Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Acts 9
Chapter 9 we see one of the greatest converts in the New Testament! Saul does a complete 360 degree transformation after running into Jesus. He goes from persecuting followers of Jesus to being persecuted for following Jesus practically overnight. Notice that Paul's (new name) conversion experience was hard to believe for everyone who saw him speaking about Jesus.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Acts 8
Following the first Christian death, a great persecution broke out.
Also in this chapter we see ministry by the disciples to individual people. Peter and John to Simon the Sorcerer speaking right to his heart. Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch. Here Philip interprets prophecy from Isaiah in light of how Jesus died. It is very important for us to understand the New Testament using the Old Testament.
Also in this chapter we see ministry by the disciples to individual people. Peter and John to Simon the Sorcerer speaking right to his heart. Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch. Here Philip interprets prophecy from Isaiah in light of how Jesus died. It is very important for us to understand the New Testament using the Old Testament.
Acts 7
Stephen is tried and accused that he said, "Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs of Moses handed down to us." We Stephen answer the accusation by showing his understanding of the Old Testament history in great detail!! Then in verse 51ff Stephen goes off on them. He is saying that they are just like their fathers who persecuted the prophets and now they are doing the same to him and other followers of Jesus. Stephen even in his death forgives asks forgiveness. Stephen's words at his death were identical to how Jesus died.
Acts 6
Here we see church conflict even early on (this is a reality in any community especially in churches. Very often we run from this reality to another church in America, but if you stick around and treat each other like Christ would you really see Jesus show up in conflict). The disciples solved this conflict with great wisdom! The Grecian Jews were more Hellenistic and thus spoke Greek where the Hebraic Jews spoke Aramaic and Hebrew and were more traditional to the Jewish customs. At this point only Jews made up the majority of converts to Christianity.
In verse 6 we see the beginning of a long tradition in the Christian church. That is the laying on of hands. There was a point in Church history where leaders on the church could actually trace back to which apostle laid hands on all there predecessors! Almost like a family tree.
In verse 6 we see the beginning of a long tradition in the Christian church. That is the laying on of hands. There was a point in Church history where leaders on the church could actually trace back to which apostle laid hands on all there predecessors! Almost like a family tree.
Acts 5
Chapter 5 opens with a very hard story about Ananias and Sapphira. This story shows the power of sinning against God. The ASB says, "the couple had the right to keep back whatever they chose, but to make it appear that they had given all when they had not was sinful." (pg 1773)
In verse 17 we see the beginning of what Jesus promised. That is the world hating the apostles and the beginning of persecution...
In this chapter we see great wisdom coming from a Pharisee named Gamaliel about how to deal with the situation. Gamaliel was Saul's (later name Paul) teacher!!! Paul would later be the greatest preacher to the Gentiles!
Nothing could stop the apostles from "teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
In verse 17 we see the beginning of what Jesus promised. That is the world hating the apostles and the beginning of persecution...
In this chapter we see great wisdom coming from a Pharisee named Gamaliel about how to deal with the situation. Gamaliel was Saul's (later name Paul) teacher!!! Paul would later be the greatest preacher to the Gentiles!
Nothing could stop the apostles from "teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
Acts 4
Chapter 4 opens with the Sadducees upset with Peter and John because they were preaching the resurrection. Remember the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection. Again we see the church growing. When Jesus spoke early about how His disciples would do greater things than Him this is what he was talking about.
In verse 8 we see Peter's authority coming from the Holy Spirit when addressing the Sanhedrin.
Notice the boldness with which they preach the Gospel. The Holy Spirit can do amazing things when present in your life!
In verse 8 we see Peter's authority coming from the Holy Spirit when addressing the Sanhedrin.
Notice the boldness with which they preach the Gospel. The Holy Spirit can do amazing things when present in your life!
Acts 3
In this chapter we see Peter healing and speaking with Authority! This is a 180 degree change in Peter that we see at the end of the Gospels. He has be inspired by the Holy Spirit and pumped up by the Resurrection. Peter goes on to be the greatest preacher for Jesus and who the Catholic Church considered as the first Pope. Remember that Jesus said "On this Rock(referring to Peter) I will build my church" We are seeing the beginnings of this/our Church being established!
