Rejection of Jesus

Would any of you have a hard time trusting some of the people you know a little too well with something important?  

• If one of your friends, who was a class clown in highschool, later became a surgeon, would it be hard to let them cut you open?

This is exactly what we see in this first section of Mark 6

Mark 6:1-3

' He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. '

According to Luke 4, about a year before this, Jesus had been evicted from teaching in the synagogue.  Apparently though, with Jesus' reputation growing, he was allowed back in to teach.

One thing this shows me is grace.  These people rejected Jesus already, but he was willing to come back and preach to them.

Nazareth was Jesus’ home.  He grew up here and these people knew him well.  Just as we would, these people had a hard time acknowledging a man they grew up with as God’s son, and the Messiah.  This was in spite of all the evidence.  They recognized that he spoke with authority.  They knew about his miracles.

To me, this passage really shows the humanity of Jesus.  He had a job just like we do.  He worked as a carpenter.  He had 4 brothers, and at least 2 sisters, though they aren’t named.  We know from elsewhere that his own brothers didn’t even believe he was who he said he was.

Mark 6:4-6

'And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. '

Why do you think it says Jesus could do no mighty work there?

• Jesus wanted people to acknowledge him for who he really was, and not just to receive miracles

• These people clearly lacked faith

• Once again he shows his grace and mercy by healing some of the sick

The people here had trouble trusting who Jesus was, because they thought they already knew him.

Does anyone want to share a time when they judged someone too early, only to realize they weren’t as bad as you thought they were?

• I think sometimes, even if someone was as bad as we thought they were, we don’t always believe God has the ability to change them

• That’s one of the reasons it’s not our place to judge

There’s a maxim that says familiarity breeds contempt.  Aesop wrote a fable about a fox who had never seen a lion.  He was scared to death the first time he met one.  Each time he met the lion he became less scared, until eventually he was able to approach him without fear. He developed contempt for how dangerous the lion could be, and eventually the lion ate him.

This story says nothing about the lion, but reflects the contempt the fox was feeling.

The familiarity of the Nazarenes said nothing of Jesus, but said a great deal about their hearts.

In another example, a tourist was eager to see everything in an art gallery.  He ran from picture to picture, wanting to see all, but barely recognizing the details in each frame.  On his way out, he told a guard that he didn’t see anything special here.  The guard replied that “it is not the pictures that are on trial, but the visitors.”

We need to look in our hearts on how we accept others, as well as Jesus.

Moving on from Jesus’ rejection by the people of Nazareth, we will now look at Jesus’ expectations of his own disciples.

Mark 6:7-13

' And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. '

Don’t ever skip over simple things in scripture.  Every word has a purpose.

Why do you think in verse 7 it says Jesus sent the disciples 2 by 2?

• This basically cut in half the cities these disciples could be preaching in.

• Asking questions is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to study the bible.

  • You don’t come up with an answer, then look for support in the scripture.  That’s known as proof texting.  Instead, you ask the question and see what God tells you.

• Deuteronomy 19:15 says

  • '“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. '

• I think this also speaks to Jesus acknowledging the benefits of having the support of fellow believers

Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to take nothing with them?

• He expected them to live by faith

• He wanted to show them God’s power to provide for them

• I think it also helped the disciples make a decision about how they were received where they went.  If they could rely on the people in those areas to provide for them, then it spoke to the receptiveness of those peoples hearts to God’s word

At this point, the disciples were showing faith.  They were able to heal and cast out demons. 

Mark 6:35-44

'And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. '

Most of us should be familiar with this part.  It’s usually titled “Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand”.  That’s accurate, but I think it would also be accurate to say the apostles feed the five thousand.

I want to draw your attention to verse 37.  Jesus says you give them something to eat.  To me, this section reads as Jesus broke the loaves and fish into 12 baskets, then the apostles took those to the people, and the baskets never ran out.

Jesus gave the disciples a portion.  In faith, they took that to the people and it was multiplied.  It was still Jesus’ power that multiplied the food, but the disciples had to take it in faith that God would provide.

Are there areas in our lives today that this can be applied?

Power of the Gospel: Colossians 1

Intro

I want to begin with a thought provoking question. A serial killer hears about God and believes. Over the next several years, he continues to rape and murder. The police finally catch him, and he dies in a shoot out. Where does he end up?

