Category: Luke

Luke 14-15

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Luke 14:

I am sure you see the pattern that either Jesus is healing predominately on the Sabbath to make a point or they are setting Jesus up.  I think this man was placed in the house to test Jesus.  Hostility continues to build between the Pharisees and Jesus.

Two banquettes are discussed: The one refers to recognizing Jesus now and the Great Banquet will be His 2nd coming.    God will exalt those who genuinely humble themselves before him.   All this is being said IN the Pharisee’s house.  YIKES.

Many will refuse the “invitation” to the banquet: Jesus.  They will choose the “world”.

18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

The cost of being a disciple.  The cost should be weighed.  To be truly invested in Him, everything else must come second.  Jesus speaks in exaggeration to make his point.  We MUST be prepared to put Him first at all costs. Furthermore, if you are not willing to be “salty”, you really aren’t worth it.  These are hard precepts to mull over…especially for the people pleasers of the world.

Chapter 15- Could this be the BEST chapter in the Bible??  Three parables, all escalating in value.  Read these NOT from a human perspective but through the heart of God.  If you are a parent then you KNOW you would do ANYTHING for your child.  We look around and see the “lost acting lost” and forget that God loves that person the SAME as He loves you.

  • The Lost Sheep
  • The Lost Coin
  • The lost Son

Read them like you have never read them before and I am certain a new detail will stand out to you. ❤️

Luke 12-13

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Luke 12- I never noticed before how big the crowd had grown:

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Who is Jesus talking to? “I tell you, my friends,…

Yes, there are thousands listening in, hanging on to every word BUT He is talking to the ones that believe already.  You can see how Jesus will talk to both at the same time.  Picture the first one: (I split it by color)

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

I can picture Jesus talking softly to the disciples for they are on the road to be persecuted for the rest of their lives because of the Gospel.  He encourages them with beautiful words ❤️.  Then, I picture Him raising his head and voice higher and louder and saying for this massive crowd –5 But I will show you whom you should fear…

Listen, I am going to bite my tongue BUT if we share Truth without sharing Truth, then it is NOT Truth. (I am probably not making sense).

Your turn:  Can you see Him encouraging believers, but warning unbelievers at the same time

8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

The next section is about possessions.  AGAIN, Jesus is encouraging His disciples who are going to be His missionaries and will give them words of encouragement BUT He has eavesdroppers and He provides a Word for them too.  I say all that because these may be familiar scriptures…that MANY people (me) have used out of context or use it as advice to make it “fit”. I am going to let the ‘possessions’ scriptures speak to you directly.   I don’t want to mess up any personal message the Lord has for you.

Watchfulness-

The next parable is so harsh to hear that even Peter says:

41 Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”

This passage is about the interval between Jesus’s ascension and his return (the church age…us). While Jesus is absent all need to be ready and watching for His return, but we will not know the day.  By the time you get to Verse 43, Jesus focuses on our responsibility of taking care of each other.  Irresponsible behavior will be punished and responsible behavior will be rewarded.

47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

All punishment will not be equal because those who are entrusted with more responsibility and knowledge are held to a higher standard.  WE live in a country that allows us access to the scriptures.  We know HIs will.   We are held to a higher standard.

Sharing the Truth will offend.  That is not an excuse for not sharing it with family.  I am guilty of that!  Knowing it will divide my family is the excuse.  Jesus warns us of that.

Jesus already told us that we will know not the day of His return so we must be ready BUT that doesn’t mean we ignore the fulfillment of the prophecies.

7 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

If a person were going to court, knowing he could lose his case and spend time in jail, he would definitely try to reconcile his offense on the way to court. NO DOUBT.  So if someone is under the fear of judgment they should reconcile with the Lord while there is still time!

Chapter 13

So evidently Pilate had some people killed AT the Temple (not sure why they didn’t see the problem with that if they had read the Law of Moses….AND some people died from an architectural error.  They questioned, “did this happen because they were REALLY bad sinners”. Jesus is quick to say NO!  But then follows with the “Turn or Burn”. “Go Right or you will be LEFT”.  LOL.

“Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”  Great question!

I have heard people say “We all take different roads that lead to God” meaning different “world religions”.   That is TRUE!  ALL roads lead to God because we will all see his face at the final judgment!

