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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?)

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (5/5) Luke 15:11-32

May5

A 5-day per week study.

May 5 – Reading Luke 15:11-32

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Let us eat and celebrate. For this, my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Luke15:24

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus told two “lost and found” parables: a lost sheep and a lost coin, emphasizing the importance of the missing one and the need to restore it.

Today is the third such parable, about a son who was lost and then found, and the great rejoicing that followed.

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Vss. 15:11-12. 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is very well known and loved.  It’s the longest of Jesus’ parables, and it has several applications.  I always thought “prodigal” meant a wayward son, but the word actually means “recklessly wasteful, extravagant spending of resources without caution.”

It would be like winning the lottery and spending it all on the pleasures you’ve dreamed about without a thought of future responsibility.

In this parable, a man had two sons. The younger demanded to have his inheritance immediately. This would be like a wish that his father were already dead.  It was unheard of and shocking.

But the father did it. He converted 1/3 of his wealth into cash and gave it to the boy. (As the oldest, the other son had the birthright inheritance of two portions (or 2/3 of his father’s wealth. Now, it was ALL his.)

(The religious leaders who so hated the tax collectors that Jesus was associating with were shocked at the younger son’s behavior and saw immediately that he must represent those sinners. THEY, of course, were represented by the faithful, hard-working older son.)

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Vss. 15:13-16.

Jesus continues the story about the fall of the younger son, causing the religious leaders to feel smug and proud that THEY would never do that.

The wandering son journeyed far away (out of his father’s influence) and squandered his inheritance in reckless living. He was living the “good life,” with lots of “fair-weather” friends.  But when the money ran out, he found himself alone and in need.  To top it off, a famine came to that country, and he became hungry.

Desperate, he hired himself out to one of the citizens there, who sent him into the fields to feed … pigs. (super detestable to Jews) Things got so bad that he longed to be fed EVEN THE PIGS’ SLOP, but no one gave him anything.

(Can’t you imagine the pious Pharisees nodding and giving Jesus thumbs-up signs.  This is JUST what that boy deserved.  The tax collectors standing off to the side probably recognized themselves in this parable. So far from God, sinners, unworthy … but with hope.)

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Vss. 15:17-20a.

In that distant land, during a famine, standing in the mud with pigs, this wasteful, selfish younger son “came to himself.”

“How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger. 

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’”

THIS is a clear picture of repentance.

It’s recognizing the helpless, horrible state that you are in, and that in no way can you help yourself. It’s realizing that you are completely unworthy to be God’s child. Your sin has separated you from Him. But, because you know what kind of God He is – just, but merciful – you have hope.  You will humble yourself and return to Him, and lay your life into His hands, trusting Him.

This part of Jesus’ story probably made the religious leaders a bit uncomfortable.  They might have soothed their thoughts by assuming the father would probably punish the son and put him in the lowest servant position he had. He would have to labor hard and eat little.  THAT would teach him a lesson!

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Vss. 15:20-24.

The skinny, dirty and in rags, son stumbles homeward.  When he is still afar off, barely able to make out the buildings of his father’s property, he sees an image that must surely be a mirage!

His father, with his robes girded up so his legs are free, is running towards him!  And he’s weeping with joy, calling, “My son!  My son!”

How can this be?

Reaching him, the father embraces his son in a hug so genuine, so loving, and soon they both are weeping.

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son……”

But the father immediately calls for his servants. “Bring the best robe quickly, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate!

Or THIS, my son, was dead, and is alive again, he was lost, and is found.”

And they began to celebrate.

(Okay, you know for sure that the Pharisees and scribes did NOT like this ending.  That kid should have been punished severely, not only for stealing his father’s property and wishing him dead, but for his gall in accepting all the prizes and the restored position.  THIS UNFAITHFUL SON DID NOT DESERVE THIS HONOR!

Yes, of course, the sinners and tax collectors who had hopped in Jesus rejoiced at this ending.)

