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LUKE

Dr R N (Bob) Caswell

Introduction

Chapter 1.1-4. There were already in existence many written accounts of the life and teaching of Jesus. How then is Luke’s Gospel different? Luke, St Paul’s friend and companion, admits that he was not an eye-witness of Jesus’ life, but he has made a careful investigation of the facts, going back to before the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. It will be an orderly account, he says.

Verses 5-7. The message of Zechariah – the earliest history of John the Baptist. Both of his parents were descended from Aaron, the first chief-priest. Both were godly people. Both knew they could not have children.

Verses 8-10. It’s interesting to note that it all began with prayer. Incense is the common symbol of prayer (compare Revelation 5.8). There’s tremendous power in prayer.

Verses 11-17. Angels are God’s messengers, though not always visible. This one frightened old Zechariah, but the message was a good one. It included:

What to call the new baby. “John” means “God is gracious”

The baby will bring joy to many

He will be great in God’s eyes, and be in the order of Nazarites (cf Judges 13.7)

He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth

His ministry will be full of blessing

He will, like Elijah, turn fathers and children to God and prepare them for Jesus

Verses 18-20. Zechariah can’t believe it (unlike Mary in verse 45), and so is struck dumb (and deaf? Verse 62) until the great event nine months later. It’s funny to think of him praying (13) but without faith! So it’s not only people today who do that!

Verses 21-25. People outside were getting worried about the old priest. Perhaps he had had a weak turn? Then he emerged but couldn’t speak. By verse 24 there was no possibility of doubt. Elizabeth was pregnant.

Verses 26-33. The message to Mary. She was engaged but not married. She was taken aback by the angel’s visit, especially when she was told she was to have a son! And a very special one. “Son of the Most High, in King David’s line. And his Kingdom would never end…”

Verses 34-38. But how? The Holy Spirit who took part in Creation (Genesis 1.2), would bring the conception about. She, unlike Zechariah, believe the message.

LUKE


Verses 39-45. A prophetic song, the first of three songs in this chapter. Note the reaction of the baby in the womb.

Verses 46-55. The Magnificat, so called from the first word of the Latin translation of this verse. It means “praises”.

The song speaks of God’s blessing for the humble, and of his mighty deeds, humbling the proud and exalting the humble. Verses 54 and 55 speak of God remembering the messianic promises.

Verse 56. Mary stayed till Elizabeth’s baby was born.

Verses 57-66. The strange naming ceremony. Why “John”? It wasn’t a family name. Old Zechariah’s speech returned and people were astonished. As John grew, the Lord’s hand was with him (read verse 66 with 80).

Verses 67-79. Another song, the Benedictus, the title again from the Latin translation. What does the song say? Mainly that messianic prophecies were being fulfilled, in Jesus being born (68-75), and the forerunner being sent (76-79). Already, by the Holy Spirit, old Zechariah saw what his child John would do, preparing the way for Jesus, the Messiah.

Chapter 2. The birth of Jesus

The shepherds and the angels. Baby Jesus is presented at the Temple, and years later goes there as a boy.

Verses 1-3 emphasise that this is historical narrative. There is even more of the same in chapter 3.1-2 where seven dignitaries of that time are listed.

Verses 4-7. In God’s providence, Joseph had to go south 60 miles or so to register his name in a census, thus fulfilling an ancient prophecy (Micah 5.2) that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Coincidences are often God’s Providences.

Verses 8-15. Unusually, the baby had to be laid in a manger for his cot, as foretold by the angels.

Angels: Who or what are angels? The word “angel” means messenger. Angels belong to a created order of spiritual beings, higher than man, but lower than God. Some of them fell with Satan. Jesus speaks of these fallen angels in Matthew 25.41. Angels are often mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, e.g. Genesis 32.1,2; Matthew 18.10; Luke 22.40. We are not to worship them (Colossians 2.18). They are sent to help us Christians (Hebrews 1.14)

In these verses in Luke 2, angels appeared to the shepherds and celebrated the birth of the Saviour of the world. Study their brief song in verse 14. Pick out the two things the birth of Jesus would mean.

The shepherds naturally wanted to verify these amazing statements (15).

LUKE


Verses 16-24. When they told their story, it caused amazement, but Mary quietly thought it all over. The name ‘Jesus’ corresponds to the Old Testament name ‘Joshua’, both meaning Saviour, or Jah saves.

Verses 22-35. We now meet two lovely aged servants of the Lord, Simeon and Anna. [Notice how often the Holy Spirit is mentioned in these verses.] Simeon was a good man, devout, expectant (he knew that something good for God’s people was about to happen), excited (he knew it would happen in his lifetime!), obedient (when God directed him to go into the Temple, he went), satisfied (happy to leave this old world, now that he had cradled the Saviour in his arms. Incidentally, what a picture that is for an artist to paint!).

Another of the inspired songs occurs (29-32). Called (again from the Latin version) the Nunc Dimittis, these being the first two words in the Latin. He refers to passages from the Old Testament. The Saviour has now appeared. Simeon has seen him, so now he is happy to go home to heaven.

No wonder Joseph and Mary marvelled, but Simeon had more to say. First, a blessing on them. Then, a warning that Jesus will cause division (people rising/falling); controversy, how true! Finally, terrible pain for Mary, for she would see her son crucified!

Verses 36-38. The Bible doesn’t actually call Simeon a prophet, though he undoubtedly prophesied. The second elderly saint, Anna by name, is called a prophetess. She was at least 84 years old, perhaps even older (see NIV margin). She spoke about the baby Jesus in connection with the redemption of Jerusalem – but what did that actually mean? In those days the Jews longed for freedom from the Roman yoke, but Jesus later spoke of a yoke worse than Rome – a yoke which the Romans themselves wore. From this yoke or sin, only the truth would set men free (John 8.32,34).

Verses 39-40. This Gospel omits the story of the Wise Men and the flight to Egypt, and moves straight on to the return to Nazareth. Then follows a brief comment on the childhood of Jesus: perfect humanity developing perfectly. This theme is taken up again in verses 51 and 52, after the story of the boy Jesus in the Temple.

Verses 41-50. At 12 years of age, a Jewish boy became a ‘son of the law’, observing the regular feasts and festivals. Teaching was given during festivals by members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council. For this Council, see Acts 6.12-15. Jesus surprised them by the depth of his questions and answers. And his answer to his anxious parents was the most puzzling of all. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” His mother never forgot those words. It is a great question how young Jesus was when he realised who he was and what he had come to do.

“The God who took a motherless woman out of the side of a man took a fatherless man out of the body of a woman.” (Matthew Henry)

LUKE


Chapter 3. John the Baptist prepares the way.

The baptism and genealogy of Jesus

Verses 1-2. These verses place John firmly in the history of the period. Pontius Pilate (25-36/7 AD); Herod Antipas of Galilee (4 BC-33 AD); Lysanias of Abilene, which was NE of Damascus. The High Priests’ names are given also. Even more important than all these men, John was called by God. Compare Acts 13.2 for a similar way of stating a man’s call.

In verse 3, John’s message is stated briefly – repentance and forgiveness. Nowadays, the second part is sometimes preached without the first! Then Luke quotes a passage from Isaiah 40.1-3, illustrating the effect of John’s preaching. The picture is of a roadmaker preparing the way for a great King, levelling down the mountains and filling up the valleys, straightening the bad corners and making it all smooth.

Do you think, in our careless age, we need someone like John to waken people up to sin and its seriousness? Whoever he is, he will need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as John was (chapter 1.15).

Verses 7-9. He was very plain and outspoken, as you see in these verses. “Brood of vipers” – is he thinking of that old serpent, the devil? John almost seems to be surprised at their repentance! (7b). However, it’s no use saying “We are Abraham’s children”, if you don’t live like Abraham! God could turn these stones into Jews if he wanted to! (8). Preachers are fond of puns and assonances, and John is no exception. In his Aramaic language, ‘stones’ is ‘abanim’, and ‘children’ is ‘banim’. That will help the audience to remember. Verse 9 brings in a familiar picture of a useless tree being cut down. It is used again in chapter 13.8. What is the use of pretending to be Christians, if we don’t live like Christians?

Verses 10-14. John gives detailed teaching to various groups in the audience:

The well-to-do. They are to help the poor.

Tax-collectors. No cheating or graft (cf 7.29).

Armed police. No corrupt policing. Be content with your pay.

Verses 15-18. There was great excitement. Could this be the Messiah? John clearly explains:

I baptise with water as a symbol; He, the Messiah, will baptise with the Holy Spirit, symbolised by fire (remember Acts 2.3!). Symbol plus the reality.

He is a more powerful leader than I could ever be. I am not even worthy to adjust his sandals.

He can do what I cannot do, discern true believers from false, like the farmer with his winnowing fork in his hand. We human beings are often taken in!

LUKE


Verse 18 says that these are only examples of John’s sermons.

Verses 19-20 are sad verses. Herod Antipas was an evil man, and could not stand being rebuked by John. So he locked him up in a prison at the NE corner of the Dead Sea. Like the patient who didn’t like the diagnosis, so he threw away the prescription.

Chapter 3.21-37. The baptism and genealogy of Jesus

Surprisingly, Jesus goes forward for the baptism of repentance at the hands of John. So, to use Isaiah’s phrase, he was “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53.12). Here, Luke records the first instance of Jesus praying – and praying for the Holy Spirit to empower him for ministry (compare Acts 1.8). The symbolism is taken from the Flood story in Genesis 8.8, the dove being the symbol of peace. With the dove came a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased”.

There is a lot to ponder in this scene. It is marvellous that Jesus should pray so much. Luke constantly shows him at prayer, though, of course Jesus was himself God, the Son talking to the Father. The third person of the Trinity was present also, in the form of a dove. And God the Father was well pleased with the ministry of Jesus, his incarnation and what would follow.

So, all three members of the Holy Trinity are active in the incarnation and the ministry of Jesus.

Matthew’s Gospel also gives a list of the ancestors of Jesus, but the lists differ in some respects. Matthew traces the line back to Abraham, whereas Luke goes right back to Adam, implying that the gospel is for all the Gentile sons of Adam, as well as for the Jews. Joseph, husband of Mary, is mentioned in the line in both Gospels, though Luke does add the phrase about Jesus, the son of Joseph “so it was thought”.

Now it is time to mention something new. What are we supposed to do after all this reading? The answer can be summarised as using the MOP!

M stands for Meditation. Try asking yourself questions like these:

What have I learned today from this Bible reading?

Are there promises or commandments for me to follow up?

How can I claim any blessing mentioned?

What is God saying to me?

O stands for Obey. It’s not much use studying the map is you don’t now follow it.

Is there something to be done? Think how you can do it.

P stands for Pray. Ask God for all the blessings you’ve read about, including the Holy Spirit.

LUKE


Chapter 4.1-13. The temptations of Jesus

The Spirit led Jesus (Mark 1.12 says “sent Jesus”) into a lonely place, to face and defeat the great Adversary. The first great battle was to determine the character of Jesus’ ministry. What type of Messiah would he be? Painless success? Or suffering Messiah? And remember, this has been a question for the church ever since.

1st Temptation. You, the Son of God (3.22) could easily feed people and they would follow you. The phrase ‘rice-Christians’ has often been used for people who follow Christianity for the hand-outs. But, replied Jesus in effect, my main ministry will be teaching (verse 4).

2nd Temptation. Why not be a popular ruler? Later, people actually tried to make him King, by force (John 6.15), but he didn’t want that. But how could Satan even make such an offer? Perhaps these kingdoms had indeed been given to him, as he claims (6), but that was before he fell in his pride. Now, he has no right to them. Note that he actually wanted Jesus to worship him (7)! What arrogance! Jesus rebuked him but has the church always followed Jesus’ example? Some church leaders have claimed to be infallible in matters of faith and morals! Acting like God? Worshipping Satan?

Note that in both temptations Jesus quotes scripture to Satan. This is called wielding the sword of the Spirit. It would be worthwhile for you to read Ephesians 6.10-18. And the verses Jesus quoted at Deuteronomy 8.3 and 6.13. We should learn to do the same.

3rd Temptation. Why not be a glittering Messiah, heroic, staging a spectacular arrival (9)? But notice this time Satan quotes scripture for his own purpose! Read Psalm 91.9-12, and you’ll see that Satan omits the vital ‘if’ clause. Yet again Jesus wields the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. He quotes Deuteronomy 6.16. This is how we should do battle too.

Verse 13 indicates that Satan has not finally left Jesus. He will attack again, but in a different way. In verses 28 and 29 Jesus was nearly killed! Read John 8.44 for Satan’s character.

We pray in the Lord’s Prayer that God will not lead us into temptation – for we know how weak we are – but if he does allow temptation to come, we pray that he will deliver us from evil. Why not quietly pray that prayer now?

Chapter 4.14-30. Jesus begins his ministry…

…in his home town, but is rejected. Granted, at first everybody praised his teaching and admired his power (14,15). Note the interesting description of his home synagogue (16-20). Jesus standing to read but sitting down to preach. The reading from Isaiah 61.1,2 was really his manifesto – preaching, healing, releasing oppressed people. It hasn’t changed.

