Luke 7

 Some really great stories here, a few I don't know if I have ever read! A big underlying theme in this chapter is Jesus' compassion for all people.

To begin, Roman centurions were usually not well liked by the people. As symbols of Rome, they were the propagating a system of oppression and injustice and inequality, as determined and controlled by Rome. Why do you suspect that the Roman guard sent "some older Jewish leaders (v 3) to see Jesus? Do we do that...send others to speak to Jesus for us?" We should be able to go directly to Jesus for comfort and conversation, knowing that it is a"direct line" to God. Jesus cut out the ""middle man" when we need to speak to God. The men go and describe the Roman guard as "worthy" (v 4), yet the officer describes himself as "unworthy" (v 6). How does one define worthy or unworthy when it comes to God? Are any of us really worthy? 

The woman with the dead son and dead husband would have nothing; her life would have been degraded to minimal sustenance and income because of her status. We read that "Jesus felt sorry for her" and commented that she should stop weeping (v 13). Two points here: Jesus is experiencing human emotions (sorrow) and he is essentially saying that sorrow will turn to joy! How does it make you feel that Jesus has human emotions? How does that allow Jesus to relate to us? Jesus touches the boy and the boy springs to life. In Jewish custom, this would have made Jesus defiled (touching a dead person). What does this say about Jesus and the Jewish law? How does that relate to Jesus' relationship with us?

John then drops "the question", "Jesus, are you really the Messiah, or should we wait for someone else?" (v 19). In Matthew, John asks this question while he is in prison. Jesus responds with words very similar to Isaiah 35:5-6. Why did John ask the question? Was John questioning the reality of Jesus? Did maybe John expect to see more than "just healings and exorcisms" from Jesus? Jesus then goes on to talk about John and the significance of John, and even with John's importance in the mission of Christ, the least among them (in the group) is still even greater! Do you see yourself as greater than John?

Vv 31- 35 I really have to do some research on these!

Jesus is invited to a dinner party (and I imagine it was extravagant) and a "sinful woman in the town" (maybe Mary Magdalene?) What information do we gain about he woman and how she feels about herself when we read these verses (36- 39) How do you feel about yourself when you approach Jesus? Simon, the Pharisee, gets upset at Jesus for touching a Gentile (probably) "woman of the town", "If He was a real prophet, He would have known!" (v 39b). What does this say about Simon? What dopes this say about Jesus? Jesus then teaches Simon "a lesson" about debts and gratitude. Jesus then chastises (maybe not the right word) Simon for how he treated Jesus upon entering Simon's home. Then the gut-wrenching question from Jesus, "Who is more of a sinner, Simon, you or this woman?" Who would you argue is more of a sinner? Jesus addresses the woman and says "Your sins are forgiven." (v 48). Those are words that only God can say (v 49)! How might Simon feel now?! This is a very complex story on so many levels with so many interactions between very different people. Who do you identify most with and why?

I really enjoyed reading this chapter. None of this is highlighted in my Bible, so I probably have never read these before and definitely have not used these as preaching/teaching texts! I may have to do a new sermon series after Christmas "What I learned from my Luke reading challenge!" Stay tuned!

Have a good day reading and thinking and commenting!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Luke 6

 Sorry I'm late with this...someone had to work this morning!!

I see the overall theme of chapter 6 as being the coming of God's kingdom and the idea that it will change the world upside down, the status quo will be gone and there will be a new way that we can't even imagine!

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law are a,ways trying to trip up Jesus and become quite at odds with Jesus' style and ministry! The first few verses illustrate that (vv 1-5). We will chat about the Sabbath rule later, but I see Jesus saying here is feed those that are hungry! Laws (Levitictal laws) shouldn't dictate how/when we feed the hungry. This is somewhat of a follow-up of the comments in Luke 5 about the cloth and wine skin, etc....the old (Levitical laws) don't mesh with the new (new covenant with/ through Jesus).

in v 6, we see Luke's detail again. It wasn't just that he an had a crippled hand, it was his right hand...Luke= detail!in v 9, Jesus asks a  tough question "Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath?" The Pharisees and teachers if the law were looking to trip up Jesus with the Sabbath comment. Jesus' response basically is saying there is never a wrong time to do good! Interesting commentary, The author writes (v 11) that the Pharisees were angry (some translations say they were in a rage)...so you can't heal, but its OK to be angry and plot a possible assassination attempt?! This section of verses was about breaking the rules and upsetting the status quo. How do you feel about breaking rules and upsetting the status quo? Does the status quo need to be adjusted?