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Vss. 15:25-32.

The religious leaders cooled down when Jesus began with “the rest of the story,” about the faithful oldest son.  HE was the one that deserved praise!

”Now, the older son was in the field, and as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.  He called one of the servants and asked him what it meant.

The servant said, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’

As you can imagine, this infuriated the older brother, jealousy raising its ugly head in his heart.  He refused to join the celebration, but remained outside, no doubt pouting.

The father came out and begged him to join in the celebration.  But he would not.

“Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when THIS SON OF YOURS came – who has devoured your property with prostitutes – you killed the fattened calf for him!!!”

(I can imagine the religious leaders, hearing this with their arms crossed on their chests and looking down their noses, totally agreeing with this son.  HE was the faithful one. (Like them.)  It was totally NOT FAIR for the son who wasted all to be honored so. (Like those tax collectors and sinners and gentiles.)

Jesus’ words were gentle as He finished the parable.

“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this YOUR BROTHER was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”

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Lost and found things.  Yes, the 99 sheep, the 9 other coins, and the older son were important and valued. But the lost ones… they (he) needed to be brought back, and then celebrated.  This is the love and mercy of God for lost sinners.

Oh, thank You, LORD!

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/29) Luke 13:22-35

Apr29

A 5-day per week study.

April 29 – Reading Luke 13:22-35

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Lord, will those who are saved be few?”  Luke 13:23

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Do natural disasters mean God’s judgment? Jesus answers. He then gives three parables – the barren fig tree, the mustard seed and birds, and “good” leaven making soft, raised bread.

Then a woman afflicted for 18 years by a disabling spirit was healed …. on the Sabbath. Ah-oh!

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Vss. 13:22.

Luke reminds us readers that Jesus is still ultimately heading towards Jerusalem and His death.  The fact that he is vague about specific destinations (“through towns and villages”) is probably because Jesus has moved His ministry eastward to the other side of the Jordan River in Perea.  (See Matthew 19:1, Mark 10:1, and John 10:40.)

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Vss. 13:23-30.

Perhaps seeing the dwindling crowds following Jesus in Perea, or because of Jesus’ recent strong teaching about repentance, someone in the people following called out a question.

“Lord, will those who are saved be few?”***

As Jesus continues, we see that it is probable this man was a religious leader and a Jew confident in his place in the Kingdom.  Jesus confirms the man’s question with a roundabout answer.

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For MANY, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able to.

“Once the master of the house has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then He will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’

“Then you’ll say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets…’ But He will say, ‘I do not know where you come from.  Get out of here, all you workers of iniquity!!’

(Here’s where it’s confirmed that Jesus was talking to an important Jewish man, who thought that because he “kept” all the rules, he was assured a place in the kingdom.)

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but YOU YOURSELVES cast out!  Many (gentiles) will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at the table in the Kingdom of God.

“Behold, some are last (the Gentiles) who will be first, and some are first (the Jews) who will be last.”

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***A reminder: After His resurrection, there were only 500 gathered to see Him in Galilee, and some of them doubted. And in the upper room at Pentecost, there were only 120 believers.  Few indeed from the great thousands who followed Jesus.

(So what does that mean for me?  Am I a true believer? Have I entered through the ‘narrow door’?  Jesus later told His disciples, “No man comes to the Father except by Me.”  Am I trusting fully in Jesus’ righteousness to cover my sin? Am I following and obeying Him as Lord of my life?

2 Peter 1:10 encourages us “to make our calling and election sure.”

Philippians 2:12:  Paul tells believers in Philippi to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

But gives this encouragement from Philippians 1:6. “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”)

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Vss. 13:31-35.

A Pharisee came to Jesus and said, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”

Herod ruled Perea as well as Galilee. Perhaps the Pharisee wanted Jesus back in Judea, where THEY had jurisdiction over Him.

(I love Jesus’ answer to this threat [from both Herod and the Pharisees].)

