February 23, 2014 - Luke 8

My comments will be inserted between the verses in bold purple lettering.

Luke 8

New Living Translation (NLT)

Women Who Followed Jesus

8 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Notice how Luke specifically points out that Jesus had women with him as He went out to the towns and villages.  Neither Luke nor Jesus left out women, or thought less of them because of their gender.  God created both male and female, and both were precious in His sight.  Both had drives and character traits that He had instilled  in them, and He needed them both to minister to the people.  

Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

4 One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. 6 Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets[a] of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:

‘When they look, they won’t really see.
    When they hear, they won’t understand.’[b]

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. 13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Jesus knew how to grasp the attention of the people when He spoke.  He used true to life stories that people could relate to.  Even as we read these words of His, we instantly can identify the four groups of "seeds".  We know people who fall into each group.  We can see our own selves in this story.  Which "seed" are you?

Parable of the Lamp

16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.

18 “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”

There is nothing hidden from God.  Eventually everything will be revealed.  All will one day know what we have hidden in our hearts.  It would be very wise for us to have our hearts cleansed and set free from any lurking darkness.  Jesus is so willing to do this for us.

The True Family of Jesus

19 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd.20 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to see you.”

21 Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”

I want to be part of Jesus' family.  That is why I daily read God's Word and listen to what He is saying to me.  He has so many words of encouragement as I go along this earthly path.  I don't know how I would survive without Him!

Jesus Calms the Storm

22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Jesus has spoken to my storms and said, "Peace!  Be still!"  I can witness to many times when I feared the storm, but when I turned to Him, He gave me calm assurance that He was in control, and all was well with my soul.  Even currently, as we await a job for Paul, I know that God has a plan, and we can trust Him.  His plan will prevail, and it will be the best one we could follow!

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes,[c] across the lake from Galilee. 27 As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town.

28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil[d] spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.

30 Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit.[e]

32 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs.

So Jesus gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.

34 When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. 35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36 Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.

So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. 38 The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, 39 “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

I used to feel sorry for the pigs, but I have to realize it was demons that were drowned...demons that were overcome by the power of Jesus.  The pig farmers were afraid of losing their livelihood, that's why they wanted Jesus to leave.  Rather than looking at the healing that took place, a man's sanity being restored, they were looking out for number one.  I hope that the witness of the one who was healed did cause some to believe in Jesus.  Jesus, however, moved on.  He was on a mission, and His time was limited.

Jesus Heals in Response to Faith

40 On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. 42 His only daughter,[f] who was about twelve years old, was dying.

As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. 43 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding,[g] and she could find no cure. 44 Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”

46 But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed.48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Jesus no doubt knew who had touched His garment, but He was giving opportunity for the woman to proclaim she had been healed by reaching out to Him.  If she had been afraid, or doubted what had happened to her, I'm not so sure Jesus would have acknowledged her faith.  He was making a point to the crowds and to her.  

Jesus knows what we need.  He wants us to reach out for Him.  But He also wants us to witness to what He has done in our lives.  How will people know about saving faith if we don't speak up?  Are we more concerned about what others think of us, or what Jesus thinks of us?  He already knows, and He gives us our opportunities to honor Him by telling others about Him.  Luke records these words of Jesus:  If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.  (Luke 9:26)

49 While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

50 But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”

51 When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. 52 The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

53 But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. 54 Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” 55 And at that moment her life[h] returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened.

Once again we have Jesus insisting that the miracle He had just performed not be talked about.  I'm not sure why, for it seems like He would want people to know, since He performed miracles at other times when there were so many witness.  He had His reason, that's all I can know for now.  Jesus was never too busy to care for children.  Women and children...Jesus loved them and felt compassion for their needs.  Men might have decided women and children were not important enough to spend time with, nor care for, but Jesus truly cared.  Dr. Luke recorded miracle after miracle, scene after scene, which portrayed how much Jesus loved the people, including women and children. 

Jesus loves you, He cares for you.  You can trust Him, you can place your faith in Him.  He wants to share this earthly life with you, share your journey, and lighten your load.  Lean on Him today, and surrender your will to His.  He will never fail you, if you just keep on trusting Him.  Amen.

Footnotes:

1. 8:10a Greek mysteries.
2. 8:10b Isa 6:9 (Greek version).
3. 8:26 Other manuscripts read Gadarenes; still others read Gergesenes; also in 8:37. See Matt 8:28; Mark 5:1.
4. 8:29 Greek unclean.
5. 8:31 Or the abyss, or the underworld.
6. 8:42 Or His only child, a daughter.
7. 8:43 Some manuscripts add having spent everything she had on doctors.
8. 8:55 Or her spirit.

