Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/6) Luke 8:1-15

Apr6

A 5-day per week study.

April 6 – Reading Luke 8:1-15

Read and believe in Jesus.

“They are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”  Luke 8:15

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The Gospel according to Luke 8:1-15

Review – While Jesus was at a pompous Simon’s home, a “woman of the city” came and fell at Jesus feet, wetting them with her tears and anointing them with ointment. Simon was disgusted. The woman was forgiven and saved by her faith. Jesus sees hearts.

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Vss, 1-3.

After leaving Simon’s house, Jesus went on through cities and villages proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God.  The TWELVE disciples were with Him, AND ALSO some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities,

Luke – perhaps because he was a physician – often highlighted, or at least provided more detail about, the women Jesus interacted with than the other Gospel writers did. Here, he names three, but there were “many others” who followed Jesus.

  1. There was Mary, called Magdalene (because she was from the lakeside town of Magdala). Jesus cast out seven demons from her. (And no, this does not mean she was a prostitute, not the woman of the city in the previous account in Luke 7.)
  2. Joanna is an interesting and independent woman. Her husband, Chuza, was King Herod’s household manager. They were probably a wealthy couple, but I wonder how she met Jesus. Was she healed of some horrible disease?  (She could have been the one who supplied Luke with the details of Herod’s house in Luke 23:8 and 12.)
  3. And there was Susanna. This gal is mentioned nowhere else in scripture. Perhaps she was someone Luke knew personally.

These women “provided for Jesus and the Twelve out of their own means.”

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Vss. 4-8.

Here is when Jesus’ ministry takes a turn.  Up until now, He has been teaching plainly about the Kingdom of God. (The sermon on the mount, etc.).  NOW, Jesus begins to use parables to teach.

WE kind of like parables. We like to think about and even debate their meanings. We often teach them to children.

**** However, unlike the analogies Jesus used (you are salt of the earth, light of the world, etc.), parables required more explanation.  Jesus used them to “obscure the truth from unbelievers.”  Doing this was both a judgment and a mercy. They “loved the dark and had rejected the light,” and more truth would only add more condemnation.

Even the disciples were not sure what Jesus meant by these stories.  They would often ask Him the meaning in private, and, of course, Jesus would explain it to them.

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This first one is very well known. The Parable of the Sower (or sometimes, the Soils) would have resonated with the local farmers. They knew this happened to the seeds that they cast out in sweeping arcs from the bags.  They knew that not all the seed germinated and produced a crop.

BUT what the seed and the soil stood for, and what those hinderances to a plentiful crop signified in Jesus’ teaching, was beyond them.

  1. Some seed fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it.
  2. Some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
  3. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.
  4. Some seed fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.

Jesus ended the parable with, “He who has ears to HEAR, let him hear.”

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Vss. 9-10.

When the disciples asked Him what He meant, Jesus said, “To YOU it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but FOR OTHERS they are in parables … so that seeing they may not see and hearing they may not understand.”

Now this seems hard for us to take in. Doesn’t Jesus want the crowds to know and understand the truths He’s teaching?

Well, yes, but hardened hearts do not WANT to understand. They figuratively put up their hands and turn away from the truth. The religious leaders are prime examples.  Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9, where God blinds unbelievers.

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Vss. 11-15.

Then He explains the parable to His disciples.

  1. The seed is the Word of God.
  2. The “packed-down” soil along the path that gets seed but does not take it in are those who have heard, but the devil comes and takes it away from their hearts so they may not believe and be saved.
  3. The soil on the rocks also receives seed, and perhaps the seed springs up quickly “with joy” (it sounds good, but they don’t really apply it to their heart). When testing coms, they fall away.
  4. The thorny soil seems to take in the truth, but the “thorns” (cares, riches, pleasures of life) soon choke out the precious Gospel truth, and they do not mature.
  5. The good soil represents those who hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Ah, it seems so clear after Jesus explains it.

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Vss. 16-18.

Jesus says that even though He was now teaching in parables, His message WAS NOT meant to be kept secret for a few elite disciples.

The LIGHT is to be put on a lampstand so it can be seen.   STILL, only those “with eyes to see” will see it.

And then that cryptic message: To the one who HAS, MORE will be given, and from the one who HAS NOT, even what he thinks that he has WILL BE TAKEN AWAY.

(Those who scorn the light of the Gospel NOW, will have all light removed from them in eternity…..)

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/3) Luke 7:36-50

Apr3

A 5-day per week study.

April 3 – Reading Luke 7:26-50

Read and believe in Jesus.

“…her sins, which were many, are forgiven, for she loved much.”  Luke 7:47

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The Gospel according to Luke 7:36-50

Review – John the Baptist is in prison, discouraged by what he hears is happening. Where is the fiery Messiah who was coming to judge evil? Jesus didn’t seem to be doing that. He sent his disciples to ask if He was “the One.” Jesus replied with a flurry of miracles and a reminder of Isaiah 29:18-19, which John KNEW by heart. Yes. Jesus WAS the One.

