No Other Name Given Among Men

(Luke 24:45-49)

Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

There are four facts concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Luke gives us these four facts in orderly account. First, there was a tomb and Jesus dead body was placed in that tomb by a man named Joseph, a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus and after preparing his body for burial by Jewish custom, placed his body in a new tomb. The women took note of the tomb, prepared spices and rested on the Sabbath per the commandment. (Luke 24:50-56)

Second, early in the morning, on the first day of the week, the tomb was found empty. Luke gives four witnesses by name to this fact, and said that there were others. “Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.” (Luke 24:10) The apostle and the others with them did not believe but Peter went to the tomb and saw that it was as the women said. (Luke 24:12, 24)

Third, Jesus appeared to the disciples bodily resurrected from the dead. Jesus appeared to two men on the road to Emmaus and explained the Scriptures concerning him. They did not recognize him until he broke bread with them. Jesus appeared to Peter and he related his appearance to the other disciples. Last of all Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles and other disciples who were with them bodily resurrected from the dead. They did not believe but thought he was a Spirit. He showed them that he had flesh and bone. He ate a piece of broiled fish in their presence. (Luke 24:13-43)

Fourth, and this is the most convincing of all, the disciples believed that Jesus bodily rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. The proof, they became unwavering witnesses, proclaiming throughout the known world, beginning at Jerusalem, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, bodily resurrected from the dead, and proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus name. (Luke 24:44-49)

It is this unwavering witness of the apostles that convinced me that Jesus bodily rose from the dead. If Jesus bodily rose from the dead then he is who he believed himself to be, the Christ the Son of God. If Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, then there is forgiveness of sins in his name for all who repent and believe as Jesus promised the disciples. Therefore, I repented of my sin and put my faith in Jesus Christ and I am doing so today. “There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The Innocent for the Guilty

Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him... And he released the man [Barabbas] they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will. (Luke 23:13-14, 25)

The righteous for the unrighteous, the innocent for the guilty. This is what happened on that fateful day that we call “Good Friday.”

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus was accused by the chief priests and the rulers and the people of being one who incites the people to rebellion, but having examined him, Pilot found him to be innocent. However, a man who was guilty of this very crime was released and Jesus was sentenced to death on a cross. Jesus was crucified between two men, both of whom were guilty and receiving a just penalty for their crimes. One of these men hurled abuses at Jesus but the other rebuked the man who hurled abuses, confessed that he himself was deserving of punishment and believed that despite being hung on a tree, Jesus would come into his kingdom. Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

Barabbas was a guilty criminal allowed to go free, yet Jesus, an innocent man, took his place in death. Two men were crucified with Jesus, one on his right and one on his left. Both of whom deserved punishment and death. One hurled abuses at Jesus, the other confessed and put his faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Barabbas represents Adam and original sin. The two men on the cross represent those who will go to heaven and those who will go to hell. All deserve hell but the man who is repentant and believes in Jesus will be in the paradise of God, while the unrepentant will be in hell. Do you believe that you are a sinner, deserving death and hell? Do you believe that Jesus is righteous and will come into his kingdom? Do you believe that all who trust in Jesus will be in the paradise of God, (Revelation 2:7) but the unbelieving will go into the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death? (Revelation 21:8) 

We are all Barabbas, guilty sinners deserving death for whom Jesus took our punishment. Which criminal are you, the criminal on the right or the criminal on the left?

Who is Greater?

“For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)

During the Passover meal, Jesus inaugurated the Lord’s supper; the eating of bread in remembrance that his body was broken for us and the drinking of wine in remembrance that his blood was shed for us. A discussion began to occur about which of the disciples was the greatest. John records how Jesus took off his outer garments, put a towel around his waist, took a bowl of water and began to wash his disciples feet. He gave them an example that they were to emulate. (John 13:15)

Nursing began in this way. It was not a secular profession as it is today but a service to others for Jesus sake. And nursing was not a profession for women, it was men who cared for the sick and weary. “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)

Who is greater? Among men the greater is served but Jesus said that he was among them as the one who serves. And what a service it was, he laid down his life for our sins. He took upon himself the punishment that we rightly deserve, so that we could be made righteous in the sight of God.  (2 Corinthians 5:21) 

Today is the last day of the year, as we measure an evolution of the earth around the sun, and call it a year. I do not know why we measure it from this point in the season of winter but that is another topic. However, being that it is the last day of the year, I have been thinking about the life that Father God has given me in Jesus Christ. 