Ultimately, that’s up to God, but I think what we are seeing here is a difference between faith and belief.

The dictionary defines belief as an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists. On the other hand, the Greek word for faith is “Pistos”, which means trust.

Have you ever done a trust fall? You have to have faith that your teammates will catch you. That faith requires that you take the action of falling backwards. If it was a belief fall, it could basically just be a yes, no question as to wether you believe they would catch you.

Faith requires action. James 2:19-20 says

'You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?'

So mere intellectual assent isn’t the same as saving faith.

Freedom

Colossians 1:9-14

'So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.'

Where does verse 9 infer wisdom and understanding come from?

The Holy Spirit.

Paul goes on to say that with this they “will” always honor and please the Lord, and produce good fruit.

He says that they will grow as they come to know God better. This is talking about spiritual maturity. Philippians 1:6 says

'And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.'

There’s no expectation that salvation brings about perfection. Nobody will reach perfection until Christ’s return.

Romans 8:9 says

'But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) '

That verse doesn’t say that the sin nature goes away, only that we are no longer controlled by it. We will continue to sin, but we will no longer live in sin. True salvation is life changing. You can’t live the same kind of life if you have received God’s gift of salvation.

But even as we continue to sin, Jesus has already paid the price of our redemption. That’s the power of the gospel. It’s the good news that God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

What’s the difference between sin and living in sin?

What does walking worthy of the Lord look like?

Christ’s Supremacy

These next verses show why Jesus was the only one who could pay for our sins, and bring us back to a right relationship with God.

Colossians1:15-20

'Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.'

True saving faith in Jesus, and acceptance of all he has done for us reconciles us to God. To be reconciled to God is to have a relationship with Him. We are no longer his enemies.

What’s the root word of relationship? Relate. God, through Jesus, came down to live as one of us. He experienced temptation just as we do. He experienced hunger, thirst, pain, and discomfort. This makes him relatable, and makes our relationship with God even stronger.

Colossians 1:21-23

' And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. '

In the ESV translation, vs 23 says “if indeed you continue in the faith,”

What do you make of that statement? Can salvation be lost?

True saving faith endures.

Conclusion

Think about how you felt before coming to Christ. Think about what your life would be like without Jesus. Do you feel God’s changing power in your life. How has God changed you for the better?

Now take those thoughts, and share that story with others. That’s your story for the power of the gospel.

Prayer for our Brethren

Intro

In today’s lesson, Paul is writing to the church in Philippi. He is probably writing from Rome, since he is currently imprisoned, awaiting execution.

The church at Philippi held a special place in Paul’s heart, as it was the first church he planted in Europe.

Acts 16:9-10

'And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. '

Paul expresses Joy throughout the entire book of Philippians. He is encouraging them, and showing that he remains a joyful servant of Christ, even through his current trials.

Today’s lesson is a great example of how we should pray for and support our fellow believers.

Shared Faith

Philippians 1:1-2

'Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. '

Paul was with Timothy and Rome, so he mentions him in his greeting. When he formed the church in Philippi, Silas, Timothy, and Luke were with him, so they had a special relationship with Timothy as well as Paul.

Paul calls them saints in Christ Jesus. Calling people saints in the New Testament designates them as people of God, much like the term Israel did in the Old Testament.

He calls himself a servant of Christ Jesus. Isaiah 53 described the coming Messiah as a suffering servant. Paul saw his suffering as a point of pride, as it showed that he was following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Can any of you think of a situation where you were having a tough time, but felt at peace? What was it that made you feel that way?

Thankful Faith

Philippians 1:3-8

' I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. '

I want to share a story now of the effect Joy can have on others.

Massena, one of Napoleon’s generals, suddenly appeared with eighteen thousand men before an Austrian town which had no means of defense. The town council had nearly decided to surrender when the old dean of the church reminded them that it was Easter and begged them to hold services as usual and to leave the trouble in God's hands. This they did; and the French hearing the church bells ringing joyfully concluded that an Austrian army had come to relieve the place and quickly broke camp. Before the bells ceased ringing, all the Frenchmen had vanished.