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Vss. 30, 36.
Remember yesterday that Jesus was very harsh in his rebuke of the Pharisees, having “rejected the purpose of God for themselves.” He compared them to bratty little children.Nevertheless, when one of them invited Jesus to eat at his house, Jesus went with him. His name was Simon, and he doesn’t appear to be sympathetic to Jesus.  Could this Pharisee’s “ulterior motive” have been to entrap Jesus in some way?Jesus took His place reclining at the table, and the food and drink were served. Simon watched Jesus.  Jesus watched Simon. Then a very unusual thing happened.

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Vss. 37-38.

A “woman of the city,” (a nice way to say a prostitute), came into Simon’s house.  (Had she been there before under “other “circumstances?)  It’s weird that the servants would just let her into this prominent man’s home.

But in she came and headed right for Jesus – his feet, to be exact. She’d brought an alabaster flask of ointment.

(NOTE: This is not the same woman as in Mark 14:3-9.  In THAT case, the woman was Mary, sister of Martha; it was in Bethany, and during Passion Week. THAT Simon was an ex-leper, not a Pharisee.)

Standing, then kneeling behind Jesus, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. She kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.  (We will see that Jesus’ feet were still dusty from the road because Simon had not even had a servant wash them when he came in.)

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Vss. 39-43.

Simon’s thoughts about this woman and Jesus might have been evident by the look of disdain and disgust on his face.

“If this man were a prophet,

He would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him,

for she is a sinner.”

Jesus KNEW his thoughts and said to Simon, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

Simon: “Say it, Teacher.”

Jesus tells him a little story: “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii and the other owed 50. When they could not pay, he canceled both debts.  Now, which of them will love him more?”

Simon: “The one, I suppose, for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

Jesus: “You judged rightly.”

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Vss. 44-50.

Jesus turned to look at the woman while continuing to speak to Simon: “Do you see this woman?

  • I entered your house; YOU gave me no water for my feet, but SHE has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
  • YOU gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in, SHE has not ceased to kiss my feet.
  • YOU did not anoint my head with oil, but SHE has anointed my feet with ointment.
  • Therefore, I tell you, HER sins, which are many, are forgiven for she loved much. But HE who was forgiven little (YOU, Simon) loves little.”

Then Jesus turned to the woman and told her quietly, “YOUR sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

“Who is this that says He can forgive sins?” grumbled the other guests at Simon’s table.

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WHO indeed?  And HOW?

Because Jesus is God. 

Because, although His death on the cross had not yet happened in “time,” it had been ordained from eternity past. Jesus carried this woman’s many sins on Him at the cross, just as he’s carried yours and mine, if our hearts have repented of sin and we trust in Him for redemption.

**** Think on this today, on “Good Friday” and “Passover,” and look to Jesus, the Lamb of God, with his blood given for us. Remember also His glorious resurrection, which shows for all time that God accepted HIS death in payment in full for OUR sin debt.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/2) Luke 7:18-35

Apr2

A 5-day per week study.

April 2 – Reading Luke 7:18-35

Read and believe in Jesus.

“”  Luke

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The Gospel according to Luke 7:18-35

Review – A godly Centurion showed great faith, and Jesus healed his servant from afar with just a word. Then Jesus “saw” the widow in the middle of two huge crowds, came to her, and restored her dead son to her alive. The people feared, glorified God, and spread the news far and wide.

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Vss. 18-20.

John the Baptist is in Herod’s prison. His disciples come, bring food, and tell him of the news. They give John some of these wild reports about Jesus that have been circulating through Galilee and Judea. They tell him of His miracles and compassion for hurting people, and of His teachings about love … especially for their enemies.

From the beginning, John had preached a message of coming judgment (“The One is coming who will baptise you with fire!  The axe is laid to the roots of unfruitful trees! He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire! Repent of your wicked ways!”).

 But, Jesus, whom John baptised, was not judging evil. Forgive and love your enemies?  Huh??

(Have you ever been confused about God, Jesus, and the Bible? Have you had questions that needed to be answered?  Did current struggles ever make you doubt?)

John sent a couple of his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are You the One who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

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Vss. 21-23.

Jesus, instead of immediately answering John’s question with “Of course I am the One,” began a flurry of healings and casting out demons. Diseases were cured, plagues removed, and the blind were made to see.

Then Jesus tells John’s disciples this: “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.”

What was Jesus saying?

He was preaching the scriptures (that John knew so well) back to this questioning servant of God.  This was Isaiah 29:18-19, the Messianic passage that tells of the FIRST part of the Coming One’s ministry (the part before the verses about judgment).

This very passage in Isaiah was the one Jesus read in the synagogue at the beginning of His ministry, then sat down and said, “Today this is fulfilled in your sight.”

Jesus knew that John would recognise the passage and be reassured.  Judgment WAS coming, later, but first the message of Good News, confirmed by miracles.

(And when we are unsure, doubting, questioning, this is what WE should do.  Go to God’s word and ask Him to help us see more clearly.)

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Vss. 24-30.

After John’s disciples left with the visual and verbal message, Jesus turned to the crowd.

  • “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
  • What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts! 
  • What then did you go out to see? A prophet?  I tell you, and MORE than a prophet.”

Then Jesus quotes Malachi 3:1. “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.”

Then Jesus continues, “I tell you, among those born of women, none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

When the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God JUST, having been baptised with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers REJECTED “the purpose of God” for themselves, not having been baptised by him.