I was chosen by the Father God before the foundation of the earth, justified through the sin sacrifice of Jesus Christ and made new by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:3-14) I have been lamenting what I have lost and counting what I have been given. I have lost a great deal in the year 2020. My life is not what it ought to be, but my sins are forgiven, and I have a relationship with God: Father and Son and Holy Spirit. I have a wife who loves me and a job that allows me to serve others. 

This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

What is Endurance?

“By your endurance you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:19)

What is endurance? According to the Olive Tree Enhanced Strong’s dictionary: ὑπομονή hypomonē, translated endurance, is “the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” 

When the disciples were admiring the Temple, Jesus told them that the Temple is to be destroyed. They wanted to know when these things would happen but Jesus gave them much more than they asked for, he told them how things will be in the world until his return. 

Imagine that your leader has said that he is going to depart from you at the hands of men. He tells you that you are going to be persecuted, beaten, put in prison and undergo much suffering for his name sake. Yet, he has promised to return but does not tell you when. However, he promised that if you endure, you will gain eternal life in the kingdom of God. This my friends is the Christian life.

I have not been persecuted to the level of the early church but I have been persecuted while doing street evangelism. I have not undergone trials and sufferings to the level that I have read about amongst the believers in the early church but I do undergo many trials and sufferings that test my loyalty to faith in Jesus Christ. 

Tomorrow is the last day of the year 2020. This has not been an easy year. I have spent much of this year isolated from friends, family and the church. This journal is public, therefore, I shall not go into detail about the trials presently occurring in my life. However, we are going through trials and suffering nonetheless. I shall continue in my loyalty to Jesus Christ because my hope is not in this life only but in the life which is to come, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, Amen.

The Chief Corner Stone

But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:

‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,

THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER STONE’?

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.” (Luke 20:17-18)

It is impossible to come to the Lord Jesus Christ and live in unrepentant sin. He will break you to pieces. It is better to be broken now than to die the eternal death in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. A person cannot live an unrighteous lifestyle and inherit the kingdom of God. A person cannot come to Jesus and continue to live in unrighteousness. Coming to Jesus will break you to pieces, causing you to repent from sin. To continue in unrepentant sin is to reject the chief corner stone. You can live in this way for a season but a day and hour is coming in which the stone will fall on you and scatter you like dust.

All of the parables in Luke 20 are about one subject: Who did Jesus believe himself to be? Jesus did not say to the scribes and Pharisees, in a frank manner, “I am the Christ, the Son of God,” but he did say what he believed about himself in these parables. Lastly, he showed that the Christ is not David’s son but is in fact David’s Lord. (Luke 20:41-43)

Jesus cannot be written off simply as a good teacher or a charismatic leader. If the man Jesus is who he believed himself to be, then there is no response expectable but to repent and believe. To reject the rule of God in your life always ends in death but there is eternal life for all who repent and follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.

He Came to Seek and Save

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

The enemy of mankind is sin and God is not to blame. “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15)

Jesus was sent by God to be our Savior and Lord. Mankind was lost to sin but Jesus took our death and rose again. Therefore, he is worthy of all our honor, glory and praise. This world is such a difficult place. Lately, I long for the days of the Son of Man to come. I long for the rule of the Lord in the hearts and minds of men. 

As I write this, I confess that my heart is broken and my mind is at a loss because of certain persons and events that are occurring in my life. I have failed in many aspects of this life but I am trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to save me from sin and death. I will preserve to the end because my hope is in the Lord. He is a lasting hope that will not falter. He defeated sin and death in the body. He has ascended to the highest place of honor, the righthand of God. Before his sacrificial death, he promised: "I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3) I am trusting in this promise of Jesus, to return and receive us to himself, that where he is, there we will be also.