Verses 22-23 give the reactions to his sermon. Amazement at the local man. He has already become famous by his early work in Capernaum (Luke omits this work).

LUKE


Verse 24-27. Normally prophets are not accepted in their home towns. Two examples follow: Elijah (25,26); and Elisha (27). Is it the old story? Familiarity breeds contempt.

Verses 28-30. His audience proves the point by trying to kill him. What does verse 30 mean? Did something about him make them afraid to touch or harm him?

Verses 31-37. An episode in the synagogue in Capernaum. What an unforgettable church service! Note his authority in teaching (31,32). Mark 1.22 contrasts him with the usual teachers, who kept quoting other teachers. [Think of the quip ‘History repeats itself; historians repeat each other’.]

But Jesus also had authority over evil spirits to drive them out (‘exorcism’). The congregation was shocked, I’m sure, by the loud shout (33). And the demon obviously knew who Jesus was (34). Our Lord uses what amounts to a slang word in verse 35 – ‘belt up’. The demon came out and the reaction in the neighbourhood was immediate (36,37). Just imagine that happening today! Sabbath lunch must have been exciting that week!

At the present time, with people dabbling in the occult, the Church has had to re-learn how to deal with evil spirits. Some clergy, ministers, pastors and lay people are specially gifted in this realm. It’s not a thing to be attempted without knowledge and training. See Acts 19.13-16 for some who blundered into this ministry.

Chapter 4.38-44 contains three points of interest:

Simon’s mother-in-law was instantly healed of a high fever. (Note that Peter was a married man.)

In the healing session that followed the end of the Sabbath at sunset, the distinction is made between healing and exorcism. And Jesus did not welcome the testimony of demons.

The second mention in this Gospel of Jesus at prayer. (Mark 1.35 specially mentions prayer.) It is not too hard from these three verses to conclude that Jesus was praying about strategy. What was the right thing to do now?

We have learned three mains things in chapter 4:

The meaning of the temptations of Jesus – and ours! Is our ministry to be like his?

The effect of Jesus’ preaching in his home town.

That famous sermon in Capernaum, with healings following, and exorcism.

The thing to do now is to meditate on them. What can we learn? And finally pray that we might see ministries like that. Who knows? God may be calling someone who reads these notes to preach and heal like Jesus. In that case, the middle letter of MOP comes – or should come – into operation.

LUKE


Chapter 5.1-11. First disciples called

Increasing crowds make it clear that (a) Jesus needs help; and (b) that he should now start a training scheme to equip these helpers. This will mean them leaving secular employment.

As these new “apostles” [“missionaries” has more or less the same meaning] listened to Jesus preaching, they couldn’t help noticing that he spoke simply, using familiar illustrations. There’s one in verse 10 – ‘catching men’ – like fishermen catching fish.

They thought they knew the Sea of Galilee (5), but they were willing to be told what to do. The sudden huge success overawed them. So many fish that their boats began to sink. This must be God! Later they would see ‘people movements’, whole groups of people coming to God (Acts 9.35 “All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him [healed] and turned to the Lord”). Jesus is still there, directing.

What a school with Jesus as the teacher!

Chapter 5.12-16. In verse 8 Peter had been made vividly aware of his sin, by being in contact with the Son of God. So the story of the leper acts as a sort of parable of cleansing, leprosy often being a picture of sin. Jesus cleanses Peter too. And as we read in verse 12, Jesus can make us clean too. The question then is, will he? “I am willing” (13) is good news, and off goes the man to the public health authorities to report to them (14). Leprosy was a notifiable disease.

In verses 15-16 we have the third mention of Jesus praying. All of these are worthy studying. What is he praying for this time? There are two things in his prayer:

For more and more power in his ministry (see verse 17).

For courage, for his implacable enemies arrived (17), looking for reasons to make trouble. They soon found a reason that satisfied them, as we shall see. The fact is, they just couldn’t stand the sight of him.

Suggested prayer: Lord of the harvest, call out workers into your great harvest field in the world. There are millions of people who still haven’t heard of Jesus and his love for them. Give renewed power so that preaching may not be just words but powerful, transforming words. Give boldness and courage to those who face enemies for your sake, many of them even in prison.

In the worthy name of Jesus.

Amen.

LUKE


Chapter 5.17-6.11. Carping criticism and opposition

It’s surprising to find religious leaders opposed to Jesus but that’s the way it was. Again, notice that the healing power of God was with Jesus, due to his frequent times of prayer.

On this occasion, a paralysed man is carried on a makeshift stretcher and lowered through the roof of the house. To the annoyance of the Pharisees, Jesus pronounced the man’s sins forgiven. Ironically, their argument in verse 21 is true. Who indeed can forgive sins but God along? But “this fellow”, as they called Jesus, was in fact God!

It seems the man’s sins were the cause of his illness, though this is not true in every case.

Again Jesus uses the ‘gift of knowledge’, as Paul later calls it in 1 Corinthians 12.8, reading the thoughts of the Pharisees. He then demonstrates his divine authority by an act of divine power (23-25). I wonder at the Pharisees included in the “everyone” (26). I doubt it.

Verses 27-32. Another reason for opposition to Jesus was that he kept bad company – Levi (or Matthew in 6.15). Jesus recruited him to be another apostle, joining Peter, James and John. Levi held a banquet for his friends to let them meet his new friend, Jesus. Tax collectors were not the most popular of men, nor the most honest. When the Pharisees complained, Jesus gave a very apt reply (31,32). As we have already seen, fishermen need to go where the fish are.

Verses 33-39. The third complaint was that Jesus and his disciples seemed to be enjoying themselves at the banquet! A lot of tut-tutting went on. Jesus reminded them that Jews were never expected to fast on a wedding day, but adds a dark hint of approaching tragedy (34,35. Compare John 3.29). Then, looking round at the well-dressed professional men present, he used two apt illustrations. Your wives would be very foolish to tear a piece of cloth off that new suit to mend an old one. Neither would a frugal woman risk an old wine skin by putting new wine in it (36-38).

No, Christianity can’t be put into the old rituals of Judaism. It won’t do! I think I can see smiles among the guests. The point was well made – and taken!

Then, smiling at his critics, he remarked that they preferred the old wine (39). Understandable, but in this case, wrong.

Chapter 6.1-11. The fourth reason for opposition – Jesus broke Sabbath customs.

Laws and more laws had been added to the one in Exodus 20 which set aside a day of rest from work, a day for higher thoughts and activities.

LUKE


Jesus and his men rubbing ears of corn between their hands in the countryside was considered work by the Pharisees! Jesus said the interpretation of the commandment should be left flexible. The case of David and his hungry men was a case in point. Technically, they too broke the law by eating the priests’ bread, but who would dare to condemn them? And here is a greater than David.

The question of healing on the Sabbath day arose again (6). Our Lord’s reply this time has a particular sharpness about it (9) for the Pharisees spent that Sabbath day working at plans for Jesus’ death! Hypocrisy!

Chapter 6.12-49. Apostles chosen; The Sermon on the Plain

Once more we read of Jesus praying – this time, no doubt, praying about the important choice of twelve apostles, the future founders of churches world-wide. In the lists of the apostles, Peter is always first and Judas always last. Sometimes alternative names are used. Already we’ve seen that Matthew and Levi are the same person; the same may be true of Nathanael and Bartholomew.

Why Judas? That is a very difficult question to answer. Presumably, even then, Jesus knew he would be the betrayer. Acts 1.16 says it was foretold in scripture. Yet Jesus chose him and tried to stop him doing what he did, by giving him the bread dipped in the dish (John 13.26), a mark of favour.

Now we come to The Sermon on the Plain. This is not The Sermon on the Mount, though the two sermons are similar in some ways. Why shouldn’t Jesus repeat good sermon points, like a fisherman using the same good net over and over again. For us today, it is challenging to read that as well as preaching, there was healing and casting out spirits.

Chapter 6.20-23. Attitudes and experiences in an antagonistic society

Please read verses 20-22 first, then these similar verses: “I know your afflictions and your poverty” (Revelation 2.9). And, if you like, read also 1 Corinthians 4.9-13. What a picture of the life of the apostles! They were treated like the scum of the earth!

Also Revelation 6.5,6 speaks of food being hard to get for Christians. No wonder they shed tears. They were hated, excluded from society, and insulted. They were called “enemies of the human race”. But (23) a reversal will surely come – in heaven, if not on earth.

Chapter 6.24-26. Compromise

There is, however, a way to remain on good terms with the world – compromise! Time-servers is an old word for such people. These three verses describe lukewarm Christian leaders – well-paid, well-fed, friends of the world, well spoken of – but the sting is in the tail, the last line of verse 26!

Chapter 6.27-31. Retaliation?

LUKE


“When we are cursed, we bless, when we are slandered, we answer kindly” (1 Corinthians 4.12,13). These phrases echo what Jesus has just said. A simple way to study these words of Jesus is:

Pick out the nine words relating to Christians, e.g. enemies, hate, curse, mistreat, etc.

Then note what the Christian reaction should be – love, do good, bless, etc.

And the final summary in verse 31 is famous – and difficult.

Before we proceed, remember these notes are meant to clarify what the Bible says, not the other way round! The Bible was not given to explain the Commentary!

Verses 32-36. Conventional morality is useless (32-34), then in 35a he gives the three right attitudes. Can you find them? Finally, in 35b and 36, the reward is described. It is being like God, for that is how he acts. That’s the kind of person he is.

Verses 37-38. We are not to be censorious, over-critical, but rather helpful. In this context, Jesus may well be referring to us criticising the compromising leaders of verses 24-26. Remember them? Or, it may be more general. The Bible warns us not to set ourselves up too quickly as judges. Romans 2.1-4 is a good example of that teaching. And here is a good saying: “Part of the art of dodging repentance is seeing how someone else needs it!” Judgement, when it has to be made, should be charitable, directed by a desire to acquit rather than to condemn; but normally, it is for God to judge – he knows all the facts. We don’t!

Another good saying is: Digging for facts is far better exercise than jumping to conclusions.

Verse 38. Instead, we should bless others – and the result will be blessing for us. The more you give, the more you get. It’s like a boomerang – send it away and it comes back.

Verses 39-40. False leaders again. Can you imagine a blind tour-guide? Your heart would be in your mouth! And there’s another thought here. A teacher can only take you as far as they have gone themself. So, look for an experienced teacher, if you can find one.

Verses 41-42. Jesus takes an amusing example from his own trade of carpentry. A kind of cartoon! Can you visualise it? It illustrates an occupational hazard that preachers encounter. They forget to preach to themselves first! If you can take time, here are two good readings: Romans 2.17-24 and James 3.1-2.

Verses 43-45. Now a word of advice for the audience. Good preaching comes from a good life. The preacher is his own best visual aid. You should see his teaching in his life. Preaching like an angle and living like a devil won’t do! So, audiences, be discerning.

Verses 46-49. As in that other sermon, the one on the mount, Jesus ends by urging us to obey. You are now like a builder with the builders’ manual in your hands.

LUKE


Now put it all into practice! No shoddy living! This will require effort. Note the three words in verse 48: dig down deep, all beginning with D. Your building will stand when floods come. Persecution? Trials? Bereavement?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for this wonderful teaching of Jesus, and later, of the apostles, backed up by their consistent living. Help us, Lord, to heed the teaching we receive, building our lives on solid foundations. Develop in us mercy for those who fall into sin or error, so that we stretch out a loving hand to help them.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Chapter 7.1-35. Miracles, but not for John

7.1-10. The faith of a Roman army officer

This centurion (company commander) reminds us of another such officer in Acts 10, the first Gentile admitted to the early church by the apostles.

Verses 1-6. Note the genuine authority of his bearing – even Jewish elders were ready to oblige him. His deep respect for them helped to win their cooperation.

Verses 6b-8. He had a high opinion of Jesus as a spiritual commander, and a modest opinion of himself. Truly a unique man.

Verses 9-10. Jesus comments glowingly on the officer’s faith, and the servant is healed. It is interesting and profitable to meditate on each mention of faith. In this case, the main ingredient seems to have been a high opinion of Jesus. Have we got that?

7. 11-17. The widow’s son. Nearly all instances of raising the dead were done for women. Compare 1 Kings 17.19-24; 2 Kings 4.30-37; John 11.32,38-44; Hebrews 11.35. This last states “Women received back their dead, raised to life again”.

Here in Luke, the emphasis is on the tragic circumstances. The dead youth was the only son of a widowed mother. The crowd of sympathisers was large. The mother was crying. Jesus was moved by it all, raised the young man to life and, significantly, gave him back to his mother. He might, like others, have wanted to follow Jesus. A nice touch, that. No wonder the good news spread.

Verses 18-35. John the Baptist had many followers (29), one group excepted (30). But now even John was puzzled by Jesus and was sinking into disillusionment. Why did the Lord not release him from prison (cf 3.20)? After all, Isaiah 61.1 mentioned the release of prisoners as one of the things the Messiah would do. But Jesus knew that not only would John be killed but so too he himself would be. His answer to John is an indirect one. He allowed John’s delegation to see various works of power, such works as are listed in Isaiah 35.5,6 and 61.1-3, including, of course, the preaching of the Gospel. John would be able to interpret this answer for himself. These were the works typical of the coming Messiah. Jesus added a gentle appeal to John to remain faithful even in his dire circumstances in prison (23).