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Vss. 31-35.

Jesus looked at the self-righteous religious leaders and compared them to children sitting in the marketplace, taunting each other.

  • ‘We played the flute, and you didn’t dance.’
  • ‘We sang a dirge, and you did not weep.‘

Jesus uses strong language to rebuke the Pharisees. He’s suggesting they were behaving childishly, determined NOT to be pleased with any outcome.

  • John the Baptist came, eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say He has a demon.
  • The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!

“Wisdom is justified by all her children.” (True wisdom is vindicated by what it produces.)

The real problem with the Pharisees and scribes was the corruption of their own hearts, but they wouldn’t acknowledge that.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/1) Luke 7:1-17

Apr1

A 5-day per week study.

April 1 – Reading Luke 7:1-17

Read and believe in Jesus.

“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”  Luke 7:9b

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The Gospel according to Luke 7:1-17

Review – Jesus taught about LOVE: our enemies and each other (possible only with the indwelling Holy Spirit). He gave three illustrations: 1) A man with a speck of sawdust in his eye, and ME with a log in mine. 2) Two trees, bearing good or bad fruit, and what our hearts produce. 3) And two homebuilders with different foundations (knowing Christ or not) and different results in a storm (safety or destruction).

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Vss. 1-10.

From teaching on the hillside, Jesus goes into the town of Capernaum.

There was a Roman Centurion living there who “loved Israel” and had, in fact, built the synagogue for the Jews.

(He reminds me of the Centurian, Cornelius, in Acts 10, who loved God, and after Peter preached to him, was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, and many in his house.)

This Centurion is unnamed, but his faith is strong as well. Knowing how Jews feel about entering a gentile home, he sends some elders to “Rabbi Jesus” to ask for healing for his deathly ill servant.  They plead his cause earnestly, saying that “He’s worthy.” And Jesus goes with them.

But near the Centurion’s home, they are met by some of his friends with the message, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”

He tells Jesus that he’s a man of authority, and at his word, soldiers and servants obey. He sees Jesus with just such authority.  “Say the word and let my servant be healed.” And Jesus does. And from that moment, the servant is healed.

Then Jesus, marveling at this, turns to the crowd and says, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

(Matthew’s account says Jesus adds these words, “Many will come from the east and the west and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness.”)

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Vss. 11-17.

Soon afterward, Jesus, His disciples, and “a great crowd” go from Capernaum to a town called Nain, about 35 miles south-west of Capernaum.

As they got near the gate to the town, “a considerable crowd” was coming out of the city. It was a funereal procession. The only son of a widow was being carried out in an open bier to the graveyard.

Imagine the chaos when these two huge crowds met and mingled outside the gates to Nain.  But still … JESUS SAW THE WIDOW.  Yes, she was in black, but many mourners were too.  Yes, she was weeping, but mourners wept and wailed all around.  Jesus’s eyes and heart were drawn to that woman. Such empathy and compassion!

With no husband and no children to support her, she would probably become destitute, a beggar. Fear and despair mingled with her sorrow.

Jesus came near to her and said, “Don’t cry.”

Then Jesus TOUCHED the open coffin (officially in the eyes of the Jews, making Him “ceremonially unclean”). The procession stopped. Jesus said to the dead body of the widow’s son, “Arise.”  It was a command.

The dead man sat up and began to speak.

Imagine the astonishment! The fear! The people stumbling backward!  The rubbing of eyes in disbelief!

And gentle/powerful, kind/and kingly, Jesus “gave the boy to his mother.”

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”

That last statement was truer than they realized. Immanuel (God with us) was indeed there.

And yet another “report” about Jesus’ miracles went out through the surrounding country.

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(NOTE: The town of Shunem was just a couple of miles away.  This is where (800 years earlier) the great prophet Elisha stayed with a wealthy family when traveling.  The barren couple had asked him to pray for a son, and God answered his prayer.  Later, the couple’s son died, and when Elisha prayed, he was revived.   Surely, this was what was in the minds of the people of Nain when they said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!”   But so much greater was Jesus, the Son of God.)

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/31) Luke 6:27-49

Mar31

A 5-day per week study.

March 31 – Reading Luke 6:27:49

Read and believe in Jesus.

“As you wish others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31

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The Gospel according to Luke 6:27:49

Review – Jesus, after a night in prayer, chose twelve of all the disciples to be Apostles.  Then Jesus began teaching the Sermon on the Mount to His disciples, starting with the Beatitudes.

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Vss. 27-36.

Have you ever read (and really pondered) 1 Corinthians 13?  If you have time, do it now.  It describes the selfless LOVE we are to have towards each other: the self-sacrificing LOVE Jesus had for sinners when He died in their place.

Now, read these verses in Luke about loving OUR ENEMIES.

REALLY??  Our enemies?  (And yet, isn’t that what sinners are to a Holy God?)

  1. Love your enemies,
  2. Do good to those who hate you,
  3. Bless those who curse you,
  4. Pray for those who abuse you,
  5. Willingly accept a blow to the other cheek,
  6. Give to him more than what he takes from you,
  7. Generously lend to him, and neither require nor expect anything back.

And WHY does Jesus say His disciples are to do this?

