralysis and leprosy, like many illnesses that Jesus cured, were obvious to see, unlike "faith healers" of today, whose tricks of smoke and mirrors are vague, producing mostly handsome fees. A leprous man begged Jesus, "Lord, if you are willing, you alone can cleanse and make me whole." Then Jesus touched the man, which no one else would do, like a balm to ease his wounded, tortured soul. "I am willing," said his kindly voice, "Be clean!" and it was so. Immediately the leprosy was cured. Only light can come in contact with the world's disease and filth without contamination's fear insured. "Don't tell anyone except the priest; go offer sacrifices commanded by the law that Moses gave." Yet the news about him spread, so that crowds of people came, with the hope that all their illness he would waive. One day as he was teaching in a house packed full of people, a paralytic man was brought by friends. They could not get through the door, but were desperate enough that they found a unique way to get him in. Removing tiles from off the roof, they lowered him inside in front of Jesus and his healing hands. When Jesus saw such active faith in this little group, he was touched, and told the paralytic man, "Friend, your sins are now forgiven," his most important need, and the Pharisees' were outraged at the thought. "Who is this blasphemer? No one can forgive but God!" Their sanctimony had them overwrought. So to prove himself divine, he again addressed the man: "Get up, go home," commanded God the Son. The former paralytic stood, took up his own sick-bed, and went home praising God, the healing done. Onlookers were amazed at all that they had seen, proof that the healer had God's awesome power. The authority was also in the wisdom of his words, which we today have freedom to devour. § The Calling of Levi (Matthew) (Luke 5) Levi was a tax collector, hated by the Jews, like a turncoat, working for the Roman empire. Jesus told him, "Follow me," and he left it all behind, as his zeal for righteousness burned like a fire. He held a lavish banquet in honor of the Lord to celebrate the change of life he chose. The money and the power that he had left behind were exchanged for years of misery and woe, and a peace beyond all understanding, being right with God, surpassing worldly riches, power, fame. No amount of sacrifice that he suffered in this life compared to wearing Jesus' precious name. To the banquet he invited other tax collectors and ordinary people of the town. The Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law, as always, met this outrage with a frown. They asked of the disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and these lowly sinners?" The Pharisees were hypocrites; their faith was just a show, with a haughty look and picayune demeanor. Jesus answered, "It is not the healthy, but the gravely ill who need a doctor's tender, healing hand. I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." But his logic they could never understand. Christians must associate with sinners every day in order that the word of God be spread, yet be careful of corruption crowding out the righteousness, and the junk food which our spirits might be fed. The banquet of the Lord is spread, available to all who hunger for delicious Bread of Life. His word has every nutrient to feed our famished souls, to overcome our poverty and strife. § Fasting (Luke 5) Self-righteous, snooty Pharisees persisted with their questions: "Why do your followers still eat and drink? Disciples of the Pharisees and of John the Baptist often fast and pray to keep their lives in sync. Jesus answered, "Can you make guests of the bridegroom fast while their compatriot is still around? When the time comes that the bridegroom leaves to set up his own home, then the fasting of his friends will be profound." Fasting was a sign of mourning back in Mosaic times, when the people had so little cause for joy. They could only hope for freedom as they dreamed of the Messiah, when God would all their enemies destroy. The disciples mourned and fasted when the Lord was crucified, when their hopes were dashed at Calvary that day. But joy returned at Easter when he rose to live again, a joy that permeated the new Way. After the church was born on the day of Pentecost, very little of the fasting rite is spoken, because the Christian way of life is the way of peace, tranquility he gives us as a token. The perfect law of liberty, with new parameters, is simple and effective on the heart. Combining old and new is destructive and unwise, and we must strive to keep the two apart. In a parable, Jesus said, "No one tears a patch from a brand new shirt and sews it on the old one, nor pours new wine in old wineskins that are now cracked and dry. The skins will burst and out the wine will run.” Those steeped in the old rituals, the long-held ceremonies, are slow accepting any need to change. They say, "The old is better; we've always done it so. Don't ask us now our lives to rearrange." § Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6) As Jesus and his followers were walking on the Sabbath and passing through a field of ripened grain, his disciples picked some ears of corn and rubbed them in their hands to loose the kernels, ease their hunger pains. The ever watchful Pharisees pounced on the Sabbath "sin," according to their misconceived traditions, and called this act unlawful - again condemning others - while they wallowed in self-righteous, vain ambition. God made the Sabbath for the Jews, for their own benefit, but they had turned it into just a burden, a source of hollow ritual that led to many evils, replacing its intended rest and guerdon. Christ reminded them that David, the greatest of their heroes, ate consecrated bread meant for the priests, and shared with his companions who were overcome with hunger, with no evil consequences in the least. He said, "The Son of Man is Lord of his own Sabbath." No sin was ever proved against his name. But the Pharisees and Rabbis were looking for a reason for accusations that might cause him shame. They were watching closely when he taught on another Sabbath, to see if he would heal and prove them right. Jesus knew their thoughts, and asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: good or evil, to destroy or save a life?" Among them was a man with his right hand useless, shriveled. "Stretch out your hand," commanded God the Son. He did so, and his hand was healed, restored to normal function. It would seem, then, that the victory was won. But these religious leaders took no note of this great feat. Insane with rage, they planned what they might do to stop this righteous healer who exuded peace and love, teaching nothing but the gospel, pure and true. § Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6) After naming twelve apostles, Jesus stood among a crowd gathered from Judea and surrounding towns who had come to hear his teaching, be healed of their diseases, and the Great Physician turned nobody down. He toppled value systems of the whole world with his lessons, putting love and meekness over greed and fame. All have benefitted from his word, the kindness he engendered, even those who would refuse to wear his name. "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God, but woe to the rich who have their earthly reward." Destitution isn't guaranteed to get one into heaven, but fosters more reliance on the Lord. "Blessed are you who hunger now, you will be satisfied. Woe to the well fed; hunger you will know." Only the hunger for righteousness can be fully sated. Earthly wealth and power make the hunger grow. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh forever. Woe to you who laugh, for you will mourn and weep." Weeping softens our hearts toward God and fuels our compassion, as we try each day the golden rule to keep. "Blessed are those rejected by men, excluded and insulted because their lives are ruled by Jesus Christ. Woe to those loved by the world, the men with silver tongues. For honor they have paid and awful price." False prophets get the rave reviews, and glitter blinds the masses, while truth is slandered even in our schools. "Higher education" has become the god of many, but instead of wise men, Jesus calls them fools. The rewards of earth are fleeting, soon to be consumed. Humility will triumph at the end. Then where is all the glory that once was so important? Won't you consider Jesus' way, my friend? § Love for Enemies (Luke 6) The difference between the old nature and the new: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who sometimes curse you, pray for those who treat you bad. If they take your cloak, given them your tunic, too. If someone strikes you on the cheek, present to him the other, do not retaliate in any way. Meekness is not weakness, humility is brave, so bite your tongue on harsh words you might say. There would be no wars the whole world through if Christ's commands were met. We should forgive as he did on the cross, treat others with the same respect that our own psyche craves, take from their necks the dreaded albatross. Freely give to others, short of making them dependent. Their self-respect is worth more than your gold. God is kind to the ungrateful and even to the wicked. His earthly gifts to man are manifold. He is love personified, yet is just with one and all. His example we should follow without fail. Our crown will not be lined with stars for helping those we love. Even sinners tend to treat their kindred well. Love and mercy toward the enemy may not change his ways, but it makes us into all that we should be, and prepares the soil in some few souls where God's word can take hold, that they might live with him eternally. When talent, money, time and health are used to spread the kingdom, resources seem to grow by leaps and bounds. To hide or hoard what God has given is to rob his work, his church, where untold blessings can be found. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 3

Jesus' Pearls of Wisdom Love is Action Faith of the Centurion Jesus Raises a Widow's Son Jesus and John the Baptist Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman The Parable of the Sower A Lamp on a Stand Jesus' Mother and Brothers Jesus Calms the Storm Healing a Demon Possessed Man A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman

Jesus' Pearls of Wisdom (Luke 6) Don't judge men by your standards, but by the word of God, which is the final judge for all mankind. The word has strict parameters to make us pure and holy, make righteousness a constant state of mind. Helping others with their daily walk on the narrow path requires a certain weighing of the facts, along with godly wisdom and a tongue that speaks no guile, to keep the home-bound engine on the tracks. Forgive, do not condemn, and you will be forgiven. The measure which you use will measure you. According to your own decisions and the proper actions, sweet blessings beyond measure will accrue. Can a blind man lead a blind man? Won't they both fall in the pit? A student fully trained is like his teacher. We must study for ourselves the Bible's perfect law, not depending on the word of any preacher. The ultimate teacher is Christ, the Holy Living Word, who guides us in the path of righteousness. His map to heaven's gate is free to all those who would seach with open hearts for his eternal rest. Our bodies and our spirits cannot be any stronger than the nourishment we feed ourselves each day. God offers us a banquet, a perfect balanced menu, and "Paid in Full" our pricey tab will say. Christians live on every word that Christ has ever spoken, sustained by living water for the soul, producing fruit in bounty from the rich soil of our hearts, leading others toward that awesome heavenly goal. § Love is Action (Luke 6) Jesus told the people: No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit to eat. Each tree is recognized by the kind of fruit it bears, a tart pomegranate or a peach so sweet. A thorn bush can't produce a fig, nor grapes on briars grow. The good man's heart brings good things from within. The evil man brings evil things out of his evil store, a heart that overflows with filthy sin. Living by the Bible produces Spirit fruit that can be shared with everyone we meet. Our allegiances will show in our actions and our words to our families or strangers that we greet. "I love you" proves to be a lie if deeds don't correspond. Love is action, more than feelings or emotion. "Why do you call me Lord and do not the things I say?" Jesus says our works are proof of our devotion. "He who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice is like the man who builds a house on rock. His foundation is secure against the storms of life, withstanding floods and winds that shake and shock. But the one who hears my words, with no practice of their truths, is building his life's structure on the sand, with no guaranteed foundation to hold it through the torrents, no support from God's unfailing helping hand." Emotion may compel us to clean our hearts of filth, free ourselves from the burden of our sin. But unless the room is filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the demons will be free to move back in. To worship God in ritual and not in daily actions is to deceive ourselves that all is well. The devil, dressed in suit and tie and quoting bits of scripture, leads a long parade of dreamers into hell. § Faith of the Centurion (Luke 7) Capernium was the site of many miracles by Jesus but by-and-large his teachings were ignored. Not much has changed; most people look for miracles and signs. Religion is emotion, nothing more. A centurion of the Roman army had a valued slave who was very sick, expected soon to die. He had heard about the teacher who could heal with just a word, and sent for him to save his servant's life. The centurion was a powerful man, yet humble to the core, and loved the Jewish people as his own. He had built their synagogue, was respected by the elders, and his faith in Jesus' word was clearly shown. Through his friends, he said to Jesus, "I do not deserve to speak to you or have you come to me. But I know that you can say the word and heal my dying servant." Amazed was Jesus at his humble plea. To the crowd he said, "I tell you, I have not found such faith in all of Israel, the chosen clan." The servant was completely healed, according to the faith of a Roman who believed the Son of Man. He was the prototype of most Gentile believers who recognize authority and power, accept Christ's word as gospel, the good news that can save, the bread of life that hungry souls devour. Attempting to disprove any word that he has given shows disdain for his authority. Salvation by selective plans that humans have devised is vain, no matter if we all agree. § Jesus