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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (6/4) Luke 23:44-49

Jun4

A 5-day per week study.

June 4 – Reading Luke 23:44-49

 

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.’And He breathed His last.”  Luke 23:46

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus was nailed to the cross. “Father, forgive them…” Jesus was mocked by religious leaders, soldiers, and criminals, but one finally found faith and trusted in Jesus.  “Today you will be with me in Paradice.”

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Vss. 23:44-49.

Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9:00 am.  At noon, “there was darkness over the whole land until 3:00 pm, while the sun’s light failed.”  

“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two (‘from top to bottom’, says Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38).

Jesus (knowing about that temple curtain and what it’s tearing stood for) cried out in a loud voice, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit my Spirit.”

And He breathed His last breath.

Jesus was dead.

(The other Gospels record more of Jesus’ words.  They also record how, when earthly life left the Son of God, all hell broke loose.  With the darkness, violent earthquakes, and rocks splitting, tombs were opened, and the bodies of the dead came out.)

(Satan had a sudden, horrible headache. Genesis 3:15)

The Centurion in charge of the crucifixion stood trembling. “Certainly, this Man was innocent!”

Two criminals still hung, alive, on the crosses. But the spectators who came to see Jesus die, “returned home, beating their breasts.”  All (men and women) who had followed Jesus from Galilee stood at a distance and watched. Stunned? Horrified?

But Jesus was with His Father, just as all true believers will be with the LORD the minute they die.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) Did God say to Jesus, “WELL DONE, Son!  Salvation is accomplished.”  There needed but one final seal – His resurrection.

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So, what did it mean that the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, and from  TOP to bottom?

  • Inside the original Wilderness Tabernacle, then in the Great Temple, and the ones to follow, the tall, thick curtain, or veil, separated the Holy Place, where the priests ministered daily before the Lord, from the Most Holy Place, where God’s Glory dwelled, and where the High Priest was allowed to enter ONCE a year on the Day of Atonement, to sprinkle the sacrificial blood on the Mercy Seat to atone (cover) the sins of the people.
  • This golden lid (mercy seat) covered the box of the Ark of the Covenant, which contained THE LAW, and the judgments on man for breaking them.
  • Jesus’ death (He was the total righteous Lamb of God) represented the final sprinkling of blood (His) on the mercy seat, covering and atoning for the sins of all who would believe in the world.
  • No longer was the separating curtain needed. Jesus’s death opened the way for true believers to approach God (and not die).
  • And it was God who, satisfied with His Son’s sacrificial death, tore it apart (represented by the veil being torn FROM THE TOP, or Heaven).

What an accomplishment!  You did it!  Oh, thank you, Jesus!  Praise You!

 

 

 

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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (6/3) Luke 23:26-43

Jun3

A 5-day per week study.

June 3 – Reading Luke 23:26-43

 

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”  Luke 23:43

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus stood under the interrogations of Pilate, of Herod, and of Pilate again.  The Roman governor declared him not guilty of anything worthy of death. But the religious leaders and the incited crowds demanded crucifixion.  Pilate gives in and delivers Jesus to their will (not knowing it was GOD’S will for Jesus to die).

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Vss. 23:26-32.

As they led the weakened Jesus away from the court and up the hill to Golgotha with the heavy cross on His bleeding back, He stopped, unable to continue.  A Roman soldier grabbed the nearest strong-looking guy and made him carry Jesus’ cross the rest of the way.

(Not what HE expected to do on Passover morning! Did he stay and watch Jesus crucified and hear Him speak?)

(Simon of Cyrene evidently told this experience to his sons, Alexander and Rufus.  Paul later references them as believers.)

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A great multitude followed the procession up the hill. The women in the crowd were mourning and lamenting for Jesus.

Jesus turned to them with this warning.

“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for ME, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’  At that time, they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’

For if they do THESE THINGS when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

(These women were not necessarily believers. More probably, they were professional mourners who attended “high-profile” executions. Jesus’ words to them were a prophetic warning about what was coming to their city and nation.)

Two other criminals were led away as well, to be put to death with Jesus.  We will hear more of them later.

 (NOT the murderer Barabbas, however. He got off scot-free. He was like us.  We were sinners, condemned to death. But Jesus became our substitute, dying in our place.  The sinless for the sinful.  His death and resurrection made it possible for us to then be declared righteous by God when we trust in Him.)

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Vss. 23:33-38.

(Such a horrible scene, I can hardly write about it.)