February 16, 2014 - Luke 7

You will find my comments below the verses.

Luke 7

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Faith of a Roman Officer

7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum. 2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer[a] was sick and near death. 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. 4 So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves your help, he does,” they said, 5 “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”

6 So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. 7 I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 8 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” 10 And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.

It must have pleased Jesus to see the faith of this officer.  Not only his faith, but his willingness to save Jesus from making the trip, realizing Jesus had so many to which to minister.  Jesus was no doubt amazed that finally there was someone who understood what His ministry was all about.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

11 Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. 14 Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” 15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16 Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.” 17 And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.

I can't even imagine what it would be like to have Jesus come up to a coffin and raise someone from the dead.  Especially if it was my son!  Jesus cared so much for people.  It broke his heart to see the broken hearted.  He wanted to do whatever he could to heal, even heal broken hearts.  He still wants to do that today...he cares so much for his creation.

Jesus and John the Baptist

18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting,[b] or should we keep looking for someone else?”

20 John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’”

21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. 22 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 23 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.[c]’”

24 After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 25 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 27 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way before you.’[d]

28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”

What a paradox.  None is greater than John, yet even the least one in God's family is greater.  That one is beyond my explanation, but it tells me that we are equal...no one excels above the other in God's kingdom.  We are all important.

29 When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right,[e] for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism.

31 “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them? 32 They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,

‘We played wedding songs,
    and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
    and you didn’t weep.’

33 For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man,[f] on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.[g]”

Once again Jesus confronts his enemies with the truth.  The Pharisees and religious leaders found fault with whomever attracted attention away from them.  Therefore they were constantly criticizing John and Jesus, trying to make themselves look more important.  They were very insecure when their world was shaken...when they weren't in control.  Jesus states there is no way they can be pleased.  They were a selfish brood of vipers...as Jesus also called them in another setting.

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.[h] 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”

“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver[i] to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”

50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

What a lesson for the men gathered in Simon's house that day!  I am sure they pondered those thoughts for a long time.  Jesus was different than anyone they had ever met.  Nothing was hidden from Him.  Neither is it today.  What we think we are doing in private, is very well highlighted to God.  He knows not only our actions, but also our thoughts, our attitudes, our desires.  With that in mind, knowing I am accountable to God, I choose to live a life pleasing to Him.  When I falter, He is there to help me.  I am working on having an attitude like Jesus.  Philippians 2:5 - Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.  I cannot do that on my own.  I must be under the power of the Holy Spirit.  I submit myself daily to that Power.

Footnotes:

1. 7:2 Greek a centurion; similarly in 7:6.
2. 7:19 Greek Are you the one who is coming? Also in 7:20.
3. 7:23 Or who are not offended by me.
4. 7:27 Mal 3:1.
5. 7:29 Or praised God for his justice.
6. 7:34 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
7. 7:35 Or But wisdom is justified by all her children.
8. 7:36 Or and reclined.
9. 7:41 Greek 500 denarii. A denarius was equivalent to a laborer’s full day’s wage.

February 9 - Luke 6

My comments can be found in bold purple beneath the verses.

Luke 6

New Living Translation (NLT)

A Discussion about the Sabbath

6 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain. 2 But some Pharisees said, “Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”

3 Jesus replied, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?4 He went into the house of God and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests can eat. He also gave some to his companions.” 5 And Jesus added, “The Son of Man[a] is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

6 On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue while Jesus was teaching.7 The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.

8 But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” So the man came forward. 9 Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?”
10 He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 11 At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.

I love how Jesus would confront the ones who had evil plots in their mind.  He could read minds, and knew what they were thinking and what they planned to do.  It did not scare him, he just simply confronted them.  They hated that!!  They were so jealous, and so afraid of losing their positions.  They wanted people to admire and worship them, not Jesus.  They had to get rid of their competition.  But they could never intimidate Jesus.  

Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles

12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:

14 Simon (whom he named Peter),
Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
15 Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
16 Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

Crowds Follow Jesus

17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil[b] spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.

The Beatitudes

20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,

“God blesses you who are poor,
    for the Kingdom of God is yours.
21 God blesses you who are hungry now,
    for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
    for in due time you will laugh.

22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

Jesus knew from personal experience what his followers were going through because of their choice to follow after him.  He reminded them that even the prophets from old were treated the same way.  God sees all and knows all, and in the end followers of Jesus will be rewarded, will reap the harvest, if they stay true to Jesus.  Those who reject Jesus will have the following sorrows, while the others are rejoicing:

Sorrows Foretold

24 “What sorrow awaits you who are rich,
    for you have your only happiness now.
25 What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,
    for a time of awful hunger awaits you.
What sorrow awaits you who laugh now,
    for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.
26 What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds,
    for their ancestors also praised false prophets.