LUKE


Then follows (24-30) glowing praise of John, the greatest of all prophets, with outright condemnation of the people because they expected John and Jesus to dance to their tune (31-35).

Lessons, surely, for today’s leaders and congregations. Recall that we saw in page 12 that audiences must be discerning. However, that does not mean demanding, even less dictating. I have heard of some ridiculous reasons for not liking preachers.

“We played the flute for you,

and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge

and you did not cry?

Chapter 7.36-50. Clear differences in results

You may have already noticed two things:

Chapter divisions are not always helpful in marking out themes.

A section often ends with a memorable saying (e.g. 7.35).

Keep looking out for both of these.

Verses 36-50. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” You’ll see in a moment how relevant that quotation is. Jesus was invited to dine with a Pharisee. There are two similar occasions in 11.37 and 14.1. At this meal there is a clear distinction made between the cold, outwardly righteous attitude of Simon, the Pharisee, who had invited Jesus, and the loving worship of the woman, a forgiven sinner, who had invited herself.

We don’t know all the facts of her story. She had obviously heard Jesus preaching about forgiveness and new life, had received the message in her heart, then followed him in order to express her deep gratitude. Notice the details in verses 37 and 38, and try to imagine the scene – the embarrassed silence of the guests broken only by her sobbing. You could have heard a pin drop, as we say, while she washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her long hair. I wonder were there tears in the eyes of some others present, as they sat watching in absolute silence.

Simon’s mind was full of misgiving. His background made it impossible for him to understand. His heart had never been broken by sin or healed by love. He assumed, of course, that his chief guest didn’t know who this woman was, but he was wrong. Jesus did know, and, in fact, also knew what Simon was thinking!

His little story of the two debtors made the point beautifully (40-43).

What a world of difference there was between Simon’s cold attitude to Jesus and the woman’s (44-47)! Simon had no idea that his lack of love was his chief fault. If he

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had ever been forgiven it was for little things. Perhaps he had forgotten to tithe his mint, dill or cumin (Matthew 23.23-25)! Inside he was full of greed and selfishness. Granted, he had invited Jesus to a meal, but it seems out of a sense of duty or even just curiosity. Real Christianity and Pharisaism stood in stark contrast.

Other guests asked a good question. “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Who indeed? Compare 5.21. Did they see the logic of their question?

The woman would never forget Jesus’ parting words to her. “Go in peace.” That peace the world cannot give, nor take away.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, for that hardness that lurks in my heart against those who have sinned. Your grace reached out to me and it can reach out to the most degraded person. You could speak peace to such as this woman. Help us, your followers, to

reach out to them also with your love and forgiveness. Amen.

Chapter 8. Description of the Team

What was the team like that Jesus took with him? The apostles went to see, hear and learn; the women went as helpers and providers. One woman, Joanna, was the wife of Herod Antipas, Minister of Finance. She wanted to use her wealth to support Jesus in his ministry. Wealth can be a great snare, but it can also be a great tool for extending the Kingdom. These women had been greatly helped by Jesus in areas such as sickness and deliverance from evil spirits. [We certainly need to take this seriously in our time.] The opposite of being oppressed by evil spirits is being filled by the Holy Spirit, and that is normal Christianity, according to the apostles.

By this time, it was becoming obvious that Jesus’ teaching was not always going to be received. The previous story of Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman make that clear. Now Jesus will formalise differing results in his most famous parable.

Chapter 8.4-15. The Parable of the Sower

You can, if you like, think of four suitable surnames to represent these people. For example, is there a surname with ‘path’ in it? Redpath? This will help you to think of them as real people!

Well, Mr & Mrs whatever you’ve called them, are coming out of church after hearing a faithful preacher. Satan has to get busy (12) or they might think about what they’ve heard and believe and be saved. Plenty of chat after the service, in the car park, is a good weapon of his. Soon, the two people have all but forgotten what the sermon was about. Game, set and match to Satan!

What will you call your second person? Rocke? He or she did make some progress. The seed actually grew – for a time. But there was no depth. Perhaps the plough could not tear up the shallow soil. So it couldn’t hold the moisture, and the plants died. Passing impressions only. “That was a good sermon. It really touched me.” But soon the impression has gone. They believed for a while only, but when testing came, they fell away. Maybe they’ll say “I tried Christianity once. It didn’t work.”

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And your third? Thornbury? Their lives were full of other things, too full to allow the seed room to grow. Jesus mentions worries, riches and pleasures. Three very common weeds which choke out the true seed. They really haven’t time for church and all that.

And No. 4? Mr & Mrs Goode? They do three things. They hear – retain – and persevere.

So, to summarise. We have aborted Christians, temporary Christians, immature Christians and fruitful Christians. Now we need to ask “Where am I in that list?” And determine to be in the fourth.

Lord, it is our heart’s deep desire to be fruitful in your kingdom. Help us to receive the good seed into our hearts with humility and submission, and to profit thereby, bearing fruit to eternal life. In Jesus’ worthy name. Amen.

Chapter 8.16-21. A lamp on a stand, and Jesus’ mother and brothers

These two themes are contained within a mere six verses, but they are very important. The first theme states the policy that Jesus followed of teaching a small group of people first, who would then be entrusted with spreading the light. Just like carefully lighting a candle and then setting it on a candlestick. The initial teaching may be done in secret but the ultimate aim is not to keep it that way. It is exactly the opposite. Soon, he knew, it would be proclaimed worldwide.

This can be seen today where people in some countries have to learn in secret, perhaps by correspondence courses. Even then, the authorities try to intercept the courses. Or they may learn by radio broadcasts from abroad. In either case, the aim is to instruct some, who will then pass on to others what they have learned. In the bad old days in England, Bibles had to be smuggled into the country in sacks of corn from the continent. Then they were read by the few and the message passed on to whoever would listen.

Elsewhere Jesus said the word would spread like leaven which a woman put into the dough, and it spread all through it. That’s really the same idea. Gradually the truth spread through England and beyond. Today, it needs to spread all over again.

Can you see that principle at work?

The second theme in these verses is of becoming closely related to Jesus. First, read the verses through. [I should have said that’s always a good idea!] The Word of God separates, but it also joins. It separated Jesus from his close relatives while they continued in unbelief but it joined him to his followers in a bond closer than natural ties. You may find that too. It’s good to know that eventually his mother and brothers (his father being presumably dead) did believe in him, and were found among the group of Christians waiting for Pentecost (Acts 1.14).

Finally, we should meditate on the thought of knowing Jesus. John’s Gospel says that we become Jesus’ friends (15.14). On what condition? And again in chapter 14.23 he promises to make himself known to us; the condition is if we love him and obey him.

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Simple really! But how wonderful! Sometime read First John (the Epistle, not the Gospel) chapter 2.12-14. Notice how John repeats himself, speaking to children – fathers – young men. And three times he speaks about actually knowing God. Really knowing God.

So take these thoughts with you through the day and remember to meditate, obey and pray. See does he not keep his part of the agreement. Will you not find a new sense of the nearness of the Lord?

That will be a blessed experience.

Chapter 8.22-9.6. His Word has power

Power over storms (22-25)

This is also reported in the other so-called “Synoptic” Gospels. All three look at the life of Jesus more or less from the same point of view. The fourth Gospel at once strikes the reader as very different.

Jesus was tired. Comparing this account with Mark 3.20-21, you’ll see that his family thought he was over-working to the point of a nervous breakdown. But it was nothing that a good sleep wouldn’t cure. So he fell fast asleep in the boat.

The wording leaves me wondering whether the evil spirits operating on the other side of the lake (27) weren’t also operating on the lake to sink the boat and its precious cargo. Note that Jesus “rebuked” the wind and the waves (24), and he evidently expected the disciples to be able to do that too. “Where is your faith?” (25)

“Who is this?” they asked each other. In a short time, Jesus would be asking them that too. “Who do you think I am?” And Psalm 93.3-4 are worth reading as the answer to their question. Verse 4 reads:

“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea –

the Lord on high is mighty.”

Power over demons (26-39)

The Bible takes the devil and the demons seriously. And nowadays, older scepticism is giving way to recognition of the demonic, and some ministers of religion are being trained to case out demons. Relevant text-books have been written for them.

This demon-possessed man was living like a wild animal, naked, among the tombs. Note his furious reaction to Jesus (28). Also his superhuman strength (29).

First, Jesus tried to establish the man’s real identity (30), but the demons had really taken over. They knew, though, that they were no match for Jesus, Son of the Most High God, as they called him. They certainly knew who he was!

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Can demons take over control of animals? It would seem so. There are modern instances of similar things, mentioned in the standard book on the subject “But Deliver Us From Evil” by Rev John Richards (page 216). In the Gospel account, the result was devastating.

Sadly, demon possession is not unknown in the U.K.

The final picture is very wonderful (35). The man now sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and sane. However, the residents found all this too much for them. They asked Jesus to leave! The man, at our Lord’s command, stayed to be a witness to the divine power that had set him free.

See also “Demon Possession” by John Nevius, a Presbyterian missionary. Re-published by Kregel Publications, several times since 1968.

Power over sickness and death (40-56)

There’s quite a contrast between the Gerasene rejection of Jesus (37), and the enthusiastic reception he received on the west side of the lake.

Note the touching details in verses 41 and 42. Then we have a story within a story. A woman suffering from haemorrhage. Another of the Gospels tells us she had spent all her savings seeking a cure (Mark 5.26). All she got was much suffering and many disappointments. Her case defied all remedy till she met Jesus, then she was healed in the simplest way – by touching his cloak. This raises the question of divine healing today. Some Christians find that concept difficult, but the gift of healing is clearly taught in scripture (e.g. in 1 Corinthians 12.9). It won’t do to say it ceased with the apostles, for that ignores all the healings that Augustine mentions, or John Wesley or Katherine Kuhlman and many others since. It’s not possible to dismiss all of these great men and women. And many churches today have a viable ministry of healing.

Why did Jesus insist on knowing who had touched him? Or, put it another way, had he another blessing to give her? I think he had. Without it she could have gone away to a life of uncertainty. Any pain or ache, and she would be filled with anxiety. “There’s that old thing back again!” But now she had his reassurance. “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” No more worry. Wonderful!

However, that delay over the woman was bad news for Jairus. “It’s too late now. Your daughter is dead.” His heart sank, but Jesus forestalled his total despair with a strong word of faith (50). Then he took the inner circle of disciples, the parents, and entered the house. Outside, the professional wailing turned to scoffing. What a simpleton this Jesus must be! He actually believes the girl is only sleeping!

Now, picture the scene in the bedroom. The six people stand very still around the bed. Jesus bends down and gently lifts the hand of the 12 year old girl. The others hardly dare to breathe. “My child, get up.” Her eyelids flicker, then open, and she looks at Jesus, then at her parents. Can you imagine their gasps of delight. A loud cry from the mother. The little girl at once pops out of bed (55). I’m sure there were many tears shed at that moment, as the three hugged each other. Would you think

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Jesus would cry too? Of course he would. But he was also practical. “She’ll need something to eat, and, by the way, keep this private if you can.”

Crowds of curious people could be a nuisance. He already knew that problem.

Maybe you’re like me, crying for a different reason. “Why not here, Lord? We need to see your power too.”

We have room for a little puzzle. How do you know who wrote this Gospel? The title ‘Luke’ was, of course, added later. Here is your first clue (there will be more as we progress). The clue is found in the opening verses of both this Gospel and The Acts.

Finally in this section entitled “His word has power” we come to 9.1-6. “The sending of the Twelve”

In chapter 10 we read of the Seventy being sent out, and the two passages are somewhat parallel. Notice here that both power and authority are given to the apostles. Authority would be rather empty without power to back it up. Notice also that they had a three-fold ministry.

Healing sicknesses

Casting out demons

Preaching the kingdom (the rule) of God [Who rules in your life? God?]

Then follow simple instructions. No special preparations were necessary. Just go, and you will be looked after (3,4). See in chapter 22.35 how this worked out. People were glad to help with food etc. You may have heard of the Lollards, travelling preachers going about England 600 years ago, reading aloud the new Wycliffe translation of the Bible into English and preaching on it.

If they were badly received, Jesus instructed them to shake the dust off their feet (5). We read of that happening in Acts 13.51. And I have heard of an evangelist putting his foot up on to the rail of the pulpit, and with his linen handkerchief brushing the dust off his shoe. He felt people there did not want to hear the message about Jesus.

Lord, send messengers out to preach and heal all over this land, casting out demons too where that is necessary. Turn the hearts of our people to you in repentance and faith, that your glory may be seen again in our land. Amen.

Now to use the MOP!

Think why the supernatural seems to have disappeared from much church life today.

Jesus speaks often about faith (8.25,48,50). He commanded Jairus to believe. Something there for us to obey…

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There is nothing more urgent than to pray that Christians like us might experience the power of Jesus. He does say that he will be with us to the end of the age. Remember?

