Luke 9 “Do Not Be Ashamed”

“Whoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (v.26)

What does it mean to be ashamed of Christ? It means denial, a fear of being identified with Jesus and His Word, fearing what others might think, say or do - ultimately, a refusal to accept Him as Lord.

The warning here is clear and not just limited to the unbelievers of Christ’s day, it extends to us as well. Clearly those who deny Jesus and His holy Word, Jesus will deny them before His Father in heaven and they will not escape the wrath that is to come upon His return.

Therefore, make your stand for Christ today while there is still time and be like Paul who said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first and also the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

The Truth

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

Luke 8 “Where Is Your Faith”

 “Now it came to pass on a certain day, that He went into a ship with His disciples: and He said unto them, 'Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.' And they launched forth. But as they sailed He fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (v.22-25)

With these words, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake," Jesus made a promise to His disciples. He didn’t say, “Let us perish in the middle of the Sea of Galilee.” He promised His disciples that they would cross over to the other side of the lake.

One of the reoccurring themes of Pastor Chuck Smiths’ ministry was, “Where God guides, God will provide.” Meaning, if God is truly calling you to do something He will provide the means to get it done. No worries, even when things are not going perfect, just step out in faith and watch God work.

This story however shows that His disciples were much like us when it came to the testing of their faith. For even though; 1) Christ ordered His disciples to put to sea, 2) He entered the ship with them, 3) He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side”, and 4) He fell asleep during the storm - His disciples lost faith, even feared for their lives with Christ right beside them during their trial.  The total calm of the sea should have filled them with peace, but instead, they were just as afraid when He calmed the storm as when they were in the midst of the storm.

We are not promised an easy life as a Christian, in fact just the opposite. But during the trials, the testing of our souls, our true faith is revealed. And when the storm has passed and we are safely on the other side, we are to give Christ the glory due to His power and provision in our lives. For there is none like HIM.

The Truth: "O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; when waves rise, You still them." (Psalm 89:8-9)

Luke 7 "Are You The Coming One?"

When John’s disciples came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else? ” (v.19)

After John the Baptist had been imprisoned, he heard reports from his disciples that Jesus’ popularity was growing and His message about the a new kingdom was spreading. Though John had long ago recognized that, "one would come who’s sandels he was unworthy to latch," he sent for conformation.

Jesus’ response is a comforting model for us to use. Instead of discounting the doubt or criticizing John, Jesus pointed to the miracles He was doing. As eyewitnesses, John’s disciples could return with vivid assurances for their mentor. But He did more than that. He used words and phrases (v.22) drawn from Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming Messiah (Isa.35:4-6; 61:1) which were certain to be familiar to John. Then, turning to the crowd, Jesus praised John (Luke 7:24-28) removing any doubt that He was offended by John’s need for reassurance after all he had seen (Matt. 3:13-17).

Questioning and doubting are both natural and understandable human responses, but they provide opportunities for us to remind, reassure, and comfort those who are shaken by uncertainty. May we be ready to share the peace and confort of Jesus and His message of forgiveness with all those who doubt, and lack comfort in their soul.

The Truth: “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19) 

Luke 6 “Good Treasure”

 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (v.45)

Here in chapter 6, Jesus, after spending a night in prayer considering whom He would choose among His many discipiles to be His apostles, begins to teach the chosen many things. Of all the lessons He taught them in our text, a tree known by its fruit spoke clearly to me. 

This parable goes far beyond fruit trees, for we ourselves are known by certain identifying characteristics. May we desire to be one who is known for the good treasure of his heart bringing forth good. And that our mouths be known for blessing, and not emotional outbursts.  

LORD, help us all to store up good treasure in our hearts in order to bless others and glorify Your name. Amen. 

The Truth: “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2) 

Luke 5 “A Call To Repentance”

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.32)

Here in chapter 5 Jesus was asked the question, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” His answer, “ Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.30-32)

Jesus ate and drank with publicans and sinners simply because of their need for Him and His purpose to seek and save the lost. Others like the Scribes and Pharisees who were righteous in their own sight, trusted in themselves, and submitted not to the righteousness of Christ,  and had in their own view no need for Him. Therefore, He spent time with those who did.