When we show joy in our lives, through faith, this joy has an effect on others. It has the ability to shut down other’s despair. Choosing joy in your own life has an affect as well. God promises us joy, so we only have to choose it to receive it.

Is there anyone in your life that arouses a sense of gratitude to God for them? How comfortable would you be to say to such a person, When I think of you, I give thanks to God for you?

Growing Faith

Philippians 1:9-11

'And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. '

Paul prays that the church at Philippi’s love would abound, but he also put a qualifier on it. He says with knowledge and discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent.

A lot of times today, we see churches and Christians excuse morally reprehensible behavior through the guise of love. If we truly love others, wouldn’t we want to call out their sin so that they can repent?

Galatians 6:1

'Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. '

We are to call out sin, but with a spirit of gentleness. You don’t have to stop loving the sinner.

Can you describe ways your faith is stronger now than earlier in your life? What contributed to that growth? What hindered it?

Conclusion

I think there are several things we can take away from Philippians today.

1. Choose Joy

2. How we should pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ

   • Thankfulness for them

   • With joy in our heart

   • For spiritual growth

3. Tell others we are thankful for them

A Time For Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Joseph Wood Krutch, a professor of English at Columbia University in 1937 said, “There is no reason to suppose that a man’s life has any more meaning than the life of the humblest insect that crawls from one annihilation to another.”

As believers, we know this isn’t true. There is more to this life than merely existing. But, even a non-believer should be able to spot the differences between humans and nature. One ant is pretty much indistinguishable from another. All humans are unique in appearance and personality. You could write a general book about the life of an ant, detailing their various roles within a colony. You couldn’t write a book generalizing humanity. We have different cultures and histories.

We have a God who is in control of time, and everything in it.

Time and Place

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

'For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. '

Solomon outlines that everything has a time and place. He phrases everything as a pair to show the completeness of these things, and everything he mentions is generally out of our control.

We don’t control when we are born, or when we die. The seasons dictate when we plant and sow. We aren’t to murder people, so our time to kill would be in reaction to something, such as acting in self-defense. We don’t control how we heal from injury either, other than using medicine that typically is derived from nature itself.

We don’t control when something makes us happy or sad. We react to things God has placed in our lives. So, the things we can control are our reaction to life’s struggles and blessings.

We can respond by turning away from God, or we can trust in God and look for ways to glorify Him in how we handle different situations.

Romans 8:28

'And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. '

What are some ways we should respond to troubling times in our lives to show God glory? How should we respond to blessings?

Enjoy Life

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

'What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. '

At this point, Solomon gets more into the how and why of God’s timing. He shows that God is sovereign to all happenings. He has also put eternity on our hearts, meaning we are to look beyond this life, focusing on eternity with Him.

Ultimately, we don’t have to understand God’s timing. We are merely called to respond faithfully to it.

What are some intentional ways we can enjoy the time God has given us?

God Works

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

'I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away. '

God has included us in His eternal plan. We are to fear Him. Not in the way of a slave before a brutal master, but as a child submitting to a loving parent.

I want you to reflect on your life. Do you live your life in a way that shows your trust in God, and are thankful for the blessings and time He has given you?

Conclusion

To see the timeliness of God’s creation, we have to look no further than our own back yard. It’s easy to feel the changes in weather during the different annual seasons, but do you really know what goes on in nature during these periods of change?

In Fall, all of the nutrients high in the trees begin their descent to the ground via falling leaves. Insects and bacteria begin to feed on these leaves mixing them with the top layer of soil. Grass goes dormant and begins to break down with the leaves, trapping moisture, and preventing nutrients from being removed from the soil.

As winter comes, insects begin to die, or burrow deeper into the soil, allowing nutrients to flow beyond the top layer. Nature becomes dormant and gray. In these moments it’s hard to see the beauty these actions will bring come spring.

But, we have to remember that God’s timing is perfect. He has a plan for everything, even when we don’t see it. Sometimes in the darker, colder times of our lives, we can’t see God at work beneath the falling leaves of life’s troubles.

In the silence of our personal winters, God still cares for us. Think of the intricate detail He takes when caring for nature. How much more so does God care for us?

Matthew 10:29-31

'Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. '

So take heart in knowing that God is renewing us in times of weariness.

Isaiah 40:30-31

'Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.'