Chapter 9.7-50. Who is this man Jesus?

Verses 7-9. First, Herod (the one we read of in 3.1) wonders who this is. Some of his advisors suggested it was John the Baptist back to life again, after Herod had executed him. Others said it was Elijah, because Elijah was to appear before the great and terrible day of the Lord (see Malachi 4.5 – almost the last verse in the Old Testament). Still others suggested he was one of the Old Testament prophets back to life again. I wonder which one they had in min. Isaiah, the evangelical prophet? Or Jeremiah, the weeping prophet? There are similarities in Jesus to both of them.

Herod was very curious to see Jesus and did eventually (23.8), but Jesus had nothing to say to him. The worst thing that can happen to a man is that he silences the voice of God by his sin.

Verses 10-17. 5,000 fed. This is part of the answer to the question in our title ‘Who is this man Jesus?’ It should take our minds back to the Old Testament, where God provides manna for his people in the desert. Like Jesus’ disciples, the people in those old days were puzzled. How could anyone feed all these people in the desert? And when they saw the thin white flakes lying on the ground, they said “What is it?”. The Hebrew for “what is it?” is “manna?”. That’s the origin of the name. You can just see them scratching their heads and looking at each other!

They couldn’t understand how it could be done. Neither could Jesus’ disciples. They wanted Jesus to send the people away to the villages nearby to get food for themselves (12). Only God could do it, then Jesus did it. What does that tell you about Jesus?

Verses 18-22. Again, for the fifth time, Luke shows Jesus at prayer. What was he praying about? We’ve just seen how slow the disciples were to understand who Jesus was. Now he’s about to bring things to a head. “Who do the crowds say I am?” As we say, that’s the 60,000 dollar question! So, obviously, Jesus is praying that their eyes will be opened! The apostle Paul speaks of a veil being taken from our eyes (2 Corinthians 3.16-18 are important). Paul is thinking of Moses who wore a veil when he appeared in public; his face glowed so much after being with God (Exodus 34.33-35). Nowadays we would say we were blind-folded, so how could we see who Jesus was?

The disciples give all the possible answers to Jesus’ question. Then they give their own (19,20). Yes, they’ve seen it now. Jesus is the Christ. This man is the long-awaited Messiah! But they are soon warned that he will not be the popular Messiah people were looking for (21,22). Just the opposite. People would kill him, but he would be raised from the dead. And in verse 23 he mentions crucifixion!

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Verses 23-27. True followers must expect trouble too. This group of verses can be summarised like this:

If your Christian faith costs you nothing, it’s worth nothing.

Gain this world and you lose the next.

No cross, no crown.

Now obviously this does not mean that we run about looking for trouble! That would be silly. But trouble will come. Friends we thought would not mind us being Christians begin to avoid us. And in some countries, it can be much worse than that. People are thrown into jail for being Christians. Some are even killed. Of course, there is another side to that. We have Jesus on our side and plenty of Christian friends.

This note of suffering has not been heard in this part of the world for a long time, but it does need to be heard now, I think. So, take time to think about it. M.O.P.

Chapter 9.28-36. The transfiguration of Jesus

There was a hint of this in verse 27. And recall the title for this whole section; “Who is this man?” The disciples have arrived at the correct answer, though the didn’t like what Jesus said about dying. Matthew actually records Peter contradicting Jesus. “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16.22). Luke adds that when our Lord talked with Moses and Elijah on that sacred mount, their conversation was about his coming death! The three apostles by now were thoroughly convinced that Jesus was God (29). It reminds me of those occasions when Moses saw God on the mountain top (Exodus 24.9-11; 33.12-34.7). I hope you’ll take time to read those references. They are important. Look what happened to Moses – his face began to shine with glory.

This experience happened to the apostles at night, and they felt very sleepy (32). When the two heavenly visitors were about to leave, Peter blurted out that he wanted them to stay. He would build makeshift shelters for them (33)!

But there was more. The voice of God himself confirmed that Jesus was indeed his Son (34,35). Jesus then instructed them to keep all this to themselves for the time being (36; cf Mark 9.9). What an experience and they weren’t allowed to share it – yet!

Verses 37-45. Who is this man? He is God the Son. This is confirmed again by the ease with which he heals the boy. The disciples could do nothing to help. Jesus was full of power.

He rebuked the evil spirit;

healed the boy; and

gave him back to his father.

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Notice, by the way, that children can be possessed by demons. Hence the importance of Christian upbringing, with prayer and Bible reading. And believe that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit!

Jesus was exasperated at their unbelief (41). Ours too, do you think?

Note too that the people were amazed at the greatness of God! Then in 44 he repeats the teaching about his coming betrayal (and death). But the disciples knew he would be impatient if they admitted they didn’t yet understand (45).

Verses 46-48. But what sort of God is Jesus? Too important to have time for children? Not at all! He loves them, has time for them, wants to heal them and bless them (cf 38). Isn’t it amazing that the disciples should be arguing about who was to be the greatest among them! Amazing, that is, until we remember what happens today in the church! People are still ambitious and arrogant.

Verses 49-50. Arrogant and exclusive. Intolerant too. “Not one of us” – a lot of church history could be summed up in those words.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, we worship you, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. But you are not a forbidding, distant God, but one who loves to be with us and our children. Not a God to be afraid of, but a God to love. Teach us too, Lord, bit by bit, patiently, forgiving our slowness and shortcomings. Make us light in this dark world. Amen.

Now for that second clue as to who wrote “Luke’s Gospel”.

You have already concluded, I hope, that one and the same person wrote “Luke’s Gospel” and “The Acts of the Apostles”. Now what? Where do we go from there?

In fact, the two books are often now treated as if they were Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the same work, called “Luke/Acts”, the dividing point being the ascension of Jesus. Both were written to a friend called Theophilus, giving him the history of Christianity so far.

[Many people, indeed, wish there had been a third Volume, telling us what happened to Paul afterwards. Was he released from prison in Rome? (See the final chapter in The Acts). And what did the other apostles do? We know very little about them.]

Now for that second clue. If you read carefully The Acts chapter 16, verse 8-17, you should note something strange. The usual pronoun ‘they’ changes to ‘we’ and ‘us’, meaning that the writer was present, but by verse 40 it’s back to ‘they’ again. That means the writer was a c-------n of Paul’s, at least for a time [seven missing letters in that word].

So now we are another step on the way to finding out who wrote this Gospel.

Chapter 9.51-10.24. Vision and plans

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Verses 51-56. As we have just seen the disciples were arrogant. Which of them would be the greatest was their chief concern! Then stopping a man ministering to disturbed people because “he wasn’t one of us!” (49). Pure sectarianism! What next? Did John and James “look like thunder”, as we say? Was that why Jesus gave them the nickname “Sons of thunder” (Mark 3.17)?

Jesus had other more serious things to think about (51). He knew he was going to his death, but he didn’t flinch. But was he grieved with their petty rivalries? Such petty attitudes never happen today – or do they?

Jesus and the disciples were going up to Jerusalem – 9.51,53; 13.22; 17.11; 18.31; 19.11,28. And nearly all the stories and teaching from 9.51 to 18.14 are only recorded by Luke. That’s a little extra note just in case you’re interested in that sort of thing.

Verses 57-62. Serving Jesus is costly. Three would-be workers. Three memorable sayings.

No 1 was impulsive, enthusiastic, but it would mean roughing it.

No 2 was tied to a non-Christian home. “Wait till my father dies. It’s not that urgent.”

No 3 was a home-bird. But a clean break can be tough.

Did you find the three memorable sayings? Pray for young people called by God.

Chapter 10.1-24. Now Jesus sends out even more preachers.

Remember what Paul later said. “How can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10.15) This time Jesus sends out 72, six times more than the last time. So the work must have been growing fast. They go two by two, to encourage each other when things are hard. A good idea, don’t you think?

Why were they sent?

To gather in the harvest that’s ready, i.e. evangelise.

To pray for even more harvesters! (2)

How were they to go?

Facing danger, like lambs among wolves. Don’t imagine everybody will love you! (3)

With simplicity and urgency (4).

Lodgings. Bring a blessing wherever you stay, and don’t look for more comfortable ‘digs’ (5-8).

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What to do. Heal and preach (9). Shake off the dust of towns that won’t welcome you (10-12). Examples of such towns are given in verses 13-15. And they had even seen miracles!

These men represent Jesus and God (16). It’s a very serious matter not to heed their message.

Now in verses 17-24 we learn of the Lord’s reaction when they came back.

Already Satan’s kingdom is being shaken and is tottering (17-20) through this teaching about Jesus, and later through his death and resurrection. John 12.31-33 is the best commentary on that. Satan has been overthrown at Calvary and at the resurrection. That was Jesus triumphing! Satan’s power was broken. All evil spirits have to submit. I don’t think the snakes and scorpions mentioned are literal ones. They mean all the attacks Satan can mount. Compare Genesis 3.15.

[Here is a useful ‘tip’. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. So, look up parallel verses to the verse you’re reading.]

Isn’t it good that ordinary people can learn all these wonderful things, and have their names written in heaven! That makes Jesus happy too (20,21).

Verse 22 is worth thinking about. The basic idea is that Jesus introduces us to the Father. The reverse is true too. And the Holy Spirit is brought in when we read 1 Corinthians 12.3.

Verses 23 and 24 speak of our privileges compared with even the greatest people in the Old Testament. Amazing, isn’t it? Did you ever think of that? These old saints longed to see what we see, but didn’t. Even the youngest Christians today can know more than these former saints knew, because they ca read all about the coming of Jesus, his teaching, his death and resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the Gentiles coming into the Church. The long-awaited inheritance is now ours! Try Galatians 4.1-7.

Think of it this way. The dwarf on the hill-top sees more than the giant in the valley.

Prayer. Lord God, we thank you that we have all these wonderful privileges that the Old Testament saints did not enjoy. Help us, Lord, to show by the quality of our lives that we are living in the full enjoyment of them. Fill our hearts with that peace that comes with sins forgiven, and fill us with the Holy Spirit, so that we may exercise gifts as members of the body of Christ. Change our lives to show the fruits of the Spirit in holy living and the freedom of the children of God. In the name of Jesus, your beloved Son. Amen.

You may be wondering when clue number 3 is coming, to tell you who wrote the Gospel we are reading. Well, here is that clue. You already know that the author of “Luke/Acts” was a companion of Paul’s. But who? Paul had many companions.

Here is a fact the English reader needs to be given. “Luke/Acts” was written by a person well acquainted with the language of the Greek medical schools. This person

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naturally and inevitably slipped into the use of medical phraseology. So, it looks as if we are now looking for a doctor, who went with Paul on some of his journeys.

That narrows the field down a lot. Now, in Colossians 4.14, Philemon 24 and 2 Timothy 4.11 Paul mentions a faithful companion who is a doctor, Luke by name.

Finally, Christians from the time of Irenaeus (he lived in the second century in Southern France) were agreed in saying that Dr Luke was the author of “Luke/Acts”.

So that is the mystery solved!

One or two thoughts to mull over:

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him (Wm Law).

The Spirit of God first imparts love, he next inspires hope, and then gives liberty; and that is about the last thing we have in many of our churches (D L Moody).

That religion cannot be right that a man is the worse for having (Wm Penn).

Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected (Jonathan Edwards).

Chapter 10.25-11.13. Eternal life and how to get it

Chapter 10.25-29. This was not a genuine question from the Old Testament expert. See also 11.45,46, and for the same question again, 18.18. Jesus neatly passed the question back to the questioner (26)! The expert really knew the answer already – at least in theory (28,29). It was so simple really that the expert now felt embarrassed for having asked the question at all. So, he tries to wriggle out of an awkward situation (29).

Verses 30-37. The story of the Good Samaritan obliges the Jewish expert to learn from a Samaritan of all people! There was mutual bad feeling between the two races (9.52). The expert can actually see the answer coming a mile away, but he just can’t bring himself to say ‘the Samaritan’ (37). And compare Matthew 23.1-3 with Jesus’ four-word answer here.

So, where does that leave us? Eternal life consists in loving others and helping them. It is a here-and-now thing, not just for heaven.

Verses 38-42. However, not all service is loving service. This little story balances the last one. There are “do-gooders” who would be better occupied sitting and listening to Jesus (reading the Bible and praying!). What we need is benevolence based on communion with God. That combines both aspects of Christianity.

Chapter 11.1-13. A section on prayer.

But how does it fit into our heading “Eternal life and how to get it”? Answer: prayer is like breathing. It is the life-breath of life eternal. Life eternal here and now, remember! A new quality of life.

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Luke doesn’t often record what Jesus prayed; more the frequency and intensity of his prayers. When he prayed the disciples were flabbergasted. They’d never heard anyone praying like that before! So they asked him to teach them. Good idea, don’t you think, for us to copy? How does Jesus teach them?

By letting them hear him pray. That’s learning by example (1).

By giving them a model prayer (2-4). The NIV doesn’t include the petition “Your will be done” etc. It should have. So, there are three petitions centred on God: your name, your kingdom, your will. That lifts us out of our selfish habit of the ‘gimmes’ – gimme this and gimme that! Then there are three petitions about our needs: our food, our sins, our temptations.