“You will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  Be merciful, as your Father is merciful.”

And also, “your reward (in heaven) will be great.”

(Of course, there is no way we can do this without the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Romans 5:5 tells us that “God’s LOVE has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

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Vss. 37-45.

BAD judging and GOOD judging.  FIRST, the BAD kind.

“Judge not, lest you be judged. Condemn not, lest you be condemned.” 

This is the self-righteous, pompous, looking-down-your-nose, wagging-your-finger type of judging.  It says, “I” certainly would NOT do that!

The thing is, WE probably WOULD do the offence, given the right circumstances.  We are ALL sinners.

(And as my Hubby likes to say, “When you point a finger at someone, the other three fingers are pointing back at YOU!”)

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No, Jesus tells His followers to, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven, give and it will be given to you, and in a measure you will barely be able to hold!”

And to illustrate His words, Jesus tells them to “picture” a big LOG in your eye, keeping you from seeing anything.  Then, picture a tiny speck of dust in your brother’s eye.   SERIOUSLY, you need to remove that “log” before you can help your brother.

(Jesus was not talking about literal logs and specks, but those faults that we are so eager to point out in others, when OURS are totally larger and more grievous. Go to God, humbly confess your sin, repent of it, and then with tenderness and understanding you can help your brother.)

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GOOD judging.

We aren’t to be “judges” of others, but we CAN be “fruit inspectors.”

Jesus said, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit.”

And again, it is a HEART issue.  What is in the DNA makeup of a tree determines what fruit it will bear, and what is in the heart of man is what will come out in his life and through his mouth

We can try to be sweet and kind.  We can try to bear sweet juicy peaches.  But if our unsaved nature is to be a “crabapple tree,” all we can bear is … crabapples.   Again, it is the Holy Spirit of God, given to us when we are saved (regenerated), who can change our selfish selves into Christlike ones.  THEN, the “fruit of the Spirit” will grow freely and naturally.

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Vss. 46-49.

Jesus now gives a familiar illustration of two homebuilders.

One is thorough, spends more time and money, but builds a sturdy house on a bedrock foundation.

The other is impatient, does not seek out or listen to building codes, and puts up a “quickie” pre-fab home on soft, golden sand.

What happens when a storm breaks the upstream dam, and a huge flood of water rushes at the houses is both reassuring and horrific.

  • The house on the rock (Christ) stood firm.
  • The house built on sand went “smack,” as kids clap their hands when singing that song.  (“It fell, and great was the ruin of it.”)

Okay, so trees and houses, what is Jesus teaching?

Come to Him … hear His words … obey.   Simple.  Let the Word of Christ change you from the inside out, and you will be strong, loving disciples in His kingdom.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/30) Luke 6:12-26

Mar30

A 5-day per week study.

March 30 – Reading Luke 6:12-26

Read and believe in Jesus.

“In those days, He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night He continued in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

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The Gospel according to Luke 6:12-26

Review – In the last study, Jesus and the Pharisees/Scribes head-butted about two aspects of Sabbath keeping. The definition of “work” differed greatly between them. The religious leaders kept adding layers of “fences” around God’s “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. On it you shall not do any work” commandment to keep it “safe.”  Jesus promoted rest, restoration, and mercy.

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Vss. 12-16.

There was a big decision coming up for Jesus. Out of the many “disciples” who followed Him, He was to choose twelve whom He would intimately teach and empower to be leaders. To illustrate the importance and as an example to us, Jesus spent the entire night alone in prayer to His Father.

(Wow, how often do I spend even 5 minutes praying about my decisions!)

(NOTE: There were many who believed in and followed Jesus. Luke 10 shows Jesus sending out 70 disciples, two by two, to proclaim the Gospel.  After His resurrection, He appeared to more than 500 disciples at one time.)

After a night of prayer, Jesus called all the disciples together and chose from them twelve, whom He named “Apostles” (messengers sent out with authority).  And yes, Judas, as one of the twelve, was also called “an apostle.”

  1. Simon, whom He named Peter,
  2. Andrew, his brother,
  3. James, and
  4. John,
  5. Philip,
  6. Bartholomew (Nathaniel),
  7. Matthew (Levi),
  8. Thomas,
  9. James, the son of Alphaeus,
  10. Simon, the Zealot,
  11. Judas, the son of James,
  12. Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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Vss. 17-19.

Then Jesus and the twelve came down from the mountain.  A great crowd of His disciples, along with a great multitude of people from as far as Jerusalem in the south, to Tyre and Sidon in the north, came to HEAR Jesus teach and to be HEALED of their diseases and released from demon possession.

Jesus healed them ALL.

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Vss. 20-23.

(I never noticed this before, but Luke tells us that Jesus taught the Beatitudes (and the whole “sermon on the mount”) to HIS DISCIPLES, to those who were following Him, believers. See verse 20.)

Looking at His disciples, Jesus said,

  • Blessed are YOU who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
  • Blessed are YOU who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.
  • Blessed are YOU who weep now, for you shall laugh.
  • Blessed are YOU when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

(NOTE: Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount is shortened.  His audience was meant to be Gentiles, and some of the portions omitted were uniquely Jewish, such as Jesus’ teaching about the Law of Moses.)