Acts 2
Chapter 2 is a huge chapter for the Christian Faith and especially for my upbringing in the Pentecostal Church. This is what we now call the Pentecost which was a Jewish holiday celebrating the 15 day after the Sabbath of Passover week. It was the day that the Holy Spirit came to dwell in us!!! Here again we see Jewish holidays coinciding with the Kingdom of God coming to Earth!
After the Spirit came on the followers of Jesus, they began to proclaim the Gospel in many languages which they had never spoke to all the outsiders who were in Jerusalem for the celebrations!
If you want to see a great summary of what we believe as Christians look at Peter's sermon in Acts 2! Following Peter's message 3,000 were added to the followers. Peter's message is very much a Jewish message spoken at the perfect time for the Message of Christ to go out. Think about how quickly the Good News spread after Peter spoke to this crowd of Jews from all around the world!
The end of Acts 2 talks about how the church functioned and lived together. Orange UMC is called an Acts 2 church by the Conference and this is what that title means!
After the Spirit came on the followers of Jesus, they began to proclaim the Gospel in many languages which they had never spoke to all the outsiders who were in Jerusalem for the celebrations!
If you want to see a great summary of what we believe as Christians look at Peter's sermon in Acts 2! Following Peter's message 3,000 were added to the followers. Peter's message is very much a Jewish message spoken at the perfect time for the Message of Christ to go out. Think about how quickly the Good News spread after Peter spoke to this crowd of Jews from all around the world!
The end of Acts 2 talks about how the church functioned and lived together. Orange UMC is called an Acts 2 church by the Conference and this is what that title means!
Acts 1
Acts opens with the Ascension of Jesus. Here Jesus gives His final words before returning to Heaven. This forms our idea as a youth group when we think about mission trips! Jesus also speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit!
Chapter one also has the replacing of Judas for the 12 disciples. We see Matthias becoming Judas' replacement. They use to cast lots to decide matters. This is basically like rolling a dice to decide something, however, they prayed over the outcome.
Chapter one also has the replacing of Judas for the 12 disciples. We see Matthias becoming Judas' replacement. They use to cast lots to decide matters. This is basically like rolling a dice to decide something, however, they prayed over the outcome.
Book of Acts
DATE
63-70AD- The early date is more likely
AUTHOR
Luke
AUDIENCE
Written to Theophilus and as well as all believers
Some Themes include...
The Holy Spirit's empowerment of the church
Community (ecclesiology)
Reconciliation
Persecution
(--Notes from ASB-pg 1764-1765)
63-70AD- The early date is more likely
AUTHOR
Luke
AUDIENCE
Written to Theophilus and as well as all believers
Some Themes include...
The Holy Spirit's empowerment of the church
Community (ecclesiology)
Reconciliation
Persecution
(--Notes from ASB-pg 1764-1765)
John 21
In this final chapter Peter is reinstated. Notice that Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him the same number of times Peter denied Him!
In verse 21:18-19 The Archeological Study Bible points out, "The early church understood the phrase "stretch out your hands" (v. 18) as a prophecy of crucifixion. Peter would be a martyr. Tradition indicates that he was in fact crucified upside down." (pg 1763)
Notice too that John identifies himself at the end of the chapter. John also was one of the disciples who lived until old age and in his old age had a revelation which we will look at toward the end of the summer!
In verse 21:18-19 The Archeological Study Bible points out, "The early church understood the phrase "stretch out your hands" (v. 18) as a prophecy of crucifixion. Peter would be a martyr. Tradition indicates that he was in fact crucified upside down." (pg 1763)
Notice too that John identifies himself at the end of the chapter. John also was one of the disciples who lived until old age and in his old age had a revelation which we will look at toward the end of the summer!
John 20
Chapter 20 is all about the Resurrection. Something good to notice especially in the discussion Jesus has with Thomas is the theme of belief coming out again. Again John makes special point that we must believe!