Jesus stills calls sinners to repentance today through the power of His Spirit and His Word. His desire is that, "None should perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), even those who would would reject Him. For our Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with everyone (2 Peter 3:9), giving all time to repent.

His grace is waiting for all who seek His face. 

The Truth
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Luke 4 “The Temptation of Christ”

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." (v.1)

Here in chapter 4 Satan had but one goal, to bring Jesus to sin against God. Three times Satan tempts Jesus with the desires of the physical and material realm, all within his power to provide. And, three times Jesus answered with, “it is written.” What made Satan give up (that day) on his tempting of Christ was not only the verbal quoting of scripture, but His commitment to living it out. You see, Satan himself could quote scripture but he had no intention of living by it, Jesus however did.

Today Satan’s goal remains the same, to get people to compromise on their beliefs and sin against God. We are all in a constant battle against his deliberate and subtle attacks and can’t win in our own strength. The true power in overcoming temptation lies in: 1) the submission to God’s Word and 2) in the commitment to live by it. May God give us the discipline to do both when temptation comes our way.

The Truth: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) 

Luke 3 “Jesus Baptized”

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (v. 21-22)

Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist marked the beginning of His public ministry. We might legitimately wonder why Jesus was baptized. He had no sins to confess and no need for repentance. But by allowing John to baptize Him, He identified Himself with John’s ministry and message of repentance and forgiveness. Indeed, these would be the themes at the heart of His own ministry and of the gospel.

In addition, this event was recognized and approved by the other two members of the Trinity: “The Holy Spirit descending on Him in bodily form like a dove, and God’s voice from heaven saying: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (v. 22).

Thus, as a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ, we too should be baptized. This will identify us with Him (through His death, burial, and resurrection) and show others we identify with His message of repentance and forgiveness.

The Truth
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

Luke 2 “Submission”

“And He went down with them (Mary and Joseph), and came to Nazareth, and was subject into them: but his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (v.51)

Luke 2 is best known for the written record of the birth of Jesus. How Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, and all the events that followed the birth of the Christ child (vv.4-38). Scripture then tells us that, "when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth" (v.39). Noting more is said about Jesus expect that, "The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him" (v.40).

Then, when Jesus was twelve years old His story picks up again when his family had traveled from their home in the city of Nazareth, back to Jerusalem (as was their custom) for the feast of Passover (v.41). Once Passover was completed, they (Mary and Joseph) started the journey back to Nazareth thinking Jesus was traveling in the company of those returning - they did not realize He was still in Jerusalem (v.43). When they could not find him among the group traveling back to Nazareth, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him (v.45). After three days of “sorrowful searching” they found him in the temple listening, asking and answering questions of the Rabbis – all that heard Him were amazed, even his mother and father (v.46-48).

Now comes the question from his mother, “Son, why have you dealt with us this way? We were worried about you (v.48). Jesus said, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?” (v.49) 

This brings us to a point, a line drawn in the sand. Is Jesus going to stay and continue in His calling or, will He submit to his earthly parents who have less understanding of the big picture and His purpose in life (at this point), and return to Nazareth.

Submission is not about how much one knows but how mature one is. Clearly Jesus, even at the age of twelve, knew infinitely more than Mary and Joseph and could have easily stood firm and not returned. However, His maturity in His future allowed Him to return with His earthly parents. Submission is something He would continue to do His entire life at the will of His Heavenly Father, even to the death of the cross. 

We would all do well to take His humble example to heart. 

The Truth: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Luke 1 "Prophetic Announcements"

In today’s passage, we see two sets of parents who could look ahead into the future and predict what would happen with their children: Zechariah and Elizabeth and Joseph and Mary. Both sets of parents were; given a child through miraculous and supernatural means, told what to name their child, and both couples were told the future role for their child. Imagine expecting a child and already knowing the major role he would play in the salvation of the world!

