Key Greek words this week:
υἱός huios, hwee-AHS; son. Jesus is the son of Mary and Joseph, but more importantly, He is the son of God. In the spiritual context, "son of" means the "essence of"
αἰνέω aineō, eye-NAY-oh ; I praise.
υἱός huios, hwee-AHS; son. Jesus is the son of Mary and Joseph, but more importantly, He is the son of God. In the spiritual context, "son of" means the "essence of"
αἰνέω aineō, eye-NAY-oh ; I praise.
LUKE CHAPTER 1
Verses 1-4
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
Luke starts off in a scholarly way. The first four verses are one sentence in the original Greek, and if you followed the language in those days, his style for this first sentence is written in a very high-toned scholastic way. The rest of the book, Luke writes in everyday language, so that everyone can understand this easily.
These first four verses could be written in today's language like this: "Since there have been many writers who have written about the things Jesus did, since they were told to them who were eyewitnesses of Him, I figured it would be good for me to do the same thing as well. I went through some serious investigation and wrote in a chronological, orderly fashion to you, one who loves God. This is written so that your faith may be based on fact."
Verses 1-4
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
Luke starts off in a scholarly way. The first four verses are one sentence in the original Greek, and if you followed the language in those days, his style for this first sentence is written in a very high-toned scholastic way. The rest of the book, Luke writes in everyday language, so that everyone can understand this easily.
These first four verses could be written in today's language like this: "Since there have been many writers who have written about the things Jesus did, since they were told to them who were eyewitnesses of Him, I figured it would be good for me to do the same thing as well. I went through some serious investigation and wrote in a chronological, orderly fashion to you, one who loves God. This is written so that your faith may be based on fact."
LUKE WROTE MORE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT THAN ANY OTHER WRITER. Luke is a physician, and is accustomed to doing research in order to find out the cause and effect of a disease. He is used to asking questions of his patients in order to get to the bottom of an issue. Luke uses the same approach here: If this Jesus is real, where is He from? Why is He considered God? What proof do you have? Did anyone see His miracles?
Luke finishes his research and presents his findings, and he is so convinced that he says it is good news ("Gospel"). He is so convinced of the great conclusion to this salvation quest, that he keeps using the term gospel in his writings - ten times in this book and fifteen more in the book of Acts, his other book. The other Gospel books only use this term once, so you can see where Luke's emphasis is. In these two volumes - the twenty-four chapters of the gospel of Luke and in the twenty-eight chapters of the book of Acts - he doesn't go into an autobiography of himself and his vast adventures; rather he leaves his name totally out and he points to Christ's life here on Earth, from the angelic announcement of His birth to His ascension into Heaven.
Luke finishes his research and presents his findings, and he is so convinced that he says it is good news ("Gospel"). He is so convinced of the great conclusion to this salvation quest, that he keeps using the term gospel in his writings - ten times in this book and fifteen more in the book of Acts, his other book. The other Gospel books only use this term once, so you can see where Luke's emphasis is. In these two volumes - the twenty-four chapters of the gospel of Luke and in the twenty-eight chapters of the book of Acts - he doesn't go into an autobiography of himself and his vast adventures; rather he leaves his name totally out and he points to Christ's life here on Earth, from the angelic announcement of His birth to His ascension into Heaven.
LUKE 10 (special thanks to Bible educator Victor Rouse of Fires of Evangelism)
THE BIBLICAL EXPERT WHO FACED JESUS AND LEARNED A REAL VALUABLE LESSON...
This "lawyer (scholar in the Biblical Law of the First Testament) wanted to pin down Jesus by testing Him.
And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he answered, “You shall 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 your neighbor as yourself.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
The lawyer is asking if this "neighbor" worthy of his effort. Is my neighbor educated? Rich? poor? Beautiful? Can I get anything out of this? Will they pay me back?
Are they worthy?
Jesus gives a story that doesn't seem to answer the question... in fact He tells a story and then HE asks the lawyer a question to answer!
Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
Who is the greatest thief? John 10:1 says that the one who frustrates the salvation entrance is the Enemy himself. He stole man's identity, authority, paradise, even his perfect marriage. He stole man's fellowship with God.
There is also another thief: religion. Verse 8 "any other way is a thief and a robber. No religion will suffice; it will take away a God-given conscience, dignity, worth,and value. Rituals and liturgy take away from the pursuit of God.