John 19
Chapter 9 covers the sentencing, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus.
Notice that the Jews had no law that could allow for them to kill Jesus. This is why they took Him to the Romans.
Remember that Jesus was flogged before being crucified. Roman flogging was very brutal. The Archeological Study Bible says, "The Romans used a whip made of several strips of leather, into which were embedded pieces of bone and lead... Roman floggings were so brutal that sometimes the victim died before crucifixion." (pg1614) This reminds shows the love that Jesus had to take such abuse for us and the strength and courage that it took for him to sustain such pain for so long.
In verse 15 the chief priests swear allegiance to Caesar in order to have Jesus killed for claiming to be King. This reminds me of when the Hebrews gave up the state of theocracy (where God was the leader of their community) in order to have a Monarchy (where a king ruled their community) What is interesting here also is that the Jews actually hated the Roman government because they made their life harder and the Priests especially (except for the Sadducees)
In verse 19ff we see Pilate put a notice that Jesus was King of the Jews. The chief priest protested and wanted it to say "claimed to be" king. But perhaps Pilate here was confessing his belief in what Jesus claimed to be?
Notice that the Jews had no law that could allow for them to kill Jesus. This is why they took Him to the Romans.
Remember that Jesus was flogged before being crucified. Roman flogging was very brutal. The Archeological Study Bible says, "The Romans used a whip made of several strips of leather, into which were embedded pieces of bone and lead... Roman floggings were so brutal that sometimes the victim died before crucifixion." (pg1614) This reminds shows the love that Jesus had to take such abuse for us and the strength and courage that it took for him to sustain such pain for so long.
In verse 15 the chief priests swear allegiance to Caesar in order to have Jesus killed for claiming to be King. This reminds me of when the Hebrews gave up the state of theocracy (where God was the leader of their community) in order to have a Monarchy (where a king ruled their community) What is interesting here also is that the Jews actually hated the Roman government because they made their life harder and the Priests especially (except for the Sadducees)
In verse 19ff we see Pilate put a notice that Jesus was King of the Jews. The chief priest protested and wanted it to say "claimed to be" king. But perhaps Pilate here was confessing his belief in what Jesus claimed to be?
John 18
This chapter deals with Jesus arrest and trial, as well as Peter's denial. John uses great detail and includes several discussions not fully included in the Synoptic Gospels. We see Jesus spend a great deal of time talking with Pilate...
John 17
A great chapter to learn how to pray because we here it from our Savior! Notice the end Jesus is praying for us. Jesus final preparation before arrest was to pray for all who believe!
John 16
A very important part of Christianity is found in this chapter when Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit. We now have a guide that will guide us in Truth! We don't often think about the Holy Spirit and this is very unfortunate.
"YOU BELIEVE AT LAST!" Jesus says in this chapter. Finally the disciples understand what Jesus ministry and message is all about and they believe in Him!
"YOU BELIEVE AT LAST!" Jesus says in this chapter. Finally the disciples understand what Jesus ministry and message is all about and they believe in Him!
John 15
In this chapter we see the analogy of Vine and Branches. This analogy is full of choice and belief. It is also dealing with judgment language. The connection to Jesus is essential. We must remain in Him.
We also see Jesus warning and encouragement about the world hating the disciples. This def happened and is still happening today.
We also see Jesus warning and encouragement about the world hating the disciples. This def happened and is still happening today.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
John 14
The beginning of 14 opens with Jesus giving encouragement and hope for the disciples.
Verse 6 we see a very important verse in Scripture. Jesus points out that He is the only Way.
Also notice the access to the Father is through Jesus. Jesus is the Father. This helps define the doctrine of the Trinity...
In verses 15ff- the coming of the Holy Spirit to us is talked about! Jesus continues to talk about what He must do. He is going to leave and come back...
Verse 6 we see a very important verse in Scripture. Jesus points out that He is the only Way.
Also notice the access to the Father is through Jesus. Jesus is the Father. This helps define the doctrine of the Trinity...