When they came to the top of the hill, a place called ‘The Skull,’ they stripped Jesus and the others and nailed Him to the wood. Then they raised those instruments of torture and dropped them into prepared holes.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” Jesus cried out.

Beneath His cross, the soldiers picked through His clothes and cast lots for them.

(Pitiful garments of His earthly journey.)

People stood around watching.

  • The rulers scoffed at Him, saying, “He saved others, let Him save Himself, if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen one.”

(Such blasphemy!)

  • The soldiers also mocked Jesus, coming up and offering Him sour wine and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!)

(Pilate had put a placard over Jesus’ head with that inscription.)

  • One of the criminals who was also hanged on a cross railed at Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself AND US!”

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(Luke gives three of the horrible verbal assaults thrown at Jesus. They remind me of the mocking assaults Satan hurled at Jesus after His 40 days of fasting in the desert.  And, indeed, these, at His crucifixion, were inspired by the devil himself, trying to cast doubt on Jesus’ heredity and mission – the “seed of woman” who would “crush the head of the serpent.” Genesis 3:15.)

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Then we meet the second of the two criminals on the crosses on either side of Jesus.  He said to the scoffing one, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds, but THIS MAN has done nothing wrong!”

And turning to Jesus, he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

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(Did you see that beautiful conversion?  A confession of sin and acknowledgment that he deserved death.  A declaration of who Jesus was (sinless, the King of the Jews). A plea for remembrance and forgiveness.  And then …  Jesus’ beautiful acceptance of the saved sinner. 

(And this is how people are born again today, too!  GLORIOUS!!)

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/25) Luke 21:20-37

May25

A 5-day per week study

Read and Believe in Jesus

“But stay awake at all times, praying….” Luke 21:36

The Gospel according to Luke.

REVIEW – Jesus commended the offering of a poor widow while condemning the ruthlessness of the scribes for “devouring widows’ houses.” Then Jesus told about the signs of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., which also mingle with events of the great tribulation.

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Vss. 21:21:24.

Jesus foretells the dark future of Jerusalem, both in 70 A.D. and when the final “abomination of desolation” comes in the end times. It will be a horrible time for the Jews. Titus introduced the “times of the Gentiles” with his destruction of Jerusalem and the carrying away of millions of Jewish slaves. It begins a time when Israel is temporarily set aside. It is also a time of grace for Gentiles who believe and trust in Jesus. They will be “grafted into the stock of Israel. These “times” will end when Jesus returns with power and establishes the promised Millennial Kingdom on earth.

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Vss. 21:25-28.

Signs in the sun, moon, and stars, as well as distress and perplexity on earth, are signs of Jesus’ second coming. People will faint with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world.

(Sounds like these days we are living in, right?)

But Jesus tells the faithful that when they begin to see these things take place… “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.)

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Vss. 21:29-36.

Jesus then gives an example of the fig tree. (Actually, all trees). When they see trees begin to leaf out, they KNOW that summer is near. So also, when they see the signs Jesus spoke about, they will KNOW that His coming is about to happen.

Indeed, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, THIS generation (the one who sees these signs) will not pass away until all has taken place.

(Could this be OUR generation?)

Did His listeners look at Him (and the great stones of the temple) and feel skeptical? Jesus responds. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will NOT pass away.”

Jesus then gives a stern warning to them … and to us …

“Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. (For it WILL come upon ALL who dwell on the face of the WHOLE earth!) “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have STRENGTH to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

How did the people who heard Him react to these words? Probably like people today, when we tell them that Jesus is coming soon, and to prepare! Come to Jesus and be saved!

Did they shrug and think, “Oh, that can’t happen in my lifetime. That’s way far off. I have things to do … places to go… people to see… I’ll think of this another time.”

Oh, LORD, save us!

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Vss. 21:37-38.

“Every day, He was teaching in the temple. (Jesus will remind the Jewish leaders of this when they arrest Him.)

“But at night, He went out and lodged on the Mount of Olives.

Then every morning, early, Jesus went to the temple. And all the people came to hear Him teach.

(And the ruthless Jewish leaders’ hands were tied. But the “people” didn’t stop their murderous intentions, as they supposed. It was God, the Father, who was perfectly orchestrating everything. Jesus, the Lamb of God, would die at Passover. And His blood applied to all who believed and obeyed would save them (and us) from death. Eternal death.

Thank You, Jesus.

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(I use the 2010 MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version, for my studies.)

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/22) Luke 21:1-19.