“Go tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”

Jesus was following His own time schedule. His “hour” was coming, and Jesus knew exactly the time on the clock and the date on the calendar.  No one could force Him earlier or later.  Especially not King Herod.

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Then, Jesus turns His heart and mind toward Jerusalem, beginning with a proverb of the day,

“’It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’”

(Most Old Testament prophets were martyred at the hands of the Jewish people, not by foreign enemies. This underscores that the purpose of Jesus’ relentless journey to Jerusalem WAS to die.)

And then Jesus continues,

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings!  And you WOULD NOT.”

Jesus desired foremost that His people would return to Him. To embrace their promised Messiah. To believe in Him and be saved.  But alas, FEW did. And the Gospel would be taken to the Gentiles after Pentecost.

But, there will be a day when “all Israel will be saved.”

Paul writes this in Romans 11:25-26b, 28-31

“I want you to understand this mystery, brothers,

A partial hardening has come upon Israel,

Until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

And in this way, all Israel will be saved.”

“As regards the gospel,

They are enemies of God for your sake.

But as regards election,

They are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

 

And from Zechariah 12:10, 13:1

“And I will pour out on the house of David,

And the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

A spirit of grace and pleas for mercy

So that, when they look on me,

On Him whom they have pierced,

They shall mourn for Him….

On that day, there shall be

A fountain opened for the house of David

And the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

To cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/17) Luke 11:1-13

Apr17

A 5-day per week study.

April 17 – Reading Luke 11:1-13

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Lord, teach us to pray…”  Luke 11:1

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The Gospel according to Luke

Review – Last time, Jesus visited two sisters in Bethany. Martha is anxious because there is “so much to do.” She commands Jesus to tell Mary to help her! Jesus, kindly but firmly, says no. Mary’s choice to sit and listen to his teaching was a good one. Rebuked … what did Martha do?

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Vss. 11:1-4.

We don’t know where this happened, but somewhere, the disciples quietly watched Jesus as He prayed. After He finished, they asked Him to teach them to pray.  And Jesus did.

This is a shorter version of the “Lord’s Prayer” that Jesus taught the crowds in the Sermon on the Mount. At that time, He’d instructed them…

  1. NOT to stand up to pray in the synagogues or on street corners to be seen by others, but to go into their room, shut the door, and pray to God in secret. God will hear that prayer.
  2. NOT to “heap up empty words” when they prayed as the pagans did. God knew what they needed even before they asked.

Here, Jesus gave them a simplified version.

  • Whom to pray to: the Father,
  • Worship/adoration: hallowed (holy) is Your name.
  • Humble submission to His will: (may) Your kingdom come.
  • Looking to Him for our needs: give us each day our daily bread,
  • Confession: forgive us our sins
  • Repentance: as we forgive everyone indebted to us.
  • Dependence on Him for holy living: lead us not into temptation.

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Vss. 11:5-7.

Jesus encourages His disciples not just to recite a prayer, but to be serious and urgent in their praying. We aren’t to kneel for a 5-minute morning prayer and a few “table graces” and think that is all we need.

Jesus then tells the disciples a parable to illustrate the persistence they should have in prayer.

The scenario Jesus paints is that of a man surprised by a friend who arrives very late at night from a long journey. The man wants to feed this tired and hungry traveler, but there is nothing in the “fridge.”

Even though it is late, he goes to his neighbor, who is also a friend. And, although this neighbor and his entire family have long since blown out the lamps and gone to bed, our guy pounds on the door.

“Please lend me three small loaves for a surprise visitor!”

“What? Are you serious? We are all in bed! I can’t get up to give you any bread!”

Knock, knock, knock. “Please! Just a few loaves!”

“Go away!”

Knock, knock, knock. “Please, I have nothing to give him at all!”

Silence.

Knock, knock, knock. “Please, neighbor! I am desperate. I have nothing!”

Silence.