Why Do You Call Me Good

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” (Luke 18:19)

Jesus taught his disciples to pray without loosing faith. Continually make your request known to God and God who is good will deliver from evil. Jesus also taught his disciples to not think of themselves as better than other men. Instead of boosting in prayer about the good things, confess the bad and you will be forgiven.

Do you consider yourself to be a good person? Have you committed adultery? “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery... (Luke 16:18) but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) Have you murdered anyone? “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22) Have you ever taken anything that did not belong to you without the permission of the owner? Have you ever lied about someone? Have you always honored your father and mother from your youth until now? Lastly, have you put anything before God and his Son? 

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:19-20) “Then who can be saved?” (Luke 18:26) “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30)

The Kingdom of God Is In Your Midst

Luke 17:20-21

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

I do not know about you but I am longing for the days of the Son of Man to come. Things on the earth are not what they ought to be, yet Jesus said that the kingdom of God is in our midst. If we look around us, we can see the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the rule of God in the lives of his people. 

Lately, I have had trouble seeing the kingdom of God in our midst. My mind’s eye has been clouded by the trials of life. I confess that this has been a very difficult year rot with loneliness. I have felt very isolated, alone, and disconnected from the brethren. The world around me seems to be falling apart. I have had a difficult time seeing the rule of God in this world. Yet, I must trust the word of Jesus, that the kingdom of God is in our midst. 

There are people seeking to observe all that Jesus commanded right now. Yesterday, I received a letter from a Cuban brother about the ministry that is going on in his land. He is not seeking the praise of men, nor is he even seeking the praise of the Lord but sees himself as an unworthy servant doing only that which he ought to have done. This letter is a very encouraging word indeed. He was not writing to encourage me. In fact, the letter was not written to me. The letter was written to another man who shared the letter with me. However, the ministry that is going on there and the teaching of the brethren from the word of God is encouraging. It is the kingdom of God in our midst. Let us rejoice, for the kingdom of God is in our midst!

Merry Christmas

This morning I read Luke 16. In this chapter, Jesus tells a parable about an unrighteous steward, who when he heard that he was going to be dismissed by his master, makes friends with his masters debtors by changing their bills. Jesus said that man cannot serve God and money. The Pharisees did not like to hear this because they loved having wealth. Not only did they love having wealth but they loved themselves more than they loved the other person. One of the many things that they were doing was divorcing their wives to marry another woman. Casting aside the woman whom they promised to have and to hold until death do them part. A woman in this time period could not support herself, so she had to find another man to marry or die of exposure and starvation. Jesus then told a parable about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. The rich man did nothing to help the poor man during their lives. Both men died and Lazarus went to heaven but the rich man went to hell. The rich man desired that Lazarus should dip his finger in water and cool his tongue because he was in agony in the flame. Even in death, while under the wrath of God, the rich man was still more concerned about his own comfort than the poor man. There is a great chasm fixed between heaven and hell, where no one can pass from one to the other, but it appears that those who are in hell can see the good things of heaven from afar.

I have decided to change the way that I write in the morning a little bit. I make no promises about what I shall write in this blog. The Nurse Theologian is my public journal. It is my habit to arise 2 hours before I need to depart my home each day. I begin by reciting a chapter out of John’s gospel, then I write a letter to God, then I read a portion of Scripture and I conclude by writing in this blog. Through January 2, 2021, I will be reading from Lukes Gospel, but beginning on Sunday, January 3, 2021, I will be reading from a plan that has me reading a different genre of Scripture every morning, thereby, reading through the bible in 52 weeks. I think that this will be a very interesting way to read the Scriptures and I am looking forward to it.

Today is Christmas day. I would like to take the time to say Merry Christmas to anyone who might read this text. It is truly amazing that God would give to us, his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Jn 3:16) My recitation from John’s gospel today was chapter 6. In this chapter, Jesus tells the Jews about the gift that God has given. 

Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” John 6:32-33

Joy in Heaven Over One Who is Repentant

The Pharisees and the scribes grumbled because Jesus received tax collectors and irreligious Jews. (Luke 15 vv 1-32) 

Is there a difference between persons? Let us compare two young men. One young man grows up in the church, gets a college education, a respectable job in the community, has a wife, and children who all attend the church. The second young man did not grow up in the church, his occupation is not respectable, he has had multiple live in girlfriends with children from each. Which of these two young men need to come near and hear Jesus? The answer is both, “for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.” (Rom. 3:22b-25a) Jesus said that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine persons who need no repentance. A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus. By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. (Gal. 2:16) 

Now of these two young men, the first has an advantage that the second does not have. It is the same advantage that the first century religious Jew had over the gentile. (Rom 3:2) The regular church attending young man has the opportunity to hear the word of God preached, where as the second young man does not. In this section of scripture, Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to drive home the point that we should be willing to go to the socially not respectable and irreligious with the word of God. We should also be willing to receive them in our congregation with open arms. All pretenses should be dropped. 

Luke 14

The Pharisees believed it unlawful to heal on the Sabbath, yet will save a son or ox who has fallen into a well.  (vv. 1-6) Jesus continually exposed legalism as hypocrisy. The Pharisees would not left a finger to help a man in need because it was the Sabbath, yet they would help their son or their ox who was in need. This exposes legalism is being a selfish and unloving. Jesus and the Pharisees believed many of the same things but Jesus continually stepped on their hypocrisy and exposed their hearts. This is what the word of God does.

Jesus says to never take the place of highest place of honor but always take the lowest place unless you are invited to move up. (vv. 7-11) Some things are difficult for us to understand because they are culturally based. However, we have all been to a place where everyone is trying to be first and have the best seat. People clammer to be noticed by other people and to receive honor. However, the greatest honor is given when one is not seeking.

Do not do good things for only those who can return the favor but do good for those who do not have the means. (vv. 12-14) People treat people differently. This is what the apostle James wrote about the sin of partiality. (Jam 2 vv 1-13) Why did the people of the church invite the rich man to the front? The rich man can do more for the church in donations than the poor man. This still goes on in churches today. It is often the rich who are given places of honor on deacon boards and elder boards. The hospital that I work for treats wealthy patients much differently than the general population. However, Jesus said to not do this but do good for people who cannot do good for you. Again, the word of God exposes the heart.

Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a dinner feast in which a man invites guest to attend but some refused the invitation because of the worries of life. (vv. 15-24) Do not refuse the invitation to dine at the Lord’s table in the kingdom of God. There is nothing in this life worth it. It is easy to get caught up in the worries of life and miss what is truly important.

A disciple must be willing to leave all to follow Jesus. (vv. 25-33) There is not one thing or person in this world as important as following Jesus Christ. It is about a willingness to leave everything to follow Jesus. I believe that there have been many in church history who have misunderstood this passage. They have purposely taken vows of celibacy and poverty, thinking that this will earn them favor in the kingdom of God. This is a terrible misunderstanding of the meaning. It is about the desire of the heart. For these persons, there vows maybe what is holding them back from following Jesus. Others have started to follow Jesus but turned back because they were losing something that they loved. It is a marathon that we are running. Anyone can start a marathon but can you finish?

Jesus told a parable about salt that becomes tasteless. (vv. 34-35) This parable follows the parable about finishing the journey with Jesus. Many start well but their witness becomes tasteless. A Christian must have joy despite the difficulties with following Jesus in this world.

Luke 13

Unless you repent, you will perish. (vv. 1-5) The apostle paul said in his letter to the Romans 6 v 23 that the wages for sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We often hear of bad things happening to people. Some people have it much worse than others. However, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all die. Death comes to everyone. Death and especially tragic death should cause us to turn toward the Lord in repentance. 

Jesus told a parable about a fig tree that did not bear fruit. (vv. 6-9) We have only so many years to bear fruit, keeping with repentance. Some have more years than others but there is a time limit on all human life. Eventually, you will be cut down, regardless of how great that you think that you are. Repent and believe in Jesus Christ before it is to late.

Jesus exposed the contradiction between taking care of animals on the Sabbath and healing ones neighbor. (vv. 10-17) Legalism is always contradictory. It seeks to oppress the other person while seeking ones own good. The contradiction of taking care of ones animals but not ones neighbor on the Sabbath, exposes the selfishness in the heart of man. Is it good to take care of ones animals? Yes, of course it is good. However, they were using the Sabbath as an excuse for not taking care of their neighbor. We should not use the things of God as an excuse for not doing what is right.

