Luke 6:1 - 26

This section shows Jesus' activity on two separate Sabbaths.  At one, He is questioned by the religious leaders for allowing His disciples to work on the Sabbath by rubbing heads of grain together to get the kernels to eat.  Jesus responds by reminding the leaders that God's intent is for man to enjoy the Sabbath within its rules; and that He was the one in control of the Sabbath and its activities.

On another Sabbath, the rulers watched to see if Jesus would heal a man on the Sabbath day.  Jesus does so, citing the fact that the Sabbath was made to enjoy doing what is good.  What is better than saving and preserving life?

Luke 5:17 - 39

Jesus continues to amaze those who observe His ministry.  At one gathering, so many were present that a paralyzed man could not be brought to Jesus until his friends tore off the home's roof tiles to lower him to the feet of Jesus.  Jesus comments that, due to the man's faith, his sins have been forgiven.  The religious leaders question the ability of Jesus to do this.  Jesus gives an incredible statement of proof:  "Isn't it easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven' rather than 'Get up and walk'?  In order to let you know that I do have power to forgive sins, go ahead, get up and walk."  AND THE MAN DOES SO!  Don't be distracted by the formerly paralyzed man walking away from the building.  Understand that his walking is proof that Jesus has power to forgive sins!

Other followers are invited to join Jesus' group of disciples; and Jesus has the opportunity to remind others that only those who know they have need will seek for help.  Those who think 'all is well' will never ask for Jesus' forgiveness; thus, they will never receive what they so desperately need.

Luke 5:1 - 16

Jesus teaches the crowd by utilizing a fisherman's boat as a speaking platform.  After teaching, He assists the fishermen in taking the largest catch they had experienced.  After blessing them so profusely, He extends an invitation to these men to abandon their nets and become fishers of men.  The fishermen do so, following Jesus as His disciples.

Jesus heals a leper; and when the news spreads, Jesus withdraws from the public view.  He did not want to develop a reputation as merely a miracle healer.

Luke 4:31 - 44

The power and authority of Jesus is demonstrated in these verses.  He travels throughout the region, healing diseases, delivering those possessed by demons, teaching with an authority that was unknown to the people of that day.  Jesus left people with a memorable impression.  Many were unaware of Who He was; but they knew that He was far from ordinary.

Luke 4:1 - 30

Jesus begins His public ministry in isolation.  For forty days He fasts in the wilderness of Judea.  At the conclusion of this time, He encounters Satan himself who tempts Him to take the easy way in life.  Satan hasn't changed much, has he?  He fell from heaven due to a desire to be like God; he caused Adam and Eve to sin by promising they could be like God; now he tempts Jesus Who is fully God and fully man to lay aside humanity and act like God.  Jesus humanly faces each of these tempting tests by responding from God's Word.  He would not take the easy road; and for that I am glad.  He took the road that I need to take, the road of dependence on God and God's strength.

Returning from the desert, Jesus begins teaching in Galilee, eventually reaching His home town of Nazareth.  The people in that city could not believe that God would use someone they saw grow up in the home of a carpenter.  Jesus invited them to respond favorably to His message, warning them of the danger of refusing it; but they turned on Him, attempting to throw Him off a cliff.  Jesus left Nazareth, and would not do any further work there.  They lost an opportunity to be blessed by the Son of God.

Luke 3

Zacharias' son, John, conducts his ministry in the desert region around the Jordan River.  His message is to repent and show the fruits of repentence in one's life.  He makes specific personal applications to various groups of people that come to be baptized - i.e.  identify that they have repented in the way he is prescribing.  Jesus is One Who comes for baptism, and God Himself speaks words of approval at the occasion.  Luke then traces Jesus' genealogy on His mother's side - all the way back to Adam and God.

Luke 2:25 - 52

The childhood of Jesus is related in these verses.  There was an unusual connection between the temple and this Child.  At a very early age (8 days) He encounters a prophet and prophetess who both predict that God is doing great things in and with this Child.  As Jesus grows, He returns to the temple at age 12 and again astounds those within its walls.  This time, He is found debating with the teachers of the Law, claiming He must be "about His Father's business."  However He returns to Nazareth and continues to grow and mature.

Luke 2:1 - 24

In stark contrast to the birth of John, Jesus is born with no fanfare or celebration.  Mary and her husband, Joseph, travel to Bethlehem to be registered in the Roman census.  While in the ancestral home of their families, no relative or friend opens their home to the couple.  The child is born in the lowest of conditions in the midst of feeding cattle.  Shepherds, the social outcasts of society arrive to find exactly what angelic messengers had promised they would - the Messiah laying in a manger as a baby.  All are stunned at this!  Mary, we are told, kept careful notice of all that occurred and meditated on them; deeply considering all that God was doing in the life of this little One.

Luke 1:57 - 80

The town of Hebron celebrates the arrival of Elizabeth's son.  The wonderful provision of the Lord to this home is cause for great rejoicing.  When it comes time to name the young man, the family goes against traditional naming convention and chooses John (full of grace) as the child's name.  Zechariah, finally released from his mute condition, fills the room with a grand song of praise to God for His great grace towards His people.  John grows and becomes a great man - living in the desert places of the nation.