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’

“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’

Luke 10-11 and John 10:22-42

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Luke: If you look at this outline you can see where we are in Luke.  Luke 1-3 was the advent of the Messiah.  Then we saw His identity through His Miracles.  Next, we will sit at his feet and listen to his teaching as we close in on His last 6 months. The Gospel According to LUKE The Master Teacher. The Gospel According to Luke The Author: Luke Writes to Theophilus (Greek) –Genealogy goes back to Adam. - ppt download

70 men are sent out (some manuscripts say 72). We had the 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and Jesus sent out the 12 apostles with instructions to minister to the Jewish people.

Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Now Jesus sends 70 to the surrounding nations.

Luke 24:46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

In Genesis, there were 70 nations established, 70 descendants of Jacob that went to Egypt, and then 70 Elders that were chosen to lead (in Numbers) which is where the Jewish Council got the number to have 70 leaders in the Sanhedrin.

They were sent in pairs for companionship, protection, and to adhere to the law of having a witness if needed.  After all, they were being sent to the wolves!  The message/advice given to the 70 was the same message given to the 12 so it may sound very familiar

  • Go!
  • travel light (God will provide for your needs)
  • Be careful and aware of your surroundings
  • Always offer Peace when entering a home
  • If they promote Peace back: ’ 6 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 
    • the food set before the disciples, in whatever town they might visit, could possibly include ceremonially unclean food. Jesus had already discussed what goes into our body does not make us unclean, but what comes out of our mouth.
  • Heal the sick…THEN minister to them.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Jesus ends with these words as they are LOOKING at Jesus:

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan.  I hope now that you have all the context, you read this story with fresh eyes and look at the deeper meaning than “just be a good Samaritan”

  • Jesus was being tested by an “expert in the law” so we know his question was a trap
  • So Jesus turns the question back on the “expert”
  • ALL the law can be summarized as“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Look at the 10 Commandments, they are divided into- honoring God and honoring others.
  • So Jesus says:“Do this and you will live.”
    • The whole point was Jesus was saying “you can’t”. Go read the 10 commandments and cross off all the ones you have personally broken. Oh my…were more crossed off than you thought?? Romans:23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
  • I feel like this parable sounds like a joke you would tell “A priest, a Levite,  and someone you don’t like to walk into a bar…😂  Anyway, after this awesome parable, PURPOSELSY using a samaritan in the example because the Jewish “experts” hated the Samarians.
    • I have all the past scriptures about Loving your enemy running through my brain…
    • A priest and a Levite were used in this account because they had created a legal system of making laws to protect the laws that they thought they really COULD safeguard anyone from breaking the Law.  EVEN if they protected the laws that we do on the “outside”, how can someone be sinless in their heart or their thoughts?  I mean could we go a day (or an hour if you were me) without a thought of judgment, jealousy, idolatry…(OK, an hour was a long shot…)
  • Now go back and read that section again:  WHO is the Good Samaritan?? (By the way it’s not me or you, sorry)
    • took pity
    • took care of his wounds
    • anointed him with oil
    • paid for him
    • says he will return
    • 🤔

Mary and Marth-in Bethany.  Look at both maps.  You will see that Bethany is just 2 miles Southeast of Jerusalem.

Bethphage - Mount of Olives - Jerusalem - Israel and You | Mount of olives, Bethany, Bethany israel

 

Map and History of Israel at the time of Jesus Christ

The home of Mary and Martha.  Have you heard a sermon on this?  Now read it.  Sit quietly.  Listen for God to bring a thought to your mind about where you are in this story.  😍

Luke 11:  When you turn the page and you see that we have read the synoptic gospel in the same account what should you do?  READ IT CLOSER.

  • its a great time to say “Hmm I don’t understand that, I better research or ask
  • you might say “that is amazing in context now”
  • you WILL see things you didn’t see in last week’s reading for sure
  • now it might be less educational and more personal to you

Did any particular WOE stop you in your tacks??  Feel free to write in the comments 😒   use a fake name if you have to!

John: Start paying attention to His presence in Judea, being accused of the crime of blasphemy (who He is), and then retreating to ‘safe’ territory.  It was a crime in Judea to claim He was God, but not outside the region.  So he retreats to a region He cannot be arrested because the time has not come!  BUT if Jesus came first for the Jew and then for the Gentile, He will need to be accused from both.  So what will the crime be in the Gentile region? If you don’t know then I guess you will have to keep reading.  He dies for both so He will be accused by both.