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Vss. 24-26.

Jesus now (as in good debates) takes the negative side of the above 4 “blessed.”

  • WOE to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
  • WOE to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.
  • WOE to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
  • WOE to you, when all people speak WELL of you, for so their fathers did to the FALSE prophets.

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The poverty and riches, hunger and fullness, weeping and laughter are more than just physical things. Jesus points to the attributes of the heart.

The “poor” point to a deep humility and spiritual insufficiency before God, where we know we are “lost and hopeless” without His love, mercy, and grace.  Ephesians 2.

The “rich” are those who feel self-sufficient and capable in themselves. They believe they do not need a Saviour. They are good enough.

Jesus also speaks of a hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS rather than for bread and meat. This isn’t the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, but a true relationship with God, through the work of Jesus on the cross.  2 Corinthians 5:21.

Weeping portrays a godly repentance that leads to salvation and a joy beyond measure at forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Careless laughing and mocking the things of God will turn to mourning when the judgment comes.  Isaiah 65:13-14

And if believers suffer and even die for Jesus’ sake, their reward will be great in heaven.  If the proud cultivate the approval of man, THAT is all they will get.  “They have their reward” now.  Matthew 6:3, 5

More tomorrow on Jesus’ “Sermon” to His disciples.

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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/27) Luke 6:1-11

Mar27

A 5-day per week study.

March 27 – Reading Luke 6:1-11

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” Luke 6:2

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The Gospel according to Luke 6:1-11

Review – Last time, we read how Jesus called not only lowly fishermen but also wealthy, important (yet hated) men to follow Him.  And the conversion of Levi was so profound that the former tax collector immediately wanted to introduce all his like-minded associates to his new Lord Jesus.

The giant feast Levi held might have sparked some envy in the hearts (and stomachs) of the local Pharisees, who made it their habit to fast two days per week. Using three illustrations, Jesus reminded them that a “new Way” was coming.  Their old works-related righteousness wouldn’t fit with faith and grace.

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Vss. 1-2

On a Sabbath day, Jesus and His disciples were enjoying an afternoon stroll, with good conversation and camaraderie. A couple of them, maybe Jesus Himself, pulled off some grain from the stalks growing along the outer path. They rubbed the kernels between their hands to remove the husk and popped the sun-warmed grain into their mouths, savoring the crunch and flavor.

Abruptly, some religious leaders, “spying” on them, accosted Jesus with, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”

Huh?

Picking and chomping on a little granola as you walked was unlawful on the Sabbath?

Was our sinless Savior breaking “the Law”?

Was this “harvesting” and “winnowing”?

Was Jesus WORKING???

Nope.

Deuteronomy 23:25 says, “If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, BUT you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain.”

The Pharisees were so afraid of breaking the Law of Moses (not for God’s sake, but to show off their piety) that they put “fences” (their own laws) around each of God’s laws, so they wouldn’t accidentally “break” one.

Farming was working, and working was forbidden on the Sabbath.  But… what WAS farming?   Sure, you couldn’t go out with a sickle, harvest sheaves of grain, then take them to the winnowing floor and toss them into the air with a fork to send the husks off in the wind, then collect the grain and grind it into flour that could be made into bread and then eaten.

Every Jew knew this.

BUT… (maybe!!!) picking a head of grain “could” be considered harvesting.  And (maybe!!) rolling it between your hands “could” be winnowing!  And crunching it with your teeth…  Well, let’s just be safe and say it’s all breaking the law and therefore forbidden.

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Vss. 3-5.

“Have YOU not read…?” Jesus asks these educated teachers of the law if they haven’t read the scriptures.  Whoa! That was a well-deserved jab.

Jesus then reviews the story of David and his men, fleeing from the murderous King Saul and, desperately hungry, going to the tabernacle of God at Shiloh and asking the priest for the used “Shewbread” in the Holy Place.

Now this Shewbread was replaced each day with fresh loaves. The old loaves were meant ONLY for the priests. But old Ahimelech knew the difference between strictly keeping the letter of the law and showing compassion for someone in need. He asked if David and his men were “ritually” clean, and when affirmed, gave them the bread to eat.

Then Jesus told these self-righteous men that HE was greater than any priest. “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Jesus, as God, instituted the Sabbath.  It was meant to be a gift to mankind. A day when they were released from labor.  A day they could use for physical and spiritual rest and renewal.  It was not a thin white line to carefully balance on.

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Vss. 6-11.

Jesus was now going to illustrate the idea of compassion over the “letter” of the law.

On another Sabbath, Jesus was again teaching in the synagogue. A crippled man was in attendance.  His right hand – the one he was supposed to use for labor – was deformed.

Jesus saw him.  The scribes and Pharisees saw him (perhaps even brought him in as a trap) and watched to see what Jesus would do.

(Um, this is like playing games on your phone in church. NOT the reason you are there.)

Jesus knew their thoughts.

He told the crippled man to come stand in front of Him.

Then Jesus asked,“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at the Pharisees, but none answered.

Then Jesus looked at the crippled man (surely with compassion) and said, “Stretch out your hand.” And when the man obeyed, his hand was restored.

Silence (except perhaps for the grateful weeping of the man).