Raises a Widow's Son (Luke 7) As Jesus entered the town of Nain along with his disciples, a large crowd also went along with him. As he approached the entrance gate, the body of a young man was being carried out, his bearers grim, for he was the only son of his mother, now a widow. A crowd of mourners joined her in her grief. When the Lord saw her, his heart was filled with love and deep compassion, and he said to her, "Don't cry," in solace brief. He went up and touched the coffin, and the carriers stood still. "Young man, I say to you, get up!" said he. The dead man raised himself erect and then began to talk, a miracle that all the crowd could see. Jesus gave the young man back to his grateful, joyous mother, and all the witnesses were filled with awe. Praising God, they said, "A prophet has appeared among the people. God has come to help us, never to withdraw." It was plain to see that Jesus was no ordinary man, but the Jewish leaders hated him the more. "At least believe the miracles," was his simple plea. Even demons, friends of Satan, knew the score, admitted their belief that he had come from God, were terrified of his great, righteous power. Yet the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the teachers of the law grew more incensed with every passing hour. This perfect, sinless Savior was a threat to their careers, and to the law that Moses handed down. Each miracle they witnessed added fuel to the fire, and to his murder they were duty bound. § Jesus and John the Baptist (Luke 7) John's disciples told him about what Jesus did, the miracle of raising up the dead. So he sent two of his followers to ask the Lord a question: "Are you the one who was to come?" they said. John had heard the voice of God proclaim, "This Jesus is my son, now hear his word and do as he commands." But he evidently had some doubts, and needed reassurance, all the devil's persecution to withstand. "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame can walk. The deaf now hear, the dead are raised, the lepers' spots are healed. The good news that I preach is more than talk. Blessed is the man who does not fall away when persecuted on account of me." The most important healing that Jesus ever did was in the soul, too deep for eyes to see. Even the strongest Christian is discouraged now and then, like John, the way preparer for the Lord. He was more than just a prophet, gave his life to teach the truth, even though his job was often very hard. He was no politician, but a fire and brimstone preacher who minced no words, and called a spade a spade. "Among those born of women, none is greater now than John," was the compliment his loving Savior paid. "Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is even greater than John." The kingdom was established after he died. He never knew the blessings that a Christian has today, the written word by which we're edified. The ordinary people, even tax collectors, acknowledged that God's way was right and true. They had been baptized by John, were forgiven of their sins, to start their lives afresh, clean through and through. But the Pharisees and rabbis rejected God's commands, were not baptized, preferring the old way. To truly show our love, said Jesus long ago, is simply all his teachings to obey. § Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman (Luke 7) A Pharisee asked Jesus to come to his house and eat, and as he reclined at the table, a woman stood at his feet, weeping for her many sins, her wasted, wanton life which, compared to Jesus' perfection, cut her like a knife. With tears she washed his dusty feet and dried them with her hair, kissed them and perfumed them with loving, tender care. The Pharisee, named Simon, self-righteous to the core, thought, "If this man's a prophet, he should know the score, that this woman touches him with dirty, sinful hands." But Jesus read his mind, taking in his reprimand. He told a pointed story about a money lender who was owed a goodly sum by a teflon-fingered spender, and another who owed little. Neither one could pay, so their debts were both forgiven, completely washed away. "Which one of them would love him more?" he asked the Pharisee. "The one forgiven most,"  Simon could not disagree. "You have judged correctly," Jesus told his haughty host. "Between this woman and yourself, who loved me the most? You offered me no water to wash my aching feet, but she washed them with repentant tears, from love so pure and sweet. Her sins have been forgiven because her love o'erflows, and she will have the peace of mind that only God bestows." And to the sinful woman whose love would never cease, he said, "Your faith has saved you; go your way in peace." § The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8) Jesus traveled about from town to town proclaiming the gospel of God. The twelve apostles were with him, learning the ropes. Also several women helped support the missionaries to bring the world good news and lasting hope. He told this simple parable: A farmer sowed some seed. Some fell along the heavy trodden path. The birds ate what was left after being sorely trampled, and to count the plants that grew took little math. Some fell on rock, came up and died, for want of moist earth. Some plants were choked by thorns and could not grow. Still other seed fell on good soil, came up and made a crop, a hundred times more than the farmer sowed. The Lord explained the story: Seed is the word of God. Along the path, the devil takes the seed before it sprouts within the heart, producing saving faith, denying many souls of what they need. Those on the rock receive the word, but have no feeder roots. When their faith is tested, they soon fall away. The seed that fall among the thorns are choked by fun and pleasure, do not mature because they’d rather play. But the seed that falls on fertile soil, a searching, honest heart, will retain the word and soon produce a crop. The seed is true, consistent, wherever it may fall, a fact that Satan’s wiles can never stop. The will to learn becomes a fire that evil cannot quench, the flame of righteousness that burns within. The word provides our every need in this world and beyond, the grace that purifies our hearts of sin. § A Lamp on a Stand (Luke 8) No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar, but puts it on a stand to light the way afar, to draw the stranger in toward the safety he may seek. Saints reflect the light of Jesus who is strong, yet very meek. Christ enlightened his disciples with instructions that he gave, sent them out to shine for others, their sin-sick souls to save. We who have the written gospel are provided with the light that will guide us safely homeward where there is no dark of night. His light can help our vision if we're searching for the truth, or blind us in our searching just for little bits of proof to sustain our misconceptions, shrouding minds just like a veil. When applied as he intended, gospel truth will never fail. Some are always searching scripture, yet never understand, take a few words out of context to meet their own demand. Therefore, take care how you listen. Jesus speaks to us today from the pages of the Bible, the true and living way. To the one who gathers wisdom from this one God-given store, who humbly seeks the holy truth, will be given more. There is nothing hidden or concealed from us in these last days that is needed for eternal health, the shining light that saves. And as the glory of the Lord reflects on us below, we bless the ones we meet each day with his rosy glow. § Jesus' Mother and Brothers (Luke 8) Jesus' mother and brothers came to where he taught, but could not wriggle through the crowd for the visit that they sought. When their presence was announced, he said, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and practice it," a surprising bit of prose. The main things are the plain things, not hard to understand. The spiritual family of God now takes the upper hand. Another time, he made the point that love for God must be above the love of parents, of physical family. His brothers thought that he was nuts when he claimed to be God's son, but after his resurrection, they knew he was The One. The important books of James and Jude were written by his brothers, and John, his loved apostle, took Mary as his mother. In comparison to our love for God, our love for family pales. Putting his words into practice is the air that we inhale. We are the brothers and sisters of the very Son of God who bought us with his precious blood and bids that we should trod the strait and narrow righteous way that leads to heaven above where we will live eternally enshrouded by his love. § Jesus Calms the Storm (Luke 8) "Let's go across the lake," Jesus said to his disciples, so they got on board a boat and set their sails. As Jesus took a nap, clear skies turned into a squall, and the boat was being swamped within the gale. In danger for their lives, the disciples woke their Master, afraid that all of them would surely drown. He got up, rebuked the wind and calmed the raging waters, an event that would bewilder and dumbfound. Overcome with fear and awe, the disciples asked each other, "Who is this, that the winds and waves obey?" They were still unsure of who he was, but were coming closer to understanding he was God, the Way. Christians in this day and age can have complete assurance that God is riding in our little boat, will guide us safely to the harbor, even through the storm,. with grace that keeps our righteousness afloat. The church always thrives better when under harsh resistance, although sometimes the wicked seem to win, but Revelation tells us that saints who persevere will overcome the ravages of sin. The present evil in the world may be a final sign that Christ is coming soon to claim his own. To always be prepared is our only guarantee, for on that day we'll reap as we have sown. § Healing a Demon Possessed Man (Luke 8) They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus and his crew, across the lake from Galilee, where believers were very few. A man possessed by demons met Jesus on the shore, a pitiful man whose plight was plain in the lack of clothes he wore. Though chained at times, and guarded, he broke the chains and ran to find a solitary place far from the reach of man. He lived in tombs, had no real home, no one to really care, and Jesus' rich compassion sought healing for him there. He ordered the demon to come out, and the man fell on the sod, shouting, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Don't torture me, I beg you.  Don't send me to the Abyss." Many other demons had joined him, their evil fathomless. They needed a body to live in, or else be sent to hell, so they went into a herd of pigs, who raced off a cliff pell-mell and were drowned in the water of the lake, no more the earth to roam. The man, now sane and properly dressed, had found in Jesus a home. He wanted to follow his Savior, but was sent to tell his tale of how much Jesus had done for him, the townsfolk to regale. But the people were overcome with fear of all that they had seen, and asked the Miracle Man to go, his mission to demean. Perhaps in the presence of holiness, they recognized their sin, and did not want to deal with the rottenness within. Just like the man who Jesus healed, his saints sit at his feet dressed in white robes of righteousness, washed clean and smelling sweet. Adopting his own mind-set, we welcome this transition. No demon can control us now unless we give permission He gave us the ability to reason and to choose, and unless we opt for Jesus, then by default we lose. We can pay for our own sins in hell or accept the sacrifice that was made long ago on our behalf by the blood of Jesus Christ. § A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman (Luke 8) Back across the lake in Galilee, the people welcomed Jesus and thronged about him everywhere he went. A ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, came to him, his only daughter's death thus to prevent. While walking to Jairus' house, the people almost crushed him, all wanting to be near, perhaps to touch this man of many miracles who healed their dread diseases or rid them of a demon's evil clutch. A woman with a bleeding problem touched his garment's edge and immediately the flow of blood was stopped. "Who touched me?" Jesus asked, for he felt the rush of power and knew someone's disease had just flip-flopped. His question drew the woman forth, and falling at his feet, she told why she touched him and was healed. "Daughter, your faith has healed you.Go in peace," he said. His grace had put an end to her ordeal. Then from Jairus' house came someone with tragic news: His daughter, only twelve, had passed away. "There's no need to bother Jesus any more," he said. But then Jairus heard the teacher say, "Don't be afraid, believe in me, and she will still be healed." What faith it took to keep his hope alive! People were wailing and mourning for her, and Jesus told them to stop. "She is asleep, not dead, and will survive." They laughed at him until he took the lassie by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" - and it was so. Her spirit re-entered her body and she stood up at once, and walked about with heart and face aglow. Her parents were astonished at all that had transpired, but Jesus ordered that they never tell what had happened in the privacy of their humble home, where the Son of God had made their daughter well. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 4

Peter's Confession of Christ Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Jesus Sends Out the Twelve The Transfiguration Healing a Boy with an Evil Spirit Who Will Be the Greatest? Resolutely Set Out to Obey Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two The Parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus' Teaching on Prayer Jesus and Beelezub Woe to the Pharisees