Jesus compared the growth of the kingdom of God with a mustard seed that grows and becomes a large garden plant and also leaven in a batch of bread. (vv. 18-21) The gospel began in a very small part of the world. Jesus spent his entire earthly life on a small strip of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea. Yet the gospel overtook the Roman Empire and has spread throughout the entire world.

Now is the time to enter the kingdom of God but a time is coming when the owner will shut the door and let no one enter anymore. (vv. 22-30) Everyone has limited time to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn 14 v 6) Jesus is the narrow gate: “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn 10 v 9) Everyone has limited time to enter and there will be no provision made for entering later.

Jesus was journeying to Jerusalem and nothing or no one would hinder him from his journey. (vv. 31-35) Nothing or no one could stop Jesus from his journey to Jerusalem. He was headed to Jerusalem to die on the cross for our sins at the right time. All was being orchestrated by God and all was on God’s time. The power of man is limited, even when he thinks he is in charge. 

What Are You Worried About?

Luke 12

I day and an hour is coming in which God will judge the world in righteousness, yet do we spend most of our time worrying about the trivial things in this life. Everyone is going to die. The death rate in the world is 100% and the Bible tells us that after this comes the judgment. What do you worry about? I confess that I am not without worry. I worry about a great many things that I do not nor should not be worried about. Do you worry about how people perceive you? What can they really do to you and is it going to matter in 100 years how persons perceive you today? Maybe you worry about your looks or your health. These are good things but not as important as your eternal soul. Jesus warns us about being rich in this life and poor towards God. Having riches in and of themselves is not evil, it is the pursuit of riches above our relationship with God and how we treat other people that really matters. 

Jesus tells us not to worry about the things of this life; what to wear or what to eat but that is difficult isn’t it? This seems to be what our day to day is all about. However, to many of these days put together and you reach the end with what? You cannot take one thing from this life into eternity. Jesus said to not fear man who can kill the body but fear him who has the power to kill the body and the soul in hell. It is the soul that you take into eternity, therefore, it is the eternal soul that you should be concerned about the most. This body will be left and a new resurrected body will be raised. Should we take care of our bodies? Absolutely but not to the ignorance of the soul. The body is temporal but the soul is eternal. Our relationship with the things of the earth are temporal but our relationship with God and one other is eternal.

Luke 11

What does it say?

Jesus taught his disciples to pray for God’s name, God’s kingdom, our needs, our sin, forgive others, and protection from temptation. In the form of a parable, Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer to God. God will give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Some were saying that Jesus casts out demons by the ruler of demons but Jesus showed that this is not logical; if Satan is divided against himself, he cannot stand; however, if Jesus casts out demons by the finger of God, the kingdom of God has come upon us. If a man is made clean, but not holy, his end will be worse than if he was never made clean. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Jesus is greater than all the Old Testament prophets and kings. Make sure that the light that you see with is good light and not actually darkness. Jesus said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside you are full of robbery and wickedness.” The Pharisees were concerned about how they appear to others rather than the state of their mind and heart. The lawyers were making things more difficult for the people. The scribes and Pharisees were attempting catch Jesus in something that he might say.

What does it mean?

God’s name, God’s kingdom, our needs, confession of sin, forgiving others and protection from evil are what we should be praying. We must be persistent in our prayer life, always lifting these up to God. God is good, therefore, we should not be afraid to ask for what we need. Jesus is God in human flesh. The miraculous side of Jesus ministry was there to show us that God had invaded the world in which we live and had come in a body like ours. The Pharisee looked very good on the outside but inside, he was a sinner. The lawyers were adding to the law, in a vain attempt to keep people from breaking the law. Neither of these were good. Love and kindness towards others is the way that we should treat everyone. We should never think of ourselves as greater than anyone else. We have all sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard. 

What shall I do?