“Lead us not into temptation” – some people are surprised at that. Would God ever do that? It seems strange. But think of it as being led into battle. That sounds better, doesn’t it? We have to fight Satan – and win! Jesus himself was led into temptation (Luke 4.1). It’s dangerous, so pray as in 22.40.

By telling them a story illustrating persistence (5-8).

By urging us to be confident as we pray (9.10).

An illustration from a good home (11,12).

Then, in a final answer to our heading, he tells us to ask confidently for the Holy Spirit, the One who gives eternal life, the life of heaven here and now!

Chapter 11.14-12.12. Opposition from formal religion

Verses 14-28. A dramatic result of the Holy Spirit working through Jesus. A dumb man could now speak. [Some illnesses today also are due to demonic powers]. Verses 15-16. In their eagerness to oppose Jesus, people often said foolish things. Jesus’ reply was 5-fold:

Satan wouldn’t foolishly allow civil war in his kingdom (17,18).

Your followers try exorcisms too. What about them? (19).

It’s obvious God is at work. That’s the real explanation (20).

Satan has been overcome by Jesus. Now his spoils are being divided (21,22).

Antagonism to Jesus lay behind their criticism (23).

Pretty plain speaking, I think you’ll agree!

Verses 24-26 can be taken as wise counsel for the man now healed, i.e. make sure the Holy Spirit fills the vacuum in you, or things could get worse again. Or perhaps, even wider than that, a word for the Jews in general – the appalling state of emptiness in their religion. Lessons for some churches today, do you think?

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Just then an enthusiastic woman spoke out from the crowd: “A blessing on you, Jesus!” and verse 28 could be taken as a final word for the man. “Do what I told you!” Or, linking up with 8.21 – again the thought of the blessed family of the obedient.

Verses 29-32. Now for the people who (verse 16) asked for a sign! As if healing a dumb man wasn’t enough…what more do they want? The only sign they’ll get will be the Jonah-like death of Jesus, and his rising from the dead. And another woman will speak out (a Queen this time, who came a long way to hear Solomon). She will condemn the stubborn men of Jesus’ time, who would hardly go round the corner to hear the Lord’s wisdom (31). Well done, ladies! Times haven’t changed much.

By the way, this Gospel of Luke has been called ‘the Gospel of women’. You can see why. But just to level things up again, Jesus praises men for a change – the men of Nineveh who listened to Jonah preaching and repented (32). Now a greater than Jonah is here. What will the men of the area do?

Verses 33-36. Three sayings about light.

Verse 33 has to do with open preaching. The light of the Gospel is there if you want it.

Verse 34. But you need good eyes to see it. Some are blind to Gospel truth.

[Verse 35 is an aside. Beware lest you believe falsehood! Faith, when it is diseased, becomes superstition. Some people believe the most absurd things.]

Verse 36. Open, honest people fully receive the light of the truth. That’s the best thing to do.

Now it is time for that MOP again. Sit back and Meditate, then be ready to Obey, then Pray.

Chapter 11.37-53. Six woes.

“Woes” are common in Isaiah 5, in Matthew 23 and of course, in The Revelation. The word means affliction, bitter grief or distress.

The meal described here must have been a very stormy one, with very frank conversation and confrontation. Jesus was certainly no pussyfooter! It all started over some footling regulation that the Pharisees had (38). Jesus remarked that in reality the Pharisees were inwardly greedy, wicked and foolish! (39-41). Wealthy clerics who ignored the poor. Their piety was only a show.

Then followed the six woes:

Their type of religion was altogether out of focus, distorted. Elsewhere Jesus accused them of straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! (42). That would make a lovely cartoon, wouldn’t it?!

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Pomposity and self-seeking (43).

Like graves, full of rottenness, but ordinary people didn’t see that (44).

Jesus included the teachers of the law as well. They explained the commandments to others but didn’t keep them themselves. “Do as I say, but not as I do.” Pure hypocrisy! (45,46)

An old English poet wrote this about genuine parsons:

“They taught the lore of the apostles twelve,

But first they followed it themselves.” (Chaucer. altd)

They killed the true prophets, and (gladly?) saw them safely into their tombs, piling up an increasing heap of guilt. And, they will kill the apostles too (47-51) and Jesus!

They kept the laity in ignorance of the Word of God, taking away the key. Compare the outburst in John 7.49: “This mob that knows nothing of the law – there is a curse on them.” Did you note who said that? Most church leaders worldwide are not like that, fortunately. They get the Bible translated into the local language, then they explain its meaning. And, of course, there were some good Pharisees who received Jesus, men like Nicodemus and Saul of Tarsus. Not many, though.

Violent scenes afterwards (53,54). Not surprising, I suppose.

Chapter 12.1-3. A huge crowd had gathered outside.

I’m not sure why. Any poor soul who stumbled and fell in the crush was trampled on! Somehow Jesus managed to get his followers together then warned them about the Pharisees. Their hypocrisy is dangerous; it spreads – like yeast in the baker’s dough. But eventually all secrets will be revealed. What secrets did Jesus have in mind? If you go back to chapter 11.47-51, you’ll see he had in mind their plots to murder him and his followers. Do you remember 6.11?

Chapter 12.4-7. Jesus warns his followers of danger coming and how they should react.

People should fear above all the wrath of God, not the wrath of man. And Jesus promises care for his disciples, like God’s care for the humble sparrow. Indeed, God counts the very hairs on your head!

Chapter 12.8-12. Jesus tells His disciples how to behave under pressure.

Acknowledge Jesus without fear. The opposite is a terrible possibility (8,9). No one should minimise the seriousness of these words, yet we know that Peter denied Jesus, and was restored by Jesus. In 22.60 he said “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” When someone asserted that he was one of the disciples. But there was forgiveness even for that sin.

LUKE


However Jesus here states that for blasphemy against the Holy Ghost there is no forgiveness (10). Why the difference?

If you like, the Holy Spirit is a life-line, but what if we disown the life-line? There is no hope for us then. Think of a sailor being rescued by a helicopter from a sinking vessel. The life-line is lowered, but he thrusts it away. That must be the end for him. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the one who produces the essential repentance in us.

No Christian should worry about defending his faith in court (11,12). The Holy Spirit will come to his/her aid in the time of need, as we find in Acts 4.8 when Peter was on trial.

Lord, remember our brothers and sisters who this very day are suffering for your sake and the gospel’s. Some are in prison, some will stand trial. Be with them in their hour of need. Give them courage. Make them aware of your presence, like the three young men in the burning, fiery furnace. Even King Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth man with the three, walking around in the fire – and the fourth, he said, looked like a son of the gods. Amen.

Some thoughts for meditation

Whatever else God wants us to be, he certainly wants us to be men and women of prayer. Our God is a God who answers prayer. Like the Psalmist, we will love him for so doing (Psalm 116.1).

The Holy Spirit is a gift of grace, not of merit (Galatians 3.5,14). What a wonderful thought! The Holy Spirit is not for special Christians, but for all who believe in Jesus.

Sermons without pastoral care are like arrows shot into the air. They may hit something. They may very well hit nothing.

God waits till we’re ready to be blessed. And the world waits too!

Let us ask God in Jesus’ name. Tell him we know his well-beloved Son.

“Half an hour to wake the dead” – Ruskin’s definition of a sermon.

Chapter 12.13-59. Setting out hearts on money, or on Jesus coming again

Verses 13,14. A family quarrel over an inheritance gave Jesus the opportunity to teach on attitudes to money. Eventually, at the end of the chapter, he does respond directly to their question (57-59).

Verse 15 contains a great principle on money and possessions. Beware of greed, cultivate contentment. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” the apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 6.6. That should be another motto.

Verses 16-21. This is now illustrated in the parable of The Rich Fool. And the same theme occurs twice more in this Gospel (16.19-31; 18.18-25). Who knows? Maybe it

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was a hard lesson the good Dr Luke had to learn himself. Presumably he was once well off.

Verses 22-34. But what about poor people, including the apostles themselves? They have another problem: worry. What has Jesus to say about that? He divides the poor person’s worries into two parts – food and clothes. Note what he says about these:

Are they worth worrying about – either of them?

24. You are more important to God than the ravens. You’ll be fed, never fear.

25,26. Worry gets you nowhere. It may even shorten your life!

27,28 God clothes the grass and flowers more beautifully than Solomon.

29-31 Worry is pointless. God certainly knows your need. Seek to live and witness for the Lord. The rest will fall into place – even a job! (1 Thessalonians 4.11: “Mind your own business and work with your hands.”)

32-34 Generosity and sharing. Live simply (cf Acts 2.45). Is your treasure really in heaven? That’s a question we must all fact, no matter how much or how little we own.

Verses 35-40. This world isn’t going to last for ever. We don’t know when Jesus will come. He will surprise us some day. Don’t forget. Live with half an eye on the next world. You’ll notice that now we’re getting on to the second part of our title at the top of this page.

Verses 41-46. Now a message for the apostles and all future church leaders. If Jesus delays and that makes you lazy and careless, you’ll be in serious trouble.

Verses 47-48. The trouble will depend on the level of knowledge the leader has. No excuses for leaders in our country, with plenty of helpful books, commentaries, etc.

Verses 49-53. Bringing Christianity caused trouble for Jesus – and for us too! Divisions, misunderstandings, even within families. We’ve all heard of that, or experienced it!

Verses 54-56. Try to understand the times you live in. Jesus has come once to found his Kingdom; he is coming again to finalise it. In chapter 21.5-end we’ll be looking at the things which must happen before he comes back.

Verses 57-59. Now, after all that teaching, a word of advice for the brothers. They have stood there all the time, listening to the good teaching. Jesus urges them now to agree. Better that than family feuds, or even prison! Why not divide the money and be friends? There are more important things than money.

Here is a good thought. A man died. How much money did he leave? Everything!

LUKE


Now time for meditation, obedience and prayer.

Do you think this made any difference to the brothers? Will it make any difference to you?

Chapter 13.1-30. Aspects of the Kingdom

Verses 1-5. Repent or perish? As you read these verses, you’ll see that two tragedies are mentioned, and the popular conclusion was that people involved in such tragedies must have deserved it. It’s easy, of course, to point the finger. The first tragedy was a disturbance brutally quelled by Pilate, the second one probably an accident during the construction of an aqueduct. Eighteen people were killed.

Jesus however will have none of the popular feeling about the people who suffered so tragically. Everybody needs to repent, because everybody has sinned in one way or another. And, the way into the Kingdom is through repentance. Compare Acts 20.21 for the preaching of the premier apostle.

Verses 6-9. The second thought is this: Repentance must bear fruit. Remember Luke 3.8? “Product fruit worthy of repentance.” And the old Shorter Catechism, when defining repentance, mentions “full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience”. Yes, all that is true, but this parable of the barren fig-tree makes a new point – we must give repentance time to work! Of course, the Bible is full of instances where repentance was all talk and no results (e.g. Hosea 6.1-4; Jeremiah 3.3-5; Amos 5.14). It’s worthwhile looking up those references, they’re important, but it is also true that we may have to wait before results become visible.

Verses 10-17. This woman’s curvature of the spine was due to Satan’s bad influence (cf 11.14). Note the reaction of dead orthodoxy – anger that she should be cured on the Sabbath! Of course, there would be nothing wrong in untying a donkey on the Sabbath! Such hypocrisy! I think it was the famous 19th century evangelist, D L Moody, who replied to his critics with “I like the way I do it, better than the way you don’t do it!” Do you see a parallel between the woman’s ailment and the twisted religion of the synagogue ruler? And one of the things the preaching of the Kingdom has to do is overthrow Satan and his warped religion. He loves religious people to get all twisted up in religious bigotry. It’s one of his favourite weapons when fighting real Christianity.

Verses 18-21. These verses speak of the external and then the secret growth of the Kingdom. Sometimes it’s more visible, sometimes less. We have a saying “great oaks from little acorns grow”. Verse 29 in our chapter emphasises the point. Now in our time, Christianity has spread all over the world, sometimes very quietly.

Verses 22-30. A theoretical question gets a practical answer. Someone wanted to know how many were going to be saved. In reply Jesus says four things:

Some people will find it too hard for them. Effort is needed (23).

Some people will leave it too late. Do it now (25).

LUKE


Some do too little (26). Think of parallels today. Take communion? Repent!

It will be too bad when you see others in the Kingdom, but you are thrown out! (27-30). Even within the Kingdom there will be some surprises!

Being in God’s Kingdom means believing in Jesus, repenting, taking up the cross, receiving the Holy Spirit, putting Jesus’ teaching into practice. Nothing else will do. We can’t make our own conditions of entry!