Luke then lists the 12 apostles; 12 apostles= 12 tribes of Israel. Notice that Judas Iscariot (v 16) is listed  as the one "who later turned Jesus over to his enemies." Remember- the gospels were written well after Jesus' death, so the authors had prior knowledge! Some people question- why did Jesus pick Judas. And some comment back with Why did Jesus pick me?! How would you  respond?

We then get into Luke rendition of the Sermon on the Mount, called the Sermon on the Plain. Jesus was an itinerant preacher/ teacher, so he probably repeated his lessons to many people at many different times. My guess is, like all good pastors, he had some "traveling sermons" that were generic enough to use when he needed to talk with a group quickly! Notice how Jesus moves down to stand "on level ground" (v 17)' I see this as a sign that Jesus wants to be equal with the people- not higher/ better! Verse 19 begs the question, Can we reach out and touch Jesus to then in turn touch and heal a hurting world? Jesus then (v 20) "looked at his followers" (some translations say "looked at his disciples"), in essence telling them that it is is their job to help the poor, the hungry, the crying...Jesus is looking at you saying these same words. How do you respond? The continuing verses (vv 20-26) essentially outline Jesus' ministry and mission and I see them as outlining social action and an end to oppression and injustices in Rome and across the world. We still have that cry from Jesus to end the oppression and injustices that are in our world. How can we help do that?

The next command from Jesus (vv 27- 36) is to love your enemies! For a brief time, imagine what the world would be like if we could love our enemies! Who are your enemies? Can you love them? Why/ why not?

We then turn to Jesus' commentary about judging OTHERS! It is so easy to pick out what others are doing wrong- why can't we see what we are doing wrong? Why is it difficult for us to pick out our faults? We are definitely more tolerate of ourselves than we are of others! This is a call from Jesus for mercy and grace and forgiveness!

The final sets of verses are about trusting and obeying God. It may require a radical change in us! We have to turn  around and be good at our heart and root (vv 43- 46). We say and act what is in our hearts...even if we try to be good, an evil heart will send evil words out! We have to trust God and obey the words God says to us. Do we struggle at trusting God? Why do we struggle at trusting God? 

I look forward to comments! Enjoy the reading!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Luke 5

 Luke 5 is string with indications of Jesus' power over nature, sin, and disease. I think we all know these stories that we read in Luke 5, but studying them may give us different perspective on things!

For those of us that are visual/sensory people, Luke writes in such a detailed fashion that it is easy to see/hear/smell what the scene is he is describing. Verse 1 through 5 are a great example of this...imagine being where Luke is describing! We have Jesus calling his first disciples; they (Simon/Peter, James, and John) have probably known Jesus for a year or so. Jesus comments to Simon to throw the net over the side of the boat again. Simon questions the request, calling Jesus "Master" (v 5). I think it was an interesting commentary on Simon (and maybe the author of Luke) that Simon addressed Jesus as Master, rather than friend. Do we see Jesus as Master? As Simon pulls up the net from the sea, it is filled with fish. What a confidence booster from Jesus! How does Jesus boost your confidence? Do you ever feel unworthy (possibly like Simon after failing at fishing) and then something good comes out of what you' re doing? Getting back to Simon addressing Jesus as Master (v 5) and Lord (v 8)-- remember, the Gospels were written well after Jesus' death and resurrection. The author of Luke probably wasn't present at this very scene, but knowing what he did about Jesus, might have added the words Master and Lord in. Regardless, do we address Jesus using these terms? How do we address Jesus? How do we view Jesus?

Some interesting points in verse 12, the man with leprosy asks Jesus "heal me if you will" The man with leprosy questions Jesus willingness not ability! Do we question Jesus' willingness at times, or do we questions Jesus' ability? Jesus then goes on to touch the leper (v 13) to heal him. What?! This would make Jesus ceremonially unclean. The point Jesus is addressing is that people are more important that laws. The man becomes cleaned but Jesus warns/commands the man to not say anything (v 14). Why? I think it is to keep people from thinking Jesus was "just a healer" Your thoughts on this?

Jesus then goes to a quiet place to pray (v 16). Many times, especially in Luke, we see Jesus going away to quiet places or lonely places to pray. What does this tell you about Jesus prayer life? How does that fit with what your prayer life is like?  I know with this reading challenge, I have taken time to sit in my "office", in the quiet, reading and thinking and writing. It has definitely helped!