Zechariah and Elizabeth were told their son (John the Baptist), would become a deliverer of light to a dark world: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High” (v.76). He would also be given a special task: to prepare the way of the Lord—to go before Jesus and prepare people for the Messiah, giving them  “the knowledge of salvation” (v.77) and would baptize and teach the forgiveness of sins.

Joseph and Mary were told of their son Jesus, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (v.32-33). 

Since the writting of the Book of Malachi it had been over 400 years without the prophetic voice of the Lord being heard. And now here in chapter 1 of Luke's gospel, God spoke through Gabriel (Luke 1:13, 1:28), through Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-42), through Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and through Zacharias (Luke 1:67-80). When God spoke again, it was all connected to the theme of Jesus and His work.

While we do not have the same luxury of knowing the future of our children, we can rest assured that God does and is working out His plan for them. As parents all we can do is our best, then commit the rest to God through prayer knowing that, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

The Truth: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Mark 16 “The Resurrection”

 The Angel said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” (v.6-7)

Chapter 16 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the heart and soul of the Christian doctrine. In it we find many eye witnesses to this miraculous event and His ascension into heaven. No other religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Islam, has their faith grounded in their leader: dying for their sins, being raised from the dead, seen alive by many witnesses and then ascending into heaven – only Christianity. 

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul records those who saw the risen Lord: “Christ was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

Because Jesus’s disciples continued to testify of this, arrests, beatings and intimidation had become common to silence their message. Order was often maintained by the use of threats and torture. The early chapters of the book of Acts provide glimpses of the persecution of believers, even to the point of death, but the message remained. (see Foxes book of Martyrs) 

The Gospel of Luke records a significant change in this thinking involving Gamaliel, the rabbi who was Saul’s mentor. He wasn’t opposed to the persecution of believers, but he cautioned his fellow members of the Sanhedrin against killing Christians. He understood the power of martyrdom. 

Gamaliel said, “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it – least you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39). 

This tactic of toleration may have kept many believers in Jerusalem and thus slowed down the process of taking the gospel to the world. But, Stephen’s and later James’ deaths eventually changed all of that. The fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 severed to scatter the church to the winds and the message with it.

Later, all of Christ’s disciples died violent deaths but not one ever denied their faith, proving Gamaliel was correct. Many other Christians throughout history have done the same, dying for the truth of Gods Word, not some cunningly designed fable – for the work of God, not man. 

Yes, He has Risen! Hallelujah!    

The Truth: “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10)

Mark 15 “Jesus Brought Before Pilate”

Here in chapter 15 of the book of Mark, Jesus is brought before Pilate (by the chief priests) early in the morning. One of the accusations against Him by the elders was, His claim of being a king. So Pilate asked Him directly, “Are You the King of the Jews?” His answer to Pilate was, “It is as you say.”

Admitting this before the very man that could have saved Him, brought a respect for Jesus. Pilate marveled, the Bible tells us, at Jesus for His honesty and for His silence before His earlier accusers who had mocked Him, beat Him, and spoke blasphemously against Him (Luke 22:63-65).

Pilate, the Bible tells us, believed Jesus to be an innocent man, who upon examination of Jesus said, “I find no fault in Him worthy of death. He has done no evil (Luke 23:14-15). Then turning to the crowd three times Pilate asked, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) Upon hearing the crowd, Pilate wanting to gratify them more than doing the right thing, delivered Jesus to His accusers to be crucified as they requested. 

How many times have you given into peer pressure, allowing the crowd to dictate your actions, even though you knew in your heart, “this is wrong.” Actions have consequences. Even though Pilate believed Jesus to be innocent and literally washed his hands of the blood, still delivered Him to death. Therefore, Pilate is just as guilty of murder as were the chief priests who planned it and the Romans who carried it out. 

Our lesson here is to stand for the truth, not with the crowd. Do what is right, not what may earn you favor in the eyes of others - to satisfy God, and not man.

The Truth: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16)

Mark 14 “Jesus Prays To The Father”

“Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from Me. Yet not My will but Your will be done.” (v.36)

This pray offered by Jesus to His Father the night before He was to be crucified, shows His concern for what He was about to suffer for us. Luke's gospel tells He was in such agony that His sweat became "great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44). Nevertheless He was obedient to His Father's will.