In verses 15ff- the coming of the Holy Spirit to us is talked about! Jesus continues to talk about what He must do. He is going to leave and come back...
John 13
In this chapter Jesus washes His disciples feet a huge show of humility. HereHe is teaching them how to serve. We talked about this at the last beach retreat. The idea of Authority being given or taken. We are a lot more likely to love and follow show who has veracious Authority over us than some one who has Imperial Authority (or lord's over us). This is very much dealing with the first and last issues that we have seen throughout the Gospels.
Notice here too Jesus washes all their feet including Judas!
John 12
Chapter 12 opens with the anointing of Jesus. This is more of a burial anointing instead of a king anointing. Here Jesus is in a sense being prepared for death. Something else to notice in John is the extra things written about Judas. You can tell John did not like Judas at all!!!
Here we see Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and the mention of palm branches! Palm branches were used to celebrate VICTORY!
What does it mean to hate your life! Well I take this to mean self-sacrifice. Giving your life for Jesus. Instead of pursuing the things of this physical life we must pursue the things of the spiritual life. This ultimately means you and I must decrease in our wants. This is especially hard for us Americans.
A big theme in this chapter is the idea of Light versus Darkness. Jesus being the light and us choosing between the light or darkness...
Here we see Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and the mention of palm branches! Palm branches were used to celebrate VICTORY!
What does it mean to hate your life! Well I take this to mean self-sacrifice. Giving your life for Jesus. Instead of pursuing the things of this physical life we must pursue the things of the spiritual life. This ultimately means you and I must decrease in our wants. This is especially hard for us Americans.
A big theme in this chapter is the idea of Light versus Darkness. Jesus being the light and us choosing between the light or darkness...
John 11
In this chapter we see the death of Lazarus. This story is unique to John's Gospel. Here we see Jesus risking His own life to save his friend that he loves. We also see a "not so doubting" Thomas willing to follow Jesus to death. The theme of belief comes out again as Jesus talks with Martha.
Jesus Wept. The shortest verse in the Bible. Here we see His humanity!
Jesus Wept. The shortest verse in the Bible. Here we see His humanity!
John 10
In this Chapter Jesus uses the analogy of a Shepard to explain His ministry. The conclusion by those listening? He is crazy or He is God! Again we see this choice in John put before us...
At the end of the chapter we also see this question being put before the people again. Again Jesus is almost killed and again it is not His Time...
At the end of the chapter we also see this question being put before the people again. Again Jesus is almost killed and again it is not His Time...
John 9
Chapter 9 we get to see a very detailed reaction to a healing by Jesus by the Pharisees. This type of detail is not seen in the Synoptic Gospels. Notice that Jesus could not be found... Another thing that is addressed in this chapter is the idea that people who were sick or blind must have sinned. Jesus points to a different idea, that he was blind because God was going to use him! 
John 8
WHAT DID JESUS WRITE!!!?!?!?!
In chapter 8 we see Jesus testifying about who He is. The Pharisees get mad because He is testifying about Himself without another witness. Jesus points out that His Father is with Him. Even with these harsh words from Jesus the Pharisees are still not able to kill Him because the time had not come.
There is sort of an expectation that Jesus wants to be discovered and not have to tell who He is...
In chapter 8 we see Jesus testifying about who He is. The Pharisees get mad because He is testifying about Himself without another witness. Jesus points out that His Father is with Him. Even with these harsh words from Jesus the Pharisees are still not able to kill Him because the time had not come.
There is sort of an expectation that Jesus wants to be discovered and not have to tell who He is...
John 7
In verse 6 we see that Jesus responding to his brothers about becoming more public with His ministry. Here Jesus responds with something we don't hear preached a lot but we do see lived out. Jesus points out that the world hates him because of the message He brings. Jesus showed the world that it was evil and the world hated Him for it. Jesus realized that it was not yet time for Him to receive the full result of that hate and so throughout His ministry He is holding back and asking to keep things quiet.