The next story is about the paralyzed man. One surprising piece I noticed was that "the Lord gave Jesus the power to heal people" (v 17b) Didn't Jesus already have the power to heal? Jesus addresses the man as "friend" (v 20). How would Jesus address you? We aren't sure why the man was paralyzed, but there are may things in our world that may paralyze us. What are some things in your life that paralyze you? Do you have faith enough in Jesus (v 20) to be healed? The man's friends carried him to see Jesus. What great friends! This also speaks to their faith in Jesus! Who would you carry to Jesus to be healed from their paralysis?

The Pharisees had had enough from Jesus and then begin to question His authority! They ask the rhetorical question (v21) "Who is this man speaking as if he were God? Only God can forgive sins." Ummm...yah! That's the point Jesus is making! At the end of this story (v 26), "all the people were amazed and begin to praise God." Do we?

I really like vv 31-32. Jesus' comment "I am not here to heal the well, I am here for the sick!" I have said many times, the church is full of sinners...and that's good!

I struggle with the meaning of the final comments from Jesus (vv 36-39). I think what he is saying is that the old way (Levitical laws, Mosaic laws) are out and the new way (the new covenant) is in. Comments?

Thanks so much for reading and I invite comments and discussion!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Luke 4

 Good morning and welcome back! I am having a good time reading and discussing.

This chapter starts with the temptation of Christ. This story is in all three gospel, but only minimally mentioned in Mark; John has no mention of it, but does refer to Satan as "the prince of this world" having no power over Jesus (John 12:31). In all three cases, the temptation immaterially follows Jesus' baptism. I'm not sure if I have noticed it before, but the temptation was driven by the Holy Spirit! In v 1a, my text reads, "The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for forty days." If the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for temptations, are we driven by the Spirit also in our temptations? Does the Spirit use these temptations as a test? There is a bit on unsettling text (vv 10-11) that Satan seems to be able to quote Scripture just as easily as Jesus!How does that make you feel, that even Satan knows Scripture? And the final verse in this section (v 13) really shook me. I don;t know if I have read it before (although I must have since it is highlighted in yellow in my Bible!), "After the devil had tempted Jesus in every way, he left him until a better time." We don't read any more of Satan's temptations to Christ, so is Satan around us now throwing temptations to us?

Jesus begins teaching the people and he goes first to Nazareth. As he goes to the synagogue, the priest hands him the scroll for the reading of the day. Can you imagine coming to church and me handing you the Bible and saying, 'Please read!'" The interesting part is Jesus read from Isaiah and it basically outlines Jesus' ministry and mission! Could what Jesus read at the synagogue be our mission also? How are wed doing in that respect? In v 21, Jesus responds with "While you heard these words just now, they were coming true!" Some translations read "Today, the scriptures have been fulfilled." What do you think Jesus means when he says these words? 

Another phrase I'd like to look at is in v 22 when the people comment saying, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" There are a few moments in my life when similar words were spoken about me. Many years ago I was leading a teacher workshop at the Buffalo Museum of Science. My dad went with me just to observe me work and be in my element. He ran into someone that he knew and they were chatting on the side and the question came up by the person,"Doug, why are you here?" I could see my dad smiling and saying, "That's my son!" Several times, my daughters, Lauren and Morgan, were asked, "Aren't you Paul's daughters!" It is interesting that we are sometimes know as somebody's child! The important of family ties and relationships?

I struggle with the meaning behind verses 29-30 as the people try to run Jesus out of town and throw him off a cliff. I have written in the margin of my Bible "Examine this more" and obviously I haven't! So, I will investigate this more and get back! Jesus did say some seemingly harsh words in the previous set of verses. My interpretation is that not all people will accept Jesus and be saved or that Jesus is here only for the Jews. Thoughts?

Jesus leaves and goes on a healing mission. He goes out to exorcise two demons, and on both cases, they shout out something similar, "You are the Son of God!" (vv 34, 41). Are you surprised that even the evil forces know Jesus, but sometimes we fail at it?

Finally, in v 43, Jesus comments "I must preach about God's kingdom to other towns, too. This is why I was sent." This was a new learning for me! I don't ever remember seeing this before! Jesus obviously knew his mission, and now that mission has been told and addressed to the crowds around him.

I am really enjoying the reading and the conversation. Thanks for being part of this!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Luke 3

 Luke 3 is primarily about John and the work of John prior to Jesus' ministry.

Again, in the style of Luke, we see a very detailed list of rulers and people of authority (vv 1-2). Why do you think it was important for Luke to include such a detailed list? Interesting side note, some of the people listed (Herod, especially)  were morally and spiritually poor. We have that in comparison to John! And look at many of our rulers and people of authority today?!