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Chapter 13.31-14.35. More about the Kingdom

Verses 31-35. This sounds like an inspired “leak”, calculated to get Jesus to leave. You notice that Jesus calls Herod “that fox” for thinking up this trick. But it didn’t work, for Jesus saw through it and determined to continue working just as God was leading him, to Jerusalem. He mentions the ‘third day’ and, no doubt, there was another ‘third day’ in the back of his mind (18.33). That one would be hard to forget. He added, with a touch of irony “Prophets must die in Jerusalem”! His crucifixion too…

Then follows one of his famous addresses to Jerusalem (another one in 19.41+). Notice how he sobs out the word ‘you’ over and over again. The hen and her chicks is a wonderful picture of love and protection. It’s cosy in there under mammy’s wings! - cf Psalm 63.7. But they didn’t want that. Their beautiful temple would be destroyed in AD70 by the Romans. Does the “blessed” refer to his triumphal entry in 19.38, or has it a future reference also?

In chapter 14 we come to the third meal with a Pharisee (cf 7.36 and 11.37), and the fourth Sabbath miracle (4.38: Simon’s mother-in-law; 6.6: the man with the shrivelled hand; 13.14: the woman bent over). This time the problem was dropsy, morbid gathering of fluid in the body. With the usual challenge to common sense (verse 5; cf 13.15), Jesus healed him.

Then follow three teachings:

On true humility (7-11, cf 11.43).

On unselfish living (12-14). Not so easy that one!

On entering the Kingdom (15-24). The man who raised the topic, no doubt was sure he would be there himself! But Jesus says that many people make silly excuses for not entering the Kingdom. Like the farmer who had bought a field without seeing it beforehand! Or, even worse, buying oxen (a tractor!) without a trial run. And, then [smiling?] Jesus mentions the newly married man who couldn’t get permission to go! Partners can hinder each other.

So first of all, unworthy Jews come in, then the real outsiders (Gentiles! Cf 13.28,29).

I wonder what the original questioner thought of all that!

LUKE


Finally, the cost of entering the Kingdom (verses 25-35).

Probably prompted by the large crowds following Jesus (on the way up to the Passover). There are very relevant words for us today!

Family ties must not prevent us from following Jesus (25-27). “Hate”, of course means “put second”. For all this see 9.57-62. Hard choices have to be made. Dying to self is part of it. Jesus calls that ‘the Cross’. He went that way too, remember.

Don’t be like a hasty, rash builder. Don’t start if you cannot finish (28-30).

In military terms, God demands total surrender (31-33).

Lose the spirit of self-sacrifice and you are totally useless. Take heed! (34,35).

O God, keep alive in us that same spirit of self-giving that Jesus had. May we never falter right to the end of our days, and enter into glory to hear that “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord”. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Chapter 15. Jesus the Evangelist

Verse 1 gives the occasion for the stories. Both groups mentioned can be seen in the stories, most clearly in the third one. Jesus had a heart for the lost. I find that a challenging thought. Have I got that, or would I act like the Pharisees if rank sinners began to sit near me in church? And by rank sinners I mean the sort of people who are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6.9-11. Paul speaks very plainly there. These are not ‘nice’ people to have in your church. The problem with Jesus was that he “welcomed sinners and ate with them”.

Ugh! At least, that’s what the Pharisees thought.

The three stories that follow are probably the best known in the whole Bible. Notice how they move towards a climax. First we have 1/100 sheep, then 1/10 coins, finally ½ sons. And in the third, the Pharisees appear clearly as the older grumpy brother.

For story number one compare Ezekiel 34.11 – God the great shepherd. And notice the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over the others who need no repentance (or think they don’t). Need I tell you who they are? I wonder did they recognise themselves in the story? The emphasis on this story and the second one is on God seeking the lost. The emphasis in the third one is on human repentance.

The great need of the hour is for people to see they need to repent. All people.

The worth of individuals to God is brought out in the second story. This coin was worth a lot. How much more a person made in the image of God? Can you imagine the angels rejoicing over that sinner now? Or the members of the congregation which he/she has joined? Would rank outsiders feel at home in your church now that they have repented?

LUKE


The third story is far clearer on the boy’s change of heart. For one thing, he is a person, not a sheep or a coin. Away he goes to spend his money in sinful ways. [No need to explain that to modern people.] Then he came to his senses. He made up a little speech of regret and set off home. He had learned that sin does not fill the heart with real joy.

But the father’s heart (i.e. God’s) is full of longing for the young man and he meets him halfway. Nothing is said, he just hugs and kisses the boy. After that short confession (verse 21), the servants are told to lay on the food and festivities. Celebrate! Some churches haven’t had a new convert for so long that they wouldn’t know how to celebrate over a sinner returning. Music and dancing!

Then comes the elder brother, grumpy and complaining. His attitude to his father is all wrong. “I have been slaving for you!” A good picture of the Pharisees and their kind of religion. The father gently rebuked him (and Jesus the Pharisees). They can enjoy all the Father’s love too, if they come back into his love. The Pharisees should claim their share of the Father’s love – and some did.

“Come home to the Father’s love.” That is the essence of the Gospel.

Chapter 16. Money-wise and trustworthy

Verses 1-9. The dishonest manager. This is one of the most unusual parables Jesus told, for in it he commends a dishonest man. Not, I hasten to add, for his dishonesty but for his shrewdness. He was a bit of a rogue, but he was a shrewd rogue. When his work came under review, he realised he would certainly get the sack. The boss was getting tough with him, so he quickly thought up a plan to save his skin. He knocked large amounts off some debtors’ bills – in one case, 50% off! In this way, he gained friends who would help him when he needed help. Very crafty indeed!

Should Christians not do something like that? Learn from this worldly man?! (9). People you have helped with finance etc will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

Verses 10-12. Stewardship of (God’s) money is a good test. After all, the money is his, really. If you cannot be trusted with that kind of wealth, will God entrust you with real wealth? That is, wealth of spiritual things, true riches that enter into the soul. No wonder some Christians are so impoverished spiritually! God can’t trust them with blessing!

Shutting off the outflow of money is shutting off the inflow of grace.

For teaching on generosity, see Proverbs 11.25; 19.17; 1 Samuel 25 Nabal!

Verse 13. Divided loyalties. Many people in the church are split between God and riches. Make up your mind, Jesus says.

Verses 14-15. The arrow struck home. The Pharisees sneered and earned a sharp rebuke. But there are many others (16) who are pressing into the Kingdom since the new message came with Jesus. In fact, so eager are they to get in, that Jesus uses the word “forcing” to describe their action.

LUKE


Verses 17-18. This does not mean that the Old Testament is obsolete. That old message still has its place. And he gives one example from it which still holds true (divorce). We would be very impoverished if we did not read the Old Testament.

Verses 19-31. That very point is made again in the next story – of another rich man, and poor Lazarus. See can you find the following: Unnoticed misery – Unimaginable change – Unmitigated torment – Unchangeable destiny – Unused opportunity.

Three points emerge from these verses:

The rich man went to hell for being a miser, a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem. He had no love for God or man.

The gospel is found in the Old Testament. It testifies of Jesus (cf John 5.46).

Jesus didn’t hesitate to preach on hell. Neither should we, but we must do it with tears in our eyes. In some church circles, hell is a taboo subject for sermons, but what have we gained by leaving it out? The scriptures everywhere speak of the justice of God, and the punishment of sinners. And indeed, why did Jesus die if mankind was not in great danger? His death becomes meaningless, rather like a man jumping off the pier to save a friend who is in no danger! That doesn’t make sense, does it?

Remember, hell is not a sign of a cruel God, but of a just God who is the judge of the whole earth. Isaiah calls anger God’s “strange work” (Isaiah 28.21). God is love (1 John 4.8). He is like a judge who passed sentence, then bore the penalty himself.

Chapter 17.1-19. Five lessons

These five seem like odds and ends which Luke hasn’t fitted in to his main narrative.

Lesson 1 – Hindrances (verses 1-3a)

Causing believers to sin, especially children who believe, is a very serious matter. So offenders beware! Jesus refers to an ancient method of execution to underline how seriously he takes this offence. Romans 2.17-24 and Mark 9.42-49 elaborate on this theme.

Lesson 2 – Offences forgiven (verses 3b-4)

This contradicts the easy-going teaching of today, that we forgive offenders without looking for repentance. And it also means that we should speak to offenders and not just ignore what they’ve done. And do it over and over again, if needed. That’s hard.

Lesson 3 – Faith’s power (verses 5-6)

Bigger faith? Mustard seed is very small and the mulberry tree is very deep-rooted. Mark 11.23 has similar teaching. James 5.15,16 puts it in the context of healing. So, it’s not a question of how big your faith is, but how pure it is. Is it mixed with unbelief? It often is! We believe; help us overcome our unbelief! (Mark9.24).

LUKE


Lesson 4 – Only servants after all (verses 7-10)

In 12.37 an opposite but complementary view is explained. Sometimes the master will serve the servants. Jesus washed the feet of his men (John 13.2+). But first and foremost, we are the servants.

Lesson 5 – Gratitude (verses 11-19)

Praise is gratitude made audible. We are too slow to thank people, never mind the Lord! It is sad to think that only one of the lepers who was healed came back to say ‘thank you’. And he was the only one not a Jew! However, he went away with something extra – the word of Jesus that he was cured! We’ve seen that before, you remember, in the case of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

Now, let’s ask ourselves some questions. Look again at the five lessons. Is there one you find most difficult? What about harbouring resentment? Can you ever forgive for that wrong that person did to you? Come on now, Jesus forgave you first. Just you try. Or, again, do you find it difficult to take the lowly place? You may be ignored, even despised, but then, God sees and knows what you are doing. Do it for him!

Is your faith often mixed with unbelief? If so, what can you do about it? Ask God for help? Help your faith to grow by reading the Word of God. Mix with others who have faith. That will encourage you too.

Are you full of gratitude for what the Lord has done for you? Would you like to stop and thank him now? Spend time counting your blessings. It’s good for you.

Have you caused some (younger) Christian to trip up? If so, why not apologise? “I’m sorry for what I said or did. Forgive me.” It might even be your own child! Have you ever said “sorry” to them? You’ll find they respect you more for it. Perhaps you may need to write someone a letter of apology. You’ll never regret it, if you do.

This is very practical, isn’t it? That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it? Something that works! Real Christianity. Praise the Lord.

Chapter 17.20-18.8. The Kingdom of God already here. Can you see it?

Verses 20-21. A good question from a Pharisee. I imagine that’s what Nicodemus wanted to know, but Jesus replied that he needed spiritual birth before he could even know what the Kingdom was! (John 3). The answer is it’s already here! Within you! The rule of God is not something political, it’s spiritual. Not just for the Jews but also for the occupying forces of Rome! Not visible, though its effects will be. Remind yourself of 11.20 and 13.20.

Verses 22-25. It has begun but it’s not complete. That will only happen when Jesus comes again as King! Hard times for Christians will come first, and they will long for his appearing. Verses 23 and 24 tell us that wisdom and discrimination will be needed then. But you’ll be left in no doubt when he does come! Then, in verse 25, back to the present, to his suffering and rejection.

LUKE


Verses 26-35. Then two historical illustrations. First, Noah’s day. People going on with life as usual (but see Genesis 6.5 for ‘normal’ life. Looks familiar, doesn’t it?). Then came the great flood and wiped them all out. T S Eliot said: “This is an age which advances progressively backwards.” Some truth in that! What will the new millennium be like? Will God send another great catastrophe?

The second historical illustration is from Lot’s day. Again (28) the emphasis is on the ‘normal’ life people were living. Again see Genesis 19.5 for the ‘gays’ then. Romans 1.26-27 will give you more information. Then God wiped them out with perhaps a volcanic explosion. If you’ve been to Pompeii in Italy you’ll have some idea what that means. The shapes of people’s bodies are still there, and that happened in 79AD!

So, it looks as if some terrible catastrophe will precede the coming of Jesus. Christians are to be ready to leave everything and everyone! (31-35). The Christian whose first thought at the Second Coming was about the safety of his goods would be unfit for the Kingdom of God.

Where will it all happen? Where will Jesus arrive? (See a similar problem in 19.11). Here, however, Jesus answers with a sort of parable (37). Vultures circling overhead tell the observer there is a carcass below. It is obvious. That is our Lord’s message to us. His arrival will be obvious to all. If you have to be told, you will know the information is wrong! (see verse 24).

Chapter 18.1-8. Then finally, the story of the persistent widow.

It fills out 17.22. This determined lady got her way with the judge eventually, by threats. “Wear me out” in verse 5 is a weak translation. It really means “bruise” or even better “blacken my eye”. And Jesus, always on the lookout for a telling illustration, uses that story to show that God will heed our anguished prayers for the end to come quickly (compare 11.5-8). But finally, a sad warning. Will there be any Christians left after those terrible days? Friends, we need to heed those words, and pray for the Lord to make us strong in Him. If you like, try Revelation 11.7-12 for similar teaching, in symbolic language. Also Matthew 24.9-14 for similar teaching in plain language. Why are these things not preached about? They should be.

Lord, strengthen your people for the troubled times to come. Give strong leadership, and clear teaching on what is certainly coming. Keep us faithful to you as the early Christians were. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Chapter 18.9-19.10. Entering the Kingdom

I’m sure it has struck you that there is a great deal in this Gospel about ‘The Kingdom’, yet, strangely, we rarely hear it mentioned in preaching today. A mystery! Yet, having said that, we have to notice the variety of language used in this section. We have ‘justified’ (14); ‘receive the Kingdom of God’ (16,17); ‘inherit eternal life’ (18 and 30); ‘treasure in heaven’ (22); ‘saved’ (26); ‘salvation’ (19.9).