The Meaning of Life: Ecclesiastes 1 & 2

Limited Perspective

Ecclesiastes 1:12-15

'I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied. I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. '

Solomon is on a quest for happiness. He feels that if he can learn enough about everything in the world, the knowledge will bring him happiness.

So education doesn’t fulfill us. What we learn is that we can’t depend on ourselves, or the things of this world. Only God provides true fulfillment.

Inheritance Blown

Ecclesiastes 2:18-21

'I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun. When there is a person whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a person who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong. '

Here we see Solomon pondering the futility of all the work he has put in. He was bitter that he would likely die, not getting to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Christian author C.E. Stuart wrote:

Death is a worm at the root of the tree of pleasure. It mars pleasure, it chills enjoyment, for it cuts off man just when he would sit down after years of toil to reap the fruit of his labor.

Solomon was concerned that his heir was going to squander all that he had accumulated. As we discussed this morning with Alex, we saw that Rehaboam did just that. Solomon’s kingdom would be torn asunder.

How does Solomon’s lament about the temporary nature of human achievement give us proper perspective on what we should expect from this life?

Leaving behind wealth should not be our goal. The spiritual gifts we leave behind are the true treasure.

Enjoy Work

Ecclesiastes 2:22-26

'For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? For to the person who is pleasing in his sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.'

The people who’s work is truly futile, are those who have no hope in eternity. We know from 1 Corinthians 15:58

'Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.'

It’s OK to enjoy the little things in life. We just always need to make sure that we don’t make a good thing the ultimate thing. We are ultimately working and going through life in pursuit of eternity in God’s presence.

But according to verse 26, enjoying what you do isn’t always how it works. Solomon says that “to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to one who is pleasing in God’s sight.

Does this verse make it sound like God punishes sin and rewards righteousness in this life?

I think we are seeing the results of the individuals heart. When God interacts with us, our response to Him impacts the result. The way the sun interacts with things depends on what they are. The sun will cause clay to harden, or mud to dry up, but it will cause the flower to grow.

As Christians, we have the hope of a future, so we don’t see our work as toil or futility. We respond by gaining wisdom and enjoyment from what we do. A sinner only sees those things as a burden.

I once read a book called “The Happiness Advantage”. It talks about how we “choose” to respond to situations impacts our outlook.

Two people in the same town where it is raining can have two completely different experiences. One may say, “I can’t believe it’s raining. This will ruin tonight’s concert.” Another will look at the rain and say, “Thank goodness it is finally raining. My grass has been dying, and it really needed the water.

So let’s put our dependance on God, and not the things of this world. This world is fleeting. And when we focus on God, we can find that the things of this world can be enjoyed as well, because we know that we have a future.

We are not God: Job 40

Introduction

Throughout the previous chapters of Job, Job has been complaining that God is being unfair to him. In the previous two chapters, God went into detail of his governance of His creation. He was showing Job His wisdom and His power. At the start of Chapter 40, God poses a question to Job. He says, “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.

Who are we to argue with God’s infinite wisdom and justice?

The Apostles had a similar complaint to Jesus in the book of Matthew

Matthew 19:27- 20:16

27Then Peter responded to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you. So what will there be for us?”

28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or fields because of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the workers on one denarius, he sent them into his vineyard for the day. 3When he went out about nine in the morning, he saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He said to them, ‘You also go into my vineyard, and I’ll give you whatever is right.’ So off they went. 5About noon and about three, he went out again and did the same thing. 6Then about five he went and found others standing aroundand said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day doing nothing?’

7 “‘Because no one hired us,’ they said to him.

“‘You also go into my vineyard,’ he told them. 8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard told his foreman, ‘Call the workers and give them their pay, starting with the last and ending with the first.’

9 “When those who were hired about five came, they each received one denarius. 10So when the first ones came, they assumed they would get more, but they also received a denarius each. 11When they received it, they began to complain to the landowner: 12‘These last men put in one hour, and you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day’s work and the burning heat.

13 “He replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I’m doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me on a denarius? 14Take what’s yours and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. 15Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’

16 “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

What are some of the things that you find unfair?

Correct Me?