<previous                                                                                                                                                     >next Peter's Confession of Christ (Luke 9) "Who do the crowds say I am?" Jesus asked, a discussion thus to start. "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah," both godly men with pure hearts. "Still others say one of the prophets who've come back from long ago." "But who do you say I am," he asked. How much did these followers know? Peter answered, "You are the Christ of God." Who else could calm the sea and drive out evil spirits, bring on a jubilee? Who could read the thoughts of others, discern their true intent? Who could teach with such authority and cause men to repent? Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this news to anyone, for the world was not yet ready to know he was God's Son. He must suffer many awful things, be rejected by the Jews, killed by religious leaders who thought he was bad news, then on the third day be raised up, never more to die, our sacrifice and only hope to live with him on high. "Anyone who would come after me must deny his own self-will, take up his cross and follow me, my wishes to fulfill. Whoever wants to save his life, his normal way of being, will be a loser in the end, a fate beyond his seeing. But whoever gives his life to me will live in grace and peace, abundant in the things that count, where blessings never cease. What good is it to gain the world and lose your very soul? Will you be a better person if you reach your earthly goal? If anyone is ashamed of me, I'll be ashamed of him, and on the final judgment day his chances will be slim." § Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (Luke 9) The apostles returned from their mission, told Jesus what they had done, and he took them away to Bethsaida, the crowds for awhile to shun. But soon their location was sighted and folks began to appear. He welcomed and taught and healed them, gave peace to calm their fear. Late in the afternoon, the Twelve came to him and said, "Send them away to the villages so they can find some bread." "You feed them," said the Master. Five thousand hungry men? Five loaves of bread and two small fish were all they had at hand. "Have them sit in groups of fifty," the apostles then were told. He gave thanks for the bread and fish and blessings manifold. Then he broke them, handing pieces to each disciple there. They shared with all the people and had a lot to spare. Twelve basketfuls of scraps were saved, no litter thrown away, much like the way he deals with us, enriching lives each day. Resources that we offer him, our talents, money, time, grow fruitful with his blessings and lead to worlds sublime. § Jesus Sends Out the Twelve (Luke 9) Jesus gave the twelve apostles authority and power to drive out demons, cure disease, the countryside to scour for sin-sick souls who would repent and follow in God's way. We have the same authority to teach his word today, but not the power those men had to heal or raise the dead. The only pay that they received was food, perhaps a bed. "Take nothing for your journey, no extra clothes or shoes, no money to attract a thief, no walking staff to use. Stay in one house, don't look around for posh accommodations. Your schedule will be filled with work, not a glorified vacation. If people do not welcome you, the Lord's good news to greet, testify against them when you leave: shake the town's dust off your feet." From one village to another they preached salvation's plan, healed people everywhere they went, giving praise to the Son of Man. § The Transfiguration (Luke 9) About eight days after Jesus told the Twelve that he must die, be raised to life a second time and reign again on high, he took the three apostles, Peter, John and James up on a mountainside to pray, and his appearance changed. Bright as a flash of lightening became the clothes he wore. Then Moses and Elijah, God's men from days of yore, appeared in glorious splendor and spoke to Jesus there, a sight that must have been enough to curl the straightest hair. The apostles had been sleepy, but now were wide awake. The awe-struck Peter hardly knew the words with which he spake. "Master, it is good that we are here.  Let us put up three tents for you, Elijah and Moses, who surely by God were sent." When a cloud enveloped all of them, the apostles were afraid, but then a voice came from the cloud, their senses to invade. "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him," it said. Then they found that Jesus was alone. Now what must lie ahead? They kept this secret to themselves, told no one what they'd seen, and surely wondered constantly, "What does all this mean?" We are so blest in these last days to have the whole account, the secrets of salvation which are now paramount. It all was such a mystery to these devoted men, who would have given everything to know the "why and when." § Healing a Boy with an Evil Spirit (Luke 9) The next day after Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, a large crowd gathered when he had come back. A man called out, imploring him to heal his only son who by a demon often was attacked. He screamed and had convulsions, foaming at the mouth, sometimes falling in the water or the fire. The apostles tried to heal him, but to no avail, although it was their strongest heart's desire. Christ had given them the power to drive out any demon, but faith and prayer were necessary tools. Perhaps intimidated by the fierceness of this demon, they were made to look like ordinary fools. "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay and put up with you? Bring the boy to me." Jesus then rebuked the spirit and healed the boy completely, an amazing feat for all the crowd to see. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to the disciples at his side, "Listen carefully to what I say. I'm soon to be betrayed into the hands of men and then be tried." But none of them could understand what this warning meant. It was hidden from them, far beyond their grasp. Although they wondered inwardly what it all might mean, they were horrified and too afraid to ask. Only after Jesus' resurrection could they really see the pattern he had laid out for his plan. They wrote it down for us, giving all the explanations of his purpose from the time the world began. § Who Will Be the Greatest? (Luke 9) The disciples were still just humans, not understanding God's plan, thinking his was an earthly kingdom, each wanting to be the man who was highest in rank beside Jesus, a competitive attitude. He knew their thoughts of rivalry, so selfish, bitter, crude, so he took an innocent little child and stood him by his side. "Whoever welcomes him in my name will in my love abide. Whoever welcomes me and mine welcomes my Father, too. For he who is small and humble is the greatest one of you." Becoming like little children, so innocent, forgiving, with an insatiable appetite for God, is the purest way of living. Children, in their own way, while naturally so cute, are also keen of judgement, discerning and astute. Their love is freely given from a heart that overflows, sharing all their joy with others and minimizing woes. They hold no grudges, soon forget a little tiff at play, go on about their business of brightening the day. Re-learning that sweet attitude can bring us joy untold, worth more than higher status or any pot of gold. § Resolutely Set Out to Obey (Luke 9) "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name. We tried to stop him, for he is not one of us." "Don't stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you, and that can be a plus." The time of his death was approaching, and with resolution Jesus set out for Jerusalem's sad fate. He sent messengers ahead to prepare a place to stay in Samaria, where the Jews found only hate. When the "sons of thunder", James and John, heard that they were not welcomed, they wanted to bring fire from heaven down and destroy the little village that spurned the Son of God, send a potent note to everyone around. This was a good example of the way they were "before", compared to what the Holy Spirit led them to. After Jesus' resurrection, when they understood his plan, they were meek and mild, as their faith in his word grew. "I will follow you wherever you go," said a man along the road, and Jesus let him know the way was rough. "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, and yet the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." This life is tough! There is no position of comfort and convenience following Christ. It takes all your heart and soul and mind and strength. We must resolutely set our hearts on pleasing God each day, do his righteous bidding, go to any length, regardless of the difficulty, even unto death. To love him is to serve him to the end. Whoever would save his own life, follow after his own way, will never heaven's glory apprehend. He must lose himself in Christ and furtherance of his kingdom, commit himself to this new way of life. Actions trigger thoughts just as thoughts can trigger actions, and obedience raises him above the strife. Good habits cause the appetite for sin to shrink away as the nature of this whole new man is formed. Priorities are changed toward the family of God, and loving sacrifice will soon become the norm. § Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two (Luke 10) The Lord appointed seventy-two men besides the twelve apostles to go ahead of him to every town. Two by two they traveled, for security and courage, would often be unwelcome and put down, like lambs among wolves, defenseless, no extra clothes or sandals, at the mercy of the strangers they would meet. "Peace to this house," they were to say whenever they arrived, the owner of the home to kindly greet. If he was a peaceful man, they were to stay awhile and eat whatever food was offered there. If the family was Gentile and served a plate of pork, they were not to make demands for kosher fare. They would heal the sick and tell them, "The kingdom of God is near." To welcome them was to accept God's word. But if they were not welcomed, the town was then condemned for turning down the best news ever heard. They were worse off there than Sodom, which was long ago destroyed because of wickedness beyond control. But Sodom had not heard the word or had the perfect chance this generation had to save their souls. "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you were performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have fast repented. Capernium is headed downward, too. He who listens to you, my preachers, also listens to me. Rejecting you is rejecting me as well. Whoever would reject me also rejects the Father, and is doomed to spend eternity in hell." The things of God are hidden from those with worldly wisdom and revealed to "little children," lowly, humble, who seek him in simplicity with honest, open hearts, who know their own capacity to stumble. The design of God's creation tells us that he exists, but we know his nature only through his word. We are blest to have the gospel saved for us in written form, salvation's precious gift to undergird. § The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) The experts in the Jewish law knew well the word of God but always tried to find a way around it. Jesus knew the rottenness that lived inside their hearts and always found a good way to expound it. Testing him, the expert asked, "What thing must I do to inherit life eternal with the Lord?" "What is written in the law?" Jesus asked of him. To an expert in the law, this wasn't hard. "Love the Lord your God with all your soul and strength and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself," he said. "Your answer is correct. Do all this and you will live." At least the cunning lawyer was well-read. But to justify himself he asked, "And just who is my neighbor?" Perhaps he wished to only serve his peers. So Jesus told a parable to easily explain, a tale that might have burned the lawyer's ears. "A man was robbed and beaten and left alone to die beside the road that leads to Jericho. A priest and then a Levite, both men religious leaders, ignored his plight, were in a rush to go. But a half-breed from Samaria, much hated by the Jews, took pity on the man and bound his wounds, took him to the inn and tended to him there, paid for his keep, not leaving him marooned. Which of these men was neighbor to the robbed and injured man?" "The one who showed him mercy," said the pro. "Go and do likewise," Jesus said, but did the man obey? His word is true; we reap just what we sow. Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan who found us wounded, healed our broken souls, keeps paying for our upkeep and meets our daily needs, leading patiently toward heaven's shining goal. § Jesus' Teaching on Prayer (Luke 11) The disciples asked of Jesus, "Teach us how to pray. As John taught his disciples, tell us what to say." So he gave them an example of what a prayer should be, not something to be repeated just by rote, you see. "Father, hallowed be your name. You are the only One. Send your kingdom very soon, let your will be done. Give us daily bread to eat, just the right amount, and please forgive us of our sins, yet hold us to account. Lead us down the narrow road, away from all temptation, and make your home in heaven our final destination." And then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight, his caring ear to bend, because you have some company and need to borrow bread. If you are persistent, he will see your visitors fed. So ask; it will be given you; seek and you will find. Knock; the door will open, for your great God is kind. Which of you, as fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of granting his own special wish? Will you give him a stinging scorpion when he asks for an egg? The heavenly Father is glad to give the gifts for which we beg. He is generous with his Spirit to guide our souls aright, and keep our pathway brightly lit to aid our inner sight." He does not promise health and wealth nor filling selfish wants, but offers us his spiritual gifts in spite of Satan's taunts. He wants to hear from us each day and teach us through his word, that our walk toward heaven's portals is peaceful, undeterred. § Jesus and Beelezub (Luke 11) When Jesus drove out a mute demon, and the mute man began to speak, the people were amazed at what he'd done. But some said 'twas Beelzebub, the lord of the manure pile, the Philistine god just having a bit of fun. Some asked for a sign from heaven, but what greater sign than this could Jesus do to prove he was from God? He knew their thoughts and said to them, "Any kingdom that's divided against itself would be, at best, slipshod. If Satan works against himself, how can his kingdom stand? Divided from within, it's sure to fall. If by Beelzebub I drive out demons, who do your folks use to drive them out? They'll be your judges all. But if I drive out demons by the very finger of God, the kingdom of God has come into the earth. You're either with me or against me; there is no middle ground. You gather or you scatter, causing dearth. When an evil spirit leaves a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest, but cannot find it there. So it returns to the house it left, swept clean and standing empty, and other evil spirits come to share. The condition of the indwelt man is worse off than at first because he failed to fill his house with God. Bad habits have to be replaced with God's own righteousness if you expect to get his blessed nod." "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth," said