I shall pray daily for God’s name, God’s kingdom, my needs, confess my sin, forgive others and protection from temptation. I shall be persistent in prayer and trust that God is good, he will see what I need and give it to me. I shall hear the word of God and observe it. I shall not think of myself as better than anyone else and I shall not make things to difficult for others.

Recorded In Heaven

Luke 10

Jesus sent seventy others, in pairs, to proceed him in every city and place, to heal the sick and say: “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” (vv. 1-12) A day and hour is coming in which Jesus is going to return to judge the earth. We are to go make disciples of all nations, baptize and teach them. The seventy was sent to the cities ahead of Jesus. The church has been sent to every city in the world. Just like when the seventy were sent out, there will be some who receive us and some who will reject us.

Jesus spoke woes to the cities Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for not repent. (vv. 13-15) It is not good when a place does not receive the gospel. All who hear the gospel will be held more accountable than those who did not hear.

Then Jesus told the seventy, that everyone who receives them receives him and the one who rejects them, rejects both the Son and the Father. (v 16) If a follower of Jesus Christ is preaching the truth about the kingdom of God; then if he is received, the receiver is receiving Christ but if he is rejected, the rejector is rejecting God. I add this caveat because there are many Christ spoken of in this world but there is only one true Christ, the Christ of the Bible. Represent the Lord well and speak truth. Make sure that it is Christ that is being received or rejected. 

The seventy returned rejoicing about the power that they had been given but Jesus told them to rejoice because their names are recorded in heaven. (vv. 17-20) It is easy to get caught up in the things that we do but the important thing is the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.

The Son reveals the Father to whom all that the Father gives him. (vv. 21-22) There is a Devine order in election: Father and Son and Spirit. In order for a man to come to Christ he must be regenerated by the Spirit to repent and believe. In order for a man to come to the Father he must believe in the Son and be taught by the word of God. And none of this occurs unless the Father sends the Spirit.

Jesus called the disciples more blessed than many prophets and kings because of the things that they have seen and heard. (vv. 23-24) Hearing the things that Jesus said and seeing the things that Jesus did. How blessed the disciples truly are; however, we are blessed because we have the word of God. Many generations before us did not have the word of God but we do. How blessed we are to have the written word of God.

A lawyer wanted to know how far he had to go in his love for God and neighbor to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered by telling a parable about a man who took care of a man who was considered by his nation an enemy. (vv. 25-37) All persons on the earth are our neighbor, from the least to the greatest, from the kindest to the meanest. With that being said, the point of the parable and the answer to the question is this: “All have sinned and fall short.” (Rom 3:23) No one has perfectly loved God and loved his neighbor as he loves himself. No one that is except Jesus Christ. Therefore, no one will inherit eternal life by the works of the law to do them but by grace we are being saved through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Do not become distracted from the Lord Jesus Christ with the business of the life. (vv. 38-42) It is so easy to be caught up with business and not take the time to look at Jesus and hear him. Christmas is a time to reflect on the first advent and look ahead to the second. Do not become so distracted by all the festivities and gatherings and not look to Christ.

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Luke 9

Jesus sent out the twelve to preach the gospel and to heal people. (vv. 1-6) The late Martin Lloyd Jones said that the right place to be is between the mountains of intellectualism and the experiential. This way of thinking also applies for preaching the gospel and serving physical needs. We should be doing both. The best missionary efforts have all included a right balance between preaching and medicine.

Herod became interested in Jesus because he had beheaded John and some were saying that Jesus is John risen from the dead or another prophet from old. (vv. 7-9) Many people have their thoughts about Jesus. Many will accept him as a good teacher. I recently read some of the religious writings of Leo Tolstoy. While Tolstoy understood much of what Jesus taught, he did not accept the miraculous; thus, something is missing from the way that he saw Jesus. Jesus is a prophet but greater than the prophets of old.

The apostles gave a report to Jesus about their outreach and Jesus continued to preach about the kingdom of God and do healing. (vv. 10-11) Ministers need rest but Jesus ministry was so short lived he did not have time for much rest. He was always about his Father’s business. 

Jesus feed five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish. (vv. 12-17) You cannot disconnect Jesus teaching from the miraculous. We are to preach the gospel and heal the sick but there is only one Christ of God. 