In this chapter there is also great confusion as to who Jesus was. They were trying to figure out if He was Christ or "annointed one"/Messiah. We see a lot of doubt as to who he was and John freely supplies this doubt in his Gospel!
7:52- Not only had Jesus come from Galilee but other prophets as well. Jonah was also from Galilee!
In this chapter there is also great confusion as to who Jesus was. They were trying to figure out if He was Christ or "annointed one"/Messiah. We see a lot of doubt as to who he was and John freely supplies this doubt in his Gospel!
7:52- Not only had Jesus come from Galilee but other prophets as well. Jonah was also from Galilee!
John 6
In Chapter 6 we see the miracles of food and water. Jesus walking on water is still a common image that people think of when they think of Jesus. The only words Jesus says in this passage are "It is I: don't be afraid." Who else in the Bible uses this type of greeting?
Here again in verse 29 we see Jesus say "The work of God is this: believe in the one he has sent" The idea of belief is an essential theme in Jesus message...
The end of the chapter Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life. This is a phrase that we understand today as our communion, but He meant a lot more by it. It was very much lost on the people of Jesus' day. They thought he was talking about cannibalism :-) The early Christians also face this when they took communion "outsiders" thought they were eating flesh not bread!
Finally Jesus loses many of his disciples because of this hard teaching...
Here again in verse 29 we see Jesus say "The work of God is this: believe in the one he has sent" The idea of belief is an essential theme in Jesus message...
The end of the chapter Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life. This is a phrase that we understand today as our communion, but He meant a lot more by it. It was very much lost on the people of Jesus' day. They thought he was talking about cannibalism :-) The early Christians also face this when they took communion "outsiders" thought they were eating flesh not bread!
Finally Jesus loses many of his disciples because of this hard teaching...
John 5
This chapter begins with Jesus healing the man at the pool. This is a very detailed account of how it happened as well as issues of the Sabbath. As we have seen in the other Gospels Jesus seemed to always have issues with "working" on the Sabbath. Here again we see Jesus more concerned with the heart of the Law.
Also we see Jesus talking again about the New Covenant. Here he talks about life through knowing Him. Belief was essential to Jesus message.
Also we see Jesus talking again about the New Covenant. Here he talks about life through knowing Him. Belief was essential to Jesus message.
John 4
This chapter opens with the Samaritan woman at the well talking with Jesus. Jesus reveals to here God's plan for all creation for both the Samaritans and Jews. Here we see Jesus "ushering" in the New Covenant! Verse 23- "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth..." Notice the theme of the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah comes out. The woman recognizes Him as the Christ!
Because of the woman's testimony many Samaritans believe in Jesus as their savior, they also recognize Him as the Messiah...
Because of the woman's testimony many Samaritans believe in Jesus as their savior, they also recognize Him as the Messiah...
Friday, July 17, 2009
John 3
Famous John 3:16 is in this passage. It is really neat to see the context in which this verse takes place. Jesus is correcting and teaching about being Born Again and spiritual matters. Jesus also uses "court room" language. Here we see him fulfilling the role of prophet to the people. There is also an allusion to the cross when He talks about Moses...
John 2
Here we see Jesus' first miracle of turning the water into wine. Notice here that Jesus was not ready to start the miracles but this is the miracle that "revealed his glory"
Also in chapter 2 we see Jesus clearing the temple because they were selling and using it as a marketplace. John gives a really good insider perspective of why this happened, the prophecy and the reaction of the people to it happening...
Also in chapter 2 we see Jesus clearing the temple because they were selling and using it as a marketplace. John gives a really good insider perspective of why this happened, the prophecy and the reaction of the people to it happening...
John 1
John goes all the way back to the beginning! He identifies Jesus as the Word. The idea of word or logos has both Jewish and Greek implications. According to the Archeological Study Bible (pg 1721), "The phrase, "in the beginning was the Word"Jn1:1 obviously echoes Genesis 1, which records that God created simply by speaking..." and in Greek tradition logos was used by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, "in the sense of an ordering principle for the universe... logos is the divine logic that gives order to the universe" We see that John elegantly is targeting two audiences with opening of his book by pointing out that Jesus is the Word!