Have a wonderful day.  I am glad you read today even if it is days or weeks behind schedule.  I leave with this wonderful scripture from John:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9:28-62

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Seven days later they had walked from Caesarea Philippi to Mt. Tabor (possibly).His Face Shone Like the Sun The Transfiguration

 About a week after Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and be raised to life, He took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray.  We talked about the disciples and their faith last week. They had faith but they always had some doubt in his power and authority.  Jesus took them aside to show them He was the son of the living God! He was God in the flesh.  I picture it like He “unzipped” his skin to show them that He was fully man but fully God too!

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/17/bb/23/17bb23507f5a2aa4278274c9302d6a2f.jpg | Transfiguration of jesus, Pictures of jesus christ, Jesus pictures

Peter, not knowing what he was saying fully (easy for us, we have hindsight 20/20) and being very fearful, offered to put up three shelters for them. This is a reference to the booths that were used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles when the Israelites dwelt in booths for 7 days. Peter was expressing a wish to stay in that place.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). But God’s voice from heaven – “Listen to Him!” – clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old – He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form, they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The disciples never forgot what happened that day on the mountain and no doubt this was intended.  In 2 Peter 1, he wrote:

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Not all the disciples were at the transfiguration so in the following story the disciples still did not have “full faith”.

16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

These men were given healing powers!    (Here is a scripture directed to the disciples that I think many of us take ut of context)

20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

In Mark, it ends 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”  

The disciples could not heal him because they thought “they” could heal him.  No, they need to come to God, so that the healing was from Him, for His Glory.

Temple Tax:  Oh I love this!  So temple tax was to be paid yearly (about 2 days wages) every year for Temple maintenance.  When Kings collected taxes their children were exempt from paying it.  So SHOULD Jesus be required to pay it?  NO, He was the son of God.  But does He?  YES.    Jesus did not come to break the Law, not a single one.  As Christ-followers, in His family, are we REQUIRED to give?  NO, should we? YES.  When we do, God is faithful to provide it.

Luke: We have an extra story that says:

51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.

  1.  my heart sank on verse 51…the time is near…
  2.  we know now that the Samaritans and the Jews did not like each other…
  3. James and John.  Bless their hearts..did they really say do you want “us”.  (Oh my, who did they think they are)

BUT this is the very reason God chose them to be in the inner circle.  The spirit would be needed for the mission ahead.  James will be the first disciple to lose his life for the Lord, and John will be the last.

Matt 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

The first line alone should say it all:

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from Heaven.

Let me phrase that in another way, so you get it ” Trump and Biden came together….”  That’s how controversial this is!  The Pharisees and Sadducees are opposite parties! However, together they should know the sign of the times they are in!  They witnessed miracles, but they want to see something different, some sign from Heaven. (They will….it’s the sign of Jonah, after 3 days He will rise again)

Then the Bread story:

7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”

Bless!!!  Really???

They did have faith, BUT they didn’t have the FULL faith that was needed yet to participate in Jesus’ ministry.

BEWARE OF THE YEAST OF PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES | Into the Sacred Hills of Jade

So what would be an example of the “yeast” that the Pharisees and Sadducees would teach that could rise up in you?  (Yeast synonymous with sin).  Well, if you go back to yesterday’s post you could probably put it together.  The Pharisees would preach legalism, tradition, and works (sounds like some familiar teachings today).  The Sadducees were more political and believed in self-preservation, status, and money-very “worldly.”  (Also very familiar teachings).  Just a little of either teaching is like yeast and would rise up in us and eventually take over our doctrine.

Caesarea Philippi is near the foot of Mount Hermon, it became the religious center for worship of the Greek god, Pan (you may have seen the images, half-man,  half-goat, plays the “pan” flute).  Caesarea Philippi was a place to worship Greek gods.  In the cliff that stood above the city, local people built shrines and temples to gods and to worship Caesar (thus the name of the city).

To the pagan mind, the cave at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld, where fertility gods lived during the winter. The pagans of Jesus’ day commonly believed that their fertility gods lived in the underworld during the winter and returned to earth each spring. They saw water as a symbol of the underworld and thought that their gods traveled to and from that world through caves. They believed that this city was literally at the gates of the underworld: the gates of hell. In order to entice the return of their god, Pan, each year, the people of Caesarea Philippi engaged in horrible deeds, including prostitution and sexual interaction between humans and goats.