a woman in the crowd, inviting criticism just to say it. But he replied, "Blest rather are those who hear the word of God and try with all their power to obey it." With logic God explains his ways, the working of his mind, from the time the world began through his creation. We learn about his loving care, his justice and his mercy from Genesis down to the Revelation. So our decisions, also, should be made by intellect, the logic that he gave us like his own. This is the special feature that was given to the human. In his likeness is a soul to feed and hone. To follow base instincts toward only selfish pleasure is to be ungrateful for the love he shows by offering eternal life to all who will obey, a life devoid of any earthly woes. § Woe to the Pharisees (Luke 11) Jesus, eating with a Pharisee, didn't wash his hands, a rite performed by all self-righteous Jews. Then the Lord told him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup, the only part that other people view, but leave the inside full of greed and filthy wickedness, don't lift a hand to help the needy poor. Woe to you haughty Pharisees who put on such a show, but have no hint of loving motives pure. Justice and mercy are foreign to your stubborn, selfish pride. You only want exalted praise of men, the best seats in the synagogue to prove your righteousness, as though your status might salvation win." An expert in the law spoke up; his feelings had been hurt. "Teacher, what you say also insults our group." Truth has a way of hurting those who would prefer a lie, and Jesus made their prideful feathers droop. "Woe to you lawyers," Jesus said, " because you burden down the people with a load they cannot bear, and never lift a finger to ease their dreadful plight, no hint of mercy or of loving care. Woe to you who build tombs for the prophets that your fathers killed, testifying to your approval of what they did. This generation is responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since Abel killed for hatred. Woe to you experts in the law who have taken away the key to knowledge of the God you fail to serve. You don't obey the Father's words and hinder those who would, and your reward will be what you deserve." The Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law were mad, opposing Jesus fiercely for his stand. They besieged him with trick questions, trying now to trip him up, their careers and riches threatened by this man. As Jesus spoke the truth in love, so must we speak today, although the whole truth isn't well received. His way is still the only way to reach the promised land, and Satan still is waiting to deceive. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 5

Warnings and Encouragements The Parable of the Rich Fool Do Not Worry Watchfulness Interpreting the Times Repent or Perish Healing on the Sabbath Prophecy of the Kingdom The Narrow Door Jesus' Sorrow for Jerusalem Jesus at a Pharisee's House The Cost of Being a Disciple

Warnings and Encouragements (Luke 12) A crowd of many thousands had gathered to see Jesus, were trampling one another in the swarm. He spoke to his disciples to warn them of the danger of the Pharisees, to shield their souls from harm. “Be on your guard against the yeast of haughty Pharisees, Their hypocrisy can lead you into sin. It may be hidden now from the eyes of humankind, but at judgment all will see the filth within. The words that are spoken, the deeds that are done in the darkness of the night will be disclosed in detail in the brightness of daylight. The shameful words now whispered in the ear in inner rooms will be shouted from the rooftops on that day. No secrets can be kept from the keeper of your souls, so be ever careful what you think and say. Don’t be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but fear him who can throw you into hell. A sparrow is almost worthless, but is not forgotten by God, who loves you more than any words can tell. Whoever will acknowledge me before his fellow man will be acknowledged at the Father’s throne, but he who would disown me in this earthly life below, before the angels he will be disowned. To speak against the Son of Man, a man may be forgiven, but Holy Spirit blasphemy will not.” Some said the Holy Spirit’s work had been performed by demons, and this blasphemy will never be forgot. Jesus told the twelve apostles not to be concerned and worried about what they should say in their defense when brought before authorities and powers of the world, for the Holy Spirit’s help would be intense. He would give them all the words they needed to uphold the faith, these ambassadors for Christ who gave their lives in spreading truth and righteousness to all who might believe and preserve the written word that still survives. § The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12) "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family wealth, the inheritance that I should also share," said someone in the crowd that stayed so close to Jesus. The oldest son was normally the heir. "Who appointed me an arbiter to judge the world's affairs?" asked Jesus, with no need or want for wealth. "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Money cannot pay for spiritual health. A man's life isn't measured by abundance of possessions, but how he treats his brother, friend or foe. Mistreatment of a neighbor is mistreatment of the Lord, as the plain words of this parable will show. The ground of a certain rich man produced a goodly crop, and to himself he said, "What will I do? I must build bigger barns to store my sheaves of grain. A rich retirement is long overdue." But God told him, "You fool! This is your night to die. Then who will get the things you would not share?" This is how the end will be for those who store up wealth instead of treating God's work fair and square. The world would have us think that money is the answer to all our daily problems here below, but riches tend to make a person too self-satisfied, forgetting God and the debt of love we owe. The rich man thought all this was his, to do with as he pleased, but it all belonged to God from first to last. When used to glorify his name, to spread his word abroad, it's treasures for eternity are cast. § Do Not Worry (Luke 12) Unlike the rich fool who hoarded his wealth, the disciples had given up all to follow the Savior and learn of his ways, attentive to his beck and call. Jesus told them, "Do not worry about what you will eat or where you will get clothes to wear or sandals for your feet. Your Father takes care of the birds and feeds them every day; he clothes the lilies of the field in the brightest of array. How much more will he clothe you, whom he loves more than life? More valuable than birds or plants, he gives you blessings rife. When you seek his kingdom, do his will, all these things he will give, and as you strive for righteousness, you'll really learn to live. Sell your possessions and give to the poor, for in heaven is your treasure. No moth destroys, no thief can steal your blessings beyond measure. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom he prepared, with peace of mind, heartsease. Invest in human beings and their eternal souls. Then you won't need to worry about CDs and bankrolls. § Watchfulness (Luke 12) Be always dressed in the righteousness that only Christ can give, with his light held high and burning bright, a holy life to live while waiting for the Master who has promised to return. Be watchful, always ready, and for his coming yearn. He will dress himself for service and wait upon his saints, each one who's at the ready and never sleeps or faints. But suppose the servant tells himself: "The master is taking so long," and he becomes slothful and drunken, uncaring about his wrongs. The master will come unexpected, and punishment will be severe. Among the unbelievers will be his lot so drear. That servant who knows his master's will and yet does not obey will be beaten with many blows on that fateful day. The one who never heard the word and lives a life of sin will have a lesser punishment, but will not salvation win. From everyone who is given much, much will be demanded. All Christians must be loving and gracious, open handed. Jesus says exactly what he means, tells us all his expectations, of all rewards and punishments and final destinations. We must strive toward perfection; any less is disbelief. No way can his salvation be taken by a thief. He has entrusted us with much, his wisdom and his grace. Will we hear him say to us "Well done" when we meet him face to face? § Interpreting the Times (Luke 12) As Jesus taught the thousands who followed him each day, he hoped they'd use their common sense and see the better way. "When you see a cloud rise in the west, you say it's going to rain, and when the south wind starts to blow you expect hot weather again. You interpret the signs of earth and sky, yet signs of the present age, though prophesied from long ago, do not your brain engage." Scripture was filled with prophecy of the birth of Christ, of the preaching of John the Baptist and the life he sacrificed. They had seen the many miracles and heard the word first-hand, but that Messiah was in their midst they did not understand. According to his guidebook, work out your own salvation, make peace with your adversary, the author of creation. Jesus is our advocate, the attorney for his saints and also is judge and jury to settle all complaints. His blood alone can cleanse us, save us from the slippery slope, bring peace and joy and happiness with his great gift of hope. § Repent or Perish (Luke 13) Pilate was dishonest, a very vicious man who had slaughtered many Jews at Galilee in such a manner that their blood was mixed with sacrifices, so cruel was he on a killing spree. Jesus asked the ones who told him about this sad event, "Do you think these Galileeans who were slain perhaps sinned more than all the other Jews in Galilee, to earn this kind of torture, death and shame? When the tower in Siloam fell on those eighteen men, do you think they were more guilty than the rest? I tell you no! Unless you repent, you will likewise perish. The righteousness that saves is God's bequest." Then a parable he told them, as he so often did, about a fig tree that a man had planted. When he went into the vineyard to look for fruit to eat, his wishes for a crop were never granted. "For three years now, I've looked for fruit," he said to the caretaker. "Just cut it down; it's only wasting space." But the man replied, "Leave it alone for one more year at least. I'll fertilize and give it extra grace. Then next year if it bears no fruit, into the fire it goes." Another chance, but someday there's an end. The fig tree is the Jewish nation, privileged by God, with many, many chances for amends. The vineyard is the world, and Christ the lone caretaker whose patience goes beyond what we can see. Repentance, justice, mercy, faithfulness is all the fruit that he expects to reap from the family tree. His justice says someone must pay, and if we shun his offer of blood that covers our humongous debt, our tree will fall beneath the axe, be thrown into the fire. From the Master, this is not an idle threat. § Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 13) On the Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and he saw a crippled woman in the crowd. For eighteen years she had been bent and could not straighten up, yet came to worship, humble, meek and bowed. He called her forward, saying, "Woman, you are healed," then placed his hand on her and she stood up straight. She was overcome with gladness and praised the Lord above, being suddenly released from a ghastly fate. The ruler of the synagogue, self-righteous and indignant at this healing on the Jewish holy day, told the assembled people, "There are six work days for healing. On the Sabbath we must worship, rest and pray." "You hypocrites!" said Jesus, "Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to water? Where is your common sense? An ox is not a human, after all! Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen years, be set free on the Sabbath from the misery of her bondage, a condition that has caused much pain and tears?" His opponents were defeated, felt deep humiliation, but there is no indication of repentance. Each time they were embarrassed, their hatred only grew, adding fuel to the burning flame of vengeance. But the people were delighted with all his wondrous works and wanted him to be their earthly king, to free them from oppression by the hated pagan Romans, a perfect world for them and their offspring. Sometimes our own desires today can overcome our reason, and God is seen as a kindly old Grandpa who will give us everything we want, no matter what the cost. Surely he will wink when we disobey his law. But with his love and mercy also comes his perfect justice, where everyone is treated just the same. Obedience is mandatory, love's expressive work, bringing glory to his righteous, holy name. § Prophecy of the Kingdom (Luke 13) "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?" Jesus' question seemed prosaic, for the people thought they knew. "It is like a tiny mustard seed, the smallest of the small, that was planted by a man of God against the garden wall. It grew into a lovely tree, its size almost absurd, with strong, outstanding branches, a home for many birds." The man who plants, of course, is God, the garden is the world, and Jesus is the mustard seed, so carefully, lovingly hurled. From him has grown a kingdom that stretches far and wide. Few people have not heard of him, yet few in him abide. His teachings are the backbone of the laws of many nations which even atheists obey without much protestation. Again he said, "The kingdom can be compared to yeast that a woman works into her bread when cooking for a feast. The yeast will keep expanding and work all through the dough like love that spreads from heart to heart and makes the kingdom grow." Influence of a Christian can never be contained for he glows with inborn peace and joy that cannot be explained. § The Narrow Door (Luke 13) Jesus visited towns and villages, teaching along the way, heading toward Jerusalem and crucifixion day. Some people asked the knowing Lord, “Will just a few be saved?” He told them the door was narrow on the road that he had paved. Many will knock and plead, too late, to enter in that door, but at the final judgment it will close forevermore. They will say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “Away with you, evildoers and deadbeats!” True, they had heard the Savior preach, but then did not obey. He said, “You show your love to me by doing what I say.” Obedient faith is the narrow door where very few have trod. It takes more than emotions to complete true faith in God. There’s no room for our baggage, loaded down with sin. Only through the blood of Jesus Christ can we atonement win. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when the sinners are thrown out, like the people wanting in the ark when flood waters raged about. Old Testament prophets made mistakes; they all had feet of clay, but were repentant and faithful until their dying day. Abraham built altars and worshiped everywhere he went, obeying God’s commandments, going anywhere he was sent. Whether rules made sense to him or not, he walked by faith, not sight, and we are children of Abraham if we do what God says is right. Moses sinned and could not enter the promised Canaan’s land, but is in heaven now because he followed faith’s demands. Make every effort (constant work!) to enter the narrow door where blessings beyond measure are the treasure that we store. The last will be first (the Gentiles) and the first will be last (the Jews), because the Gentiles humbled themselves when they heard the great good news. The Jews hung onto their national pride, rejected the Lord and King. They will be outside wailing while the sanctified shout and sing. § Jesus' Sorrow for Jerusalem (Luke 13) Some Pharisees came to Jesus delivering a warning: Leave this place, go somewhere else and hide. Herod wants to kill you for fear of competition. A Jewish king is more than he'll abide. "Go tell that fox," said Jesus, "that I will drive out demons, heal people both today and then tomorrow. On the third day I will reach my goal," a figurative allusion to his plan of life that brought him pain and sorrow. "Surely," he said, "no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!" So many had been murdered there before. He was not intimidated by reported threats of Herod, for he purposely was headed for death's door. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who to you salvation bring, how often I have longed to gather all your wanton children as a hen protects her chickens 'neath her wing, but you were never willing! You do not want the truth. Your house is left now desolate, forsaken. I will not show my face to you until you have repented, the first step toward my righteousness have taken." After forty more long years of grace, God’s spirit was removed from the temple when the city was destroyed. The Jewish system then collapsed because of their rebellion, their once-proud heritage now null and void. The physical Jerusalem has served its Godly purpose, has no significance to us today. The New Jerusalem is the church for which Christ Jesus died, where the blood of his salvation now holds sway. § Jesus at a Pharisee's House (Luke 14) Jesus was always carefully watched for any fault or sin, and so it is with Christians who wear his Spirit within. As he ate at the house of a Pharisee on the Sabbath day, he noticed a man with dropsy, which he would soon allay. But first he asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" - their opinion to withdraw. They had not fared too well before in complaining of his healing, and silence seemed their best response to hide their bitter feelings. So Jesus healed the swollen man and sent him on his way, and the Pharisees and lawyers still had nothing to say. Then when he noticed how the guests picked the places they would sit, vying for honored positions that were inappropriate, he told them another parable of scrambling for position, of earning community status, which was a strong ambition. "When invited to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for you may later be replaced by a famous prima donna. But when you are invited, in order to save face, take the lowest seat and perhaps the host will give you a higher place. For everyone who exalts himself to bolster up his pride will experience humility that eats away inside. But the humble man will be exalted, loved by all his peers. Respect is the reward he earns if his meekness is sincere." Then Jesus added to his host, "When you have a meal, invite the poor and crippled, anyone down-at-the-heel who cannot repay you as would your friends and brothers, and you will be repaid by God, whose reward is like no other." Society's one-up-manship is opposite to God's plan for peace and love and harmony he handed down to man. Lend, expecting no repayment, be secretive in giving, and you will find the greatest joy, the finest way of living. § The Cost of Being a Disciple (Luke 14)  Jesus got the crowd's attention when he said that they must hate themselves and even family and friends. In comparison with loving God, our human loves must pale, hard for a babe in Christ to comprehend. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength, the basis of true love for all mankind. Baptism puts the self to death, and life begins anew to leave old ways and attitudes behind, living for Christ only, by his will, and serving unto death, requiring sacrifice, his cross to bear. We must weigh the cost before we start the journey of our lives, so that for all challenges we are prepared. Human nature is to put self first, then family and friends, but we'll serve them better with Christ in the lead. The "bread of life", the gospel, will feed our hungry souls, supply us with the faith and strength we need. It's better not to start at all than start and then turn back, to shame the Christ who suffered for our sins. Most anything worthwhile in life takes lots of work and grit, and only perseverance finally wins. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 6

Lost and Found Lost Son Parable Shrewd Manager Parable Lazarus and the Rich Man Sin, Faith, Duty Ten Healed of Leprosy God's Kingdom The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Little Children and Jesus The Rich Ruler Jesus Again Predicts His Death A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

Lost and Found (Luke 15) Jesus knew the snobbish attitudes of Jewish upper crust who didn't want the "sinners" hanging round, so he gave them many parables to open up their eyes, the value of each lost soul who was found. "Suppose you have a hundred sheep and one is lost from sight. Would you not leave the ninety-nine alone, go search for that endangered lamb wherever he has strayed, and on your shoulder tote him safely home? Then you would call your neighbors and say, 'Rejoice with me; I found the little lamb that went astray.' There's much heavenly rejoicing for one sinner who repents and walks with me along the narrow way. Or suppose a woman has ten coins, silver, very precious, and one of them is missing from its place. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search with care, turn upside-down the entire living space? And when she finds the silver coin, she will call her friends to join her in a joyful celebration. In the same way, angels celebrate when one soul turns to God who is the source of free regeneration." One human soul is worth more than the whole wide world. Thank God that Jesus Christ still welcomes sinners! To the world we may be losers, but cleansing by his blood turns us into eternal, righteous winners. § Lost Son Parable (Luke 15) Jesus continued the parable of the lost and found. He said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one chose to take his share of the father's estate, and a phase of  his education had begun. Away he went to a foreign land to party like a king, and when his wealth was gone, so were his friends. He was feeding pigs and starving, so decided to go home, there with his family to make amends. ‘I will say to my father, I have sinned against all that is right. No longer am I worthy of your name. Make me like one of your servants, and I will do your bidding.’ And back toward his father's house he came. While he was still a long way off, his father recognized him and took compassion on his errant son. He ran and threw his arm around him, smothered him with kisses, and his many flagrant sins were all undone. The father told his servants to bring the best of robes, a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet, to bring the fattened calf and kill it for a celebration to make this father's happiness complete. The older brother who had worked all day out in the field came home to find a party going on, and was angered that his father had so easily forgiven his brother whose list of sins was long. But the father pleaded with him, 'Your brother has been dead and now he is restored again to life. Help us celebrate his coming home, be happy he is saved, and both of you will share my blessings rife." § Shrewd Manager Parable (Luke 16) The rich man's money manager was wasting his possessions and was about to lose his cushy job. "What shall I do?" he wondered.  "I'm too puny to dig ditches and couldn't force myself to beg or rob. I'll use my present circumstance to make friends with the people, so that I will be invited to their homes." Whatever bill they owed the master was reduced in size, to massage their egos like a currycomb. His shrewdness was commended, even though he was dishonest, not uncommon in this world of wealth and greed. The best way to make friends on earth, influence those around you, is by giving help to those who are in need. Whoever can be trusted with small amounts of money can also be entrusted with a lot. Whoever is dishonest with the little that he has will also be unworthy of a pot. If you can't manage earthly wealth, why would God entrust you with the treasures that are stored in heaven's realm? And if you would mismanage someone else's money, personal wealth would likely overwhelm. No one can serve two masters, with loyalty divided. You cannot serve both God and money well. Love one, despise the other; devote yourself to one. The love of money is your soul's death knell. The Pharisees loved money, and ridiculed the Lord, and he said, "God knows your hearts are selfish, vile. What is highly valued among men is detestable to him, the riches that you hoard with stealth and guile." The Jewish leaders made a fortune in the house of God selling animals for folks to sacrifice. Their religion was a sham, hypocritical and greedy, and Jesus chased them out in anger twice. § Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16) Still speaking to the Pharisees whose first real love was money, Christ told about the rich man's luxuries. Dressed in purple and fine linen, he stood above the crowd, with lavish wealth for all the world to see. At his gate was laid a beggar, Lazarus by name. Dogs came and licked the sores upon his skin. He longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, but no compassion came from those within. The time came when the beggar died and went to paradise, carried there by angels on the wing. The rich man also died, and from his place in hell could see a most surprising, shocking thing. In the distance was the beggar with the faithful Abraham, so he called and begged for pity in his plight. "Father Abraham, send Lazarus with a drop of cooling water to ease the pain of a brother Israelite." But Abraham replied, "Your life was lush with pleasure while Lazarus had nothing but abuse. He cannot cross the chasm that separates us here, and even if he could, there is no use." Then the rich man said, " I beg of you, send him back to earth, that my brothers from this agony be saved. Perhaps they would believe if the word of God was spoken by a man who had arisen from the grave." But Abraham said plainly, "If they do not listen to what Moses and the prophets had to say, the will not heed the one who has risen from the dead, the one whose blood can wash their sins away." Religious leaders of the Jews had the riches of God's word to share with sinners in the direst need, but they substituted custom for justice, grace and mercy to sate their own desires, their lust and greed. § Sin, Faith, Duty (Luke 17) Jesus constantly was teaching, both by word and deed, and here he gives a lesson everyone should heed: Things that cause someone to sin are bound to come along, but woe to one responsible for bringing on that wrong. He would be better off to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck (a Godly guarantee) than to tempt a newborn babe in Christ to wander from the way, so watch yourselves, be holy in what you do and say. If your brother sins, rebuke him. When he repents, forgive. Show him by example a better way to live. The apostles said to Jesus, "Increase our faith, dear Lord!" They were learning that to follow him would be very hard. "With faith as small as a mustard seed, to this tree you can say, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey.' " He was speaking to apostles, not an ordinary saint. They had power and authority beyond our own constraint. Yet the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails a goodly sum. With God's help, all temptation can be overcome. It's the mercy and grace of Christ that saves and gives us righteousness. Our duty is to serve him, with love our emphasis. On our best day, we can never earn an ounce of our salvation, but thankfulness is shown by work, denoting subjugation. God gives us equal status with his only begotten Son, who gladly paid the awful price and our atonement won. § Ten Healed of Leprosy (Luke 17) Leprosy was a dread disease, a scourge throughout the land, and those afflicted were required far away to stand and call "Unclean, unclean" to any passer-by, the status of their failing health thus to signify. Near Samaria, as Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, ten men with leprosy approached and called aloud to him. "Jesus, Master, please have pity on our awful plight!" They knew his reputation, that he could make things right. "Go show yourselves to the priests," he said, and their bodies were made whole. The priest would certify their cleansing; they had reached their goal. One of them, when he was healed, came back with thankful praise, fell at Jesus' feet and worshiped, adoring eyes ablaze. And he was a Samaritan, the only one who came to thank the God who healed him of this scourge and shame. "Were not there ten men who were healed? Where are the other nine? None but this foreigner confirms a miracle divine." And to the thankful man he said, "Your faith has made you well." Away he went to tell the news, his heart with joy did swell. The Jewish people, as a whole, were not a thankful lot, so haughty that the miracles of God were soon forgot. Samaritans, more humble, were quicker to believe and then obey all his commands, his blessings to receive. § God's Kingdom (Luke 17) "When will God's kingdom come?" asked the Pharisees of Jesus. "It will not come visibly," was his reply. It is a kingdom of the heart, will rule the mind and soul, the spirit's greatest needs to satisfy. The Son of Man must suffer rejection, pain and death, be raised again to give you hope anew. His Spirit will bring forth the kingdom, build the blood-bought church, though the living stones that form it will be few. You may tire and wish for his return as sin grows worse and worse, but you won't read about it in the news. His day will come like lightening flashing through the sky, not a day through which the unconcerned will snooze, just as in the days of Noah, when everything was normal til suddenly the promised flood came down. Like the day when Lot left Sodom, and God sent fire and sulphur to destroy the wicked people of the town. When he comes, his saints will meet him high up in the clouds, with unbelievers left alone below. No one will have to tell them what is going on, for atheists and doubters all will know that the time has come for judgment. Repentance is too late. They'll beg for rocks to hide them from the Lord. Tree-huggers cannot save the planet from complete destruction nor change the outcome now of sin's reward. Get ready for his coming, stay ready every day, for his return could be at any time. The days you have left here on earth will glow with joy and peace as you wait with patience for that world sublime. § The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18) To some who were confident of their own righteousness, looked down on others with a prideful glare, this parable that Jesus told was meant to prick the hearts of those who held their noses in the air. Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector, both men Jews. They had the same religion, were sons of Abraham, yet inwardly they held opposing views. The Pharisee prayed about himself and his self-righteousness. "God, thank you that I'm not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers and such, even like this tax collector, distant kin. I fast two times a week, give a tenth of all I get." He put on quite a show of piety! But the tax collector beat his breast and called himself a sinner, and God respected his humility. "I tell you that his tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before the Lord. Everyone who exalts himself will by God be humbled, and the humble will receive a great reward." Even Christians should be cognizant of our daily sins, that without the blood of Christ to cleanse our souls, we would be hopeless beggars in rotten, filthy rags, no way on earth to be redeemed and whole. § Little Children and Jesus (Luke 18) People brought babies to Jesus for his loving touch, something every human being needs so very much. The disciples then rebuked them, protective of his time, but Jesus used this happening for a paradigm. He called the children to him, said, "Let the children come, for the kingdom belongs to such as these, the sweetest sugarplums. Anyone who does not receive the kingdom like a child will never enter it at all, else it would be defiled." A child is humble, trusting, and so quick to forgive, has complete trust in his parents who teach him how to live. He has no bias, holds no grudge, brings joy to all around. He glows with innocence and joy, his love of God abounds. But soon, adult examples will steal away his youth, replace with skepticism his love and joy and truth. We must re-learn our child-like faith, trust in our heavenly Father, and know that answers to our prayers to him are not a bother. He loves to lavish us with gifts, supply our every need, take all our sins and cares away, see that our souls are freed. He wants to take us on his lap and fill our hearts with love, prepare us for eternity in his perfect home above. § The Rich Ruler (Luke 18) A certain ruler asked Jesus, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit life eternal with the Lord?" "Why do you call me good? That description is for God," said Jesus, who was held in high regard as a teacher and a prophet, but not the Son of God. "Obey the law of Moses," he replied. "Do not commit adultery, don't murder anyone, don't give false testimony, steal or lie. Honor your father and mother," concluded this Good Teacher. "All these I've kept since just a boy," said he. "One thing you lack. Sell all you have and give it to the poor, forget your greed and follow after me." Jesus knew the ruler's attitude toward his wealth and status. He valued money more than serving God, depending on his bank account to clear away the brambles upon the wide road that he chose to trod. Seeing that the man was sad, Jesus said to him, "For a rich man, it is very, very hard to enter the kingdom of heaven, for he must be a servant to satisfy requirements of the Lord." Listeners were surprised, and asked, "Who, then, can be saved?" (Greed can also be a problem for the poor!) "The impossible for men is possible with God," a fact that keeps our hearts and souls secure. Greed has no bounds, feeds on itself, has a ravenous appetite, but temporary is the joy it brings. Investing in eternity pays dividends galore that last beyond a hoard of earthly things. "We left all we had to follow you," said Peter to the Teacher. "Whatever you give up with be repaid with spiritual blessings immeasuarable in this earthly life and in heaven where your treasures have been laid." § Jesus Again Predicts His Death (Luke 18) Jesus took the twelve apostles aside for a little private talk. "We are going to Jerusalem, a long and tiring walk. Everything the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will be fulfilled completely according to God's plan. He will be handed over to the Gentile rulers there who will mock him and insult him with treatment so unfair, spit on him, flog him, kill him in the most barbaric way. But he will rise and live again on the glorious third day." The disciples did not understand what the Lord had said, its meaning deeply hidden, relieving them of dread. They expected an earthly kingdom like Solomon of old which would overcome their enemies, give the Jews a new toehold. But after he had risen they would recall his words and fully grasp the concept of the best news ever heard. § A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight (Luke 18) As Jesus and his entourage walked on toward Jericho, a blind man sitting by the road to beg heard the big crowd passing by, asked what was going on, and the answer raised his hopeful heart a peg. "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." The chance to change his life! Then earnestly he shouted out this plea: "Jesus, Son of David," (he knew by reputation) "have mercy on me so that I can see." He could see the truth more clearly than some with perfect sight, and with everything he had, he sought the Lord. Desperation sounded in his voice as he tried to overcome the noises of the growing, milling horde. Those who led the way rebuked the forward man and tried to quiet him, to no avail. He shouted all the more, "Please have mercy on me," the loving heart of Jesus to assail. Jesus stopped and had the man brought to him, asking tenderly, "What is it that you wish for me to do?" "Lord, I want to see," replied the simple beggar. "Receive your sight." he said, "Your faith has healed you." His healing was immediate, he received his sight, and followed Jesus, praising God above. When all the people saw it, they joined with him in praise for the God who showers seekers with his love. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 7

A Camel, a Needle, a Miracle Ten Minas Parable Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Righteous Anger Authority Tenants Parable Paying Taxes to Caesar The Resurrection and Marriage Whose Son is the Christ? The Widow's Offering Signs of the End of the Age End Times

A Camel, a Needle, a Miracle (Luke 19) Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. His fame always preceded him, and everybody knew that he was someone special whom all would want to see, so the short tax man, Zacchaeus, ran and climbed a tree. Zacchaeus was a rich man from much dishonest gain, collecting taxes freely, causing other people pain. But when Jesus reached the sycamore where the short man sat, he saw a heart worth saving, not a bureaucrat. "Zacchaeus, come down," Jesus said.  "I'd like to stay with you." So he came down from his lofty pertch without much ballyhoo. He welcomed Jesus to his home for food and fellowship, and took in every word that passed from the Teacher's lips. Zacchaeus stood, remorseful, repenting of his sin, ready for salvation, a new life to begin. "Lord, half of my possessions I'm giving to the poor, and never will I overcharge on taxes, that's for sure! If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I'll pay back four times that amount." His heart began to sing. Then Jesus said, "Salvation has come to this house today. This man is a son of Abraham who once had lost his way. The Son of Man come to the earth to seek and save the lost, to offer hope to sinful man and pay the awful cost." And now, as with Zacchaeus, something good can happen today. Watch closely for this chance at life; Jesus Christ is passing your way. § Ten Minas Parable (Luke 19) The people expected God's kingdom to appear at once, a utopia on earth for all the Jews. Their physical problems would be solved, the Romans done away, and nothing Jesus said could change their views. Here he gives a parable: A man of noble birth went to a country that was far away to have himself appointed king, and then he would return. So he called ten of his servants on that day and gave them each a mina to invest while he was gone, to benefit the kingdom of their lord. The first one's mina grew tenfold, and he was complimented. Charge of ten cities was his just reward. The second servant brought five minas, took charge of five cities, but the third just kept the mina safe from harm. Because he feared the master and thought he was unfair, he reaped no crop and thus he lost the farm. The mina he was trusted with was taken from his grasp and given to the one who had earned ten. He who invested wisely will be given more, and those without the proper acumen will lose the small bit that they have because they are afraid. The master wants men who will dare and do, investing all their talents, their money and their time in the kingdom where great interest will accrue. § Jesus’ Triumphal Entry (Luke 19) Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was almost at an end, and his followers thought he should be crowned king. He stopped at the Mount of Olives and sent two men ahead to the village, there a donkey colt to bring. "If the owner asks who needs it, say it is for the Lord," and it happened just as Jesus said it would. They brought the colt, unsaddled, and covered it with cloaks, and the colt behaved as though he understood. Jesus humbly chose to ride a donkey, not a showy steed, but was welcomed as a monarch by the throng. They spread their cloaks along the road, a carpet for a king, and the whole crowd praised the Lord in shouts and song. "Blessed is the king," they cried, "who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory in the highest, heaven's peace!" They were ready for the Jewish kingdom to be realized, where all their earthly problems then would cease. Some Pharisees in the crowd objected to the praises, urging Jesus to rebuke the crowd. "I tell you," he replied," that if they should keep quiet, these very stones will surely cry aloud." As he approached Jerusalem and saw the sinful city, he wept and said, "If only you had known what would bring you peace, but now the truth is hidden. Destruction will dismantle every stone. Your enemies will hem you in and dash you to the ground, you and the children caught inside these walls, because you did not recognize God's coming unto you, and the Jewish nation's special status falls.” It was another forty years before Jerusalem fell, and the Jews turned on each other, panic stricken. Nothing worse will ever happen before the end of time, with suffering to make the senses quicken. The Christians had been warned to leave when the army fell away, a quick escape before the worst had come. It is a type of the judgment day when few on earth are saved, a day that will awaken fear in some. § Righteous Anger (Luke 19) Jesus entered the temple area, and for a second time he began to drive out those who were making gain. "You have made the house of prayer into a den of robbers," he told the thieves with anger and disdain. Religious leaders were getting rich off of their own people, selling animals for altar sacrifices to worshipers who lived afar and could not bring their own, but they were forced to pay outlandish prices. No wonder the leaders hated him, were thirsty for his blood, but they knew the people hung onto his words. Although they saw him daily as he taught there at the temple, their fear forced them to leave him undeterred. They would wait until the dark of night when no one was around to take him and abuse him at their will. Worse than a feline predator who stalks its daily food, hate drove them on to punish and to kill. For selfish greed and power, the human is unique in seeking that which bolsters up his pride. While outwardly he shows the world that he is so important, his famished soul still gnaws away inside. Only God can sate his hunger with the tasty bread of life to fill the void that lust can never reach. He shares with us his peace and joy that satisfy our longing, beyond description of all human speech. § Authority (Luke 20) Chief priests and teachers of the law that Moses handed down thought they had all authority in religion. They interpreted it in order that it fit their own agenda, and even added to it just a smidgeon. They came to Jesus as he taught the people in the temple, looking for a cause to prosecute. "Who gave you this authority for all the things you do?" The miracles they'd witnessed were now moot. His cleansing of the temple was a stinging, harsh rebuke after oft describing them as hypocrites. "I will also ask a question," came his bold reply. He was slowly driving them out of their wits. "Did John's baptism come from heaven, or was it from men?" Any way they answered, they were caught. Among themselves it was discussed: "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe the things John taught. If we say it was from men, we'll be stoned by the people who believe John was a prophet sent from God." So their answer was, "We don't know where he got his message." This was a teacher they could not ramrod. Creation caught in hot debate with his own Creator shows his lack of wisdom every time. These men had garnered knowledge and much self-righteousness, but were disconnected from the Source sublime. Today the question still should be, "By whose authority do you live and teach and wear the name he gave?" "Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" will give us all we need, the word that has the cleansing power to save. § Tenants Parable (Luke 20) A man (God) planted a