In verses 35-40 we see Jesus call two of John the Baptist's disciples. One is mentioned (Andrew) and one is not. This could be John the author of the Book of John?!?!??!
In verses 35-40 we see Jesus call two of John the Baptist's disciples. One is mentioned (Andrew) and one is not. This could be John the author of the Book of John?!?!??!
The Book of John
AUTHOR
John the disciple of Jesus (disciple whom Jesus loved 21:20)
DATE
89-95 AD or maybe even before the Roman destruction of the Temple in ____ AD
TO
Non-Jewish believers and to questioning unbelievers struggling w/ popular Greek philosophies claiming that Jesus was divine but not truly human
PURPOSE
20:31- That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God…
THEMES IN JOHN
Jesus is God
Jesus is the Messiah
Choose belief or unbelief
John vs. the Synoptics – from An Intro to the NT- pg 160
John omits many things characteristic to the synoptics- narrative parables, the transfiguration, the record of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and many of Jesus’ pithy sayings. The theme of the Kingdom of God/heaven is not there,
John however has stuff the synoptics do not… John 1-5 Jesus’ frequent visits to Jerusalem, the resurrection of Lazarus, extended dialogues and discourses, etc…
John the disciple of Jesus (disciple whom Jesus loved 21:20)
DATE
89-95 AD or maybe even before the Roman destruction of the Temple in ____ AD
TO
Non-Jewish believers and to questioning unbelievers struggling w/ popular Greek philosophies claiming that Jesus was divine but not truly human
PURPOSE
20:31- That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God…
THEMES IN JOHN
Jesus is God
Jesus is the Messiah
Choose belief or unbelief
John vs. the Synoptics – from An Intro to the NT- pg 160
John omits many things characteristic to the synoptics- narrative parables, the transfiguration, the record of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and many of Jesus’ pithy sayings. The theme of the Kingdom of God/heaven is not there,
John however has stuff the synoptics do not… John 1-5 Jesus’ frequent visits to Jerusalem, the resurrection of Lazarus, extended dialogues and discourses, etc…
Luke 24
Chapter 24 is the Resurrection account of Jesus. As you read it you will quickly notice that it is very long and detailed. Luke ends with the Ascension and then he picks it up again at the beginning of Acts with more detail.
Luke 23
Luke 23 opens with the Jesus being taken before Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea ruling from 26-36 AD Pilate finds no cause for crime and sends Jesus to Herod. An interesting statment is made in verse 12. Herod and Pilate became friends. I wonder why Luke says this.
The Crucifixion, Death and Burial are included in this Chapter.
I had not noticed before that Joseph from the council who accused Jesus, even though he did no agree or support the decision, was the one who buried Him!
The Crucifixion, Death and Burial are included in this Chapter.
I had not noticed before that Joseph from the council who accused Jesus, even though he did no agree or support the decision, was the one who buried Him!
Luke 22
In Luke 22 we see a long telling of the Last Supper. In it Jesus talks about the greatest vs. the least when the disciples begin to argue.
It is good to remember too that the Last Supper was part of the Passover meal. The Passover is when the Jews celebrate the Passover that took place before leaving Egypt during the time of Moses. For more on the Passover "Seder" click here.
It is good to remember too that the Last Supper was part of the Passover meal. The Passover is when the Jews celebrate the Passover that took place before leaving Egypt during the time of Moses. For more on the Passover "Seder" click here.
Luke 21
Again we see Luke's emphasis on poor and woman (social outcasts) with the opening of this Chapter.
This chapter also talks about all that will be seen in the end times...
This chapter also talks about all that will be seen in the end times...
Luke 14
Jesus talks again about what it means to be a disciple. A lot of times our message is that if we follow Jesus everything will work out. But remember this is not the message that Jesus brings to us. We must suffer as Christ has suffered. We must follow His example. How do we do that in today's context?