When the Gates of Hell Prevail over the Church - The Meaning of Catholic

Many were saying Jesus was John the Baptist (well they got that from Herod who was freaking out that JB had come back from the dead to get revenge), others say He was Elijah (the Prophet foretold he would to pave the way and he has not had an earthly death yet),  and some said Jeremiah (both were called before birth, a prophet to the nations, spoke of the temple destruction, and wept for Jerusalem).

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in Heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Peter said he believed Jesus was “the Christ,” the Messiah that the Old Testament prophesied.  Matthew’s only use of Peter’s full name here, “Simon Peter,” highlights the significance of the declaration.  Peter further defined Jesus as “the Son of the living God.” Peter’s great confession here was an important benchmark in their understanding and faith.

18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Which Rock?? The one they are standing on?  On Peter (his name means “Rock)”? Or what Peter said?

He is going to build His church on what Peter professed (the first mention of the word Church).  Jesus is going to build the Church on those who say I am The Christ.  That is a Cornerstone of a Rock!

“and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

ANOTHER reason Jesus chose THIS place to compare and contrast His Message with the “gates to the underworld he was standing on”

Jesus then predicts his:

  • Suffering
  • Death
  • 3rd day Resurrection

Now, this will not make complete sense to the Disciples, BUT when it happens, it will take them from “little faith” to that “Servant Faith!”

Get behind me Satan!

He was NOT calling Peter Satan.  He was however recalling when He was tempted in the desert.  Peter did not WANT this to happen, but Jesus reminds him we must die to self.  It is what The Lord will do.

 

Sorry if Typos!!  I was up late.

Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9:1-17

~ Patricia ~ 4 Comments

The beheading of John.  (I particularly like the Mark version the best, some cool extra info was stated)

Click here to see this bigger or print it.

  1. Herod the Great is the Herod that was alive when Jesus was born (decreed all the babies be killed in hoping the one born called ‘king of the jews’ would perish.  Fat chance!
  2. Herod Philip– 1st husband to Herodias
  3. Herodias-seduced by #6 Herod Antipas (a ruler)- her uncle and married him.
  4. The JB
  5. Salome- daughter of Philip and Herodias (1st marriage) and a pole dancer!  She was seducing Herod Antipas!  (she marries her great uncle #8)

With this visual, the story should make sense.  If you have any questions let me know.

The feeding of the 5,000 men and their wives and children.  (A lot!)

Aside from the resurrection, the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. To feed 5,000+ people with five loaves and two fish is miraculous!  Click here for a handout.

Jesus’ disciples had wanted to send the people away because the evening was approaching and they were in a remote place. But Christ had a better idea: “You give them something to eat”.  At this point, the disciples should have recalled the many miracles they had seen Jesus do AND the Missions discourse. In John 6 (when we get there) we will see  Andrew show doubt? (Bless his heart) And Philip will say “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (We always think of $$)

Amazingly, the entire multitude was fed with that small meal. Jesus provided “as much as they wanted” (in John) and “they all ate and were satisfied” (in Matthew). Christ did not just meet the need; He lavished them with so much food that there were “twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish” leftover.

There is a foreshadowing of this miracle in 2 Kings. Elisha told his servant to feed the people gathered there, although there was not enough food for the hundred men. One of the men said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” (2 Kings 4:42–44) In the end, however, the men not only had enough to eat but “they ate and had some left”.

What a test for the apostles who were to walk the baskets to the people and have faith that there would be enough, but an even bigger test for us today.  God will shatter the pint-sized expectations of what we as followers can do.

(Reminds me of when I pray and then say under my breath…yeah, like that will ever happen!  Ohhhh such little faith!)

Jesus walks on water- I know many of you have read a commentary on this, or have been given an encouraging word through the church with this account but for our purposes, look at the chronological standpoint.   The apostle’s mission has been given.  They are going to go into the region to proclaim the kingdom of God.  They must have FULL faith in who Jesus is.  When Jesus fed the 5,000+ they still had little faith.  Again Jesus shows his authority

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

In Matthew it said:

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

I hope each day you read familiar stories new. 😁

Matthew 13, Luke 8

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

Parable means “cast alongside”.  A parable is an analogy alongside a Truth to make it relatable.    Chapter 13 has 7 parables.  The first parable is about whether or not we understand the rest of the parables.  Who will understand these parables…depends on the soil.

The prophet Isaiah was quoted.  Just like in the day of the prophets, the message was not received, many of this generation will not either.