Luke 1:39 - 56

Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth.  While there the two ladies rejoice over God's goodness to each of them.  Mary composes and sings a beautiful song praising God for His faithfulness to His promises in sending the promised Deliverer.

Luke 1:21 - 38

While Elizabeth, Zecharias' wife, hides the fact of her pregnancy for five months another visit is made by the angel Gabriel to the land of Israel.  This time he brings news of a coming birth to another unsuspecting candidate.  Instead of a barren older woman, he carries news to an unwed young woman.  Mary is stated to have found favor with God; He has chosen her to give birth to the One who will be called the Son of the Highest.  The physical impossibilities will be no difficulty for God, Who makes all things possible.  Mary, overwhelmed at the thought, submits herself to God's plan for her life.

Luke 1:1 - 20

Luke begins his record by stating that he has carefully searched out as many records and witnesses as were available in the preparation of his writing.  The research put into this is fitting for a man of his station (a physician).

Luke begins the story of Jesus' life by recounting the events leading up to His birth.  Before Jesus was born, there was a son born to the barren wife of a faithful priest.  The angel, Gabriel, told faithful Zacharias that his wife would bear a son that would fulfill the prophecy of Malachi - given some 400 years prior - to prepare the way for the coming Deliverer.  Because of the incredulity displayed by Zacharias, he is struck mute until all the angel has declared comes to pass.

Mark 16

Those who were nearest to Jesus when He died went at their first opportunity to honor His body as it lay entombed.  When they arrived, they found that Jesus had risen from the dead.  This seemed almost unbelievable, until Jesus began appearing to them in physical form over a period of 40 days.  After that, He ascended into heaven having given His followers instructions to declare the good news to everyone.  He is alive today!

Mark 15:26 - 47

Jesus' death by crucifixion is outlined in these verses.  The physical agony suffered is not covered in great detail; but the emotional agony is.  Abandoned by His followers, humiliated by His fellow countrymen, mocked by those who came near Him, ridiculed by those crucified near Him, and - worst of all - forsaken by His Heavenly Father.  The physical and emotional agony was immense and intense; but the spiritual results are of such an impact that they are still being felt today!  It began with the centurion's declaration "Truly this was the Son of God!"  It was seen by many as the temple veil was torn top to bottom.  It brushed up against the lives of those who had seen Him just hours ago, as Pilate is told of Jesus' death by Joseph, who requested the body for burial.  For many, the events of that day were seen as an end; but it was only the beginning.

Mark 15:1 - 25

Jesus is taken to Pilate, the Roman governor, for a trial as the Jews were not authorized to issue execution decisions.  Pilate attempts to learn what Jesus' crime is; but the crowd being incited by the religious leaders calls for His execution.  Jesus is taken to the place of execution to be crucified and the process of execution begins.

Mark 14:54 - 72

Peter follows at a safe distance to see what will happen to the arrested prophet from Nazareth.  Throughout a thrown-together trial, Jesus maintains His composure and the witnesses against Him cannot agree on any charge that might be held against Him.  Jesus responds affirmatively to a direct question regarding His identity as the Messiah, upon which the charge of blasphemy is leveled against Him.  He is judged worthy to be executed.

Meanwhile, Peter is identified as one who follows Jesus.  In trying to keep his identity secret, he denies knowing Jesus three times - exactly as Jesus had predicted would happen.

Mark 14:27 - 43

Jesus begins a long night of agony.  He foretells His followers' betrayal and abandonment; Peter declares he will never leave, although before the night is through he will deny knowing Jesus three times.  Jesus then goes to pray and finds that none of His followers are able to stay awake with Him.  Judas and his band of conspirators arrive and arrest Jesus, taking Him before the religious leaders.

Mark 14:1 - 26

Jesus spends the last two days of His earthly life in and around the cities of Jerusalem and Bethany.  While there, He continues to instruct His followers about the nature of the coming kingdom; that it is not made of the ones that culture would expect.  Thieves, beggars, the scum of society will find their places in this kingdom - not because of their worth but because of the worthiness that He gives to them.  All this highlights the glory and power of Jesus; He alone can make a person worthy of entrance into His kingdom.

This news is too much for one follower, who agrees with the religous leaders and begins to plan for a betrayal and arrest.  At least one of Jesus' followers came to the conclusion that this kingdom was not what they assumed it to be; it was time for Jesus to be moved aside.  Even this decision shows God's remarkable plan.

Mark 13:21 - 37

Jesus reminds His follower of the certainty of the Kingdom, while at the same time reminding them that the timing of the arrival of the Kingdom is unknown.  Those who claim to have "inside knowledge" and "secret revelation" about the day, date, hour or even year of His return are lying.  Jesus' own words are "do not believe it."  God does not reveal that information, so that all will be vigilant at all times.  It could be today!

Mark 13:1 - 20

The followers of Jesus ask Him some pointed questions about the future.  When will certain events occur?  How will we know when to expect what?  These are questions that many still ask today.  Jesus' response was to not worry about the events themselves; their mission was to endure faithfully.  The promised Holy Spirit would guide them through even the most difficult events and provide protection for them.  The observant obedient follower would be well-prepared, for his preparation would not be based on the events around him, but the work done within him.