John details his ministry (vv 4-6) using texts from Isaiah. We can look at this as a way for John to prepare the way for Jesus and/or we can also look at this passage as a means to repentance and what life is life after we repent and ask for forgiveness. How is John a herald for Jesus? Who in our world is a herald for Jesus?

I really like the list of actions that various people should be doing in vv 10-14. To me, they are the beginning of social justice reform in Rome! Share your clothing and food with those that need it, tax just what is needed and take no more, no coercion or force to get people to do things. With all these statements from John, people wondered if he was the Christ. Can you see why people would think that John was the Christ? How do we relate to that feeling? Are we waiting for Christ's return looking for something better and grabbing at false hopes (maybe not the best choice of words in reference to John, but I hope you get what I am asking)?

An interesting point to bring out...read v 20 and what happened to John. Now read v 21, what did John do? What seems to be the discrepancy here? 

In v 23 we hear Jesus was 30 when he started his ministry. Thirty was the age of full adult maturity in Jewish culture; priests could not begin work until they were 30, so it would stand that Jesus couldn't "start" ministry until he was 30. Do you think Jesus did "nothing" for 30 years just waiting until the time, or was he active in ministry? Why do you think Luke thought it was important to add Jesus's age here?

Another interesting note I have for v 23 is, "People thought that Jesus was Joseph's son." Hmm, so are the people really questioning the fatherhood or what's going on?! Which brings us to the genealogy of Jesus. Family is very important to the Jewish culture, so it is understandable that it would be included. What is odd is that Mark and John do not include family history. John we can somewhat understand as that isn't the style of the author, but I find it surprising that Mark didn't have one! The Luke family history starts with Jesus and goes all the way back to God; I think the point of doing that is to show first that Jesus is a descendant of God, but also that Jesus is for all people, not just the Jews. Matthew's genealogy starts with David and ultimately ends with Mary; Matthew includes a few women in his family listing! There are several discrepancies between Matthew and Luke, one of the most obvious is v 31 in Luke says Nathan was the son of David; in Matthew 1:6 it says David was the father of Solomon?! An interesting side note- some theologians believe that Luke is actually listing Mary's genealogy, thus accounting for many differences. For us, does it really matter the sequence of the genealogy or the discrepancies or the fact that it may be Mary's family line v Joseph's family line? Why are genealogies so important? My mom was really into family history; we can trace her family side to ancestors that came from England; we have similar from my dad's family, but there are some missing pieces. 

Enjoy the reading and thanks for the comments!

Shalom+

Pastor Paul

Luke 2

 The primary focus of Luke 2 is the birth of Christ and the years that follow in his childhood. Luke is the only gospel that gives us some idea about Jesus as a child, and even that is minimal. I am surprised that Luke left lots out (and even more surprised that the other gospels say nothing) but then again, the childhood of Jesus isn't the important" thing in the whole scheme of life!

Notice the accuracy of Luke as he describes the historical time period during which Jesus' birth happened (vv 1-4) This is just one instance of Luke's attention to detail. We start with the registration (translate- census, like this year for the United States!). All people had to go back to their hometowns to register for tax purposes and potential drafting int o the army. Can you imagine how people would react to this in the United States today?! I just thought of this, but it is interesting how Rome is exercising its power and Jesus will be trying to stop the oppression and injustices of the Roman society (and the world).

The birth event, as we all know, happens in Bethlehem. Bethlehem, in Hebrew, is the contraction of two words, beth -meaning house and -lehem meaning bread. So, the translation of Bethlehem is "house of bread"; Jesus, in John 6:48, says, "I am the bread of life." Just some interesting commentary!

The first people to hear news of Jesus' birth were the shepherds on the hill outside of town. Shepherds were some of the lowliest members of society and often disregarded Roman laws and religion. However, they were the first to hear the news! The angels (v 10)use words very similar to what Gabriel said to Zechariah and Mary, "Do not be afraid." They then go on and use various titles for Jesus, "Today, your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord." Why do you think the angles addressed the shepherds using these three terms and what might they mean to the poor shepherds living under Roman occupation? The shepherds were the first witnesses to Jesus as the Christ. They told everyone about it (vv 17-18), the people were amazed, yet they didn't believe. Why do you think the people didn't believe the shepherds? 

Mary and Joseph take Jesus to be presented to God and for Mary's purification ritual. Upon arriving at the Temple, Joseph and Mary sacrifice two doves (v 24).  Read Leviticus 12:6-8; what does this say about the financial status of Mary and Joseph? How does this fit with your assumptions are of their economic status?