Job 40:1-5

'The Lord answered Job: Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who argues with God give an answer. Then Job answered the Lord : I am so insignificant. How can I answer you? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not reply; twice, but now I can add nothing. '

We often make the same mistakes as Job. We feel that God should act and think as we do. We have to remember that we are made in His image, and not He in ours. We can’t expect to fully understand God.

God questions Job and, this time, Job answers properly. His example is something that we should follow. When we approach God for answers, we should do so with humility. God’s will is perfect, and His wisdom far exceeds our own.

This is something I have to remember when looking back at the things of the Old Testament. Some of the stuff comes across as unjust to me. Knowing that my judgment is inferior to Gods aids in my understanding.

All believers are going to receive the reward of eternal life. It doesn’t matter if we suffered more than others. It doesn’t matter if we have lived faithfully since birth, and someone else comes to know Christ shortly before death. None of us is deserving of salvation, and only receive a reward through God’s generosity.

Question My Judgment?

Job 40:6-9

'Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Get ready to answer me like a man; When I question you, you will inform me. Would you really challenge my justice? Would you declare me guilty to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like his? '

Job had admitted his insignificance, but God wasn’t satisfied with his answer. He wanted Job to truly learn his lesson. Job had been unfairly questioned by his friends throughout the entire book. He should have known how it felt. From his friends perspective, Job must have done something to deserve God’s ire. Then, ironically, Job questions God’s motives.

Notice that God didn’t explain Himself to Job. We need to recognize that sometimes our suffering will remain a mystery, and we must trust in God’s plan.

We usually concern ourselves with only one side of justice. We think we can see how someone should be rewarded for good service. On the flip side of that, if we were placed in judgment, are we in a place to condemn those who sin?

He who is without sin cast the first stone.

Save yourself?

Job 40:10-14

10 Adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. 11 Pour out your raging anger; look on every proud person and humiliate him. 12 Look on every proud person and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. 13 Hide them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. 14 Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can deliver you.

Here we see God basically telling Job, “If you think you can teach the class, then come up here.”

Does God confront people today who question Him?

How does a season of difficulty reveal our weaknesses and ultimately strengthen our faith?

As Christians, we need to understand that God is at work in our lives, even when we don’t understand it. We are the crown of His creation, but even we pale in comparison to the Almighty God.

Only God has the wisdom and power to rule His creation.

We often try to bring ourselves to God’s level, which is impossible. Knowing that, out of abundant mercy, God came to us through His Son.

Jesus came down to earth to pay for our sins. We were all headed for destruction, but God was willing to show us mercy.

Redemption Found: Job 19

Introduction

Do you know what the word syllogism means?

Job’s friends draw some invalid conclusions based on Job’s circumstances. They are blaming his situation on some sin in his life. We often draw the same conclusions when we make statements like, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

Here’s a story of a farmer:

A farmer used an old horse to till his fields.

One day, the horse escaped into the hills and when the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?”

A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills, and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?”

Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?”

Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg, they let him off. Now was that good luck or bad luck?

Who knows?

Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be evil. God chooses who to bless, and he is sovereign in all that he does. We can’t attribute bad things to sin, or good things to blessings.

Matthew 5:45

so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Failing Friends

Job 19:19-22

'All my intimate friends abhor me, and those whom I loved have turned against me. My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! Why do you, like God, pursue me? Why are you not satisfied with my flesh? '

Did you know that Job coined the idiom “by the skin of my teeth?”

It’s meaning here is clear. Job is barely surviving the trials that he has been suffering. To top it all off, his friends are blaming him for everything. He tells them that even if he had done something to offend God, he didn’t need them to make matters worse by reinforcing it.

Job states that it is up to God’s providence to bring these things about. This echos last weeks lesson, in that Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty in all things.

What are practical ways we can minister to others in times of suffering if we don’t have the answers to why they are suffering?

Romans 12:15

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep."

Living Redeemer

Job 19:23-27

'“Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! '

Ironically, Job wanted his words written down to be remembered. I think he got his wish. He probably hoped that one day, after his death, people would be able to look back and see that he was justified.

He goes on to state that he will find his justification when he meets God face to face. He says that he knows that his redeemer lives.

A redeemer is someone who delivers someone by paying the price that is owed. In Leviticus and Ruth, we see that a kinsman redeemer would marry a widow to keep the lands and family name going.