vineyard (church) and rented it to farmers (Jews). Then he went away for quite a spell, some servants for to choose. At harvest time he sent one back to the tenants for his share of the fruits from his own vineyard, but they abused him there. (God had given special privilege to the Jewish race, but they abused his prophets, a hard slap in the face.) Beaten and empty-handed, he reported to his boss, who sent still others to the farm to make up for his loss. All were mistreated and thrown out, so what was he to do? He sent his only son and heir, who also was a Jew. But when the tenants saw him, they said, "Lets kill the son so we'll inherit all he owns," and soon the deed was done. They threw him out of the vineyard (outside Jerusalem's wall), there slew the owner's precious son and caused their own downfall. The owner will kill those tenants (in the fall of Jerusalem) and give the vineyard to others who love and worship him. "May this never be!" the people cried. Yes, it was sad, but true. The Son of God was rejected, abused and murdered, too. The chief priests and the lawyers knew this was meant for them, and they looked for a way to avoid the crowds, to arrest and murder him. § Paying Taxes to Caesar (Luke 20) As the teachers of the Jewish law and the chief priests at the temple looked for a way to seize their hated foe, they kept close watch by sending spies who pretended to be honest, thinking that their evil plans he could not know. They hoped to trip up Jesus in something that he said, make him liable to dreaded Roman law. But, of course, he knew their thoughts and could never be outwitted, his answers always leaving them in awe. "Teacher, we know you speak and teach only what is right," they flattered him to catch him off his guard. "Is it right for us, God's people, to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" To support a pagan government was hard. He saw through their duplicity in this loaded question. Either way he answered seemed to do him in. "Yes" would turn folks against him, "no" could be sedition. They thought there was no way for him to win. "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's," was their simple, firm reply. "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, give God what is God's." Such profound wisdom no one could deny. Tax collectors had the upper hand, could charge as they saw fit, proof positive that life just isn't fair. If the Jews had honored God's decree, they would not be ruled by Rome, and only ten percent would be their share. God uses even pagans to serve his lofty purpose, and tells us to obey the earthly laws, to pay our taxes, fair or not, and honor all our rulers, and in so doing serve his righteous cause. § The Resurrection and Marriage (Luke 20) Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with another tricky question. So desperate were they to find a small chip in his armor, they would use the most ridiculous suggestion. They said, "Teacher, Moses wrote that if the brother of a man should die and leave a childless wife alone, the man must wed the widow and have children for his brother, the family tradition to atone. Now there were seven brothers, and when the first one married, he had no children, and erelong he died. The other brothers dutifully consoled the grieving widow but produced no children with their brother's bride. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since she had seven husbands here below?" Though these unbelieving Sadducees were leaders of the temple, little knowledge of the scriptures did they show. Jesus answered them with patience and his astounding wisdom, "It is only in this age that people wed. But those considered worthy, who are faithful unto death, in resurrection have no marriage bed, for they are like the angels, eternal in the heavens, with no earthly thoughts to blight their joy and peace. There is no need for marriage, no further procreation. All human woes and worries then will cease." "Well said, teacher!" said the lawyers, likely Pharisees who believed in angels and the resurrection. And from this time until his death, the leaders held their tongues, for no one dared to ask another question. § Whose Son is the Christ? (Luke 20) As Jesus taught the crowds, he asked, "How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? Let the prophecy replay. In the Psalms, David himself declares: 'The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand til I show your enemies my regards. They will be made a footstool for your weary feet.’ If David calls him 'Lord', how then can he be his son elite?"  While all the people were listening, to his disciples he said, "Beware of the teachers of the law." Were their ears turning red? "They parade around in flowing robes, draw attention from the crowd, to be greeted in the marketplace with their manner oh so proud. At the synagogues they always crave the most important seats, and the place of honor at banquets, their vanity complete. They devour widows' houses, make lengthy, showy prayers, and will be severely punished for their worldly, evil airs." Messiah is both God and man, can understand our ways, the perfect intercessor for the human when he prays. Everything that he expects from us is covered in his word, the perfect law off liberty, our souls to undergird. But as long as we're more interested in this old world's acclaim than living in his righteousness and wearing his sweet name, this life will all be vanity, a chasing after the wind. His joy and peace and happiness we will never comprehend. § The Widow's Offering (Luke 21) While teaching at the temple, Jesus looked up and observed folks putting their gifts in the treasury, some with a show of verve. A poor widow gave two copper coins, not worth much at all. Next to other contributions, hers looked mighty small. But Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this widow has put in more than all the other donors, even though she is very poor, because she has given all she has, her very livelihood. The others gave out of their wealth, just because they should." She was so in love with the things of God, with a very grateful heart, that she gladly sacrificed her all. Her joy was off the chart. God always looks at what we have, as opposed to what we give. We show our love and thankfulness by the daily life we live. If we spend every dollar to enlarge the kingdom's borders, we still can't out-give Jesus as he refills our larders. Everything we have on earth was given by his hand, and if we build a fortune, we build on sinking sand. § Signs of the End of the Age (Luke 21) Some of Jesus' disciples were making remarks about the temple's beauty, the ornate stones and precious gifts denoting Jewish duty. But Jesus said, "As for this place, the time will surely come when not one stone will be left on another, scattered like useless crumbs." "Teacher," they asked, "when will theses things happen? What will be the sign that all this prophecy will take place? What is God's dateline?" "Watch out," he said, "be not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming 'I am he; the time is near," their own agenda proclaim. Do not follow after them, don't be frightened by wars and such. The end will not come right away, but requires the Master's touch. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes and famines, limiting of freedom, pestilence and fearful events, great signs from heaven above, but the dangers and persecutions can never thwart God's love. To synagogues and prisons they will deliver you, and you will witness for my name before the time is through. You will be betrayed by parents, relatives and friends;  they will put some of you to death before this time span ends. But not a hair of your spiritual head will perish," says the Lord. "By standing firm you will save yourselves and go to your reward. When Jerusalem is surrounded by armies (in 70 AD), you will know that its desolation is near, and then you all must flee. Get out of the city, go to the mountains, and let no one return. This is the fulfillment of prophecy when God's great wrath will burn." Under Nero, many Christians were killed for worshiping the Christ. In terrible ways they were tortured, their bodies sacrificed. Then forty years later Jerusalem was surrounded for a time, but due to conflicting leadership, fell back by God's design. The saints remembered Jesus' words, and by one accord they fled, a type of the promised end of time when judgement will be read. Then Christians will be taken from the earth before it burns, leaving those who never honored God nor welcomed his return. We should live every day as though expecting it will be our last, ever thankful for the promise that God forgives our past and prepares now up in heaven a glorious abode for all who've walked with him on earth upon his narrow road. § End Times (Luke 21) The fall of Jerusalem is a type of what will happen someday when the Lord comes in his glory and the unbelievers must pay for their life of disobedience that has been squandered in sin. No one but the righteous shall God's atonement win. There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars that the end is near. Nations will be in anguish, and men will faint in fear at the roaring of the tossing sea, the heavenly bodies shaken, the coming of the Son of Man as his own saints are taken. Jesus told his followers, "When all these things take place, your redemption is drawing nigh, and you will see my face. Stand up and lift your weary heads toward the clouds above and you finally will comprehend the fullness of my love.   As you can see that summer is just around the bend when you see the fig tree sprouting leaves, you will know this is the end. I tell you the truth, this Jewish race will never pass away until all of this has happened. Then comes the judgment day. The heavens and earth will be destroyed; my word alone will last to judge the lives of mortal men, their record from the past. You Christians must be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, anxieties and frowns. That day will come unexpectedly for everyone on earth. Be watchful, always praying for a life with godly worth, that you can escape the calamity and be prepared to stand with all good conscience in judgment before the Son of Man." Satan has desensitized our world to the evil that's about, but God's word says assuredly, "Your sins will find you out." Just as he said, the Jewish race was scattered after the fall, and Gentiles ruled Jerusalem with its great ungodly sprawl. No place is more unholy than this city in Israel. The New Jerusalem, his church, is the only place to dwell. cgtrent@att.net Home

Luke Part 8

Judas Falls From Grace Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus Prepares for Glory Peter Denies Jesus The Trial of Jesus The Path to Crucifixion Crucifixion Prophecy Fulfilled Jesus' Death Jesus' Burial The Resurrection On the Road to Emmaus Jesus' Ascension

Judas Falls From Grace (Luke 22) Judas had traveled with God in the flesh, a disciple with special blessings, taking part in Christ's revelations, his Sonship even confessing. He had the power of healing, just as the eleven others, and was considered an equal, as though they all were brothers. Knowing that Jesus was the Christ, perhaps his twisted plan was that the Father up above would vindicate his Man, use a band of angels to set him free and prove he was divine. The only thing wrong with this notion: It wasn't God's design. Satan made his plan look great, so before the coming feast, Judas went to the leading temple guards and the Jesus-hating priests with a plan for betraying his own Lord for a paltry sum of cash. He was a one-man gravy train headed for a crash. Driven by wrongful motives, the main one being greed, he was what the priests were looking for to complete their evil deed. They were afraid to take their prey at the temple where he taught for fear the people would stone them and their plan would come to naught. So Judas agreed to watch for an opportunity to betray his friend and confidant to the bad guys for a fee. § Fulfillment of Prophecy (Luke 22) "The hand of my betrayer is with mine on the table," said Jesus after supper. "Woe to him. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but his betrayer's chance for life is slim." Among the twelve disciples there buzzed a burning question: Which one of them might do this evil deed? Then the subject turned to status; which would be the greatest in the kingdom of the Lord? But none agreed. "You are not to be like Gentile kings who lord it over subjects, demanding their respect and loyalty. You should follow my example and be a simple servant, not dressed in purple robes of royalty. You have stood the trials with me, and upon you I confer the kingdom that my Father gave to me. At my table you will eat and drink, and sit on twelve bright thrones. The judges of all Israel you will be." They still were looking forward to an earthly kingdom, to change the world into a godly place, free of pagan rulers who treated Jews like scum, the people who had been God's chosen race. Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, Satan has permission to sift my dear disciples just like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may never fail, that in the end you will not know defeat. When you have turned back from your trials, strengthen all the brothers." Peter said, "Lord, I am with you unto death." "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me thrice," Jesus answered, and the sadness caught his breath. If Satan has attacked us, it is for a reason, has been allowed by God to give us strength. To grapple with temptation gives us fortitude like muscle that grows with exercise of any length. Perseverance comes, like patience, only after trials which we withstand with help from God on high. We can grow stronger day by day, gaining Bible wisdom, straining for the truth until we die. § Jesus Prepares for Glory (Luke 22) Jesus had no home, but sometimes slept on the hill called the Mount of Olives and here he took the disciples, his mien remonstrative. "Pray that tonight you will not fall into temptation's snare." Withdrawing about a stone's throw away, he prayed to the Father there. "If you are willing, take this cup of terrible anguish away. Yet not my will, but yours be done. Do what is right, I pray." His sweat appeared like drops of blood falling to the ground as he implored more earnestly - the Son of God, earthbound. An angel appeared from heaven and strengthened his resolve to complete his life-long mission, Satan's power to dissolve. When he rose from prayer and went again to where the disciples were, he found them asleep, exhausted. From sorrow they could hardly stir. "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray with zeal that you will not be overcome by temptation, the coming ordeal." While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, with Judas leading them. He approached his former Master, and Jesus asked of him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" With this the disciples defended him, and Peter's sword didn't miss. He struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear. But Jesus answered, "No more of this!"  