Luke 14

We see Jesus in Chapter 14 going to a dinner, healing a sick man and attracting large crowds. Each time, he seizes on what's happening to teach and guide the people. The Pharisees and lawyers are watching him closely in v. 1 while the scene is set for another Sabbath healing, just like in 13:10-17. And as he did there, Jesus simply lays out the case for his actions (v. 2-6). Afterwards, he looks around the dinner table to teach about humility (v. 7-11) and explains that blessings flow to those who act without expecting repayment (v. 12-14). I'd like to hear on Sunday how you feel about these teachings.

By now, the sorts of people he suggests inviting to a reception (v. 13) should sound familiar to you. There are echoes of his ministry's purpose in 4:18-21, punctuated throughout the text by the people Jesus has been helping. He illustrates the idea with a parable about an invitation-only dinner in v. 16-24 that builds on the story told in 13:24-30. The parable again turns on its head people's understanding of God's kingdom (v. 15). The initial guests reject the invitation (v. 18-20) and the man throwing the feast turns to (you guessed it) the poor, crippled, blind, lame (v. 21) -- going so far as to compel them to attend (v. 23). What is this all about? Who are these first invited? Who are the eventual attendees? And why can't those first invited ever come back (v. 24)?

This openness to people on the edges of society must have been appealing, based on the crowds that are again following him (v. 25). But Jesus teaches that there's a cost to being his disciple and he's asking people to take this into consideration before signing on (v. 28-32). His words can be hard to hear, as we've seen before. Don't join up unless you hate your family, and even your own life (v. 26). And, by the way, you may come to a violent, torturous end on a cross at the hands of the authorities (v. 27). This is about total commitment, complete surrender to Jesus -- possessions and all (v. 33). A disciple who doesn't take that step is like salt that has lost its flavor -- useless (v. 34-35). What do you think about these words of Jesus?

Luke 13

When something bad happens to someone, do you think it's a punishment from God? There are passages in the Bible that suggest people held such a view, but in Chapter 13 Jesus breaks the link as he discusses two tragic events (v. 1-5). That's not to say that he lets either the victims of these tragedies or anyone else off the hook. All are sinners in need of repentance who otherwise risk spiritual death (v. 3, 5). Nonetheless, God is patient and gracious with us and Jesus is ready to intercede on our behalf. That's what I draw from the parable in v. 6-9. I'd like to hear on Sunday what you think of this story. What do each of the characters or elements mean or stand for?

Some familiar conflicts and concepts emerge in this chapter. Jesus continues talking about the Kingdom of God (v. 18-21, 28) and encounters more resistance to Sabbath healing (v. 14-17). Jesus' telling of these brief kingdom parables after being attacked for healing is like nudging people into realizing, as in 11:20, that the kingdom "has come upon you." What are verses 18-19 and 20-21 saying about the kingdom? Being part of the kingdom (v. 28) also has a bearing on our spiritual salvation, as Jesus' response to a question (v. 23) indicates. What does Jesus' metaphor about the narrow door and the head of the house eventually shutting it say about being saved? I'd like to hear your thoughts and analysis Sunday. Those who do make it through the door come from across the globe (not just the Jewish people) and are treated to a feast in v. 29 (another kingdom image).

Jesus ends the chapter with a soliloquy about his great love for Jerusalem, tinged with resignation about what he'll face there (v. 33-35). Jesus' words are prophetic, not just about his death. He also speaks about the triumphant entry into Jerusalem (v. 35) and resurrection three days after dying (v. 32).

Come ready to talk about this on Sunday!

Luke 12

Jesus, not quite done with his critique of the Pharisees, warns against their hypocrisy at the start of Chapter 12. Like leaven, it grows, expands and could easily overtake the lives of his disciples if they aren't careful. Throughout the chapter, contrasts are drawn between those, like the Pharisees, who reject Jesus and those who choose to follow him. In the midst of making that point, Jesus speaks in wonderful, folksy terms about just how deeply God knows us and cares for us. Still, he tells us, judgement looms and punishment is awaiting those who disregard the master's will. On Sunday, I'd like to hear what you think about Jesus' words on this topic.