There are six people mentioned in our section. A Pharisee, a tax collector (these two in a parable), children, a rich ruler, a blind beggar and another tax collector. Add to this Jesus and the disciples, and we have a rich tapestry of life then.

LUKE


Verses 9-14. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The first congratulates God on having him! He was in a class by himself, mostly for the things he didn’t do! He prayed about himself (11). The tax man was quite different. His was a real prayer. He cried out for mercy as a sinner. He made no comparisons. The result? He went home justified, i.e. pardoned or acquitted. The other did not. One came full of himself and went away empty of blessing, the other came empty and went home full of blessing.

Verses 15-17. Little children. The first Greek word here (brephos) means ‘infants’ as in chapter 1.41,44. The disciples missed the point, as usual (cf verse 34)! Don’t we all want our little ones to be touched by Jesus? Of course, we do. We pray for them even before they’re born! The second Greek word (paidion) means ‘child’, ‘toddler’. Every parent worth his salt prays for his toddlers. Both fathers and mothers should do that. In their own little way toddlers can trust Jesus. Later, their faith will grow and deepen, of course.

Verses 18-30. The Rich Ruler. We’ve had his question before (10.25). All he knows is Jesus as a teacher, so Jesus directs him further to God (maybe soon he will find out who Jesus is). Like many today, he has kept the five commandments Jesus mentioned, but is unsure of heaven. Perhaps the 10th commandment had eluded him. He was rich and loved his money too much to let it go. Even the prospect of treasure in heaven didn’t help him. He turned away sad. True riches with Jesus eluded him. He failed to grasp the answer to his question. At the end of this section, we’ll see Zacchaeus, another wealthy man, who firmly grasped the opportunity to be spiritually rich.

It’s hard, Jesus admits, to let the love of money go and grasp salvation. Like getting a camel through the eye of a needle. (This perhaps referring to the small after-hours door in the city gate. You can imagine the owner pushing and heaving the camel through!)

The onlookers were amazed. They thought the wealthy could get anything! And Peter was anxious to know what they would get! After all, they had left everything! Verse 29 means those who have left everything to go abroad as missionaries, or those who for Christ’s sake have been put out of the home. I personally knew one man who was put out by his father, when he became a Christian, and had to stay in an old air raid shelter for the night.

Verses 31-34. Jesus now talks about his death for the third time, linking it with Isaiah 50.6. The disciples did not know what he was talking about. Totally blind – which leads us to the blind beggar. A useful picture of disciples, don’t you think? You notice I left out the word ‘the’ before ‘disciples’, for I think the point applies to all disciples, no matter who and when and where. We are all like this man, if we are being honest.

Notice some things about him:

He knew where help could be found – in Jesus (38).

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He wasn’t going to be put off by foolish leaders (39).

He knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do (41).

He got what he asked for (42).

We can all learn from this man.

Finally, in 19.1-10 we read about Zacchaeus, who got through the eye of the needle! In him, all the points already mentioned are summed up. He was like a child, climbing up a tree to see Jesus – and him a chief tax collector! (See 18.17.) He was small of stature but he was determined that wasn’t going to put him off. Neither did he go away sad like the other rich man. He welcomed Jesus gladly (6). You can imagine the joy. And, most important of all, he found that the hold money had on him was broken. He certainly would have treasure in heaven! First, he gives away 50% of all he owned, then gives 400% to anyone he has cheated! Some men today would need to do that too, when they become followers of Jesus.

Jesus was glad to be the guest of a sinner (7). Truly, a lost man has been found and saved from destruction (9,10). He has found eternal life, beginning now, but continuing into the age to come! He has entered the Kingdom of God, i.e. the realm where God rules. He has been saved. All those things are true of him. How wonderful!

Some sayings on money

Trust the Lord too about money. He knows we need it. He wants us to enjoy the richness of his creation.

Money talks, they say. The only thing it ever said to me was “goodbye”!

You can buy anything with money – except happiness.

“What we give up for Christ, we gain. What we keep back for ourselves is our great loss.” [J Hudson Taylor]

Is the brook drying up? God will provide a Zarephath (1 Kings 17.7,8). One source of supply gives place to another.

Chapter 19.11-48. Attitudes to the King

Verses 11-26. Initiative for the King. Instead of calling this ‘The Parable of the Ten Minas’, it would be better to call it ‘The Parable of the Venture Capital’. The ‘mina’ was worth about three months’ wages – in modern terms, thousands of pounds sterling. The King then said in essence “See what profit you can make, starting with that amount”. This parable was told in order to correct the impression that the Kingdom was about to be set up just then. It had, of course, started, but it was far from being completed. And that would involve venture or risk. Worldwide!

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There may have been a contemporary reference in verse 14, for after Herod the Great’s death, his sons travelled to Rome to contest his will, which divided the country among them. Some Jews went as well. They didn’t want the sons as rulers at all. However, like it or not, the northerners got Herod Antipas in Galilee (cf 3.1).

The meaning of the parable is that Jesus is King and comes back to investigate success or lack of it, among his servants. Of course, eh is always here, in the Spirit (Mark 16.20), working with us, if we allow him.

The first servant has done very well, and so was given even greater opportunities for service (16,17).

The second has done quite well, and was also given wider opportunities (18,19).

In each of these two cases risk had been taken, but not in the third.

This third servant was afraid what his master might say if he failed. So he wrapped up the venture capital in a cloth and put it in a safe place. He should, at least, have put it in the bank to gain interest. So he loses the opportunity of doing anything again (20-26). Use it or lose it is the rule. Faith is spelt r-i-s-k! Venture out and try it.

“Sow your seed in the morning,

and at evening let not your hands be idle,

for you do not know which will succeed,

whether this or that,

or whether both will do equally well.”

(Ecclesiastes 11.6)

And, finally, a word about his enemies who did not want him as King at all. Disaster for them. Remember what was written above the cross when they got Jesus crucified:

“This is the King of the Jews”

They crucified their King! One day, we are told in scripture, the Jews will realise what they have done, and will return to Jesus as their King (Romans 11.26).

Now one obvious question remains. What can ordinary Christians, lay men and women, do for Jesus? Ministers of religion, clergy and missionaries – in their case it’s obvious, but what of the “ordinary” Christian? This raises the whole question of the gifts of the Spirit. What are they, and who are they for?

In 1 Corinthians 12 the apostle makes some vital points. Every Christian is like a part of the body, hands, feet, eyes, ears, heart, etc etc. So he or she must have a function (can you think of any part of the human body that has no function?). If you take time to read 1 Corinthians 12 along with Romans 12.1-8, Ephesians 4.11-13, 1 Peter 4.9-11

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and Exodus 31.1-5, you’ll find there are about two dozen gifts of the Spirit. Why not make a list of them on the back of this sheet of paper, including the “twicers”. But be careful! This could revolutionise your life. Ask God what your gift is. Ask your friends too. They may have already noticed. Then use it! Boldly! It could be preaching, teaching, pastoral care, evangelism, prophecy, counselling, artistic work, etc, etc.

Chapter 19.28-37. Announcement of the King

With Jesus entering in such a way – riding a new colt, with cloaks thrown down as a carpet – the symbolism was obvious. This was the way kings of old entered the capital (2 Kings 9.13; Zechariah 9.9). The main theme of the disciples’ praise was the miracles Jesus performed (37), which showed he was their expected Messiah (=King).

Chapter 19.38-48. Antagonism to the King

The crowd acclaimed Jesus as King (38), but in the very next verse some of the Pharisees rejected that claim. Remember verse 27: “These enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them”! So their attitude came as no surprise to Jesus. His reaction was sorrow (41-44). He sobbed over the city which, he knew, would be totally destroyed in another 40 years or so. They could have chosen peace, but now it’s too late. If you read carefully, you can see the three stages of the siege in verses 43 and 44.

How would you like a man preaching and wiping away his tears? Jeremiah did, Jesus did. Some may today. Personally, I think I’d find it very moving so long as it was genuine. Preachers today avoid deep emotion too much. They prefer to make people laugh.

Verses 45-48. Like the good kings of old, he cleansed the temple of ungodliness (e.g. 2 Chronicles 29.1 etc). Instead of being an open courtyard for prayer it had become a market place – and a dishonest market at that! Now even the Chief Priests and many other leaders were baying for Jesus’ blood, like a pack of hounds. Their only problem was how to kill him without the ordinary people interfering. Religious leaders indeed?

O God we thank you for sending Jesus into the world, to redeem us. And we thank you for his outspokenness and courage. The ordinary people admired him and many followed him, but the religious leaders were against him and eventually had him killed. Help us, Lord, to follow courageously in his steps and especially give grace to the ministers and clergy to be outspoken in their work for Jesus, the Head of the church. In his name. Amen.

“Do you believe? You must speak boldly.

Do you speak boldly? You must suffer.

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Are you suffering? You will be comforted.”

(Martin Luther)

Chapter 20.1-21.4. The day of questions

Verses 1-8. By what authority? A question beloved by ecclesiastical leaders. This high-powered delegation was puzzled by two things regarding Jesus. First, he was teaching and preaching. Second, he had recently cleared the Temple courtyard of merchants. Had he authority to do all this?

But would they accept his answer? They didn’t accept John’s authority, and that was basic. If you like, that was Lesson One. But you can’t go on to Lesson Two without mastering Lesson One. A child who can’t or won’t learn the letters of the alphabet will make no progress at reading! (7,8). And even the ordinary people knew better than their leaders. They knew that God was at work, in John! Now, God was at work in Jesus, even more! Do you recall what John said about Jesus? “He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” “I have seen and testify that this is the Son of God” (John 1.27,34). No need to ask about Jesus’ authority if you believed that! Verse 7 is what people nowadays call ‘a fudge’.

Verses 9-19. The Parable of the Tenants. The leaders got it right this time. They saw that this parable was about them and their predecessors (19). It is a potted history of God’s dealings with the Jews. Again and again he sent his prophets to them, and again and again they refused to listen to them (compare Jeremiah 7.24-26). They have been a stiff-necked lot! Then the owner decides to send his beloved son. [That really is the answer to their question in verse 2, isn’t it? I wonder did the penny drop?]

But they decided to kill him. [Jesus obviously knew their plans regarding him.] What will the owner do? Three things (16) and over verse 16b we could write “Message understood”. It’s not often we are told Jesus looked directly at them (17). And God will not allow their evil plans to thwart his good ones, nor will he allow these evil men to get away with it (18). What a bad lot they were! (19).

Taxes to the Romans? Their badness comes out clearly in verse 20. In 21 their spies ‘buttered Jesus up’, as we say. Heavy flattery. Then in 22 comes the barbed question. They thought not even Jesus could escape that – he was bound to be wrong no matter what he said. Either the Jews or the Romans would be angry. But Jesus was not to be caught. His answer amazed them. “Obey Caesar but don’t worship him.”

Verses 27-39. Resurrection or not? Now it was the turn of the Sadducees, the “smart alecs” among the Jews. They did not believe in any resurrection, but their question implies life after death! Anything goes when you are trying to catch Jesus out! No doubt with a superior smile they told this crazy story of the seven brothers who married a woman one after the other. Now (with an air of triumph) they put the question, “In the resurrection [which they said didn’t exist] whose wife will she be?”.

Verse 34. Jesus neatly turns the tables on them. There will be no marriage in that world, so your question is worthless. And he slips in a nice point in verse 35: are you

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Sadducees worthy to be there? Not all will be there. And he’s not finished yet. What about the great truth of life after death? (37-39). Only living persons (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) can have a God, as your revered teacher Moses taught. God is not the God of the dead. Jesus clean bowled them!

Verses 39-47. Whose son is the Christ? To be fair, some of the Jewish teachers realised what an excellent teacher they were listening to (26,39). Then it was our Lord’s turn to ask a question. The gist of it was “How can David call the Messiah both his son (descendant) and his Lord?” (41-44). Many teenagers today would know the answer, but that audience was stumped. They didn’t even attempt a reply. He was the Son of God according to the Spirit, but the son of David according to his human nature, as Paul says in Romans 1.3,4.

Then, finally, Jesus rebuked the religious teachers for five things: Pomposity in dress; self-importance; wanting preferential treatment; callous greed; and hypocritical prayers. As we say in this part of the world, Jesus didn’t miss them and hit the wall! Just imagine some freelance preacher saying all that about official church leaders today!

Chapter 21.1-4 The widow's mite.

I suspect that this widow may well have been one who had lost a lot of money to these teachers of the law. We need to remember that these teachers of the law were also the lawyers of those days. The law we’re talking about is found in the Bible and formed the basis of legal proceedings then. And that costs money, as this lady found out! So she hadn’t much left to put in the collection in church. The difference was that her heart went with it.

That gives us a new slant on the lawyers’ prayers. You may have heard the phrase “religious rites and social wrongs”. Those two often go together, unfortunately.

Now let’s summarise the points in this section.

We accept the authority of Jesus in our lives, because he is the Son of God.