Three things to take away from this portion of scripture. First, the Lord does not always answer our prayers in the way we request of Him. Even His Son had to walk the path directed for Him. Second, He will not give us more than we can handle and will strengthen us and carry us through all our trials. Finally, all things are working together for (a greater) good for those who love the Lord and follow His will, even when we don’t understand why.

May God also grant us the strength (even when we do not understand understand His will in our prayer life) to walk the path He has for us in obedience. For, "His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways" (Isaiah 55:8), yet "all things are working together for our good" (Romans 8:28).

There is no greater gift of love than this, our Savior’s willingness to obey the Father even to His death for us. May we share His love with all we come into contact with.

The Truth: “Greater love has no man than this, that He would lay down His life for His friends.” (John 15:13) 

Mark 13 "Watch and Pray"

“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” (v.19-20)

Here we see Jesus describing to His disciples a time of great tribulation which is to come, the likes of which the world has never known in its history. A time worse than the flood of Noah’s day, worse than the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, or any other event yet future. Never has the world seen, nor will it see anything equal to what is going to transpire during this three and a half year period.

Therefore, He warns them (and us) that, “when you shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (Daniel 9:1-27), then let all that be in Judea flee to the mountains (vv.12-14). 

During that time, those Jews (in Judea) that heed this warning of Jesus and flee to the wilderness area that God has prepared for them, He will provide and take care of them for that three and a half year period. And, “unless the LORD had shortened those days, no flesh (on earth) would be saved” (v.20).

Take heed, watch and pray, especially for those in our lives who need the gospel, for we do not know when this will take place.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)

Mark 12 “The Wicked Vinedresser”

“Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others." (v.9)

Here in chapter 12 we find our Lord speaking to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders with a parable. The parable concerns an absentee landlord (a common figure in those days) who had leased his vineyard to a tenant farmer, a vinedresser. 

At harvest time the landlord sent his servants (multiple times) to collect some of the fruit, and each time they were met with violence, either beaten, stoned, or killed. Finally, the landowner sent his only beloved son to collect some of the harvest. Surely they would honor him. But the son was killed just like those before Him.

In this parable the religious leaders are the vinedressers, Israel is the vineyard and God is the absentee landlord. So we have God sending prophet after prophet to check on the progress of His tenant farmer, only to see each one of them beaten or killed. Finally, out of incomparable love, God sends His only Son to check on the harvest, but they rejected Him as well, nailing Him to a cross.

So, what will the landowner of the vineyard do? He will destroy the vinedressers (the religious leaders) and give the vineyard (the fruit of His promise) to others. The late Pastor Chuck Smith put it this way:

“The nation of Israel had failed to fulfill the purposes for which God had established them as a special people unto the Lord. They failed to bring forth that fruit that God was desiring the nation to produce. So, what will the Lord do? He will take away the privileges, the opportunities, and he will give them to others. 

And so, we see the door opened to the Gentiles, and Jesus here is prophesying and predicting that God is going to do His work, not among the Jews in this age, but more among the Gentiles. And thus, we see the work of God’s Spirit in a powerful way among those Gentile believers in Jesus Christ.”

But, make no mistake, judgment will fall upon those who did not reverence His Son.

The Truth: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me.” (John 16:8-9)

Mark 11 “Have Faith In God”

 Jesus said unto them, "Have Faith In God.” (v.22)

Here in chapter 11 Jesus was teaching his disciples to have faith in God to accomplish those things which seem beyond man's capabilities. This short statement literally means, have the faith of God - full, perfect, effectual faith. No doubts, no fears, just an unwavering confidence in the agent doing the work – God.

Jesus said, "Come unto to Me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). By allowing Him to shoulder our burdens, it not only lightens our load, but gives us peace and rest in our souls knowing He is faithful.

Therefore, the next time you find yourself struggling behind the plow of life, exercise your faith in God by displaying your unwavering confidence in Him, to accomplish those things which are beyond your control.

The Truth: "Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)I’m