13 This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

14 In them is fulfilled(L) the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise, they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

OK, this is going to be a little hard to grasp  BUT it is important that some hearts were calloused and rejected the Word.  If they had all understood it, their hearts would turn and they would not need the Messiah to die on the Cross for both Jew and the Gentile.   The Providence of knowing ahead of time who will and who will not hear and see is for God’s glory and He uses that so Jesus will be rejected.

The parable of the Soils is told, then Jesus explains in Isaiah many will not understand them, then in verses 18-23, Jesus explains WHY many won’t understand it. 

So now what?  The Word of God is the seed- some seed will grow, some will begin to grow, and some with never grow.  So in this world, what would that look like?  Well, the parables of the weeds explain it to us. The fruit-bearing plants and the weeds will live in the same garden.  At the time of Harvest (Final Judgment), they will be separated.

The parables are explained.  Some listeners will understand the parable and some will understand the explanation.  Just like some of us are audible learners and some are visuals.

The parables are paired together:

The Mustard Seed and the Yeast indicate that what is small or hidden now (Jesus) the Kingdom of heaven seems insignificant, but there will come a time when it will be unmistakable and all-encompassing.  His plan is completely laid out.  The End times will come.

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

The parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl.  We live such “worldly” lives.  We grossly underestimate the value of the kingdom.

The parable of the net.  Listen.  The truth will offend many.  This is a hard parable to read.  On the day of Judgement, the net will be cast.  The fish will be separated.  There is no banter or pleading with God about all the good “things” you did in life.  There will be a final judgment.

So what was the soil??? Did they understand??  

51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

NO, THEY DID NOT!  If they had they wouldn’t have asked whose He was (son, brother, friend, occupation.... but WHO He IS.

 Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

As you jump into Luke 8 and read these parables, don’t read them as you may have heard them at church.  I myself have thrown around scripture out of context…a lamp on a stand.  Jesus is the Lamp…He will reveal what is hidden.   Who is Jesus’ family??  Believers!

NOW let’s get to the best part.  Jesus calms the storm!!  I have hears this story spun 100 times for application.  BUT now that you read Matthew 13 and how it ended…what is the most important line??  Not whose is He…who is his mother? His father?  BUT…..

In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

NOW we are getting somewhere!!!!

I am going to save the next 2 stories when they are in the other Gospels so that you have time to soak up the parables and re-read them if needed.

Matthew 12:22-50, Luke 11

~ Patricia ~ 1 Comment

Click here to read

I am going to jump down to scripture we already talked about (I posted a video on it the other day).

31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

EVERY sin can be forgiven.  You can be mad at the Lord and even say something at that moment in anger.  He WILL forgive you.  HOWEVER, to not acknowledge that God works through Jesus by the Holy Spirit is not forgivable.   If you deny the ‘power’ of Christ– as Lord- it cannot be forgiven.  Many many great people of this world do not believe in the healing and saving power of the Lord.

The Pharisees denied this so strongly that they went as far as saying the power is from the Devil.  Oh no you di’nt!!

Have you ever panicked and thought…” what if I am missing something…what if on the day of my death I THOUGHT I was going to Heaven and was wrong??”  When I became a Christian this was a HUGE concern.  I still sometimes think those thoughts.   BUT The Lord is quick to tell me “Don’t question it…even though you are still a hot mess!  There is proof”.

Verse 33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

I just need to examine my fruit (not works).  If the Lord changed the tree so that it can bear fruit-it will!   (If you don’t see fruit…well….)  So here is my proof: There were SIGNIFICANT changes in me that were not there when I was a fruitless tree.  Your proof is the fruit that HE grows…   (so that I cannot boast about it!)

Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,es and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I am often in a situation where I feel or see something “different” because I am seeing it differently, I immediately will say out loud “Well, that’s evidence in my Salvation, the “old” me would have handled that very differently”.  FRUIT!

The sign of Jonah!

38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

What in Sam Hill??  He JUST healed a demon-possessed blind mute man!  So Jesus responds to this generation of people- 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

This is the FIRST reference Jesus makes to his death and burial that is to come.  He will be buried for 3 days- when that happens they will think back to this parable and KNOW that the sign was given.

Luke 11-

Look at verse 5, then 9, then 11.

5 : a parable about the father who does not want to get out of bed to give them bread.  This is not a comparison parable this is a contrast parable.  Is this our view of prayer? A Father that does not want to help us? So he says:

7: “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11: So after reading verse 7 there is the comparison parable.  A father that wants to respond to our prayer.  This is how we should see our requests.  He is a father that wants to bless up…why would He give us less?