Love for Enemies

27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Here is the Golden Rule...do to others as you would like them to do to you.  What a difference it would make in our world if even the Christians would follow that.  The world is full of self-centered people who are only concerned for themselves.  Love and kindness do not come naturally.  Jesus, however, is telling us how to live if we want to represent him.  

32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Do Not Judge Others

37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.[c]”

39 Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? 40 Students[d] are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.
41 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[e] when you have a log in your own? 42 How can you think of saying, ‘Friend,[f] let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

The Tree and Its Fruit

43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

Building on a Solid Foundation

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Footnotes:

1. 6:5 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
2. 6:18 Greek unclean.
3. 6:38 Or The measure you give will be the measure you get back.
4. 6:40 Or Disciples.
5. 6:41 Greek your brother’s eye; also in 6:42.
6. 6:42 Greek Brother.

February 2 - Luke 5

My reflections will be found in bold purple print beneath the verses.  

Luke 5

New Living Translation (NLT)

The First Disciples

5 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

Jesus was often found around the Sea of Galilee.  I think He was fond of this part of His creation...water...and the fish He put in the water.  Of course people were not thinking about creation and the fact that their Creator was in their midst.  They came to hear Jesus preach, and perhaps they, like some of us, enjoyed being at the seaside when they didn't have to work.

Realizing that more people could hear and see Him if He were out in the water instead of at the water's edge, Jesus asked Simon to to push out from shore a bit.  This gave Him a "pulpit" from which to speak.  

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Impressed with the number of fish they caught when Jesus commanded them to let down their nets, these men were ready to become followers of  their Lord and Master (names they were already calling Him, prior to them becoming disciples).  Jesus had a plan even before He asked Peter to push off from shore.  He wanted these fishermen to become His followers, His disciples, and spend their lives bringing people, not fish, into His kingdom.  Fishing would now be a hobby for them, not their livelihood.  They were going into three years of training on how to become evangelists.  They would learn from the Master Himself how to spread the Good News about Jesus and His Kingdom.  They would learn how to be followers of His example.  They would find out that the Kingdom of God would not be established on earth, but in hearts.

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 14 Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy.[c] This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

I have often wondered about the man healed of leprosy.  He must have been so happy to be free of the dreadful disease, the one that kept him from his family and friends, yet did he go and tell others that he was healed by Jesus...after Jesus said not to?  I don't know...perhaps others spread the news.  How often does Jesus answer a prayer for us, and rather than spend time in gratitude to Him, we rush right out to tell others?  We use our "bragging rights"...look what Jesus did for ME...instead of finding ways we can honor Jesus in return for answered prayer.  Am I a little tough on this one?  I am saying I am guilty, and Jesus extends me mercy.  A second chance.  He loves me despite my shortcomings.  That doesn't mean I should go on acting this way...I must become more humble.  I must have the attitude of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5).  I need to spend more time in my wilderness in prayer and praise to Jesus.

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

17 One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus.

18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 19 but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man[d]has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Yes, it seemed like everywhere Jesus went, the Pharisees were sure to follow.  They were on a mission to "catch" Jesus in some wrong...something that went against their laws...so they could get rid of Him.  They did not like Jesus taking the attention away from them.  

Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)

27 Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.

29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?[e]”
31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Jesus gave a simple answer, a good explanation, to the Pharisees about why He hung out with the "scum".  But He also put them in their place, once again.  Every time they tried to trap Him, He would confront them with the truth of their false ways.  War is pending!

A Discussion about Fasting

33 One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?”

34 Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. 35 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
36 Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment.
37 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. 38 New wine must be stored in new wineskins. 39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

Jesus came to show a new way of doing things.  It upset tradition, and the Pharisees were over the top in their traditions.  As long as one followed their rules, their traditions, and highly esteemed them, life was good.  To have someone come along and upset their apple cart, suggest to people that perhaps the way of the Pharisees isn't the best way, or the only way, that person is writing their own death sentence.  

It would be so interesting to see how Jesus confronted our denominational differences, our judging of each other, if He were to walk this earth today.  Would the politics in the church world today be any different than in His day?  I doubt it.  Would our church leaders be upset if Jesus didn't join their side?  Church politics, and politicians...how disgusting they must be to Jesus, who wants to love His Bride, not chastise her.

Footnotes:

1. 5:1 Greek Lake Gennesaret, another name for the Sea of Galilee.
2. 5:3 Simon is called “Peter” in 6:14 and thereafter.
3. 5:14 See Lev 14:2-32.
4. 5:24 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
5. 5:30 Greek with tax collectors and sinners?