May22

A 5-day per week study.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“…you will be brought before kings and governors for My name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”  Luke 21:12b-13

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – While Jesus taught at the Temple, the Sadducees, Pharisees, and others tried to trick Him with their questions. But His answers stumped them, and when He asked THEM a question, they silently went away,

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Vss. 21:1-4.

At the end of chapter 20, Jesus warned the people to beware of the ways of the scribes (Pharisees), because, among other ridiculous things, they “..devour widows’ houses..” This was a practice in which pious religious leaders would visit newly widowed and vulnerable women and persuade them to give all their inherited possessions to the “religious community.” It would be a “donation to God,” and “what their husbands would have wanted.” This usually left the new widows bankrupt, and the temple coffers bulging. Jesus hated the practice of “devouring widows’ houses.”

Now, it seems that when Jesus lifted His eyes, there, in front of them, was just such a desperately poor widow. (Righteous anger for her must have burned in Him for what those scribes had done. But for the woman, herself, noting but love and tenderness and admiration.

As this widow dropped two tiny copper coins into the temple offering box (ALL that she had, says Mark 12:42), Jesus commended her. “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them (the rich). For they all contributed out of their ABUNDANCE, but she out of her POVERTY, put in all she had to live on.”

(This makes me feel convicted. When I drop 10% or even 20% into the offering box, I often feel so “righteous.” But I would be giving out of “my abundance.” LORD, help me to be generous (even till it hurts) with all You’ve given me!”)

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Vss. 21:5-6.

While Jesus continued to sit in the temple courtyard, watching the people with His disciples, He heard a comment about how beautiful the temple was and how it was adorned with noble stones and decorations (donations from the wealthy). And although this temple was not as grand as Solomon’s, Herod had done a pretty amazing job at renovating the old one. It was almost gaudy-beautiful.

Still, Jesus knew its future was less than 40 years….

“As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will ot be thrown down.”

Shocking words. It would be like someone saying this about the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House. Unimaginable. Still, the God of the universe knew everything from eternity past to eternity future, and Jesus spoke the truth.

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Vss. 21:7-19.

Horrified, the disciples and people around Jesus wanted to know WHEN this would happen and WHAT the warning signs of imminent destruction would be.

Jesus listed a few “signs of the times,” mingling the horrors of 40 A.D. and Titus’ destruction of Jerusalem, with the signs of the Great Tribulation, still future to us.

  1. Many would come, claiming to be the Messiah.
  2. They would hear of wars and tumults.
  3. Nations fighting nations would be common.
  4. Earthquakes would be everywhere.
  5. Famines and plagues (viruses) would come.
  6. Terrible signs in the sky would appear.
  7. Severe persecution would come.
  8. Family betrayals unto death would be common.
  9. Martyrdom.

Then Jesus says some amazing words that speak to a believer’s ETERNAL SECURITY even in the face of martyrdom.

“But not a hair of your head will PERISH. By your endurance, you will GAIN your lives.

John 10:28-29 makes this even clearer. “I (Jesus) give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

True believers are double-protected, in the hands of Christ underneath, and the hands of God Almighty above. Completely covered and protected FOR ETERNITY, though we may suffer loss and death in the horrific times to come (as many Jews did in 40 A.D.).

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(I use the 2010 MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version, for my studies.)

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/19) Luke 19:28-48.

May19

A 5-day per week study.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”  Luke

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus told a parable about a nobleman, his servants, and his citizens, that, if the disciples and religious leaders were truly listening, would have explained just how and when Jesus would set up His Kingdom on earth. It would be in the future, not during the coming Passover in Jerusalem, which the disciples eagerly anticipated and the religious leaders desperately wanted to prevent.

Today’s lesson would ramp up the disciples’ hopes and terrorize the religious leaders.

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Vss. 28-35.

After telling the parable, Jesus left Jericho and traveled up the road towards Jerusalem. When He came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Eastern brow of the Mount of Olives, He sent two of the disciples on a mission.

“Go into the village in front of you, where, upon entering, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.'”

The two disciples went into the village, found the colt, and answered the questioning owner just as Jesus told them. They brought the young donkey to Jesus, threw their cloaks on its back, and set Jesus on it.

(Now this was a miracle in itself. If you have ever been around horses or donkeys, you know that an unbroken animal would not stand still as a person perched on its back, but would shy away and even buck. AND, besides that, flapping cloaks thrown over its back would have totally spooked it. — BUT, this was Jesus. This young donkey was as chosen for this task as the disciples were for the ministry He had for them. Like the wind and sea, the colt knew its Creator. Perhaps it even knew its destiny to carry the King of the Jews into the Holy City, NOT for coronation, but for execution.)