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(Good works were especially appropriate on the Sabbath – particularly deeds of charity, mercy, and worship. REFUSAL to do good was the same as doing evil. See James 4:17)

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Nevertheless, the hearts of the religious leaders were FILLED WITH FURY.  Privately, they discussed what they might DO to Jesus.

(Why? You might ask.  Well, Jesus’ compassion showed them up for the hypocrites they were.)

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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/26) Luke 5:27-39

Mar26

A 5-day per week study.

March 26 – Reading Luke 5:27-39

Read and believe in Jesus.

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

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The Gospel according to Luke 5:27-39

Review – Yesterday, we looked at two astonishing miracles of healing that Jesus did around Galilee. A man full of leprosy came to Him in humility and FAITH and asked for cleansing. Jesus willingly healed him.

In the second instance, it was the FAITH of friends that moved Jesus. The paralyzed man’s four friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus.  Here, Jesus both forgave the man’s sins and instantly healed his paralysis.

Jesus has all power to forgive, deliver, and make well, and He is willing. What limits that power is unbelief. (Remember in Nazareth … Jesus could do no good “work” because of their unbelief. Mark 6:5-6)

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Vss. 27-28.

A few fishermen are following Jesus, learning how to “catch men” for the Kingdom of God. Now, Jesus approaches a man who is nearly the opposite in life.  Levi (later known as Matthew) is a hated tax collector.  Why were they hated, other than because mankind has hated to pay taxes forever?

Tax Collectors in Jesus’ day were employed by the Romans (the oppressors). Rome didn’t care how much money was collected beyond what was due to them, so tax collectors charged more, as much as 4x more than required, and filled their own pockets.  Common people had no choice but to pay, unless they wanted a company of armed Italian guards knocking at their doors.

(Imagine if the IRS worked that way!!)

Tax Collectors, especially “turncoat” Jews, were educated men who grew VERY rich. Prime locations in town or along the trade routes were very desirable. Levi had one.

Levi was wealthy, greedy, hated, and his only friends were fellow collectors. What was it that made him open to the Savior’s call?   The Holy Spirit was working in his heart, bringing conviction of sin and a need for mercy and forgiveness.

(Re-read the story Jesus told about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14.)

Had Levi heard the “reports” about Jesus – His teaching and healing, delivering, and cleansing powers? Oh, yes, for sure. The crowds who passed his booth daily talked about nothing else.

Then Jesus came to Levi personally.

“Follow me,” Jesus said, looking right at Levi.

And miracle of miracles, for a changed heart is just that, Levi LEFT EVERYTHING and followed Jesus. His prime real estate tax booth, the piles and bags of coins, the Roman records, all.  (I’m sure another collector quickly sat down in his place.)

It didn’t matter.  Levi’s longing for forgiveness and cleansing was there in the Master’s gaze.  Levi never turned back.

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Vss. 29-32.

Chosen, forgiven, and loved, Levi now wanted to share Jesus with the only friends he had.  He invited all the tax collectors and other outcasts he knew who could fit into his large, well-appointed house.  And they came. (Hey, free food and entertainment!)  Jesus and his few followers also came and enjoyed the feast.

(Perhaps many of these guests turned to Jesus as well and mended their greedy ways.)

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(It’s interesting that Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho, also invited Jesus and his fellow outcasts to a feast after meeting/believing in Jesus.  He also restored all he’d stolen or cheated, recompensing MORE than was required.  Luke 19:1-10.  Perhaps Levi also did this.)

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Jesus and the outcasts are joyfully celebrating the return of a ‘Son of Israel’ to God.  Outside, the Pharisees and teachers of the law (envious and jealous?) are grumbling.

“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” they say.

Jesus’ answer is a bit perplexing.

“Those who are well have no need of a doctor, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

WHO are “the well” and “the righteous”?   WHO are “the sick” and “the sinners”?

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It must be that Jesus is speaking about HEART ATTITUDES.  Those who “think” they are righteous and of no need for repentance will not see their need and seek help.  But those who “know” they are sinners and sick unto death, gratefully welcome a physician.

(Again, review the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector.  Think also about the Prodigal Son and his jealous brother. Luke 15:11-32)

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Vss. 33-39.

On another occasion, these Pharisees are back with their condemning questions. (They don’t really want to know the answer, only to accuse.)

“The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do disciples of the Pharisees, but YOURS eat and drink.” 

Again, I hear some jealousy. The Pharisees bragged that THEY fasted twice a week.  But this was for
“show” to prove their “holiness.”  God only required fasting ONCE A YEAR on the Day of Atonement.  All other fasting was to be private between just you and God.  (Or in a national emergency.)

So, seeing Jesus and His disciples feasting irked them (perhaps making their stomachs growl).

Again, Jesus’ answer is perplexing, although after Jesus’ work on earth is finished, we can see more clearly what He meant.

He refers to a wedding feast, how, as long as “the groom” is present, “the groomsmen” will feast along with Him.  Once he leaves (this refers to Jesus’ death), the feasting is over, and they will grieve and fast … for a time, at least.

But this is all above the Pharisees’ heads.

So, Jesus gives a couple of illustrations that perhaps they WILL understand.