It is our ambition to bear fruit for the owner of the vineyard.

We will be good citizens, paying taxes due, but worshipping God alone.

We believe in life after death, entrance gained through Jesus, the way.

Jesus is the Son of God, as well as the descendant of David.

We believe religious leaders should be respected, but should not be like these ones in Jesus’ day.

Prayer. Lord we pray that we may obey the wonderful teaching given in this gospel, not just read it and then forget. May people, looking at us, see something of the beauty of Jesus in us. Forgive us, Lord, for being content with low standards, which make the outsider despise the gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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God sometimes prepares us for difficult hills by putting a fountain of blessing at the bottom.

When God’s finger points, God’s hand will open the door (Clarence Jones).

Does God seem far away? Guess who moved!

There is no mortar that time will not loosen (French proverb).

The point of having an open mind, like having an open mouth, is to close it on something solid (G K Chesterton).

Chapter 21.5-38. The end of the age

Jesus included this theme in his pattern of teaching, but how few of the major churches follow his example! I believe, from some experience, that the people in the pew would welcome some sensible teaching on the second coming of Jesus.

It all began when the disciples commented on the beautiful buildings of the temple complex. Jesus startled them by predicting the total overthrow of the temple. Now is the time to mention that there is some overlapping of the two great events – AD70 when Jerusalem was destroyed, and the end of the world when Jesus will return. It’s like a TV programme where one scene fades and another takes its place. So we have to use our common sense to see which is which. Verses 32-35 will help you.

Don’t be deceived (8). False claims will lead many astray. Do you see the two false claims in that verse?

Don’t be afraid (9,10) when wars and rumours come.

Great natural calamities, including signs in the sky, will make people afraid (11). Read also verses 25-26.

Persecution will break out (12-18). Of course, it already exists in many countries. We are to view it positively as an opportunity to witness, as Paul did in Acts 26, and many another since. Even your relatives will turn against you, Jesus adds. And God will give you wisdom when it is needed in court. Even if killed, the hairs on your head are still numbered. That seems odd doesn’t it? Luke later records the death of Stephen in Acts 7 and 8. What did those godly men feel when they buried Stephen? That he would have another and better body afterwards?

Verses 20-24. Now the picture ‘cuts’ to Jerusalem in AD70. The Christians did take this warning and left Jerusalem and went to Pella for safety.

Now back to the main theme (25-31). The reaction of the creation to the Creator’s presence (Psalm 46.2). Even the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then the great event will take place. Jesus will come. Verses 29-31 are an illustration from nature.

Back to AD70 in verses 32-33. It will happen within the lifetime of the people standing there. [Of course, it’s easier for us for AD70 is long past. Some Christians

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then might have been forgiven for thinking that Jesus would come back before AD70.]

Verses 34-36. Be careful that the great day does not catch you by surprise. Christians are meant to be careful and pray.

Verses 37-38. Jesus teaching was regular and popular.

Lord, keep us awake and ready for that great day when you will come again. Grant that we may not be ashamed before you, but will hear the “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord”. Give us wisdom to read the signs of the times and to be busy in your vineyard. Amen.

The Gospel without the Second Coming is like an exciting story without the final chapter.

Ministering when the Spirit moves is one thing, but there is also a plodding ministry, sowing in season and out of season!

Chapter 22.1-71. Nearing the end

Verses 1-6. The problem solved. The Jewish leaders had their problem solved for them. Satan saw to that. Some have remarked that Satan undertook this vital job himself, not willing that it might be bungled. In verse 4 we have perhaps the most infamous meeting in all history. The plan is given in verse 6.

Verses 7-38. The Last Supper. Indeed the real Passover Lamb was about to be offered (John 1.29). Plans for secrecy obviously had Judas in mind. He must not know the venue in advance (9-13). Do verses 15-16 find fulfilment in his own death? Compare 18,30,37b. Acts 10.41.

Then he institutes the first Communion service (17-20). But 21-23 introduces a note of tragedy into it. Incredibly also an argument started as to who should be the greatest (24-30). I’m sure they remembered that with shame afterwards. Ruling in the church = service.

Verses 31-34. The ninth mention in this gospel of Jesus praying – for Peter after his dramatic and repeated failure, denying that he even knew Jesus!

Verses 35-38. Changed times, need changed measures. They will have to fend for themselves. He dismisses the subject as they had taken him literally. Note that Jesus quotes from Isaiah 53.12. He was numbered with the transgressors. Very important for the interpretation of his death.

The 10th example of Jesus praying follows (39-46). His prayers in the garden on the Mount of Olives are never-to-be-forgotten. Jesus feared death more than any man, for with him there was something very different – he was bearing mankind’s sin! He needed an angel to strengthen him. His sweat showed the anguish he went through. Hebrews 5.7 is a good commentary.

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Verses 47-53. The traitor’s infamous kiss, pretending to be a friend. Jesus refused the defence by his disciples. One of them cut off Malchus’ ear (John 18.10). Jesus’ arrest was unjustifiable.

Verses 54-62. Peter followed – that was love. At a distance – that was fear. The amazing thing was that Peter, after all that, was reinstated. The best commentary on that is John 21.15 etc.

Then (63-65) began the crude mocking of Jesus by the guards. Never has man shown up so badly as here in the trial of Jesus. They were really on trial!

Verses 66-71. Keeping the letter of the law. Any meeting of the Council before daybreak was invalid. Daniel 7.13 etc implies the divinity of the Son of Man. So Jesus is quite open about his claims. [This council was composed of civic authorities, lawyers, judges and senior clergy.]

The greatest trial in history is underway, men trying the Son of God.

Time now for meditation … and prayer.

Chapter 23. Mob rule, the crucifixion and burial

It’s hard not to feel disgust at the lies such an august assembly descended to. How can they twist Jesus’ plain statement that they should pay taxes to Caesar (20.25) into “he opposes payment of taxes to Caesar”? Pilate’s wife, we know from Matthew 27.19, sent her husband a message even as he was in the middle of judging Jesus’ case. Perhaps they too had talked over the developing crisis in the Governor’s Palace. At any rate, Pilate found no basis for the charges (4 and 14). Here is the pagan administrator telling the religious leaders of the Jews that their charges were false. Not a pretty picture.

It would be pure speculation, though tempting, to say that like the important lady in 8.3, Pilate’s wife had in some way been blessed through Jesus.

It’s such a pity that Pilate was not a stronger man! The very mention of ‘Galilee’ (5), and Pilate saw, or thought he saw, a way out. Jesus was taken off to where Herod Antipas, the Governor of Galilee, was staying in Jerusalem.

But remembering the murder (9.9) of John the Baptist, Jesus had nothing to say to Herod. It is a dangerous thing to silence the voice of God! You may never hear it again. Verses 8-12 tell us quite a lot about the cheap character of Herod, not to mention the Jewish religious leaders. It’s a great mistake to judge men by the office they hold.

So, back to Pilate (13). This second episode again shows Pilate as a weak man who could not put his foot down. The priests descend to new depths, leading the shouting for a convicted murderer to be released (cf Mark 15.11). Peter, in one of his sermons (Acts 3.14) reminded the Jews of that terrible choice.

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Pilate appealed to them three times, but he was fighting a losing battle. Jesus had committed no crime (22-25) yet Pilate handed him over to the crowd. Barabbas the murderer was freed, Jesus was taken off to be killed. An old tradition has Pilate, in retirement, wandering about washing, washing, washing his hands of the blood of that innocent man … and I wonder what his wife said to him after that terrible decision.

Ironically, Barabbas means ‘son of the father’.

Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry the heavy cross. Was this the thing that led to his conversion? Mark’s gospel (15.21) tells us that he was the father of Alexander and Rufus, presumably two well-known Christians, known to Mark and Peter (who, it is believed, supplied Mark with his information about the life of Jesus).

A large crowd followed, including weeping women. Luke is the gospel of women. There is no instance of a woman being hostile to Jesus. For verses 28, 29 see 19.41+; 21.23.

Note the smear campaign in surrounding Jesus with criminals at ‘The Skull’ (Hebrew ‘Golgotha’). Verse 34 is echoed in Acts 3.17. Later, in verses 39-43 one of the criminals repented and asked to be included in Jesus’ Kingdom. He was. Some saw Jesus raise the dead and did not believe. This robber saw him die and believed – in life after death.

Unseemly sarcasm and jeers (35-38). There’s no telling the depths people will sink to.

Then followed the three hours of darkness, as if nature itself felt the awfulness of the deed that was being done.

And, as if to signal that the new way to God was now open, the great curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus’ last prayer was “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’.

The centurion praised God when he saw what was happening. Other army officers had been friendly to Jesus during his ministry. Here is another one; did he become a Christian?

Remorse set in among the crowd. Did they realise now how they had been manipulated? Or was this genuine repentance? (48).

Chapter 23-50-56; 24.1-53. The burial, resurrection, and ascension

The burial of Jesus shows, at least, that the council was not unanimous in its decision. Joseph is described as ‘a good and upright man’ who had disagreed with the majority decision. He belonged to Ramah, the prophet Samuel’s home-town, now called Arimathea, five miles from Jerusalem. He was ‘waiting for the Kingdom of God’. John tells us he was actually a disciple of Jesus, but a timid one (John 9.38). John also adds another piece of information, that Joseph was helped by another timid man, Nicodemus! So we have two members of the Jewish council burying Jesus. It’s just a pity they weren’t courageous enough to support Jesus while he was still alive. Truly,

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“the fear of man bringeth a snare” as the old Bible version says (Proverbs 29.25). And, I’m sure, brings a lifetime of regrets. They were accompanied by the group of grieving women. They then went home to prepare spices and perfumes for the body of their beloved and departed leader.

Spices and perfumes which were never needed.

Some preliminary things should be said about the Resurrection of Jesus.

There has been no harmonising of the evidence.

The actual resurrection is not described

The disciples did not expect it to happen

Mere reports of it were rejected

The first sign was the removal of the stone

Angels were seen before Jesus appeared

A variety of witnesses saw him

The disciples’ final conviction was unshakeable

The women were the first to visit the tomb. They got a double shock. The tomb was open. And empty. Before they could recover from all that, angels appeared. The women were terrified, naturally enough! The ‘men’, as they are described, told them that Jesus had risen from the dead, as he said he would do. Yes, they did remember, but truthfully, they hadn’t believed him.

It took them a while to recover from the shock (see Mark 16.8) and when they did eventually tell the others, the verdict was “nonsense”! (11).

Who were these women? Joanna was one (cf 8.3), the official’s wife; Mary of Magdala (8.2); Mary the mother of the second James among the apostles, and others whom Luke does not name.

Mark 16.7 tells us that the women brought a personal message for Peter, by name. So now we read in Luke that Peter rose and ran to the tomb. [See how the details from the different accounts fit together!] He didn’t see Jesus there (12), but wondered what had happened. However, we do know that on that same Sunday, Jesus found Peter (34). Wouldn’t your guess be that those two had a wonderful time together, with Peter sobbing on Jesus’ shoulder: “Forgive me, Lord. Oh! Forgive me”?

In Luke’s gospel the main account of the appearances deals with the two people on the seven mile walk home to Emmaus. Cleopas and (who knows?) his wife, had plenty to talk about, and when a stranger joined them, they wondered how it was that he should not know what had happened in the city. Jesus (for that’s who it was) gently encouraged them to tell him what they knew. So, grief-stricken, they poured

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out their story, hardly stopping to breathe (19-24). Jesus the mighty prophet – his miracles – the chief priests – the crucifixion – the women’s amazing report this morning – the angel’s message that Jesus was alive – the tomb certainly empty but no sign of Jesus himself.

When they paused, Jesus took over, gently rebuking them for their foolishness in not believing what he had already taught from the prophets (9.21). They should have heard, but hadn’t, so he teaches again what should have been common knowledge. It was a heart-warming experience for them (verse 32). Note the burning hearts!

Please note that most of our discouragement is due to a lack of knowledge of the scriptures.

He would have left them, but they insisted that he come in with them, and over the meal they suddenly recognised him! It was the breaking of bread that did it (cf 22.19). And, to their amazement, he disappeared. Late and all as it was, their only thought was to get back to the city and tell the others. And they had news too. “Yes, Jesus has risen and has appeared to Peter!”

Then Jesus appeared again. This is the appearance referred to in John 20.19 etc.

He proves to them that he is not a ghost (37-43). Solid bones and flesh! And he eats fish to prove it. For them it was almost too good to be true.

For the second time that day, he explains the scriptures about his death and resurrection.

Now they are to preach repentance and forgiveness of sin – not one without the other.

They are to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit before they attempt this, just as he did (3.22). Without the Holy Spirit we can do nothing, except waste our time.

Finally, after some weeks (Acts 1.3) he ascended to heaven, and left them to await the Spirit’s arrival. All supernatural, this! If we haven’t a supernatural religion, what have we got? Nothing!

Lord, we thank you for those times and places where the church has realised its true nature and spoken about you in the power of the Spirit. Many places in the world today are seeing that happen. Lord, let that holy fire break out here in these islands and on the mainland of Europe. Lord, in your mercy, hear us. Amen.

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