Verse 37 (my favorite part)

Woes to the Pharisees and to the Scribes.

  •  You look good on the outside but are a mess inside!
  •  You ritualistically gave your tithe BUT you neglected justice
  •  You are prideful and love the praise of looking so “religious”
  •  An unmarked grave- They always painted graves so that people wouldn’t touch them and become unclean.  THEY are the unmarked graves and actually corrupting the people near them.
  • They made laws about the laws…no one could follow.
  • Their ancestors rejected prophets….this generation will reject THE prophet…Jesus.
  • Verse 52 was the one I focused on
    • 52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”
    • The Word of God:  Changing/watering down/tweaking/adding to it/taking parts away….Changing the Bible in any way changes a lot and could absolutely hinder someone else’s Salvation.
    • We hear friends, family, bible study leaders, Pastors change the Bible all the time in the “slightest way”.  I think we need to remember that Satan did that in the Wilderness.

 

Matthew 8:1-13 and Luke 7

~ Patricia ~ 1 Comment

Yesterday Jesus spoke teaching his disciples the Beatitudes (the poor in spirit, those that mourn, the meek…), today we see the example in actions.  First, the leper.

2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

The focus is not on the healing but on Faith.  Once again, he instructs him to comply with the ceremonial law BUT also tells him not to tell anyone.  Jesus will make his own public declaration when it is time (The Passover).

Next, a Centurion is a highly ranked, wealthy member of the Roman Army with 80-100 men in his command.  More importantly, he is a Gentile.    The Jews had 2000 years of scriptures about the Lord healing or saving them.   Yet, they did not believe.  The Centurion approaches Jesus in an attitude of submission and great faith but he also recognizes Jesus’ authority under The Lord.

In the Luke account of this story, you can see clearly that this powerful military leader, who is used to saying “jump” and people say “how high” comes before him so unworthy and humble that he sent others on his behalf.  The Centurion is making a public profession of Faith. (very risky if word got back to Rome)

9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

Before we go any further, you need to know that these healings are for a testimony that is going to be needed for John the Baptist.    Just pay attention to the sequence so far so people can be a witness for John.

The widow’s son- a story about God’s compassion on us when we don’t even ask.  Without even being asked, Jesus restores Life.  I don’t call it a resurrection, because that would entail a new glorified body. However, Jesus restores the life of a widow’s son just as John the Baptist restored the life of a widow’s son in 1 Kings 17. Click here to read.  That is why the crowd said:

16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. (as a prophet-Elijah)

John the Baptist is sitting in prison for rebuking Herod.  Herod had lured his brother’s (Philip) wife  (Herodias)away from him and was put in prison for it.  Recalling the scriptures, his expectations of the Messiah to come was to “set the captives free”, as it states in Isaiah 61:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,

Well…in all fairness to John…he is captive…when is the Messiah going to set him free.  Jesus has a testimony for John to put him at ease.

22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Elijah continually quoted from Isaiah so Jesus reassures him with that testimony since it meshed together several Isaiah quotes “He spoke his language”

Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind will see.

Isaiah 35:5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

Isaiah 35:6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.

After the messengers left, Jesus speaks to the crowds about John: he did not come in fine clothes (like a king) with something to gain but he came as The Prophet to pave the way for the Lord.  His role as a Prophet-no other role is greater.  BUT the people who humble themselves and come to the Lord-they are greater than the role!  Then he tells them that this generation will never be satisfied- John came poor in spirit and they called him a demon because of his strong message of repentance-he was too conservative for them.  Then Jesus, the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’-too liberal for them.  They would never be satisfied!

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman | Daily Bible Readings

The last story has so many details:  If I hear about this story elsewhere most people concentrate on the expense of the perfume, the anointing as a foreshadowing of his death to come,  or her “loose” lifestyle since she was so casual to let he hair down. (All true) But I want to look at some other details:

  • Why did the Pharisee have Jesus for dinner?  Because it was customary? To question him? Curiosity? To show off his famous guest?  I am not sure…but what I am sure about is the Phariss did not respect Jesus from the moment He walked in. If he had he would have :
    • Offered him water
    • anointed His head
    • washed His feet

But she did ❤.