  1. A person does not mend an old garment by cutting a piece from a NEW one to repair it. It won’t match, and the new garment is now ruined.
  2. A person does not put NEW (expanding, fermenting) wine into old, stiff wineskins, but into new, flexible ones. Why? Because the expanding wine will split the old skins, and both will be ruined. Still-expanding wine needs to be put into new, expandable skins so that both are saved.
  3. And Jesus adds, “No one, after drinking old wine, desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’”

WHAT WAS JESUS TALKING ABOUT?

Old garments and old wine are familiar things. They feel and taste good.  This is how the Pharisees viewed their strict religious way of that day.  The letter of the law. Fast, tithe, keep strict Sabbath rules, don’t associate with any of this New Way of Jesus, or everything will be wrecked.

“Our old ways are best!”

New garments need to be worn by “new-hearted” people.  New wine – that of salvation by faith alone – is for new believers/followers of Jesus.  The “old” ways must go to allow the “new” to come in.

The Pharisees were not willing.  They would go so far as to kill Jesus to get rid of the New Way.

  • At Jesus’ crucifixion, the dividing veil in the Temple is torn, allowing access through Jesus to God for everyone, “a new and living way”.
  • And in 70 A.D., all those old “ways” would be forcibly taken away by the Romans when the temple was destroyed and the priesthood demolished.

 

(Blessed are those who turn to Jesus and follow Him instead of trying to make themselves holy by their good works. It won’t work.)

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/25) Luke 5:12-26

Mar25

A 5-day per week study.

March 25 – Reading Luke 5:12-26

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Lord, if You will, you can make me clean.” “I will. Be clean.”  Luke 5:13

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The Gospel according to Luke 5:12-26

Review – In the last study, we saw Jesus in an empty, cleaned fishing boat.  He taught the crowd, then told Simon Peter to “catch some fish.”  But they’d fished all night with not a sardine! Nevertheless, Peter pushed out into deep water and threw the freshly washed nets over the side.

And fish!!! So much so that, even with the help of other boats, they couldn’t hold them all. A picture of evangelism in Jesus’ Kingdom, when obedience is before human wisdom.  You will be “fishers of men,” Jesus told them.

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Vss. 12-16.

Jesus is now teaching in another town. A leper approaches Him, saying,“If You will … You can make me clean.”

Those with leprosy in that day had to stay far away from healthy people.  They had to cry out, “Unclean, unclean!” whenever people passed by as a warning of their contagion.  Dr. Luke describes this man as being “full of leprosy,” so this was an advanced case. 

The man had been suffering for a long time. He was desperate.  He’d heard one of the “reports” about Jesus, how He was healing ALL diseases and casting out demonic spirits.  A glimmer of hope had sprung up.  And then He SAW Jesus.

He didn’t run to Him; perhaps his feet were so diseased that he couldn’t.

He simply fell … on his (mutilated) face … and begged.

“Lord! IF YOU WILL, You can make me clean.”  There was no doubt of Jesus’ ability. Leprosy was no match for this Healer.  But WOULD He? Would He have mercy? 

And then came the TOUCH.  Jesus TOUCHED the fully leprous man.

“I will,” Jesus said.“Be clean.”

Four words, and the leprosy was gone.  Such power in the WORDS of Jesus.

Leprosy (a picture of sin in the world) did not infect Jesus. His cleanness “infected” the man.

Oh, what grace! Oh, what deliverance! Oh, what joy!

(This is such a vivid picture of a sinner coming to Jesus. He’s heard that He CAN save sinners, that He DOES save sinners, but WILL He save this one?  Will He save me?  [See Romans 10:9-13, John 3:16-19, Acts 16:30-31)

Jesus instructed the man to do what the Law of Moses demanded when a person was healed/cleansed of leprosy. They were to go to a priest, show their “clean” skin, wait a period, and be examined again. And if the priest declared it so, they would offer a sacrifice. (Leviticus 13:1-46)

Luke doesn’t say that the man didn’t tell everyone he knew that he was healed.  But they could SEE. The formerly leprous man had clean, whole skin. He again had fingers and toes, ears and nose.  Amazement abounded.

And the “report” of Jesus’ teaching, healing, and casting out demons expanded to include the cleansing of leprosy.  Great crowds of needy, hurting people gathered to hear Him and be healed.

And Jesus withdrew to desolate places to pray.

(Wow. If the perfect, powerful, sinless Son of God found the time, place, and opportunity (and the NEED) to quietly pray to His father … how much more should this be true of us.)

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Vs. 17.

On another occasion, as Jesus was teaching … Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there.  They’d come from every village of Galilee, Judea, and even Jerusalem to “check Him out.” The reports of Jesus were spreading. These “hawks” were watching Him critically.

We don’t know exactly where Jesus was, but He was inside a building, maybe someone’s house, large enough to hold such a “convocation” of Jewish hierarchy.

“And the power of the Lord was with Him to heal.”

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Vss. 18-20.

And still, the needy crowds flocked to Jesus.  A group of men, friends of a paralyzed man, heard where Jesus was and loaded up their friend on a stretcher-like mat.  The house was crowded, and people massed outside, listening to Jesus teach.  How would they reach Him with their friend?

  • Four sets of eyes raised to the roof, and the stairs leading to the “outdoor” room behind the parapet.
  • They carried their helpless friend up, laid him down, and began dismantling the roof.
  • Tiles were pried up and carefully laid aside, exposing the wood rafters.
  • Eventually, dust and pieces of “grout” filtered down inside the house.
  • All inside looked up, and the men lowered their friend’s mat, JUST IN FRONT OF JESUS.

Jesus looked UP and saw THEIR faith, and said to THE MAN, “Your sins are forgiven.”

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Vss. 21-26.

Of course, the hyper-religious Pharisees jumped on these words. In their hearts, they were condemning Jesus of blasphemy. WHO can forgive sins but God?  Is this man saying He is … GOD??

“Why do you question in your hearts?” Jesus knew their thoughts.

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ Or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?

But so that you may KNOW that the Son of Man HAS authority on earth to forgive sins…”  Jesus turns to the man who was paralyzed and says, “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

Immediately, the formerly paralyzed man rose up, picked up what he’d been lying on, and went through the door and home, glorifying God (with his four friends, I’m sure). 

(Yes, I believe that later, they returned and, when the house was empty, repaired the roof.)

And amazement seized all who witnessed and heard of this miracle, and they glorified God, and were filled with awe, saying, ”We have seen extraordinary things today.”

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(Did the religious leaders also glorify God?  Or did they feel outrage at Jesus’ words and actions? Was the darkness of murder already filling their hearts and minds? This was only the beginning of clashes between Jesus and those who were supposed to lead Israel in holiness.)

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/24) Luke 5:1-11

Mar24

A 5-day per week study.

March 24 – Reading Luke 5:1-11

Read and believe in Jesus.

“When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

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The Gospel according to Luke 5:1-11

Review – In the last study, we saw Jesus beginning to teach and heal in Capernaum. The people there were astonished at his authoritative words in explaining scripture and commanding demons. We saw Jesus go to Peter’s home, then spend a whole evening healing ALL who were sick, laying His hands on EVERY ONE of them, and casting out demons with authority.

The people of Capernaum – unlike those in Nazareth – wanted Jesus to stay there and minister only to them.  But after an early-morning prayer time with His Father, Jesus told them He had to go to other towns to share the good news as well.

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Vss. 1-3.

Back from a time of teaching and ministering in Judea, we next see Jesus in the middle of a crowd “by the Lake of Gennesaret.”  This is another name for the Sea of Galilee, which is also sometimes called the Sea of Tiberias in John’s gospel.  It’s the freshwater lake that supported a lot of the industry in Galilee.

The people immediately recognized Jesus and began pressing close to Him to hear the Word of God. Jesus kept backing up and backing up until perhaps he was almost standing in water. It was late morning, and all the fishing boats were back at shore.

The fishermen were washing their nets, perhaps watching the Master and the crowd.  Jesus got into one boat – it just so happens it was Simon Peter’s – and asked him to push a little way away from shore.  This would give space between Him and the crowd, so that all could hear Jesus when He spoke.

When He was in the boat, Jesus “sat down,” a sign that He was going to teach. Mark’s gospel says that Jesus “proclaimed the gospel of God, saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom is at hand; repent and believe the gospel.’

Simon Peter and the other fishermen nearby also heard these words.

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Vss. 4-8.

Jesus dismissed the crowd and turned to Simon Peter. “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

“Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But….at Your word I will let down the nets.”

Peter and the other fishermen had worked all night with NO CATCH.  They’d spent time washing their nets. Everything was put away for the day. They were ready to go home.

But when Jesus spoke…  His WORD rang with such authority that it had to be trusted and obeyed.

They rowed out into deep water and heaved the heavy nets overboard … again. As the boat drifted, the nets spread.  Immediately, there was a tug on the nets, and they began to move the boat.  Hundreds of silvery fish appeared in them.

Peter called for his partners, who rapidly rowed out to help him. Together, they pulled the huge catch of fish into both boats so that they were up to the gunwales in the seawater.

“Stop, or we’ll sink!” came the cry.

And Simon Peter, eyes wide and mouth agape, turned to Jesus and fell at His feet amid the fish. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful (unbelieving) man, O Lord.”

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Vss. 9-11.

As they rowed to the shore, Simon Peter and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, who were co-owners in the business, were absolutely astonished at all the fish. A miracle had happened at the WORD of the Teacher.

Now here’s the amazing part.

When they got to shore, and the workers had begun unloading the boats, Jesus looked to Peter, James, and John and said,“Do not be afraid (to leave all this); from now on you will be catching men.”

I’m sure they had NO idea what that meant, or all it involved, but verse 11 says, “they left everything and followed Him.”

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I’ve sometimes thought this was unfair to Zebedee and the men who worked for them.  But remember, James and John had actually known Jesus for a while.  They had been disciples of John the Baptist and then followed the One whom John said was “the greater.”  And Peter’s home was the headquarters of Jesus ministry when He was in Galilee. They knew Jesus.

Jesus would soon call other men to follow Him, and finally, He would set aside the twelve as Apostles. The decision to be Jesus’ disciples was in the hearts of these fishermen, and as Jesus ministered throughout Galilee, they grew to depend on Him for everything.