Luke 12
Chapter 12 has a lot to it. One thing to notice is the idea of watching for Jesus again. Also Jesus mentions that he plans to bring peace not division. A very hard word from Jesus, but think about it if a new covenant is being cut what does that mean for the people of the old covenant? How much are we holding on to the old when we should be seeking the new? How much are we holding on to the old self when we should be seeking what Jesus is trying to make us into?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Luke 10
Here Jesus sends out 72. We see Jesus giving even more instruction about how to live as a disciple. This chapter also contains the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
One passage we often skip over is the Mary and Martha part in vs 38ff. Here Jesus points out what is most important. Martha was worried about all the preparations while Mary was only concerned that Jesus was there. How many times and days do we take a Martha perspective on life?
One passage we often skip over is the Mary and Martha part in vs 38ff. Here Jesus points out what is most important. Martha was worried about all the preparations while Mary was only concerned that Jesus was there. How many times and days do we take a Martha perspective on life?
Luke 9
Luke 9 Jesus sends out the 12. We talked about this some on the MS mission trip. It is amazing that they took nothing with them and completely trusted God. We really don't know how to do that today! This chapter also contains the Transfiguration and the question about the Greatest. We see throughout Luke the First vs. Last issue. In God's Kingdom the least is the greatest.
Luke 7
In this chapter we see the Faith of the Centurion. Jesus main focus was the Jewish people but we begin to see His ministry being extended slowly to the Gentiles.
Luke 6
Here we see again as we see through out the Gospels Jesus being challenged by the Pharisees. Jesus shows he is in charge of the Sabbath. We also see Jesus getting at the heart of the law and not the legalism. This really comes out with the blessing and woes. Here we see Luke's emphasis on the poor when Jesus says "blessed or the poor." and not "in spirit"
Luke 5
Luke 5 has the calling of the disciples as well as more miracles.
We also see him challenged on fasting. Jesus points out that it is a time to celebrate because he was there!
We also see him challenged on fasting. Jesus points out that it is a time to celebrate because he was there!
Luke 4
Here we see the Temptation of Jesus and the rejection of Jesus put together in Luke's account. Despite these Jesus still does His duty of the Messiah and begins his ministry.
Luke 3
Chapter 3 contains the Genealogy of Jesus. This is most likely a biological genealogy while the one in Matthew is a legal one.
We also see John the Baptist the Elijah Type preparing the way for Jesus the Messiah...
We also see John the Baptist the Elijah Type preparing the way for Jesus the Messiah...
Luke 1
Chapter 1 is the story of John the Baptist Birth and is only found in Luke. We see John's father Zechariah finding out about it in the temple. This visit into the inner most temple for Zechariah was very rare and really a once or maybe only twice in a life time opportunity. It was a very important day for Zechariah as a priest.
Luke 1 also talks about Mary and has Mary's song as well as Zechariah's song. We see a lot of emphasis placed on the women in this chapter as well which points to Luke's emphasis on social outcasts of the day!
Luke 1 also talks about Mary and has Mary's song as well as Zechariah's song. We see a lot of emphasis placed on the women in this chapter as well which points to Luke's emphasis on social outcasts of the day!
Book of Luke
The Book of Luke is the first in the two Volume Luke-Acts series. These two books can actually be read together.
Luke was a follower of Paul and well educated. He was a physician. There is a good chance that Luke was a Gentile which shows his intelligence because of his amazing grasp of the Old Testament.
Luke was most likely written around the early 60s AD.
A huge theme in Luke is Poverty vs. Wealth.
Luke was a follower of Paul and well educated. He was a physician. There is a good chance that Luke was a Gentile which shows his intelligence because of his amazing grasp of the Old Testament.
Luke was most likely written around the early 60s AD.
A huge theme in Luke is Poverty vs. Wealth.
Mark 16
The final chapter of Mark leaves us with some controversy since the final ending is unsure. The reason it is unsure is because the earliest manuscripts did not contain this ending we see today. If 8 is the last verse it leaves us hanging and unsure of how to respond to the Resurrection. Perhaps this is what Mark wanted.
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