1 Peter 2:11 talk about lusts which war against the soul. 2 Peter 2:10 talks of another thief that takes away through lust. Verse 14 and 18 give the warring of the lust of the flesh. There is no liberty as they claim, but bondage. The thief is a kidnapper and wants to rule over our minds and bodies. Addictions and obsessions take away by robbing, stealing and even killing.
The question is NOT "who is my neighbor?" but the question is "are YOU a neighbor?"
No the Priest (religious man) or Levite (religious by title and tradition) but a nobody - a Samaritan. HE SAW THE NEED. Acts 7 tells of Moses going to help someone who was in need. Acts 3:
And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.
Lamentations 3 says "My eyes bring pain to my soul..." Seeing people in need brings pain in compassion. This is like the Samaritan.
John 4:35 exhorts Christians to "lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest..." Look and realize and see the need.
NOTE: the Smaritan not only looked and analyzed, but he did something about it. He got involved. He gave of himself!
What was this lawyer's problems? He didn't want to get involved. Luke 11:45-46: One of the lawyers *said to Him in reply, “Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too.” But He said, “Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers."
NOTE: The Samaritan gave immediate care...
... and then some long term care.
We should reach people with the Gospel and then get them help in care by getting them with fellow believers (which you might call a church). A true neighbor helps now and in the future.
And he can use nobodies like us if we are willing to act.
LUKE 12
JESUS WANTS PEOPLE TO SIT DOWN AND CONSIDER SALVATION IN A COMMON SENSE WAY
Verses 57-59 have a great thought-provoking challenge from the Messiah Himself:
“And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right? For while you are going with your opponent to appear before the magistrate, on your way there make an effort to settle with him, so that he may not drag you before the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent.”
Put this another way:
"Don't you have common sense enough to know justice, and also how to deal fairly in today's court system. While you are facing charges and are hearing to court, wouldn't you try to settle out of court first before you have to face a judge? You can reason with him and get peace settled and never have to face, the judge, right? The judge may go harsh on you, and the bailiff will hand you over to guards who will throw you in prison where you'll stay until you pay you full debt to society."
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?
Very simple. Jesus is talking common sense to the unsaved. Wouldn't it make sense to settle with God out of court and become His friend, rather than face Him in court where He is judge... and still your enemy? If God does find you guilty - and without settling with Him ahead of the judgment, He will indeed find you guilty - you will stay in punishment until you have paid the last lepton. Now, how long will that be? Forever, because you cannot pay for your sin - you have nowhere near the resources to save your own soul. Don't get caught in the courtroom of Justice - seek God's mercy through Jesus Christ and "settle out of court."
JESUS WANTS PEOPLE TO SIT DOWN AND CONSIDER SALVATION IN A COMMON SENSE WAY
Verses 57-59 have a great thought-provoking challenge from the Messiah Himself:
“And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right? For while you are going with your opponent to appear before the magistrate, on your way there make an effort to settle with him, so that he may not drag you before the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent.”
Put this another way:
"Don't you have common sense enough to know justice, and also how to deal fairly in today's court system. While you are facing charges and are hearing to court, wouldn't you try to settle out of court first before you have to face a judge? You can reason with him and get peace settled and never have to face, the judge, right? The judge may go harsh on you, and the bailiff will hand you over to guards who will throw you in prison where you'll stay until you pay you full debt to society."
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?
Very simple. Jesus is talking common sense to the unsaved. Wouldn't it make sense to settle with God out of court and become His friend, rather than face Him in court where He is judge... and still your enemy? If God does find you guilty - and without settling with Him ahead of the judgment, He will indeed find you guilty - you will stay in punishment until you have paid the last lepton. Now, how long will that be? Forever, because you cannot pay for your sin - you have nowhere near the resources to save your own soul. Don't get caught in the courtroom of Justice - seek God's mercy through Jesus Christ and "settle out of court."
LUKE 17:31-37
THIS PASSAGE TALKS ABOUT THE TIME WHEN JESUS CHRIST COMES BACK... AS TOLD BY JESUS HIMSELF
On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. There will be two women grinding at the same place; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other will be left.”] And answering they said to Him, “Where, Lord?” And He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will be gathered.”
In John 17 Jesus is praying and says to the Father, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You..." That's what the return of Christ will be about: giving glory to God and to Jesus." In addition, verse 24 Jesus prays "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me..."
This is the central point of the Gospel. We Christians want Jesus to be glorified above all. We want to see the glory of God. God is to be glorified.
The return of Jesus is not just seeing explosions and huge events and people running around... it's about Jesus ultimately being glorified.