When Jesus mentions hypocrisy (v. 1), he's naming what was earlier described about the Pharisees in 11:37-44. He promises all of that will be revealed (v. 2-3) and seems to be suggesting his followers should fear God, not those religious leaders who could potentially kill them (v. 4-5). Remember, the scribes and Pharisees had become very hostile to Jesus (11:53-54). Jesus may be reflecting on his own impending death, which he has cryptically referred to (9:44 and 11:29), and the future reality that his followers will face persecution (v. 11-12). As Jesus appeals to God's control and sovereignty, we unexpectedly get a tender reminder of his intimate involvement in our lives and the lives of all creation (v. 6-7). This is one of two memorable passages in this chapter about how God cares for us.

In a reference to himself, Jesus notes that deniers of the Son of Man can be forgiven (assuming they repent). But there's a whole other level of deliberate, willful, settled hostility toward him that he terms blaspheming the Holy Spirit which won't be forgiven (v. 10). I wonder which category those who said earlier that Jesus was doing miracles through Beelzebul (11:14-26) would fit into? At any rate, he sets up a contrast between the followers (v. 12) and deniers (v. 10) of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells a sobering parable and gives us an important warning about our possessions when someone in the crowd attempts to inject him into an inheritance dispute. Verse 15's warning about greed is something each of us should consider memorizing, writing down and prominently displaying, or tattooing on our arms! (Actually, Laurel says "No tattoos!") We're all susceptible to this because each of us has so many possessions. The parable in v. 16-21 again reinforces the idea that God's in charge no matter what plans we make. I'd like to hear your thoughts on what it would mean to be "rich toward" God (v. 21).

In v. 22-32, Jesus ties this quest for amassing wealth and security (v. 19) to worry, which he advises against, as well. This beautiful, poetic passage is also a return to God's care for us and is worth lingering on. Re-read it and think more about what the passage says. It speaks about the attitude we need to approach life with as followers of God. It does not in any way absolve us of taking care of, being responsible for or making plans for ourselves. The point is more about becoming obsessed with having "enough." Rather than seeking materials things, seek the kingdom of God (sound familiar?) and the Father will meet your needs (v. 29-31). By the way, the kingdom is a free gift gladly given by him (v. 32). And what to do with those possessions you've already amassed? Jesus gives us an answer in v. 33. What do you think of this admonition? How would selling your possession and giving the proceeds to charity change you?

Another way to think about this, or perhaps another aspect of being a kingdom seeker, is to live with expectation and readiness for the Son of Man's return, as described in the parables of the master and his stewards (v. 35-48). How can we do this? An interesting statement that perhaps speaks of Jesus' mission on earth is in v. 37, which says the master will serve those who remain on the alert. Those who live without that sense of expectation or know the master's will but don't do it, on the other hand, will face punishment (v. 45-47). What do you think of verse 48, that more is required from some? Does this apply to us?

So, we've stopped worrying and are trusting God instead. We've sold our possessions. We're living with expectation of Christ's return and doing his will in our lives. We can live in peace and unity, right? Actually, no, says Jesus, who's come to cast fire upon the earth (v. 49) and create division, even among families (v. 51-53). What's going on here? Give me your thoughts on Sunday.

Jesus then circles back to his theme about hypocrisy, kind of broadening the charge to the whole crowd (v. 54-56). He calls on his listeners to engage their senses, analyze what's happening and use some discernment to choose the right path before it's too late (v. 57-59). As I said earlier, he has contrasted ways to live, expressed the Father's care for people and sounded themes of God's judgement. It won't always be easy to follow Jesus, but he may now be calling on his listeners (including us) to choose if we will.