San Francisco Tourist

My parents were here last week.  I love the opportunity to play tourist in my home area.  Here is the photographic evidence that we actually left the house and saw some sights (Japanese Tea Garden, Lincoln Park, Legion of Honor, Fort Point, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Point Bonita Lighthouse).  Enjoy.

All photos copyright 2009 Charles L. Eldred

Luke 20:27 - 47

Jesus faces the questioning of the Saducees, a group that denies the existence of a resurrection.  They post a situation that assumes a resurrection, how foolish!  They ask a question that assumes everything they believe is false - this makes no sense to me.  Jesus wisely gives an answer that reveals God to be the God of the living - there is not a place of separation from God's presence, not even in death.  Jesus then warns His followers to take care of those who make a display of their religion without it making an impact on their own life and character.

Luke 20:1 - 26

Jesus' authority is questioned by those in leadership of Israel.  When Jesus answers their question with a question about John's baptism, they are afraid to answer and refuse to do so - lest they turn public opinion against themselves by their answer.  Jesus then refuses to answer their question plainly.  He does, however, give them clues to the answer by relating the story of a vineyard owner whose servants are beaten when they try to accomplish the master's work.  Finally, the son is sent and killed, in hopes that the inheritance will fall to the workers.  The owner would not do such a thing; he would wreak judgment on those who murdered his son.  Through this parable, Jesus instructs His listeners that He has been sent by God to do what must be done - and they will pay the consequences for mistreating Him.  The listeners attempt to trick Him in His words by asking Him about paying taxes.  Jesus' response is classic:  give to the government that which they rightfully own and give to God what He rightfully owns.

Luke 19:28 - 48

Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem to be accepted as its King.  However, the city refuses to acknowledge Him and accept Him as their Master.  Jesus weeps, knowing that the refusal to submit to Him will ultimately lead to the destruction of the city.  Even in rejection and scorn, Jesus fulfills prophecy.  He is the promised Messiah; He is the King God promised to send.

Luke 19:1 - 27

This passage contains the account of Zaccheus, a tax collector who could testify to the transforming power of Jesus in a life.  Jesus also teaches His followers about the need to diligently work while He is away from them; and that the power found in the ministry comes only from God above.

Luke 18:24 - 43

It is interesting to note who recognizes the person and deity of Jesus as the Christ.  A blind man is able to recognize Him, while rich rulers are not.  Jesus is more concerned about accomplishing the will of His Father than He is about who is in His "fan club."  He warns against those who seek to buy their way into a relationship with Him.  That tactic never works.

Luke 18:1 - 23

Jesus teaches His followers about the benefits of persistence.  The persistent widow obtained justice, just as the persistent follower of Christ will obtain justice with God.  The persistent publican, convinced of his sinfulness, obtained favor wtih God while the arrogant Pharisee was only justified in his own mind.  The persistent children found a place of welcome with Jesus, while the rich young ruler, persistent to improve himself, would not be convinced to follow Jesus at the expense of abandoning his wealth.

Luke 17:20 - 37

Jesus instructs His followers about the arrival of the kingdom.  It will not arrive with loud fanfare, nor will it have a large press advance team.  Announcements of "Look!  It's right over here!" are to be ignored, for those who make such announcements are not true messengers of the coming kingdom.

Luke 17:1 - 19

Jesus continues to demonstrate His power over the natural universe.  Meeting ten lepers, He heals them all completely.  Not just one or two for a brief amount of time; but all ten, permanently.  Only one out of this group thinks to thank Jesus.  What about you and I?  Do we take the time to thank Jesus for what He does on our behalf, even though He may have provided it for more than just us?

Luke 16

The account is given of the rich man and Lazarus.  While the rich man fared well in this life, dining sumptuously and having few cares, Lazarus was the one who was truly blessed because he had prepared for the life to come.  The rich man seeks to use his influence to keep his loved ones and relatives from the same damning fate he suffers, and learns that if one will not listen in life they will certainly not be convinced by voices from beyond the grave.

Luke 15:11 - 32

The familiar account of the prodigal son highlights the extent of God's love.  Much like the lost coin and sheep from the previous illustration, the father in this vignette sees the value of the lost son and does whatever is necessary to see him restored.  The older brother (who ran away mentally years ago but physically was present at the father's side) never understood the depth of forgiveness possible from his father.  He was the true loser in the story.

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.