Then a click and a creak as the door is opened.  A basket of bread is shoved out. Our man takes it and begins to thank his neighbor profusely, but the door closes.

Nevertheless, he joyfully returns home. He has something to feed his exhausted and hungry long-distance visitor.

(No, this is not teaching us to simply “bother God” with constantly repeating requests. Or that God is begrudging with His answers.  But with another’s need in mind, and with a selfless, dependent attitude, we are to be persistent before the throne of grace.)

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Vss. 11:8-10.

So, Jesus encourages His disciples in TWO WAYS to –

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

“For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened.”

That almost seems like ‘carte blanche’. But note the examples of requests that Jesus gives in the next section.

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Vss. 11:11-13.

“If a son asks for a FISH (to eat), will the father give him a snake instead?

If a son asks for an EGG, will the father give him a scorpion?

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask Him?”

 

 

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: (3/26) 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: (2/26) Mark 14:66-72

Feb26

A 5-day per week study.

February 26– Reading Mark 14:66-72

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And Peter remembered….” Mark 14:72a

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The Gospel according to Mark 14:66-72

In the last study, the ordeal of our salvation begins. Jesus faces the High Priest and the full Sanhedrin (alone), where He is convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to death. And the nastiness begins. Spitting, mocking, slapping, and fist blows.  Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah … for us.

Meanwhile His chief disciple is outside in the courtyard, warming himself by a fire.

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Vss.66-72.

Peter’s heart is racing, and his mind is in confusion.  What was happening with Jesus?  WHY did He allow Himself to be arrested? What will they do with Him?  And… what about us??  We thought…..!

A voice, that of one of the servant girls of the High Priest, jerks him from his thoughts.  “YOU also were with the Nazarene, Jesus!”  

Peter whips around and stares at her. “I neither know nor understand what you mean.”  He moves away, towards the exit gate.  A rooster crows, but it barely registers.

The servant girl gestures at Peter and says to the bystanders, “This man is one of THEM.”

“No, I am not.” His eyes are wide, his breathing is fast.

One of the bystanders then says, “Certainly you ARE one of them, for you are a Galilean.”

Peter invokes a curse on himself and begins to swear.  “I do not KNOW this man of whom you speak!”

And the rooster crows a second time.

Peter hears it.  And he remembers.  Jesus, his beloved Master, had told him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” Peter runs off into the fading darkness, breaks down, and weeps bitterly.  What… has… he… done?

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(How like Peter we are. At times more concerned with ourselves than our Savior. We devote our time to Him. We testify to His grace. We tell others of Him. We even pray for others, and God hears and heals.  Then something comes along that our sinful nature responds to, and we sin. We sin grossly.  Our “self” and its pleasure, safety, and pride are all that matter in the moment … and we turn our backs on Him.  We deny HIM.   The one we LOVE.  Is there any hope of forgiveness????)

In the last verses of our reading of Mark’s Gospel, we will get a hint of the answer.

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (2/9) Mark 10:17-31

Feb9

A 5-day per week study.

February 9– Reading Mark 10:17-31

Read and believe in Jesus.

“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Mark 10:17b

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The Gospel according to Mark 10:17-31

Last time, Jesus taught about divorce, man’s hardness of heart, and adultery. Then He gathered up children into His arms and taught that His Kingdom was made up of such tender souls as these, who openly desired and received Him.  His disciples were confused.  They will be even more confused after the encounter they watched in today’s reading.

(NOTE: Having a list of the ten commandments before you today might be helpful. Exodus 20.)

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Vss. 17-18

The man who met Jesus today is the kind of person that society admires and envies.  He is generally referred to as “the rich young ruler.”  Think about that.  He had mega wealth.  He had youth.  He had power. He had it ALL.  Most of us would be happy to have just one of these.  And yet, this man had a discontentment in his heart.  He knew he lacked something.  Something that he couldn’t buy, achieve through his strength, or demand to be given to him.

“Good Teacher, what must I DO to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus answered him with a question, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”  

Jesus was not saying that HE, Himself, was not good. In this statement, Jesus was pointing the young, rich, and powerful man to the first commandments.  #1 Thou shalt have NO OTHER gods before the LORD, and #2 Worship only God, never any idols you make.  God alone is good and due our worship.  We’ll find out later just what this man “worshipped.”

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Vs. 19 with Romans  13:7-10

Then, Jesus points this young man to the other commandments. #6 Do not murder, #7 Do not commit adultery, #8 Do not steal, #9 Do not bear false witness, and skips to #5, Honor your parents.

In both Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts, #10 is omitted altogether, but Mark says, for #10, Do not defraud.  Defrauding someone is causing shame or dishonor to be brought upon them, their reputation (name), or their integrity.  (Basically, this is commandment #3. Do not take the NAME of the Lord in vain. 

Jesus probably didn’t say, “Do not covet,” because that was actually the young man’s basic sin.  He coveted wealth and the power it brought.

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Take a minute to read the verses in Romans, where Paul says, Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes, revenue, respect, and honor. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments (he names some) are summed up in this word: ‘Love does no wrong to (doesn’t DEFRAUD) a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.'”

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Vss. 20-22.

Okay, back to Mark.  The rich, young ruler looked at Jesus sincerely and said, “Teacher, all these I  have kept from my youth.”  He saw no fault, no sin in himself.

Jesus looked at this man, so blessed in life, and “trying” to be a good person, and He loved him.  But it’s clear that the young man missed what Jesus said at the beginning, “Only God is good.”

“You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, AND YOU SHALL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN, and come follow me.”

Now, selling all our possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor does not make us eligible for Heaven.  Jesus knew the man’s weakness.  His wealth, greediness, covetousness… and of course, the power all that wealth brought was VERY IMPORTANT to him.   TOO important for him to give up… EVEN to have eternal life.  Wow.

Disheartened, the young man walked away with his head down and shoulders slumped.  He was sorrowful … because of his “great possessions.”

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(What about us?  The “thing” we lack before coming to Jesus is the acknowledgment, confession, and forsaking of our sin. HE must be the most important thing to us.  After we confess and forsake sins, we can joyfully “follow Him.”

I John 1:9: “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”

Romans 10:9-10: “For if you confess with your mouth that JESUS IS LORD (in your life, not possessions, etc.) and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

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Vss. 23-31.

The disciples had watched this scene silently (perhaps enviously), but I’m sure their thoughts were now all over the place.  They viewed that young man as a blessed and law-keeping, righteous person.  His walking away confused them.

“How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God,” Jesus said, shocking those twelve men around Him. The belief of that day was that wealth was a BLESSING of God to show He was pleased with you.  Now, Jesus was saying it was a “hindrance.” They just couldn’t take it in!

So, Jesus repeated for them, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Astonished at this concept, they cried out, “Then WHO can be saved???”

Jesus must have just looked at them until they quieted down.  Then, “With man it is impossible.  But not with God.  For all things are possible with God.”

Peter blurted out the mixed feelings of his heart, “Well, WE have left everything and followed You….”

Jesus smiled at his chief disciple, then looked around to the others.  “Truly, I tell you, there ia no one who has left house, brothers or sisters, mother or father, children, or lands for MY SAKE and for the Gospel’s …. who will not receive a hundredfold NOW in this time, houses, bothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands (WITH persecutions,) and in the age to come… eternal life.

Did the disciples feel better?  Understand more?  Feel assured?   A hundredfold, NOW??   Their minds buzzed.  Did they think of their homes and families back in Galilee?

Unknown to them, these disciples (except Judas) would travel a whole lot farther for the Lord and for the Gospel before they died. They would feel the sting and cut of persecution, but God would supply all their needs in the houses and provisions of other believers on their travels.  And then… ETERNAL LIFE with Him!

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Did the rich young ruler ever forsake all and believe in Jesus?   I hope so.