Jesus asked the disciples who do the people say that I am and who do you say that I am? (vv. 18-22) This is the question above all other questions concerning Jesus. Who do you say that I am? 

Jesus taught that if they want to be in the kingdom of God, they must be willing to do whatever is necessary to follow him, even if it leads to death. (vv. 23-27) This is the true test of faith. You say that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God but do you believe it even unto death?

The Father God told Peter, James and John to listen to Jesus above Moses and Elijah. (vv. 28-36) Jesus is greater than Moses whom the Jews saw as law giver and Jesus is greater than all the Old Testament prophets. One needs to read the Old Testament to understand the New Testament but it is Jesus Christ that we listen too.

Jesus healed a man’s son whom the disciples could not heal and all were amazed at the greatness of God. (vv. 37-43) God has given us many things to do in modern medicine but we cannot perform miracles. Miracles are done by God alone.

Jesus told his disciples that the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men but they did not understand the meaning. (vv. 42-45) Even while people were amazed, Jesus new and taught his disciples that men would turn against him. Jesus did not come to be crowned king of this world but he is king in the kingdom of God.

Among the disciples of Christ is equality. (vv. 46-48) We should not view one as better than or greater than another. I see this happening in the church and it is always sad.

If someone believes in Jesus but practices a little differently than you, do not discourage them. (vv. 49-50) There are essentials to the faith. If a person has all of the essentials do not discourage them.

Jesus rebuked James and John for wanting to call fire down from heaven to consume a samaritan village who would not receive him. (vv. 51-56) We must remember that Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. (Jn. 12:47) Preaching and healing is our job. Christians spend to much time focusing on politics.

You must be willing to leave all now and follow Jesus without looking back. (vv. 57-62) Following Jesus Christ might mean losing everything that you have in this world. Are you willing to lose everything to gain eternal life in the kingdom of God?

The Relationship of Faith and Works

Luke 8:1-56

Not only were the twelve going around from village to village, preaching with Jesus, but there was a contingent of women as well. Jesus told two parables: First, the parable of the sower and the four soils; it is only the seed that falls on good soil that produces fruit, but the seed that falls on falls on the road, the rocky soil, or among thorns does not produce fruit. The second parable was of a lamp being put on a lamp-stand and not hidden from sight. Jesus said that to be a member of his family, one must hear the word of God and do it. After this, Jesus and his disciples crossed the sea, on which Jesus demonstrated power over the wind and the sea and the waves. Jesus healed a demon possessed man, his desire was to accompany Jesus, but Jesus told him to go tell what God had done for him in Jesus Christ. A woman was healed when she reached out to touch Jesus by faith. When questioned, she proclaimed before all present, her condition, and her reason for reaching out to touch Jesus and that she had been healed. After this, Jesus raised a synagog official’s daughter from the dead. Her parents were amazed; but Jesus instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

The kingdom of God is for men and women, both should be proclaiming it. There is work in the church for both men and women. Jesus chose twelve men as his apostles, but there were many female deacons in the early church. The paragraph seems to not fit with the surrounding context but is there to make the point that both men and women are to serve the Lord. In the following text, both a man and a woman are healed, and both give their testimony of what God has done for them in Jesus Christ.

Believing without doing is not expectable. Faith always produces good works. The parable of the lamp-stand follows the parable of the sower and the four soils. It is only the good soil which produces good fruit, because it is only the good soil that puts his/her light on a lamp-stand, so that others may see the light. Works do not make us right with God, but true faith in Jesus Christ, produces good works. The greatest work that a follower of Jesus Christ can do, is to proclaim the gospel. In this text, both the man healed from demonic possession and the woman healed from years of bleeding; did so, by testifying what God did for them in Jesus Christ. Physical relationship does not make one a Christian, it is hearing the word of God and doing it, that makes one a Christian. The word Christian means, follower of Christ. Following means hearing and doing.