We next meet both Simeon and Anna. Simeon is described as "a good and godly man...and the Holy Spirit was with him" (v 25) while Anna is described as "a prophetess...staying in the Temple and worshiping God...and praying day and night (vv 36- 37). Who might our Simeons or Annas be? Can you think of people in your life that are good and godly, praying night and day? As soon as Simeon say Jesus, he knew that Jesus was the Christ. I love Simeon's prayer in vv 29- 32, and his request to God that "I can now die in peace because I have seen your salvation." I had never noticed the foreshadowing of Simeon (v 35) to Mary as he says, "the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too." I wonder how Mary felt as she heard these words? Did she know what the future held for her baby? What did she know about Jesus' upcoming life? Anna, probably the third witness to Jesus, "spoke to all who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem" (v 38). I wonder what people thought? Did they believe her or was she just pushed away?

Verses 41-53 are the only words we have about Jesus as a child (in the canonical gospels). Are you surprised that our gospels do not contain any more information about Jesus as a child? Do you wonder what he was like? I certainly do! Did Jesus have the terrible twos? When did he learn to talk? What were the first words he said? What was he like as a teenager?! Did he do things like a "normal" kid would do? Did he get invited to birthday parties? Just wondering!

I hope you are enjoying the reading and are getting to learn and understand more!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

The Challenge Begins! Luke 1

 Good morning and welcome to the December reading challenge of reading the Gospel of Luke, one chapter a day, until Christmas Eve. By Christmas morning, you will have a full account of Jesus' life and may have a better understanding of Jesus and what He represented! I invite comments and dialogue...and don't forget...there may be a prize if you finish all the reading as assigned!!

First, some basic background. There are four gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the "synoptic gospels" as they tell essentially the same story ("syn-") through slightly different lenses or eyes ("-optic"). John is often called the "Messianic Gospel" as all of John's writings unashamedly point to Jesus as the Messiah; it is also very philosophical and more difficult to understand. Mark was probably written first (65-70 AD) with Matthew and Luke following around 75- 80AD); John was likely written 90- 100AD.  The author of Luke is anonymous, but believed to be a physician companion of Paul. His writing is very detailed and precise. All of the gospels are considered "ancient biography" and have the following characteristics in common: they are compilations of stories including hymns, prayers, biographical information, genealogies, parables, and miracles (among other  styles); they are highly influenced by Jewish writings and literature; they are ancient biographies-- not modern, they do not offer "references" or reveal their sources, they don't really discuss Jesus' personality or early childhood, or describe Jesus' physical appearance; they employ a "fiction-like" style of writing, the authors used storytelling, symbolism, and foreshadowing to tell what needed to be said; and finally, they are overtly evangelistic, telling the stories of Jesus  to inspire and attract people to Jesus' following. (Introducing the New Testament, Mark Allen Powell, 2009).

Now, Luke 1!

In the introduction (vv 1-4), Luke tells exactly why he wrote this account...to cast away doubt! This statement was encouraging for me, because I think we all doubt and wonder. I liked the words "to help you know that what you have been taught is true. " (v 4, New Century Version). We all like that reinforcement, to know what we've been told is true!

This first chapter deals with John as much as (if not more than Jesus). Why do you think Luke thought it was important to discuss John this much? 

The angel Gabriel was present with both Zechariah and Mary. and said essentially the same words to them both, "Do not be afraid, you are with child" Zechariah was a highly regarded priest of the Temple, Mary was a "common" girl. These are two very important contrasts for us to remember throughout the gospel. Why do you think it was noted that Zechariah was a priest and Mary was a commoner?

In v 29 we read "Mary was startled by what the angel said and wondered what the greeting might mean." Then, in v 34 we hear Mary say, "How will this happen since I am still a virgin." Followed in v 38 with Mary saying, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!" This progression of Mary's responses, from shock to full acceptance, might be the way we respond to God's calling! I like his similarity and the idea that we may be like Mary, God may be giving us something very important to do, we need to move to full acceptance and say  "I am the Lord's servant!"

I am always filled with joy when I read John's response while he is in Elizabeth's womb (v 41) "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Do we jump for joy and are we filled with the Holy Spirit when we are in the presence of Jesus?

I love the poetry and prayerful words both Mary (vv 46-55) and Zechariah (vv 68-79) use in their praises to God. I have read them several times and each time I hear something new and exciting for me. The words are very "psalm-like" providing comfort and hope when we are trying to survive in our daily routines!

Mary is sometimes (especially in the Catholic church) called "the Mother of God." What does this mean? What does this not mean?

May you be graced as you read and study Luke 1. Comments and discussion are very welcomed!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul