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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/14) Luke 10:1-24

Apr14

A 5-day per week study.

April 14 – Reading Luke 10:1-24

Read and believe in Jesus.

“”  Luke

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The Gospel according to Luke 10:1-24

Review –

In the last lesson, the disciples didn’t seem all that “spiritual.”  They argued about WHO was the greatest among them.  They tried to stop a person who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name JUST BECAUSE he wasn’t a part of “the Twelve.”  And James and John wanted to call down FIRE FROM HEAVEN on a Samaritan town because they wouldn’t let them stay there overnight.

Then, three men that Jesus called to follow Him turned back because it conflicted with their lifestyles.  What disappointments for Jesus as He steadily walked towards Jerusalem and all that would happen there.

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Vss. 10:1-12.

Jesus appointed 72 others of those who were following Him to go on ahead.  Their mission?  They were to prepare the people of the towns on the way to Jerusalem for Jesus’ visit.  Not for accommodations, but their hearts.

Jesus told them that the harvest in these towns was huge.  People’s hearts were ready to hear “good news.” He also told these missionaries to pray to God for even MORE workers.

Like when Jesus sent out the Twelve, He gave these workers instructions.

  1. They were to go out in pairs. (Two are stronger than a lone witness in any situation.)
  2. They were to carry no extra supplies (be self-sufficient), but to go in faith that God would use the townspeople to feed and house them.
  3. They were to announce their purpose right away. “Peace be to this house.” (They were not promoting a Messiah of insurrection.)
  4. Like their Master, they were to heal and preach that the kingdom of God had come.
  5. And … if the town did NOT receive them (like that Samaritan town in the previous lesson), they were to shake the dust off their feet as they left, as a sign that the kingdom of God had come near them, and they’d refused it.

A town’s refusal to accept His message was not about “them.”  It was a collective refusal of the mercy and grace of God, who had not spared His Only Son but sent Him, as a sacrificial Lamb, to take on the sin of the world and experience the death that was the “earned wages.”

“I tell you it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”

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Vss. 10:13-16.

Jesus then names three towns in Galilee that had, for the most part, rejected His message. (Yes, they had gladly received His miracles!)

Chorazin (inland), Bethsaida, and Capernaum were all at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee.  And even though Capernaum had been the headquarters of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and had never forced Jesus out or tried to kill Him, their hearts had remained indifferent.

It’s kind of a shock that Jesus said, “If the mighty works done in these cities had been done in Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon, THEY would have repented in sackcloth and ashes.” And the people of these cities – because they had had the very Saviour of the world ministering in them for three years … would be held MORE accountable on the day of judgment.

Whoa.  A warning to my country, America, so privileged, with the Gospel, Bibles, churches, and ministries available on every hand. And still the cares and pleasures of this world seem more important.

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Vss. 10:17-20.

The 72 returned to Jesus WITH JOY. They were so amazed that “even the demons were subject to us in Your name!”

Jesus reminded them that HE had seen Satan fall like lightning from heaven (after his rebellion). Jesus was eminently more powerful than Satan, a mere fallen angel. He gave his followers authority over all the enemy’s power.  Nothing could harm them, apart from God’s will.

“Nevertheless, so not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

YES!  THAT is the important part. That our names have been written in the Lamb’s book of life. The greatest wonder of all is the reality of salvation – the whole point of the Gospel. (Philippians 4:3, Hebrews 12:23, Revelation 21:27).

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Vss. 10:21-24.

Then Jesus turns to His Father in prayer, rejoicing that “The Lord of heaven and earth had hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and had revealed them to ‘little children,’ for this was His gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son … and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”

Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Yes, Jesus, we are so privileged. We thank You!

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/8) Luke 8:40-56

Apr8

A 5-day per week study.

April 8 – Reading Luke 8:40-56

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Do not fear, only believe.”  Luke 8:50

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The Gospel according to Luke 8:40-56

Review –

Jesus reacted to family (natural & spiritual). Jesus slept during a storm but awoke and calmed the wind and sea. Across the Lake, Jesus calms a different kind of whirlwind and raging sea, that of the demon-possessed man. Pigs are involved, and a former demoniac becomes an evangelist in his hometown.

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We’ve already studied these next two side-by-side incidents in Mark.  Let’s see how Dr. Luke tells them.

It’s interesting how he writes the stories in pairs.  First, the Centurion’s servant and the widow’s only son were cured/resurrected. Then the raging wind and sea calmed, mirroring the raging madness and deliverance of the demon-possessed man.  Now two “daughters” are cured and restored to “life” at twelve years.

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Vss. 40-42.

Jairus’ VERY sick daughter.

As soon as Jesus crosses back over the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, a prominent, important leader of the synagogue falls at His feet, begging him to come heal his daughter of 12 years, who is at the brink of death.

“I will,” says Jesus, and goes with Jairus.

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Vss. 43-48.

A VERY unclean “daughter” of Israel.

But He is stopped by an unnamed woman who has been ceremonially unclean with an “issue of blood” for as long as Jairus’ daughter has been alive.  She cannot worship in the synagogue, be among “clean” women, or be touched by anyone without infecting them with her “uncleanness.”  And she is now destitute because she’s spent ALL her money on doctors to cure her, but NONE were able to help her.

(I bet that made Dr. Luke feel bad!)

In the crowd following Jesus, this “outcast” woman sneaks up and touches the fringe of Jesus’ prayer garment – one of the four corner tassels with blue threads woven through it. IMMEDIATELY, healing power flows into her, and she is HEALED!

Healed, yes.  But NOT RESTORED (cleansed) in the eyes of Israel.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asks.

“Are you serious, Jesus. All these people are crowding around you. EVERYONE is touching you!” says Peter.

“Someone touched me for healing, for I perceive that POWER has gone out from  me.”

Then Jesus SAW the woman.

She saw she could not hide and came trembling to Jesus. And IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL THAT CROWD, she declared WHY she had touched Jesus, AND that she’d been cured.

(Even today, those who are redeemed by the grace of God should not remain silent, but testify to all how Jesus saved them!)

Not in a rush, not stressed by the anxious Jairus pacing nearby, Jesus looked at the woman and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Daughter. No longer an outcast. She now has the same standing as Jairus’s own innocent little girl.

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Vss. 49-56.

A VERY dead little girl.

Jairus is torn apart with anxiety and dread while Jesus ministers to the woman.

After all, HIS DAUGHTER is more worthy of Jesus’ attention; she’s an innocent little girl.  And HE, the leader of the synagogue, is surely more important than that woman. His daughter deserves Jesus’ attention more than she does.  HIS situation is more dire. That woman has waited twelve years; let her wait a few more minutes!!!

“I’m sorry, Sir,” whispers one of his servants. “Your daughter has died.  Bother the Master no longer.”

And like that, this important man’s world has ended. He falls to his knees with a deep wail of sorrow and “if only…”

Did he now feel the hopelessness and loss of all joy that the woman had felt for twelve years?

“Do not fear, only believe, and she will be well,” came Jesus’s words through his bitter anguish. He looks up through tears.

Numb, he stumbles along beside Jesus and approaches his house – so very close! (if only…)

Already, the paid mourners are weeping and wailing out front.

“Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping,” Jesus said.

And taking Peter, John, and James along with the girl’s parents, Jesus goes into the house, where the body of the little girl lies. He takes her by the hand.

“Child, arise,”  Jesus says, and the little girl’s spirit RETUNS to her. (Yes, she WAS dead.)  She sits up at once, and Jesus directs that some food be brought to her.

(If she’s been sick a while, she NEEDS food.  But also, at least with Jesus and the disciples after HIS resurrection, eating food is proof positive that indeed the dead one has been brought back to life.)

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And so, there was joy in two households that day. Two daughters had been restored to life. One goes back to a normal way of living, loving, enjoying fellowship, and the other goes back to literal breathing and eating.

JESUS IS the Resurrection and the LIFE.  PRAISE HIM!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (4/7) Luke 8:16-39

Apr7

A 5-day per week study.

April 7 – Reading Luke 8:16-39

Read and believe in Jesus.