Measure of Faith

Luke 7:1-50

Jesus healed a centurion’s slave from dying and raised a widows dead son to life. John the Baptist sent a delegation to ask if Jesus is the expected one and Jesus answered by quoting from the prophets. Jesus called John the greatest of all proceeding messengers but that John is by no means greater than anyone in the kingdom of God. No matter if a prophet fasts or feasts, the men of this age slander him. While dinning in a Pharisee’s house, a woman who was a known sinner, washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair, anointed his feet with perfume, and kissed them; however, the Pharisee had contempt. Jesus explained that all our sinners, some greater than others; however, the difference between the saved and the unsaved is faith evidenced by love. 

The measure of a person’s faith is love. Do you love little because you have been forgiven little, or do you love much because you have been forgiven much. The centurion understood that he had no right to favor. Not only was he a sinner but he was a gentile. The gentiles were considered outside the kingdom, but Jesus considered his faith great because he believed that Jesus could heal his servant from afar. The centurion exhibited his faith in love. John the Baptist was in doubting castles and Jesus gave him what he needed to hear, the promises found in the Scripture alone. The kingdom of God is already but not yet. The prophecies are already but not yet fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Jesus had compassion for a widow, by raising her only son from the dead. Without her son, this woman had no means of support and would have suffered greatly. The Lord is compassionate and gracious. We are to be sons of our Father who is in heaven; who gives to both evil men and good men what they need. (Mt. 5:45) 

Lord of the Sabbath

Luke 6:1-49

The Pharisees were concerned with keeping the letter of the law of Moses, to the point of making additional laws, to keep the people from breaking the Sabbath. They were legalist in every since of the word. They had an excessive observance of law. They did not understand the purpose or meaning of the law. They were so caught up with the letter of the law, that they did not even know that they were breaking the law. 

Christians do not observe the Sabbath, though some will call Sunday the Sabbath; however, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week and Sunday is the first day of the week. The Sabbath was observed in honor of the Lord who created all things in six days and rested on the seventh day. We call Sunday the Lord’s day, because it was on the first day of the week that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The early Christians meet on the first day of the week. (1 Cor. 16:2) 

The law of Christ is not like the law of Moses. The law of Moses was a written law to be observed, but the law of Christ is of the Spirit. The law of Christ is love, as exampled by Christ, taught by Christ, taught by his chosen apostles and it can be seen in all of Scripture. Jesus said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt. 7:12, NASB) Without regards to nationality, race, religion or how they may have treated you.

Every Sabbath and Lord’s day (Saturday and Sunday) you will find nurses in the hospital taking care of the affirmed. They are not in the synagog and they are not sitting in a church pew. Does this mean that they do not need teaching? Quite the opposite! The person who needs the community of the saints and encouragement of the Word most, are those who are working in the hospitals. 

Am I Willing

Luke 5:1-39

Jesus was teaching the people in the region of Galilee and having compassion. He taught from Simon’s (Peter) boat on the western shore of the sea of Galilee. There, he gave Simon and his partners a great catch of fish; they left their business, and their family, to follow Jesus. Jesus healed a man covered with leprosy and told him to go and make an offering to the priest, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. The Pharisees and teachers of the law had heard about Jesus, so they came to see for themselves. They called it blasphemy when Jesus told a paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven. In answer, Jesus healed the paralyzed man, though he was carried in on a stretcher, he walked out on his own two legs. A tax collector named Levi (Matthew) began to follow Jesus and Jesus with his disciples, ate and drank at Levi’s house, with a great crowd of tax collectors and other people. The Pharisees and the scribes could not understand why Jesus associated with men that they considered sinners. Nor could they not understand why his disciples ate and drink, while other religious men were fasting and offering prayers. The answer that Jesus gave indicated a change in religious practice was afoot. 

It seems that the common man and people that the religious considered sinners, were being attracted to Jesus. Though Jesus performed many signs and wonders in their midst, the religious would not come, because they were unwilling to associate with men whom they considered sinners and were unwilling to practice religion in a way that they were not accustomed. 

If Jesus were teaching and practicing today, would I be willing to set aside my prejudice and follow him? Would I be willing to associate with the lowly and with sinners? Would I be willing to do things that change my customs? These are questions that we should ask ourselves, rather than judge the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. For I am a religious man and I have studied theology. May I always be in the business of teaching and having compassion. “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:16, NKJV)