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Vss. 36-40.

As Jesus rode along the descending Mount of Olives, over the Kidron Brook, and then into the City of God, the growing crowd spread their cloaks on the road. The other Gospels tell of them cutting palm branches and waving them before Jesus, calling “Hosannah.”

Luke tells us Jesus’ disciples really got “into” the rejoicing too. YES!! THIS WAS IT! JESUS WOULD NOW DECLARE HIMSELF KING!

They and the crowds began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice, for all the mighty works they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

And Jesus allowed it. He WAS their King, but His time to set up the kingdom was not now. He had to “go away” for a time, just as the nobleman did in yesterday’s parable. But the day would come when He would return to set up His kingdom.

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd, in a panic, called to Jesus. “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” This was a strong claim to deity, and perhaps reflected Habakkuk 2:11.

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Vss. 41-44.

Luke is the only one who recorded Jesus weeping over Jerusalem at this point. They had been calling out, “peace and glory,” but Jesus longed for them to know what/who could truly bring them peace. “But now, the things are hidden from your eyes.”

Then (and WERE THEY LISTENING??) Jesus foretold of the time in less than 40 years, when “enemies would set up a barricade around the city and tear down its walls to the ground, not leaving one stone upon another.” Why would this happen? Because Jerusalem and her people did NOT recognize their Messiah. Not a king to ruin Rome, but a Messiah to rule their hearts in righteousness. No wonder Jesus wept.

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Vss. 45-48.

Later, with the donkey returned, Jesus is drawn to the Temple, His Father’s House, the place where Israel was “supposed” to meet with their God. Instead, the courtyard is again filled with noise, filth, and buying and selling, with no sense of holiness or worship. Yes, it is Passover, and lambs needed to be purchased. The temple tax was due, and coins of other lands needed to be exchanged for shekels. BUT, in the House of the Living God???

Jesus began to drive out those who sold, crying, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers!“

Then, with it cleansed, Jesus came there daily to teach. And the people were all hanging on His words.

But the chief priests (Sadducees, rulers of the temple), scribes (Pharisees, experts in the law and traditions), and the principal men of the people (prominent Jewish laymen with influence in temple affairs) were seeking to destroy Him. And although Jesus was now in the very heart of the opposition … they did not find anything they could do.

(I use the 2010 MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version, for my studies.)

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/18) Luke 19:11-27.

May18

A 5-day per week study.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“.”  Luke

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Last time was the wonderful story of the “short” Tax Collector, Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus.  But Jesus saw him first and desired to fellowship with him.  Zacchaeus joyfully welcomed Jesus into his home and heart.  The evidence of his true conversion was the abundance of giving back and restitution. (Unlike the rich, young ruler, Jesus meant much more to Zacchaeus than all he possessed, even though he was also very rich.  (Oh, for such a hungry heart!)

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Vs. 11.

  1. Because of who Zacchaeus was and what he had done with all his MONEY after meeting Jesus, and …
  2. Because Jesus was getting close to Jerusalem, and his followers “supposed” He would now take the Kingdom NOW, overthrow Rome, and rule (and they would be by His side) …
  3. And because the Jews were “circling” Jesus, like beasts of prey …
  4. Because of these things … Jesus told this parable about a Nobleman who went away to a FAR country to receive his kingdom, and then returned to settle his affairs.

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Vss. 12-15.

There are three main characters in this parable: the Nobleman, His servants, and His citizens. See if you can guess who each represents.

The nobleman, of course, illustrates Jesus, who would soon depart to receive His kingdom … and ONE DAY return to rule.

  • (Kings in Roman provinces like Galilee actually went to Rome to receive their kingdoms from the Emperor. This was true of the Herodian dynasty. The listening audience would know about this.)

Before the Nobleman left, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.  (A mina was worth about 100 days of salary.)  He told His servants to “Engage in business until I come.”  (The KJV says, “occupy until I come.”)

These are those who are left to represent Jesus on earth – true and false followers.

Then Jesus introduced another group of characters in the parable.  The “citizens” of his land HATED the nobleman and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to reign over us.”

  • (Actually, this happened in the case of Herod. The Jews sent a delegation to Rome saying they did NOT want him to reign over them.  But they were denied, and he returned as king for a while.)

These “citizens” represented the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day, who rejected Him as their Messiah, and were plotting even then to kill Him.

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Eventually, the Nobleman returned, having gained His Kingdom, and He called His servants to account, rewarding them in His Kingdom.