He showed no sign of fear. Instead he touched the servant's wound and healed him on the spot. Then to the officers and priests who had conceived this plot, he said, "Am I leading a rebellion that with swords and clubs you come? Every day I was in the temple courts, right under your evil thumb, and you did not lay a hand on me, but this is your best hour, when darkness reigns to hide your deeds, the weak to overpower." § Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22) Jesus was arrested like a common felon, the only sinless person in the world. Because he spoke the truth with humility and love, vile accusations at the Christ were hurled. Peter followed at a distance, now numb with disbelief that the Son of God could be mistreated so. The promise of a kingdom seemed rather hopeless now; his disciples were without a place to go. In the courtyard of the high priest's house someone built a fire and Peter warmed himself with others there. A servant girl looked closely at him in the dim firelight, adding fear to his feeling of despair. "This man was with him," said the girl, which Peter then denied. "Woman, I don't know the man," he said. A little later someone else said, "You are one of them," increasing Peter's sense of fear and dread. "Man, I am not!" he answered. Would they arrest him, too? But he bravely chose to stay until the end. "Certainly this man was with him, for he is a Galilean." And for the third time he disowned his Friend. Just as he was speaking, a nearby rooster crowed, and the Lord looked straight at Peter, knowing all. Then Peter remembered the prophecy of his three denials, and bitterly he wept beyond the wall. Satan's sifting had begun, and Peter failed the test as he warmed himself there at the devil's fire. Their mission now looked hopeless; there seemed no point in trying. Survival was his number one desire. But his attitude completely changed at the resurrection. To live and die for Jesus was his gain. He would not repeat this sad mistake, learning from his failure, enduring for the Lord much work and pain. § The Trial of Jesus (Luke 22-23) The men who were guarding Jesus began to mock and beat this innocent of innocents, so humble, mild and sweet. They put a blindfold on him and demanded, "Prophecy! Tell us who is hitting you."  Insulting words they cried. At dawn the Jewish leaders met, and Jesus was led in. They asked him if he was the Christ, the trial to begin. "If I tell you, you will not believe." They had heard it all before. They had plenty proof of who he was. There was no need for more. They did not want to know the truth; it only made them mad, which still is often true today, a situation sad. But he threw down the gauntlet, giving all the ammo needed to kill the Christ for blasphemy. "I'm the Son of God," he ceded. The Sanhedrin, under Roman law, could not use their power to mete out capital punishment, a fact which made them glower. So off they went to Pilate for help with their evil deed. They now would go to any length, their own blood lust to feed. They accused him of subversion of their own Jewish nation, of not paying taxes to Caesar, a lie of their creation. "I find no basis for a charge against this man," he said. He didn't want the blood of an innocent on his head, so when he heard that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent him off to Herod who handled that jurisdiction. Herod knew of Jesus' miracles and hoped that he might be entertained by this awsome man, some curious sight to see. Refusinmg to comply with this pagan's plan for fun, Jesus knew his fiendish heart and meekly held his tongue. Back to Pilate once again, who insisted on release, but finally gave in to the mob in order to keep peace. The murderer, Barabbas, was released instead, and the cruel cricifixion was given the go-ahead. § The Path to Crucifixion (Luke 23) As they headed toward Mount Calvary to kill the Son of God, Simon of Cyrene walked into town. He was made to tote the heavy cross, since Jesus was too weak, and there seemed to be no volunteers around. Many of his followers dragged along behind, the women weeping, wailing at their loss, thinking of the suffering yet to be endured upon the shameful, horrid, hated cross. "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me," said Jesus in his meek and humble way. "Weep for yourselves, your children, for soon the time will come when things will be so bad that you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed a single child.' They will say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'" he quoted from Hosea. Jerusalem's destruction would be wild. "If men will do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it's dry and dead?" The "abomination of desolation" forty years from now would remind them all of everything he said. More than a million Hebrews perished, many taken captive, the end of that once special Jewish nation. Because of disobedience to the laws of God, rebelliousness against his subjugation, they were scattered far and wide with no place to call their own, and the hated Gentiles ruled Jerusalem. New Israel, Christ's kingdom, the spiritual survivors, have claimed the promise Jesus made to them. § Crucifixion Prophecy Fulfilled (Luke 23) "He was numbered with the transgressors," said Isaiah of old, seven hundred years before the Christ was born. With two thieves he was led to the place they called the Skull outside the city gates, a place forlorn. There they were crucified, stretched out and pierced with nails upon three crosses made of rough-hewn wood. The Son of God had yielded his body on the tree, his perfection hated and misunderstood. "Father, please forgive them; they don't know what they're doing," unselfishly he prayed for his tormentors, and yet they mocked and jeered at his suffering and shame, excepting for a mournful few dissenters. They divided up his clothes, casting lots for his possessions, and taunted him, "If you are God, come down. King of the Jews, save yourself, the special Chosen One," and laughed at him as though he were a clown. One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us." But the other thief rebuked him. "We are punished justly. He has done nothing wrong to cause this fuss." Then he said to Jesus, "When you come in your kingdom, remember me, repentant of my vice." Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, with that attitude, today you'll be with me in paradise." He could easily have saved himself from such painful death, but he loved mankind enough to follow through, fulfill his lifelong mission of dying for our sins, salvation's sacrifice for me and you. The two thieves represent the two types of men on earth, the sons of darkness and the sons of light. We choose each day whom we will serve, either God or Satan, to live in bright sunshine or gloomy night. § Jesus' Death (Luke 23) At about the sixth hour of the day, darkness came over the land. For three long hours the sun didn't shine, the work of the Master's hand. The temple curtain was torn in two, a curtain six stories high. From the top to the bottom it split apart, a sign that the kingdom was nigh. No more would they need a Jewish priest to pray for atonement of sin. The old law was nailed to the cross with the Christ, eternal salvation to win. "I commit my spirit into your hands," he cried to the Father above. When he had said this, he breathed his last, gave the ultimate gift of his love. The Roman centurion praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." It was the saddest happening since the human race began. When all the people witnessed what now had taken place, they beat their breasts and went away, their load of guilt to face. But all of those who knew him stood a distance away, including the women from Galilee whose hope had died that day. Although he had promised to return, it was past their understanding. The spiritual kingdom was birthing, a new attitude demanding. § Jesus' Burial (Luke 23) Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man (there are always a few) who had not consented to the action of the vile Sanhedrin, the religious leaders of God's chosen Jews. Joseph came from Arimathea, a small Judean town, and was waiting for God's kingdom to arrive. He bravely went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body, respect and hope to somehow keep alive. He took it from the cross, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock where no one had been laid before, a tomb fit for a king, while other friends still stood around in shock. It was Preparation Day before a special Sabbath, a day of rest for Hebrews everywhere. The women had prepared perfumes and spices for his body, but had to postpone loving aftercare. The time was nearing sundown, beginning of the Sabbath, a holy day when work was not allowed. "We will return on Sunday, the first day of the week," this band of grieving women softly vowed. They had helped support his mission with money of their own, and one had even washed his feet with tears. They loved him beyond measure, this humble Son of Man who had taught and cured so many for three years. § The Resurrection (Luke 24) On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they'd prepared, and went to Jesus' tomb, wondering how they could get in, for the stone was massive at the entrance there. To their surprise, it had been moved, and as they stepped inside no rotting, smelly body did they find. Then suddenly two men in clothing gleaming bright as lightening stood next to them to boggle up their minds. In fright the women bowed down low, their faces to the ground, but the men spoke gently, calming all their fears. "Why look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember what he taught you all these years? 'The Son of Man must be delivered into sinful hands, be crucified, and then be raised again.'" They remembered then his words, that all of this would happen before his promised kingdom could begin. When they came back from the tomb, they told all the apostles about what had occurred there at the tomb, but they did not believe the women, speaking all this nonsense. Their minds were still preoccupied with gloom. However, Peter did run out to see the tomb himself, and saw the strips of linen lying there that had been wrapped around the body of his precious Lord, and wondering, walked away in deep despair. It's easy to dismiss a scripture we don't understand, the words that Jesus spoke to guide our lives, just like all theses disciples who looked for an earthly kingdom and were devastated at their Lord's demise. The more we seek, the more we know, the more God will reveal as the Spirit guides our study of the word. Jesus goes where he's invited, only stays where he is welcomed, salvation's promises to undergird. § On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) As two disciples walked toward the village of Emmaus, talking of the things that had transpired, Jesus came and walked with them, somehow incognito. "What are you discussing?" he inquired. They stood with downcast faces, showing that their hopes were shattered, still overcome with their great load of grief. That someone in Jerusalem could not have heard the story now filled these men with total disbelief. "Have you not heard of Jesus, the prophet sent from God? So powerful was he in word and deed. We hoped that he would be the one redeeming Israel. How can our nation possibly succeed? For the chief priests and our rulers caused him to be crucified. This is the third day since his death took place. Now the women who went to his tomb with spices for his body say he has disappeared without a trace. They saw some angels at the tomb who said he is alive. It is a mystery beyond compare." If the stranger had not heard the news of all these things before, it would have been enough to curl his hair. But he said to them, "How foolish, how slow of heart you are to believe all that the prophets have foretold! They said the Christ would have to suffer and be put to death before his glorious kingdom would unfold." Then explaining all the scriptures that told about his coming, he helped them understand the prophecy. Later, at the supper table, he gave thanks for the bread, shared it with them and then their eyes could see. When they recognized him, he disappeared from sight, and to Jerusalem they hurried back to report to the apostles and all assembled there that Jesus was alive and right on track. All was fulfilled exactly as prophesied by God, who makes no mistakes and never tells a lie. The end will come in his own time, and on that judgment day, his saints will go to live with him on high. § Jesus' Ascension (Luke 24) As the disciples discussed the appearance of Jesus, who they thought was dead, he suddenly stood there in their midst. "Peace be with you," he said. They were frightened, thinking they saw a ghost, and he tried to allay their fears. "Why are you troubled, and why do you doubt?  I look just like I have all these years. Look at my wounded hands and feet.  Touch me and see that I'm real. A ghost does not have flesh and bones like a man.  See how I look and feel! Because of their joy and amazement, they still could hardly believe. "Do you have anything to eat?" he asked, reality to achieve. They gave him a piece of fish, which he ate, and then he reminded them, "This is what I told you before my death, but your understanding was dim. Everything written of me in Moses' Law, in the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled to the letter, the storm before the calm." Then he opened their minds to the Scriptures, so they could understand. "The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, just as planned. Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, the source of eternal salvation. Of all this, you are my witnesses, and the Holy Spirit will come to guide you in remembering the things that I have done. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. What the Father promised long ago  now is drawing nigh." He led them out toward Bethany and blessed them one more time before his homeward ascension to heaven's realm sublime. Then they worshiped him, their Savior, renewing their hope and zeal, returned to Jerusalem with great joy that only a Christian can feel. They were constantly at the temple, praising God on high, would serve him with their very lives, and for his name they would die. cgtrent@att.net Home