In this episode, Jesus continues to denounce the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. In the last three of six warnings, the Lord admonishes the lawyers for repeating the same mistakes of the past.
In this episode, Jesus announces warnings upon the Pharisees that all most take to heart. He calls upon each of us to monitor our motives. While God is concerned that we honor Him with obedience in the details, those whose hearts are truly converted will reflect the heart of God and will not neglect any aspect of His will.
When the skeptics ask Jesus for a sign to prove His identity, the Lord pointed to the sign of Jonah. What is the sign of Jonah and what makes it different than any other miracle?
When Jesus delivers a man from demon possession, His opponents accuse Him of being in league with Satan. Jesus responds with several argument and highlights the implication of the miracle. To the sincere seeker, the miracle was not a cause for accusation but celebration—the Kingdom of God has come!
On one occasion after the Lord finishes praying, an unnamed disciple approaches with the request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” When Jesus teaches His disciples on how to prayer, in both Matthew 6 and Luke 11, there are 6 elements He emphasizes to make our prayers effective.
This is how Jesus defended one of His disciples, a young woman named Mary who sat listening to Him teach, while her sister, Martha, was busy serving. The sweet devotion of discipleship is often best demonstrated in the lives of the godly women of the gospels. It is seen in Mary of Bethany, who would not be denied or discouraged, whose example of sincere study, sacrifice, and steadfastness form within the pages of the everlasting gospel a memorial to her honor and a model for our homes.
This question prompts Jesus to teach one of His greatest parables, which will pave the way for the universal brotherhood of man. This episode highlights how Jesus masterfully rephrases the issue. Instead of governing our lives with the motive of doing the least that law dictates, we should live with a desire to do the most that love demands.
Through these words, Jesus enlightens and encourages. The power to expel demons is astonishing, but according to Jesus there is a greater cause for celebration: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Despite knowing the suffering and death that awaited Him, Jesus "steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), demonstrating His commitment to fulfilling God's plan. Along this journey, Jesus did not merely focus on His destination; He remained dedicated to His mission of seeking and saving the lost.
After laying the foundation of the demands of discipleship, Luke records three encounters Jesus has with three would-be-disciples.
This episode explores how Jesus responds to the disciples debate over who shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The illustration Jesus uses is counter culture and teaches what true greatness is all about.
On the Mountain of Transfiguration, three apostles witness Jesus conversing with two ancient heroes. What lessons can be learned from what was seen and heard?
As Jesus anticipates His suffering and death in Jerusalem, He seeks to prepare His disciples. Not only does He prepare them for His own cross, but discipleship demands its own price. This episode explores the three conditions of discipleship.
As Jesus continues to draw near Jerusalem and the fate that awaits Him there, His identity remains the focus. After asking, “who do the crowds say that I am,” it is evident that public opinions vary concerning Him. But Jesus focuses His concern upon His own disciples by asking them, “Who do you say that I am?”
They All Ate and Were Filled: With only two small fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus feeds a multitude of over 5000 people. This episode explores the message behind the miracle when “they all ate and were filled.”
In Luke 8:40-56, Jesus heals a woman suffering from a blood issue for twelve years and raises Jairus' twelve-year-old daughter from the dead. Both miracles highlight the power of faith in Jesus' ability to transform dire situations. Once again Luke shows the need to overcome fear, trust in divine timing, and find hope even in the face of despair.
When a man possessed with many demons is healed by Jesus, his changed life is evident to all. He longs to follow after and learn from the One who has saved and restored his life. But Jesus does not allow the man to return with Him to Galilee. Instead, He instructs the man to return to his home and society and allow his changed life to illustrate the greatness and goodness of God.
Who Can This Be? Jesus’ authority over the winds and the water bewilders the disciples. Their question reflects their attempts to understand the implication of such a display of power. No ordinary man can do what Jesus is doing; therefore, He is no ordinary man.
My Mother and My Brothers: When Jesus’ earthly family seeks Him, His response is shocking and insightful. In this episode, the Lord elevates the spiritual relationship He has with His followers in a remarkable way.
Take Heed How You Hear:
Why did Jesus teach in parables? In this episode, we will explore the answer as we dissect Jesus’ famous Parable of the Sower, or more appropriately named the Parable of the Soils: Luke 8:4-15.