  • The Pharisee said TO HIMSELF (not even out loud):“If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”He concludes that Jesus is not the Prophet people were claiming Him to be, because to a Pharisee,  letting a sinful person touch you made you “spiritually unclean”. Well, I say thank Heavens the Pharisee didn’t kiss him on the cheeks like he was supposed to when he entered!! Ha!    Talk about a plank in his eye!

47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Read this carefully.  She was not forgiven because she loved Jesus.  She loved Jesus because she was forgiven. (for much)

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” (they still question this as Blasphemy….who does he think he is??? God??)   Ummmmmvyup.

50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  (To the Pharisees this was Ludacris! She is a sinner…she probably even works on the sabbath!)

Matthew 12:1-21, Mark 3, Luke 6

~ Patricia ~ 1 Comment

Matthew 12:1-21  We read again about the Pharisees watching intently for Jesus to break the Law of Moses (He never does.  He clarifies it).  Again,  we see Jesus point out the lack of priority in the Pharisees.  Jesus does not critique them for their desire to keep the Sabbath, he points out that the Sabbath is for the work of the Lord.

Jesus then speaks to the onlookers and quotes AGAIN from Isaiah 42.  The quote confirms that He is the servant of the Lord who will bring justice not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles. (I bet the Pharisees gasped when Jesus said “to the nations”)

18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21     In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Mark 3-

The crowd-  8 When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. The area is noted because it points out that the crowd is Jewish (Judea and Jerusalem), Intermarried (Idumean and the Transjordan), and Gentiles (Tyre and Sidon). 

The chosen 12- (just like the 12 tribes of Israel)-  All 4 Gospels list them.  By the way, do you know why He calls them the Sons of Thunder?  If not we will get there.  They crack me up!

How did the Twelve Apostles die? - Where did the Apostles die? | NeverThirsty

22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.”-

Fun Fact time:  Beelzebub is the Greek form of the name Baal-zebub, a pagan Philistine god we read about in 2 Kings 1.  This god is “The lord of the flies”.  After the time of the Philistines, the Jews changed the meaning to “lord of dung” and “the lord of filth”. As a result, Beelzebub was used by the Jews as a reference to Satan.  Now go back and reread verse 22.  Jesus responds with (I will paraphrase)- “That’s not even logical you idiots-is he fighting himself??”. Then, and don’t miss it…a PROFOUND Statement!

28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

I fell upon this video and thought it explained it perfectly.   If you need clarity on the above scripture– click here.

My mother is a “sort of” practicing catholic.  (Ash Wednesday and Chrismas Eve Midnight Mass)-  So years ago, my mentor used to strategically point me to the scriptures when I would “wrestle” over topics.  Soooo, not my finest moment when I was talking to my own mother over the controversial topic of “The Virgin Mary” having children after Jesus.  I calmly said, “let’s look at Mark 3:31”.  She told me that was an error in the book.  My response was not so godly 😵.

Luke 6 (I am jumping over the first 16 verses)- Is this a portion of the Sermon on the Mount? (Sermon on the Plain?).  I am not sure.  But look who Jesus is directly talking to (with others listening in):

20 Looking at his disciples, he said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
    for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
    for you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you when people hate you,
    when they exclude you and insult you
    and reject your name as evil,
        because of the Son of Man.

It is important you don’t take this out of context and “generalize it”.

There is a NOW and WHAT WILL BE

  • Poor (because of the Son of Man)- in eternity the Kingdom will be yours
  • Hungry (because of the Son of Man)-in eternity you will be satisfied
  • Weeping (because of the Son of Man)-in eternity you will laugh

Dear 12 Disciples (and anyone who is listening in on this speech then or reading the Bible today),

if you follow me people will hate you, exclude you, and insult you because of the Son of Man (if you are doing your job)- you will be Blessed.

Sincerely, 

Jesus

Jesus gives them 4 direct examples that elaborate on what it means to follow Him: (get an ice-pack ready…this might beat you up a little)

  • Love for enemies- (do not seek revenge!)  Why???? 
    • Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
  • Do not judge others, rather work on your own sins first THEN you will be more Christ-like to minister to others.
    • 41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank (like a telephone pole Patricia!) in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Verse 45: Listen, I am not going to preach BUT in the South, we say “What’s in the well, comes up in the bucket”.  Jesus said: ” For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”   

Are you icing your wounds?

Listen, this is where the rubber meets the road.  Now that we are in the New Testament- what are you going to do with it???

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 Press pause while I get some bandaids on this) As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”