“”  Luke

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The Gospel according to Luke 8:16-39

Review – In the last study, women follow Jesus and use their resources to support the group. Jesus’ teaching is now in parables as both a judgment and a mercy. The parable of the Sower/Soils puzzles the disciples, but Jesus explains it to them.

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Vss. 19-21.

Jesus is surrounded by crowds, no matter which town or village he goes to.  He is healing and teaching, although now more in veiled parables.

  1. He ended the Parable of the Sower/Soils by describing the “good” soil as “Those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, AND bear fruit with patience.”

While He is teaching, Jesus’ mother (Mary) and his brothers come to him. But they cannot get TO Him because of the crowd. We know from other accounts that Mary is concerned about Him because he doesn’t even take time to eat. (Sounds like a mom, right?)  Perhaps she brought his half-siblings along to maybe physically take him aside to eat.

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Yes, Jesus had brothers and sisters.  These are those who were born AFTER Jesus’ virgin birth.  They had Mary as their mom, but Joseph was their birth father, unlike Jesus.

(NOTE: Both Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3 give the names of the brothers: James (who became the leader of the Jerusalem church and wrote a book by that name), Joseph, Simon, and Judas (or Jude), who also wrote a book in the New Testament – that shortie right before The Revelation.  Matthew mentions “all” of Jesus’ sisters, so He had at least three, although they are not named.)

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Jesus loved and respected His mother, but since his ministry, and eventually the way to the cross, began, His family had to take a secondary position.  He was now “Messiah,” “Savior,” and “Redeemer.”  Faith, not family, was primary.

  1. Jesus said to those who were telling Him His family was summoning Him, “My mother and my brothers are those who HEAR the word of God and DO it.”
  2. This was the point he made with that Parable. It was also something His brother, James, remembered.  In James’ letter (1:22), the church leader wrote, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

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Vss. 22-25.

After this, and to get some rest and alone time with His disciples, Jesus suggested, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.”

As soon as they set out, Jesus fell asleep on the bench at the back of the boat.

  • The disciples took turns rowing.
  • The wind freshened, then started to blow in earnest. It whipped up the waves, and they began to wash over the sides of the boat.
  • The disciples bucketed out the water, but they couldn’t do it fast enough, and the water level rose. The boat sank deeper into the Sea.
  • They were in serious danger!
  • One sloshed to the back of the boat, shaking Jesus. “MASTER, MASTER, we are perishing!”
  • Jesus sat up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves.
  • Both ceased, and there was a calm.
  • Silence and awe.
  • Jesus, “Where is your faith?”
  • They whispered among themselves, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and water and they obey Him?”

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The disciples were about to meet ANOTHER crazy whirlwind and dangerous, angry storm as soon as they reached the other side of the Lake.  A wild, dangerous demoniac. Jesus’ words would once again bring calm and peace.

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Vss. 26-39.

AS SOON AS they stepped out of the boat, the crazy, naked, menacing, demon-possessed man met them. (Talk about stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire!)

This poor man had been uncontrollable, both by himself and by the men of the town.  They had restrained him, but he broke the shackles and ran around naked in the graveyard, screaming and cutting himself.

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(This is a picture of Satan and what he would love to do to us all.  Praise God that Jesus defeated him, not only in the wilderness temptations, but would do once and for all on the cross.)

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  • The demons in the man slammed him down to the ground before Jesus. (They had no choice.)
  • Jesus commanded the demon(s) to come out.
  • “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!”
  • “What is your name?” Jesus demanded.
  • “Legion, for we are many,” they said and begged Jesus not to send them into the Abyss.”

(NOTE: The Abyss was the pit, the underworld, the prison of bound demons who disobeyed. 2 Peter 2:4 adds about fallen angels, “God committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment.”)

  • Jesus instead commanded that this “legion” of demons be sent into a large herd of pigs nearby. The swine promptly ran over the cliff and perished in the lake.
  • This, of course, upset the swineherds and the townspeople, and they asked Jesus to “depart from them.” This, even though the former demon-possessed man was now sitting at the feet of Jesus, fully clothed, “in his right mind.”

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(We haven’t heard a peep out of the disciples. Were they standing around, first in fear, then in awe, then in amazement?  Did they ask themselves again, “Who then is this that a legion of demons obey Him?”)

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The released, whole, and sane former slave to Satan begged Jesus that he might go with Him.  But Jesus told the “new disciple” to return to his home and “declare how much God has done for you.”  

Saved, freed, and now a witness and preacher in his own hometown. “And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.”

Again, one who heard, believed, and became a “doer of the Word.”

 

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

Apr3

A 5-day per week study.

April 3 – Reading Luke 7:26-50

Read and believe in Jesus.

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

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The Gospel according to Luke 7:36-50

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

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

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Vss. 37-38.

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

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

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

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

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Vss. 39-43.

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

“If this man were a prophet,

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

for she is a sinner.”

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

Simon: “Say it, Teacher.”

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

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

Jesus: “You judged rightly.”

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Vss. 44-50.

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

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

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

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

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WHO indeed?  And HOW?

Because Jesus is God. 

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

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

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

Mar25

A 5-day per week study.

March 25 – Reading Luke 5:12-26

Read and believe in Jesus.

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

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The Gospel according to Luke 5:12-26

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

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

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Vss. 12-16.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I will,” Jesus said.“Be clean.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And Jesus withdrew to desolate places to pray.

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

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Vs. 17.

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

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

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

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Vss. 18-20.

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

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

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

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Vss. 21-26.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/23) Luke 4:31-44

Mar23

A 5-day per week study.

March 23 – Reading Luke 4:31-44

Read and believe in Jesus.

“I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, for I was sent for this purpose.” Luke 4:43

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The Gospel according to Luke 4:31-44

Review – In the last lesson, Jesus announced His ministry and Messiahship by reading and claiming Isaiah 61 in His hometown synagogue.  At first, the men of Nazareth were amazed, but then they remembered that Jesus was “just Joseph’s son” and did not believe Him.  They even tried to kill Jesus, but He escaped.

Jesus traveled about 50 miles to Capernaum and established His headquarters there.

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Vss. 31-37.

On the next Sabbath, Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum. The men were astonished at His teaching, “for His WORD possessed authority.”

While they were there, a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon yelled out, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God.”

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!”  The demon twisted the man and came out of him.

All who were there were amazed and said to one another, “What is this WORD? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

And reports about Jesus went out into every place in the surrounding region.

(The Words of Jesus were powerful and came with His authority.  Just as the Word of God, our Bible, also has power and authority.  It was “breathed out” by God Himself. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and can teach, correct, scold, train, and equip us for every good work.  It’s true. We can believe it, trust it, teach it, and share it with confidence.  THANK YOU, Lord, for Your Word!  Oh, let us not neglect so great a gift.)

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Vss. 38-39.

After attending synagogue, Jesus and a few early followers went to Peter’s home. Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a “high” fever, and he and his wife appealed to Jesus to heal her.  Jesus stood over her and “rebuked” the fever.  And it left her. (Just like the demon in the man that Jesus rebuked. There is authority in Jesus’ words.)   It was such a complete healing that Peter’s mother-in-law immediately got up and served them a simple Shabbat meal.

(As we study through the Gospel of Luke, watch how Luke describes illnesses and healings.  Matthew and Mark both tell of Peter’s mother-in-law, but only Luke says it was a HIGH (dangerous) fever.  And only Luke tells how Jesus healed her.  Remember, Luke is a doctor.)

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Vss. 40-41.

When the Sabbath was over (at sundown), “all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus.  He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God.”  But Jesus would not allow them to speak.”

(Yes, Jesus is the Son of God.  Yes, He is the Christ.  But who needs demons to testify for him?  Let those who are healed, and we, who are saved, be the ones to testify.)

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Vss. 42.

“When it was day, Jesus departed and went into a desolate place.”

Mark tells us that it was “very early in the morning,” and that Jesus went there “to pray.”

(If the Son of God desired a quiet time with His Father, shouldn’t we, His children, yearn for this too?  Healing power went out from Jesus over and over that last evening.  He spiritually battled demonic spirits many times.  Jesus needed the refreshing, restoring communication with His God. Don’t we?  Jesus wanted to thank and praise God, and pray for direction, all things we can do in prayer, too. 

Lord, wake me “early in the morning” to meet with you. What a privilege.

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Vss. 43-44.

Peter and some others looked for Jesus and finally found Him. They wanted Jesus to stay in Capernaum to teach, minister, heal, and cast out demons. His audience was growing.  The sick and oppressed needed Him.

But Jesus told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the OTHER towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 

Yep, He had surely received direction from His Father while He prayed.  He was to go to other places too.  And, so He did, preaching in the synagogues.

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/13) Luke 2:22-40

Mar13

A 5-day per week study.

March 13 – Reading Luke 2:22-40

Read and believe in Jesus.

“…my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples.”  Luke 2:30

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The Gospel according to Luke 2:22-40

(Review)  In the last study, we read the familiar story of Jesus’ nativity. Everything pointed to a lowly birth, except for one thing that happened in the middle.  It began with the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, then no room to lodge in the usual places, and finally settling in a stable, where Jesus’ first “crib” was a feed trough.  Afterwards, the group of sheep-smelling men came to ooh and aah over the baby and tell their tale of a vision.

But right in the middle, Heaven couldn’t contain itself.  Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who sat at the Almighty’s right hand, had made it safely to earth and mankind.  The glorious work of salvation – stolen from man in the Garden of Eden – was about to take place.  And… a Heavenly Host burst out in a song of praise, “Glory to God in the Highest!”

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Vss. 22-24.

At the end of yesterday’s study, the first “rite” of babyhood took place. At eight days old, Jesus was circumcised (initiated into the Community of Israel) and given His name. (which Gabriel has told Mary)

Now, at about 6 weeks, there were two more Jewish rites written in “the Law of the Lord” that had to be fulfilled.

  1. The Rite of Purification. (Leviticus 12:2-4)  When a woman had a baby boy, she was considered “ceremonially unclean” for 40 days. After that, she was to bring a lamb and a pigeon or dove (or two pigeons or 2 doves, if she was poor) to the priest, who would make an offering for her, and then she would be “ceremonially clean” and able to worship, fellowship, and partake in marital relations.  (Mary and Joseph’s offering was two birds.)
  2. The Dedication (and Redemption) of the Firstborn Son.  (Exodus 13:2, 12-15 and Numbers 18:16)  Because the LORD freed the Israelites from slavery with the death of Egypt’s firstborn sons, He claimed all the firstborn males of Israel to be HIS (man and beast). The animals would be sacrificed, but the baby boys were to be ‘redeemed’ or bought back.  The amount was five silver shekels.

Joseph and Mary faithfully performed these rituals according to “the Law of the Lord.”  Right from His beginning, Jesus fulfilled ALL the Law perfectly – for us – so He would be the perfect “spotless” Lamb of God sacrifice.

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Vss. 25-35.

Simeon, a special old man (not a priest), who was righteous, devout, and waiting (longing) for “the consolation of Israel” (a messianic title derived from the O.T., like in Isaiah 40:1-2).   The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah with his own eyes.

(Wow!  Can you imagine a promise like that?)  What hope and expectation he must have had!)

On that day, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to “redeem” Him, Simeon “just happened” to be there. The Spirit of God indicated somehow that THIS BABY was the Messiah Simeon had been looking for.  Simeon walked over to the couple, took baby Jesus up in his arms, and praised God.

“Lord, now you are letting your servant 

depart in peace,

According to Your word;

For my eyes have seen Your salvation

that you have prepared in the Presence

of all peoples;

a Light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for Glory to your people Israel.”

 

Mary and Joseph stood there and marveled at what Simeon said about Jesus.  Then this dear old man blessed them.  He also warned Mary that “a sword will pierce through your own soul.”

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Vss. 36-40.

There was also an eighty-four-year-old prophetess named Anna in the Temple that day.  She had been married only seven years before becoming a widow.  Now, she didn’t leave the Temple area, but worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day.

When she saw the parents and Jesus, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were “waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Those who looked forward to the Messiah)

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(What a wonderful thing that God included these two old people early in the life of Jesus.  Yes, God still has a use for seniors.  Just think how grandparents and great-grandparents can have a godly influence on our children today!!  Thank You, Lord!)