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Vss. 16-26.

In this accounting, the nobleman addresses only THREE servants, but let’s consider them representatives of the others.

The first came and presented ten minas for the one he was given. “Well done, good servant!  Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.”

The second came and presented five minas for the one he was given.  “And you are to be over fivc cities.”

Then another came with  “such an excuse!!”  “Here is your one mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man.  You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” 

Ah-oh!

  • (Could this servant represent those who profess to be followers of Jesus, but who are afraid to witness, and never mention His name or share the good news with someone? The “least” this servant could have done was to support those who DID spread the Gospel)

The nobleman answered, “You wicked servant!  I will condemn you with your own words.  If you knew I was that kind of man … why did you not put my money in the bank, and I would (at least) get it back with interest?”

And the nobleman gave this servant’s mina to the servant who had earned ten.

THEN, the nobleman dealt with his citizens (enemies), who hated him and didn’t want him to reign over them.   “Bring them here and slaughter them before me.”

WHOA!!

This is the end for those who reject Jesus.

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/13) Luke 18:15-34

May13

May 13 – Reading Luke 18:15-34

A five-days per week study.

NOTE: In the last several months, WORDPRESS has changed the formatting process of its posts several times. It’s hard to keep up, and it takes me some time even to get TO the Bible study each day. Please pardon the later posting times.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“What must I DO to inherit eternal life?”  Luke 18:18

The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus used two parables to teach about prayer. The first urges us to be PERSISTENT in prayer (the widow and the unrighteous judge). The second one taught us about our ATTITUDE when we pray (the Pharisee and the Tax Collector).

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Vss. 18:15-17.

The right way and the wrong way to “come to Jesus.”

Moms began bringing their babies and little children to Jesus so He could touch them and “bless” them.  It was a sweet, gentle picture, and Jesus loved it.  He took them eagerly into his arms, smiled at their wiggly joy, stubby finger pokes, and tugs on his beard.  Even toddlers did not seem a bit afraid of this teacher. In fact, they came to Him with arms raised, seeking His embrace and acceptance.

“Hey, get those sticky babies away from the Master,” said Jesus’ disciples, herding the moms and little ones off to a “safe” distance.

“No. ALLOW the children to come to me!  Do not hinder them!  The kingdom of God is made up of such trusting ones!” was Jesus’ rebuke.  

“Whoever does not ‘receive’ the kingdom of God like a child shall NOT enter it.”

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This is how Jesus pictured conversion. Faith is a simple, helpless, trusting dependence of those who have no resources of their own. They come with no accomplishments to commend themselves. 

(Unlike the next fellow.)

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Vss. 18:19-23.

The right way and the wrong way to “come to Jesus.”

As the children left, a man of substance approached.  He’s called the rich, young ruler, and as such, he had it all: wealth, youth, and power.  What could he possibly need?  He is the kind of important person the disciples gladly escorted to Jesus’ side.

“Good Teacher, what must “I” do to inherit eternal life?”  Was he expecting Jesus to say, “Nothing. You’re good.”

But no, Jesus asked a question in return, causing the man to adjust his thoughts and his bold manner.  “Why do you call Me good?”  Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone.”

Was this synagogue ‘ruler’ saying he believed Jesus was … God?  If so, he needed an attitude adjustment.

After a minute or two, Jesus said, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery; Do not murder; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.’”

(These were the six commands dealing with person-to-person.)

Relieved, the young man straightened and said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”

When Jesus heard this, He identified the rich man’s problem.  He loved his wealth and possessions MORE than God (the first four commandments concerned person-to-God relationships).  His riches had become idols to him, a god, even.

I think Jesus said these words tenderly, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

(Wealth is not evil, except when it replaces God in your life.)

When the rich young ruler heard this, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.

Seeing his sadness as the man walked away, Jesus said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. Yep, it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

How different from the little, trusting children was this assured man, who thought he had all that was needed to enter Jesus’ kingdom.

(Sincere trusting VS assurance of wealth and a half-righteousness.  A good lesson for you and me today.  What are WE depending on for heaven and eternal life?)

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Vss. 18:26-30.

Now the disciples (and the crowd around Jesus) were totally confused.  Jesus desired little children MORE than wealthy patrons?  Surely a man’s wealth revealed that God was pleased with him.  And, as for the commands, how many of THEM could say they kept ALL of the last six commands?

“Who then can be saved?” they asked Jesus.

“What is IMPOSSIBLE with men is POSSIBLE with God.

Peter (and perhaps the other disciples) thought about their own lives.  “See, WE have left our homes and followed you….”

And Jesus gave them a deeper answer than they expected.

“Truly, I say to you, there is NO ONE who has left house… or wife…or brothers… or parents… or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time. And in the age to come… eternal life.”

(Is that enough, Peter?)

Food for thought. 

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Vss. 18:31-34.

And while they thought about how that all would work out, Jesus overwhelms them – for the third time – with the prediction of His soon-to-be death.

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon.  And after flogging him, they will kill Him.  And on the third day, He will rise.”

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“Hmm…” thought Peter. “I wonder how I will get a new house.  Another wife?”  Wives??”

James and John might have been thinking, “Another set of parents?  What about Zebedee?”

And John, “We will receive… eternal life?”

But Jesus knew that these, His beloved disciples, understood none of what was about to happen. “This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. “

(They probably would have wanted to whisk Him away and keep Him forever out of Jerusalem.)

But then, what of our salvation?

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/12) Luke 18:1-14.

May12

A 5-day per week study.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”  Luke 18:1

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – In the last lesson, Jesus talked about His coming in glory, how it would be similar to two Old Testament judgments, and what to look for beforehand. “Remember Lot’s wife,” Jesus cautioned them.



Vss, 18:1-8a.

Jesus says that men (all of us) ought always to pray and not to lose heart. In these verses, He tells a parable about persistent prayer with an encouraging ending.

But why would someone ‘lose heart’ when they pray?  Maybe because after praying for a long time, they still saw no answers. Sound familiar?  I have a couple of prayers that I’ve been praying for seemingly forever.

The Apostle Paul encouraged prayer, too. (And remember, Dr. Luke probably heard these as he traveled and worked with the apostle.)

For example, here are a few of Paul’s exhortations.

  • Romans 1:9 – “…without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers…”
  • Romans 12:12 – “…be constant in prayer.”
  • Ephesians 6:18 – “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11 – “To this end, we always pray for you…”

And so, Jesus tells this little parable that reflects those times well.

Judges were often corrupt, or at least self-interested.  Widows were “on the bottom of the pile” in Jewish hierarchy.  A woman without a husband or son had no standing, no voice at all in the community.

And yet, in Jesus’ story, there is a very persistent widow.

“In a certain city, there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.”   He was a thoroughly wicked, selfish, and unrighteous man.

“And there was in that city a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’”   The woman had a legitimate grievance. A person, probably a man, was harassing her unjustly. As a widow, she had no one to turn to except this vile judge.

“Go away, woman!”

“Stop bothering me!”

“You?? Are you here again?  I said, stop bothering…  Oh, give me your problem. I’ll deal with it, so you will STOP. BOTHERING. ME with your continual coming!”

So… was the widow’s problem solved?

Yes. But not because the judge had any compassion.  He was selfish. He helped her to get some relief for HIMSELF.

But our Father in Heaven is not like that.  

Jesus said, “Hear what that unrighteous judge said.  And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to him day and night?  Will He delay long over them?  I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily.”

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Vss. 18:8b.

Then Jesus asks what seems to be a rhetorical question.  “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes (back), will He find faith on the earth?”

Jesus had earlier been telling them of His return, comparing it to the judgments in Noah’s and Lot’s times.  In the first instance, ONLY Noah (with his family) had faith and was saved. (Hebrews 11:7)  In the story of Sodom, ONLY Lot (with his daughters) had a semblance of faith. (2 Peter 2:7-8)

So, today?  Soon, when Jesus returns?  How many will He find and take away who TRULY BELIEVE?  (Matthew 7:14, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”)

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Vss. 18:9-14.

Perhaps thinking of who HE considered righteous (like Noah and Lot) and who others thought were righteous (religious leaders), and maybe even who was outright Unrighteous (that judge), Jesus told another parable.

It was shocking to the Pharisees who listened. The point of the story was to point out “those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and who therefore had contempt for all others.”

 (But I bet it made Matthew’s heart joyful.)

“TWO men went up into the temple to pray, a Pharisee and a tax collector.”

(Right, you could already see the sneers on the faces of the listening Pharisees.)

“The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men … extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 

“I fast TWICE a week.  I give tithes on ALL I get.”

(Can you see this man parading around, chest out, eyes peering down over his nose to the “low-life?”)

However, Jesus goes on with His story, aggravating His pompous listeners.

“But… the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Jesus then probably looked deep into the eyes of His listeners, and said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house JUSTIFIED, rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Everyone vs the one.

In this one parable, Jesus taught His listeners HOW to pray, and WHO will have faith when He returns.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/11) Luke 17:20-37

May11

A 5-day per week study.

May 11 – Reading Luke 17:20-37

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God would come, He answered…the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”  Luke 17:20-21

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus spoke of a believer’s duty and faith. He told an awkward (to us) story about obedience. Then he healed 10 lepers, but only one – a Samaritan – returned to worship and thank Jesus.

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Vss. 17:20-21.

The Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the kingdom of God come?”  

hey were probably mocking Him, because they had already decided Jesus was not their Messiah.  They believed the Messiah would overthrow Rome and set up the millennial kingdom.  Jesus’ path was totally different.

Jesus’ kingdom would be the invisible rule of God in men’s hearts through faith in Him as Savior. He did not say that the expected Old Testament Millennial Kingdom would NOT come.  Just not now or first.

But the Kingdom of God was there and then, in Jesus.

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Vss. 17:22-25.

But now, Jesus’ disciple wanted to know the answer too. Jesus told them the two sets of “signs” to watch for that would herald His coming to rule. 

BUT … there were events that would occur first, even in some of their lifetimes. He warns them of these.

There would be news of false comings. “Look here!” and “Look there!” but they were not to be fooled. His coming would NOT be a secret. It would be like lightning flashing across the sky.  ALL would see and know.

Also, Jesus told them, “But first the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”  (Again, predicting His soon death.)

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Vss. 17:26-33.

Then Jesus illustrated His coming in power by two familiar Old Testament stories of judgment.

Sign one:

“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.”

How was it then, in those 120 years it took Noah to obey God and build the Ark? 

They were eating and drinking. (Daily life, as usual)

They were marrying and giving in marriage. (Joining families and procreating, planning for the future of their generations.)

All, as if it would go on forever.

Noah preached about the coming judgment for all those years, and no one listened or prepared.  Instead, they mocked him. They hooted and howled … until the first raindrops fell…and the water began to rise…and they tried to cling to the pitch-covered ark and pounded on the door….

It was too late then. Noah’s family, and the representatives of all the beasts of the earth and fowl of the air had entered that great boat.  The door was shut and sealed … by God.

(Just a side note; Do you ever wonder why specimens of the creatures in the sea were not taken on board the Ark when all creation was judged? It “could” have been done. My thoughts – and only thoughts – are that the sea creatures were needed to clean up the oceans of all the dead bodies of humans and animals, and all the rotting vegetation. In Revelation 19:17-21, God calls the birds of the air to come clean up the corpses after the Battle of Armegeddon. so why not the fish?)

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Sign two:

“Likewise, just as it was in the day of Lot.)

This was a much shorter warning period. God revealed his plans to Abraham, and the man of faith interceded for the people as far as he could.  Then God sent angels, and it was a mere day’s warning.  “Get out now.”

But the townsfolk were busy.

Eating and drinking. (life as usual)

Buying and selling. (greedily trying to acquire more and more)

Planting and building. (assuming they had lots of time to live in the future).

But on that DAY (when Lot left town, pulling his reluctant wife and daughters along, it “rained” fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all.

Jesus specifically tells them to “Remember Lot’s wife.”  Her attachment to Sodom and her “things” was strong.  Even as fire rained down, she looked back in longing.

How much do our own “things and way of living” mean to us?  Have we laid down our lives, forsaken all, taken up our cross, and truly followed Jesus?

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No one will expect Jesus’ coming (except those who are His own). All will be bound up with their own ordinary lives, future good and bad schemes, and wild machinations and fears.

Like today.

By the way… have you noticed how many of God’s spokespersons are now calling for people to “get ready,” and turn to Jesus, BECAUSE HE IS COMING VERY SOON?

“All the prophecies are being fulfilled! Nothing is hindering His appearance! Don’t be left behind!”

God states in Amos 3:7 that He will warn of His coming, especially in judgment.

“Surely, the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets.”

God graciously does this to allow time for repentance.

It was 120 years in Noah’s time…barely a week for Sodom.

How long for us today?

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Vss. 17:34-37.

“There will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken, and the other left.” Jesus warns.

Sleeping, doing chores … just like in the days of Noah and Lot.

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Oh, be prepared!  

Trust in Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross for your salvation!

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/8) Luke 17:1-19

May8

A 5-day per week study.

