Luke 15:1 - 10

The religious leaders were not thrilled with the crowds the followed Jesus.  They were particularly off-set by the number of "unclean" persons like tax collectors that followed Him.  In fact, it seemed that Jesus pursued such people.  Jesus explained that it was necessary.  Those who knew the value of what was lost would go to any length to restore it.  He illustrates this with stories of a lost coin and a lost sheep.  Those who owned the coin and sheep were concerned enough about their loss to go to great lengths to recover their loss.  In the same way, Jesus knew the value of those souls that were loss; and He was willing to do what was necessary to restore and recover them.

Luke 14:25 - 35

Jesus teaches His followers about the cost of being His disciples.  There needs to be a priority placed on Jesus and His priorities.  With such a high cost, one would be wise before committing to following Jesus.  Jesus calls for a total commitment.

Luke 14:1 - 24

Jesus continues teaching, showing that God's method of evaluation is far different from man's.  Greatness, in God's eyes, is measured in increments of humility not superiority.  Worthiness comes from a gracious acceptance not from a hurried busyness.  How 'great' are you?  Too busy to give God time?  Not so great.  Better than the rest?  Not so great.  How 'great' are you?

Luke 13:23 - 35

Jesus teaches His followers about the way to enter His kingdom.  Not everyone who gives lip service to the King is a loyal follower; in much the same way, not everyone who claims to follow Jesus is truly a loyal follower.  Jesus invites His true followers to "enter through the narrow gate" and not miss out on the blessings of His kingdom.  The city of Jerusalem, for the most part, was filled with many who would reject Him.  Jesus mourns for this city, so great yet so greatly wicked.

Luke 13:1 - 22

Jesus continues to demonstrate the difference between man's thinking and God's evaluation.  Those who die in horrible or gruesome ways do not automatically merit eternal reward, according to Jesus' words.  In fact, He tells His followers, unless there is repentence, the only option is perishing.

Jesus then demonstrates the ability He has to provide relief.  He heals a woman plagued will long-term illness.  He teaches that even small faith is rewarded and that the news of His coming kingdom will permeate culture and society.  He IS able to provide relief of not only body, but soul as well.

Luke 12:32 - 59

Jesus uses a series of illustrative stories to teach His followers about the need to be prepared for the coming kingdom of God.  He likens it to a steward who does not know when his master will return, so he is always ready and prepared - never slacking in his duties.  It is further like a steward who takes seriously his master's promise to return, so he does not waver from his assigned tasks, not even to provide for his own enjoyment.  Truly it will cost a great deal to follow Jesus and be identified as His; but those who fail to recognize the wisdom of doing so will find far worse circumstances than they ever imagined.

Luke 12:1 - 31

Jesus teaches His followers about hypocrisy.  He issues stern warnings to those who think they can hide their true motives and attitudes from God, who sees all things clearly.  Those who attempt to teach or practice subterfuge will only find disappointment in the end.  Of far greater value, according to Jesus, is to seek the God's kingdom - look for how you can become a better member of His family through your attitudes - and all the "things" that seem important (food, shelter, clothing) will be supplied.  God never abandons His own.

Luke 11:29 - 54

One trait which Jesus could not tolerate was hypocrisy.  Those who try to look good on the outside while allowing the inside to rot away are not impressive to Him.  Repeatedly, He calls for those who claim to be clean to focus their energies on inner cleanliness, rather than on outward appearances.

Luke 11:1 - 28

Jesus continues to demonstrate His power.  He teaches His followers how to address the Father in prayer, He provides healing for those plagued by demons and disease, He presents Himself as the One to Whom all must look for help.

Luke 10:25 - 42

This passage has repeatedly been brought to my attention this week.  Last night, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Del Tackett expound on this passage as The Truth Project concluded at Mission Peak Baptist Church.  Perhaps because it is still so fresh in my memory, its application to Good Friday is so vivid.

Jesus is asked about inheriting eternal life by an expert in the law.  We are told the reason he asked (verse 29) was to justify himself.  Aren't we all like that?  "Just tell me what to do, Jesus, so I can see if it's crossed off my list!"  Jesus' response was to repeat Moses' law - love God and love your neighbor.  The meaning of loving your neighbor is illustrated by this scenario of a compassionate stranger - The Good Samaritan - who shows mercy on one in need.  Jesus concludes "Go and do likewise"

AND THEN HE DOES.  Oh, not the man, but Jesus.  Jesus goes and does likewise.  He finds those along the side of life's highway who are beaten, robbed, left for dead and He shows mercy on them.  Good Friday is a reminder that He has lifted us from our battered state and provided for our health and life.  What a wonderful Savior.

Go, and do likewise yourself.  Show compassion today.  Be a neighbor.

Announcement & Request

One of the harsh realities of life is that life ends.  What one does to prepare for that certainty is very telling; and has eternal repercussions.  Today, dear friends whom I have known for almost 20 years are facing the harsh reality of death.  Yesterday, Pastor Ronald Campbell departed this life and was immediately found in the presence of the Lord he loved and served.  He had prepared for the certainty of death.  Grieving his passing are his wife, sons, daughter, their extended families, as well as the church familiy he shepherded so faithfully in Lincoln, Maine.  In a few short hours, many will celebrate the reality of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah.  It is precisely because of His resurrection that the Campbell family has a blessed and certain hope of reunion with their loved one.  That certainty does not make the current reality any less traumatic.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Luke 10:1 - 24

Jesus commissions another group of followers to reproduce His ministry in the surroudning region.  These 70 followers are sent to take the news of God's coming kingdom and its practical applications to the people of the area.  When they return, the followers are amazed at all they have seen and experienced.  Jesus' reply is telling.  The experiences are not the important event; the relationship that allowed the event to occur is.  It was a greater accomplishment to have their names included in the 'membership roll' of heaven than to exorcise demons.  What a thought!  We are so easily impressed with what God labels 'trivial' and so dismissive of what God sees as note-worthy.

Luke 9:37 - 62

True greatness is so misunderstood and so rarely recognized.  Jesus has just allowed three of His followers to behold the majesty of His glory and greatness; yet, they still stumble over the trivial amtters of life.  The followers are not able to grasp His power and authority over the supernatural.  When Jesus speaks of His coming death and the great work it will accomplish, His followers ignore it, preferring to discuss which among them is the greatest.  When they see ignorance in others, they are ready to severly punish.  Over and over again, they fail to understand the true cost of following such a great Teacher.

But do I do any better?  How often do the simple things in life distract me and cause me feet to stumble?  How many times have I had to consider and reconsider and then reconsider again a matter that really should not take much thought.  How often do I enter into debates about which person, program or possibility is greatest; forgetting the One who has all power.  Dear Lord, let me recognize You more frequently!

Luke 9:18 - 36

Jesus begins to instruct His followers more explicitly on His identity as the promised Messiah.  He begins by asking about the popular conceptions of Him, only to drive home the reality that He is more than anyone expects.  Because of this, there is a great price to be paid as His follower - it will cost everything, but is worth any cost.  Three of His followers are then privileged to see Him in His true glory, an event that changed all three for the rest of their lives.  Read the writings of John, Peter and James - notice how each one writes about the certainty of Jesus' identity, the gloriousness of His presence, the reality of His deity.  This event was critical in their lives.

Luke 9:1 - 17

Jesus continues to demonstrate His unique power.  He commissions and sends out His followers to multiply His efforts in the surrounding area.  His sphere of influence intersects that of Herod, the tetrarch in the area, who seeks to have an audience with Jesus.  Meanwhile, Jesus hears what His followers have accomplished, then demonstrates His own power by feeding a group of over 5,000 people.

Luke 8:26 - 56

Once again, Luke demonstrates events from Jesus' life that illustrate His power over all aspects of creation.  Jesus casts a legion of demons out of a man and the pigs they inhabit kill themselves.  Jesus uses this event to allow the formerly possessed man to declare how great God is.  Jesus then illustrates His power over disease, healing not only a woman of a 12-year illness; but raising a 12-year old girl from the dead.  His power is unmatched!

Luke 8:1 - 25

Jesus again demonstrates His abilities and power over all forms of creation.  He gives a brilliant illustration of the reception of the good news of the kingdom by comparing it to soil's response to seed.  He demonstrates His power over nature by calming a stormy sea; and illustrates the transforming power of the kingdom by telling of how it radically changes even normal relationships.

Luke 7:31 - 50

Jesus again demonstrates through His life and teaching that those who know they have a desperate need will find relief in Him.  Those who are convinced that "all is well; nothing need be feared" will find that their ignorance carries a high price tag.  While Jesus is able to forgive sin - and He does so - He is also just, not forcing Himself upon any who are unwilling of His divine assistance.

Luke 7:1 - 30

In this passage we find the greatest example of faith in the entire land of Israel.  It comes from a rather unexpected place - a Roman centurion.  The centurion's servant was ill, and this leader begged Jesus to come heal him.  When Jesus began making the trip to the residence, the centurion made the comment that he understood authority; all Jesus had to do was give the command and the healing would take place.  Jesus is amazed at the faith displayed by that statement.  Those returning found the servant had been healed, just as Jesus commanded.

Other events are chronicled in the passage; but this one grabs my attention most today.  What do I believe God is capable of doing today?  Do I really understand His power and authority; and am I behaving in light of that understanding?

Luke 6:27 - 49

Here's the event for which many people have been waiting:  Jesus lays out the rules for His followers.  Many today just demand "Tell me what to do already."  Jesus states that the rules are simple - put others first.  Your enemies - love them and do them good.  Those who steal from you - give to them.  Demonstrate by your actions AND reactions that following Jesus makes a difference in the way you view life and live it.  This does not mean one should become the world's doormat and whipping post; it does mean that our responses should be very carefully measured.  The responses of your life will say much about the content of your character.  Those whose life is founded on the solid foundation Jesus Christ provides will not be swayed by the storms and tempests of life.