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(NOTE:  Luke omits the visit of the Magi when Jesus was around 2-years old, and the flight to Egypt for a time, and picks up when they are heading back home.  Finally.)

The family travelled to Nazareth after years away.  They were a family now. Did anyone remember when Mary left in disgrace as an unwed mother?  (Well, yes. Some did.)   They settled back into the familiar patterns, and Jesus grew up.  He became strong and filled with wisdom.  And the favor of God was upon Him.

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Jesus fulfilled everything according to the Law, even when He was an enfant and couldn’t do it Himself.  He did what WE never could do – not sin, EVER.  And all that God required in the Law, it was done. Jesus lived sinless, in perfect harmony with His Father in Heaven.  Then He died – the spotless Lamb of God – to take away the sin of the world.  He paid sin’s debt = death.  For us.  THANK YOU, Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

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Vss.

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/12) Luke 2:1-21

Mar12

A 5-day per week study.

March 12 – Reading Luke 2:1-21

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”  Luke 2:10

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The Gospel according to Luke 2:1-21

In the last study, we saw the birth and naming of John (the Baptist) and Zechariah’s voice returning. Immediately after confirming his son’s name, the old priest was filled with the Holy Spirit.  He praised God for the salvation He was sending and His great mercy. Zechariah also prophesied his son’s future ministry as a prophet and the herald of the Messiah.

Then we saw John grow and become strong in spirit, and retreat into the wilderness until God would call him to appear in Israel and begin his ministry.

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Vss. 1-7.

And now we return to Mary and follow the details of Jesus’ birth.

          (This chapter is very familiar to believers. We’ve probably heard it read many, many times at Christmas.  Some can probably recite it by heart.  But let’s read it with “fresh eyes” if we can.)

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The Roman ruler of the “world” said everyone had to be registered.  This was so Augustus wouldn’t miss anyone when levying taxes.  And at least for the Jews, who kept records of their genealogies, their ancestors’ birthplaces were mostly known to them. For both Mary and Joseph, the place was the same because both were of the “house and lineage of King David.”  And David was born in Bethlehem.

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(NOTE:  Luke records Jesus’ lineage back from Mary’s line, through King David’s son Nathan (3:31), to Adam.  Matthew records the lineage from Abraham down through King David’s son Solomon (Matt. 1:6) to Joseph, the husband of Mary.  BOTH these lineages were important.

           The line that came through Solomon was eventually cursed because of the last despicable king who reigned until Jerusalem fell. (See Jeremiah 22:30.) Jesus had no genetic connection to this line (other than title) because of His virgin birth.   Jesus, born of Mary, came through the line of Nathan, which had no curse.  Jesus, called the Son of David, would inherit the kingdom from his earthly ancestor David, through the “uncursed” line.)

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Okay, back to the account of Jesus’ birth.

Even though Mary was due to give birth very soon, she and Joseph were forced to travel to Bethlehem (more than 70 miles).  Were Joseph and Mary remembering Micah 5:2, which says the Messiah would be born in that little town … or were they just concentrating on the grueling trip and Mary’s condition?

They finally made it, and while they were there, she gave birth to Jesus in a lowly stable. (All the inns were full by then.)  She wrapped baby Jesus in swaddling cloths and laid him in an animal’s feed trough.

I love this painting by Gari Melchers, which is probably closer to how it was than our traditional nativity scenes…

Vss. 8-20.

Meanwhile, in the hills outside Bethlehem, there was a group of shepherds watching their sheep.  The animals were probably all snuggled down together, sleeping, while the men sat around a campfire that was fast going out.

THEN AN ANGEL APPEARED!

THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE AROUND THE SHEPHERDS!

They were VERY afraid.

But the angel (could it have been the messenger, Gabriel?) told them,

  • “Fear not, for behold, I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And THIS will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying … in a manger.”

And then, more wonderfully terrifying, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God and saying,

  • “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

And then they were gone, and again it was a dark, silent night.

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us!”