May 8 – Reading Luke 17:1-19

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Lord, increase our faith!” “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed…”  Luke 17:5-6a

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review: Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus, who both died and had very different fates.  The rich man wanted to warn his brothers about that horrid place, but Father Abraham told him, EVEN IF someone would return from the grave, they would not listen.”  We have such hard hearts!

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Vss. 17:1-5.

“Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come.”

Jesus states a fact: we will all face many temptations every day. Some will come from within ourselves, from our sinful desires, and should be resisted. But many subtle or even gross temptations to sin will come via the ungodly people around us. It’s a given.

However, what Jesus adamantly forbids here is for a believer to tempt someone to sin.  He’d be better off dead!

We say, “I’d never do that!” But think about it. What about those “innocent” fun activities that escalate into sinful indulgence or gross misconduct?

Jesus then turns the picture around from temptations to your reactions.  “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.  If he sins against you seven times a day, and turns to you in repentance, YOU MUST forgive him.”

And what was the disciples’ reaction?  “Lord, increase our faith!” They weren’t sure they could do what Jesus said.

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Vss. 17:6-7.

Jesus reacted by telling them they didn’t need MORE faith. They need to USE their faith, not desire MORE.  What they had already possessed would move trees and mountains elsewhere. No, the faith they had at that moment was sufficient.

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Vss. 17:8-10.

Next comes a curious example that falls crookedly on our modern-day sensibilities. We have people who work for us, but most of us do not own servants and/or slaves.  We pay our workers for their jobs, and don’t really expect them to go over and beyond what they’ve been hired to do (without negotiating).

So, put your imagination back to Jesus’ day, and see what you can learn about “unworthy servants.”  (Meaning US????  Whoa!!!)

“Will any of you (speaking to a broader audience now)  say to your servant who has been plowing or keeping sheep and has come into the house, ‘Come at once and recline at the table?’”

Can’t you almost hear them laughing at such a notion?

“No, you will rather say, ‘Prepare supper for me. Dress properly and serve me while I eat and drink.  After THAT, YOU will eat and drink.’ Does he then thank the servant for doing what was commanded?”

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Wow.  Doesn’t this go against our natural inclinations, especially in the U.S.?  Your hardworking man slaves all day in the heat, and THEN he’s supposed to come in, cook your meal, and serve you BEFORE he can take a bite???  Yes.  And he doesn’t even expect a ‘thank you.’

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So, what was Jesus saying?

The point is that a slave/servant should not expect special reward for doing what his duty in the first place was.

Now recall the standards Jesus set for believers in verses 1-4.

  1. Believers had better not tempt others to sin.
  2. Believers must forgive a repentant brother AS MANY TIMES as he sincerely repents.
  3. Believers should USE the faith they already have rather than ask for more.

The above “duties” are the minimal things that believers are expected to do. No special merit for obedience should be expected.

Whoa.

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Vss. 17:11-19.

(This incident happened sometime later, maybe after He’d raised Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus from the dead, and He had retreated into the country to avoid the Jerusalem authorities who wanted to kill Him right then.  Luke 19 tells of Jesus’s triumphal entry at Jerusalem and His subsequent death, at His OWN timing.)

Anyway, when Jesus and His disciples entered a village, they were met by TEN LEPERS who stood at a distance calling.

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

These men believed Jesus could heal them if only He would.  Jesus saw their faith.

“Go and show yourselves to the priests.” He called to them.

Huh?

A strict law was established for dealing with “healed” lepers.  They had to go to the priest, show them their now clear skin, and do some tests. In a certain time, they’d return, and if they were still healed, the priest would take them through the ceremonial cleansing ritual and then give them a clean bill of health.

These men knew the routine and left, believing Jesus had healed them.

Then, one of the men looked down at his hands and feet and SAW the miracle. Gratitude and worship filled his soul. He turned back, praising God with a loud voice, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.

He, among the ten, was a Samaritan.

Jesus was amazed that the Samaritan, among the Jews, had returned to thank and praise God.  A foreigner, and one hated by Jews at that.  HE had been “converted,” I am sure.  Not only a “clean body,” he now had a “clean soul” as well.

Jesus looked at him and said, “Rise and go your way, your FAITH has made you well (“saved you” like the woman with the issue of blood. See Mark 5:34).

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(What a glorious story! “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast.? Ephesians 2:8-9.  Others look down on this man with disdain.  A Samaritan, pooh!  But this man received Jesus AND healing: a double miracle.  And he praised and worshiped God.

Wow.  When is the last time I fell to my knees and proclaimed my worship and praise for my Savior and God loudly?)