The entire world will see when Jesus comes. The Christians will be looking for it. All sorts of people from all over the world will come to salvation. Jesus will come "as a surprise", so to speak. Even though there have been hints and signs throughout history, when Jesus comes, many will be caught off-guard. And very importantly, the return will show where people's hearts really are:
“On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it."
This is just like the warning in Matthew 24:
"then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will."
And in Luke 21:21:
"Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave..."
Now back here in Luke 17, it says "On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back."
Don't go back to your selfish possessions. Don't go back and get things that would hinder you. If you go back, it will reveal what you love, like in 1 John 2:15: "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." There is no future in this world; it will all undergo judgment. This passage in Luke 17 is talking bout the attitude you should have, to leave all the things of this world behind. "Turn back" is the key - remember Lot's wife. She looked back (Genesis 19) in desire for the things of her worldly possessions. She was about to be saved, but then turned back to her own ways - and she did not get delivered. Her heart was in Sodom, and that's what judged her.
THIS PASSAGE TALKS ABOUT THE TIME WHEN JESUS CHRIST COMES BACK... AS TOLD BY JESUS HIMSELF
On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. There will be two women grinding at the same place; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other will be left.”] And answering they said to Him, “Where, Lord?” And He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will be gathered.”
In John 17 Jesus is praying and says to the Father, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You..." That's what the return of Christ will be about: giving glory to God and to Jesus." In addition, verse 24 Jesus prays "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me..."
This is the central point of the Gospel. We Christians want Jesus to be glorified above all. We want to see the glory of God. God is to be glorified.
The return of Jesus is not just seeing explosions and huge events and people running around... it's about Jesus ultimately being glorified.
The entire world will see when Jesus comes. The Christians will be looking for it. All sorts of people from all over the world will come to salvation. Jesus will come "as a surprise", so to speak. Even though there have been hints and signs throughout history, when Jesus comes, many will be caught off-guard. And very importantly, the return will show where people's hearts really are:
“On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it."
This is just like the warning in Matthew 24:
"then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will."
And in Luke 21:21:
"Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave..."
Now back here in Luke 17, it says "On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back."
Don't go back to your selfish possessions. Don't go back and get things that would hinder you. If you go back, it will reveal what you love, like in 1 John 2:15: "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." There is no future in this world; it will all undergo judgment. This passage in Luke 17 is talking bout the attitude you should have, to leave all the things of this world behind. "Turn back" is the key - remember Lot's wife. She looked back (Genesis 19) in desire for the things of her worldly possessions. She was about to be saved, but then turned back to her own ways - and she did not get delivered. Her heart was in Sodom, and that's what judged her.
LUKE 22
A MONUMENTAL CHANGE IN HISTORY
“No man takes My life from Me. I lay it down by Myself.”
Every day that Jesus lived, He was heading to the cross. Every day of His adult life, in His active ministry He knew He was heading toward crucifixion.
The Jewish leaders didn't kill Him. The Roman guards did not kill Him. He was laying His life down, and He knew the exact time, the specific places and the details that would lead to that death. it was all according to plan. God had laid out the blueprint in Heaven and Jesus was submisive to it. This was set in the plan of eternity.
This is Thursday night, the Passover in the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is really the last Passover, and this is a historical night. This is a historical moment, really.
“And when the hour had come, He reclined at the table and His Apostles with Him, and He said to them, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, ‘Take this and share it among yourselves, for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the Kingdom of God comes.’ And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of Me.’ And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in My blood.’”
This is the night when the Old Testament steps aside and introduces the New Testament. The last Passover is occurring at this moment, and a new memorial is presented.
A MONUMENTAL CHANGE IN HISTORY
“No man takes My life from Me. I lay it down by Myself.”
Every day that Jesus lived, He was heading to the cross. Every day of His adult life, in His active ministry He knew He was heading toward crucifixion.
The Jewish leaders didn't kill Him. The Roman guards did not kill Him. He was laying His life down, and He knew the exact time, the specific places and the details that would lead to that death. it was all according to plan. God had laid out the blueprint in Heaven and Jesus was submisive to it. This was set in the plan of eternity.
This is Thursday night, the Passover in the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is really the last Passover, and this is a historical night. This is a historical moment, really.
“And when the hour had come, He reclined at the table and His Apostles with Him, and He said to them, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, ‘Take this and share it among yourselves, for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the Kingdom of God comes.’ And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of Me.’ And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in My blood.’”
This is the night when the Old Testament steps aside and introduces the New Testament. The last Passover is occurring at this moment, and a new memorial is presented.