And so they did.  They didn’t search inns, but looked for a stable. (After all, the angel said the baby would be in a feed trough.)  And they FOUND Mary and Joseph and the baby … lying in the manger, just as the angel had said.  They told the couple what had happened out on that hillside.  And Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

And then the shepherds returned to their duties, glorifying and praising God for all they’d seen and heard, as it was told to them.  And everybody who heard their story was in wonder about it.

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Vs. 21.

And at eight days, Jesus was circumcised and officially named JESUS, the name that Gabriel had given to Mary before He was conceived.

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed on Him, would not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/11) Luke 1:67-80

Mar11

A 5-day per week study.

March 11 – Reading Luke 1:67-80

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High.”  Luke 1:76

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The Gospel according to Luke 1:67-80

In the last study, we saw Elizabeth giving birth to a baby boy. Since Zechariah was still mute (and possibly deaf), SHE announced his name at the circumcision ceremony.  He would be JOHN.  Of course, the family objected, saying he should be Zechariah Jr.  Nope!

The old priest took a notepad and clearly wrote out “His name will be called John.”  And immediately Zechariah’s speech returned.  Everyone was excited and eagerly listened to his account of all that had happened in the Temple with the angel, Gabriel.

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Vss. 67-75.

And now, the old priest is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins to speak forth God’s words and prophesy.  (Zech is really happy to be speaking again, I think.)

First, he praises the Lord God of Israel.  He recalls all the promises of God from Abraham onward and tells how God has now fulfilled them.  The LORD God has redeemed His people and raised up a “horn of salvation” in the house of His servant David… just as the prophets foretold.

Then Zecharia looks towards his son, perhaps laying his hand on the baby boy’s head, and by the Holy Spirit says, “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.”

And then, “The sunrise (Messiah) shall visit us from on high to give Light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,  and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

What a benediction!  What a way to end ten months of inability to utter one word!

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Verse 80.

“And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”

Out in the danger and loneliness of the desert, filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, John probably prayed long prayers and recalled the scriptures he’d learned as a youth in a priest’s house. Like Elijah, he was tough and lived on what the desert could supply.

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How did John know when he would begin his ministry and start baptizing and preparing the people for the Messiah?   

We will get into that in Chapter Three, but if you want to peek, see Luke 3;1-3.

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/10) Luke 1:57-66

Mar10

A 5-day per week study.

March 10 – Reading Luke 1:57-66

Read and believe in Jesus.

“What then will this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.”  Luke 1:66

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The Gospel according to Luke 1:57-66

Last time we saw Mary, who was barely pregnant, going to visit Elizabeth, who was already six months along. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb jumped for joy when Mary greeted her. And on hearing that, Mary burst out in a song of praise to the Lord.  What fellowship the women must have had!  Both were being used by God to carry out the “hope of the ages.” Strengthened in the Lord, Mary returned home.

John would be born first and prepare the way.  Then Jesus would come, be baptised by His cousin, and be identified as the Lamb of God.  Both John and Jesus would die at the hands of evil men.  Jesus would rise as Savior of the world.

Elder Elizabeth & teenage Mary; John, a prophet like Elijah, and Jesus, the Son of God. The Messiah!

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Vss. 57-61.

The time finally came for Elizabeth, and she gave birth to a son. All her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown mercy to the aged couple and rejoiced with them.

On the 8th day, when a baby boy would be circumcised and named, Elizabeth broke tradition and said, “He shall be called John.” All the couple’s friends and neighbors were shocked.  First, it was the father’s privilege to name his son; second, the firstborn should be named after his father.  But, remember, Zecheriah had been mute since that time inside the Temple when he’d disbelieved angel Gabriel’s good news.

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Vss 62-66.

Still, the family couldn’t believe Elizabeth’s choice and “made signs” to Zechariah. (Whoa!  Does this mean he was also deaf???)   The old priest called for a notepad and wrote “John.”  And immediately his voice returned and he blessed God!  All were amazed and filled with holy fear.

And these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea.  All who heard the story, “laid them up in their hearts,” saying, “What then will this child be?” for the hand of the Lord was with him.

What indeed will John be?  The next study is Zechariah’s “benediction.” He will tell of the Son of David, and of John, the prophet of the Most High.