It appears here, that Job is speaking of a different type of redeemer. A redeemer that would triumph over the grave.

Who does this sound like?

How can we use Job’s example to tell others of how Jesus can ease their suffering?

Warning Issued

Job 19:28-29

28 If you say, “How will we pursue him, since the root of the problem lies with him?” 29 then be afraid of the sword, because wrath brings punishment by the sword, so that you may know there is a judgment.

Why did the friends spend chapter after chapter assuring Job that he had warranted God’s anger, despite Job’s claims of innocence? Perhaps Job’s friends were threatened by his suffering because if he had done nothing to deserve his suffering, the same suffering might fall on them. This possibility would be unsettling. If God allows suffering among the most pious and innocent, what should they expect to receive from God’s hand? After all, the Bible teaches us that God will render to each according to his works (Ps. 62:12) but also calls for trust as God works out judgment according to His purposes. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 38). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - CSB - Summer 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Job is warning his friends. He says that wrath brings punishment by the sword. According to Deuteronomy 19:16-19, false testimony demands the same penalty that would have been issued to the accused.

How does the truth that we will be judged by the same standard we judge others teach us to measure our words and sometimes keep our mouths shut?

The Drama Begins: Job 1 & 14

First Thoughts

The book of Job has helped countless people. People have gone to Job for help with dealing with trials in their lives. Job teaches about patience and perseverance. This was the entire point of the book of Job. However, we often miss the point that Job himself never really got the answers to why he suffered. Sure, in the end, Job is blessed even more than he was before his trials, but Job never really got the why.

I want us to keep that in mind as we go through this book. Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times, and we don’t always understand why. In Job’s case, he went through trials for our sake. Sometimes we have to go through things so we can use our experience to help others.

We should take the attitude Job himself took in Job 23:10

10Yet he knows the way I have taken; when he has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.

We should also remember the words in Jeremiah 29:11

11For I know the plans I have for you”Ps 33:10; Jr 26:3; 36:3 — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Chapter 1

Permission Granted

Job 1:8-11

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.” 9 Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

We are starting just after our introduction to Job. He was a prosperous man living in Uz, just outside of Israel. Here our scene shifts to the throne of God. God asks Satan what he thinks about Job. God found Job blameless, but Satan didn’t. He felt that the prosperity God had given Job, was the only reason he worshipped Him. Now, it should be noted that being found blameless, doesn’t mean he was sinless. Job will outline his shortcomings later in the book. This is all related to his fear of God.

Job 1:12

12 “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.

There is a comforting aspect of Satan’s interaction with God here. It shows God’s sovereignty. Satan has to ask God’s permission to test Job. But it should also put us on guard. Satan is very cunning in his temptation. He knows the things that are most likely to lead us away from God. Taking away our blessings, like we see here, or offering us worldly “blessings” to reduce our reliance on God.

How do these verses affect your view of the prosperity gospel? Claims that our blessings are a result of God’s favor.

Attack Executed

Job 1:13-19

13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and reported, “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing nearby, 15 the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They struck down the servants with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 16 He was still speaking when another messenger came and reported, “God’s fire fell from heaven. It burned the sheep and the servants and devoured them, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 17 That messenger was still speaking when yet another came and reported, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, made a raid on the camels, and took them away. They struck down the servants with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 18 He was still speaking when another messenger came and reported, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. 19 Suddenly a powerful wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people so that they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Can you imagine how overwhelming this all must have been? All of this terrible news came in on the same day. At the same time even, as each servant came in while the last was still speaking. Any one of these tragedies would have been terrible news, but combined it was pretty devastating.

Job wasn’t aware of the exchange between God and Satan, so he didn’t have an explanation for why these things happened. In Job’s time, calamity was typically atributed to sin in that person’s life. We will see that Job’s “friends” will accuse him of being responsible.

What are some of the ways people respond when something bad happens?

Trust Maintained

Job 1:20-22

20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. 22 Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.

As wealthy and powerful as Job was, it’s hard to imagine him reacting this way. Job understood that the things of this world were temporary, and that greater treasures awaited him.

He recognized God’s sovereignty. He gives and takes according to His will. That’s not a posture that most Christians take today. A lot of people believe that God’s blessings come based on our own good works.

If we love God only for what He gives us and not for Himself, then we are serving ourselves, not Him. Regardless of what we as believers might suffer, we are always in the hands of a loving God.

Chapter 14

Chapter 1 painted a very tragic picture, but chapter 14 gives us hope.

1 John 2:28

The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in heaven with the Lord

What does this tell us of how we should view our suffering on this earth?

Job 14:1-6

1 Anyone born of woman is short of days and full of trouble. 2 He blossoms like a flower, then withers; he flees like a shadow and does not last. 3 Do you really take notice of one like this? Will you bring me into judgment against you? 4 Who can produce something pure from what is impure? No one! 5 Since a person’s days are determined and the number of his months depends on you, and since you have set limits he cannot pass, 6 look away from him and let him rest so that he can enjoy his day like a hired worker.

Sometimes God doesn’t deliver us out of suffering, but rather delivers us through suffering. Job knew that the payday for his toil was coming. His outlook on life, while going through struggles is something to be admired.

His outlook reminds me of the song “This World is Not My Home.”

Job 14:7-12

7 There is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its shoots will not die. 8 If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump starts to die in the soil, 9 the scent of water makes it thrive and produce twigs like a sapling. 10 But a person dies and fades away; he breathes his last — where is he? 11 As water disappears from a lake and a river becomes parched and dry, 12 so people lie down never to rise again. They will not wake up until the heavens are no more; they will not stir from their sleep.

Here we see a reaction we can probably all more readily relate to. Job is in despair. He is using metaphor to describe the finality of death. Job didn’t have the New Testament hope that we have. Thanks to the gospel, we know that death has been overcome.

How does the gospel of Christ drive out despair and comfort us in our grief?

Job 14:13-14

13 If only you would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until your anger passes. If only you would appoint a time for me and then remember me. 14 When a person dies, will he come back to life? If so, I would wait all the days of my struggle until my relief comes.

Now that the Bible is complete, we as believers have the advantage of seeing the whole picture. The Bible teaches us that Jesus actually died but rose again and therefore achieved victory over death (2 Tim. 1:10). The Bible also teaches us that Jesus defeated death. If we are in Him, we have nothing to fear or no reason to despair (Heb. 2:14). Finally, we know that Jesus is the firstfruits, the hope of what’s to come after death (1 Cor. 15:20-23). Christ leads us through no darker rooms than He went through before. Having tasted death Himself, He can support us while we taste it and take our hands, reminding us: “I’ve been there before.” In Christ, death does not have the last word. Jesus holds the keys of death (Rev. 1:17-19).

How have you responded to God when you have felt despair over your circumstances? How have your responses to difficult situations impacted others?

When Christians respond with hope even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances the light of Christ shines through.

Commissions Luke 24:36-49

In the military, enlisted soldiers are required to report for duty, follow orders, and undertake any mission they are given. In other words, they unquestionably cary out their commission. Christians have been given a commission as well. We have our marching orders, but we rarely view them as a sworn duty.

How do you view your daily activities as a Christian? Are they a commission to cary out the gospel, or are they something to be put on a list to get to at some point?

Assures

Luke 24:36-43

36As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38“Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate in their presence.

If you remember last weeks lesson, Cleopas and another disciple were leaving Jerusalem in despair. Jesus appeared to them and they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the 11 apostles. The 12th apostle, Judas, of course not being among them.

While they are telling the apostles what they saw, Jesus appeared among them. They were immediately startled and terrified. They believed they were seeing a ghost.

Jesus tried to calm them down. He reassures them with the greeting “Peace to you!”, but they are still shaken. He then asks them why they are troubled. He’s questioning the doubts that they were having. But, even knowing their doubts are misplaced, Jesus still offers them reassurances. He allows them to touch them and see that He is in a corporeal body.

The disciples were amazed, but they still had doubts. It says that because of their joy they were in disbelief. It’s like the disciples believed it was just too good to be true. They knew God’s plan was for Jesus to resurrect himself, and yet they doubted.

Jesus offers them assurance again by asking for something to eat. Something a spirit would not do.

Have you had a time in your life where God was trying to show you something, but you refused to believe?

If Jesus own disciples required this much reassurance to believe, how much more should we expect non-believers to require?

Opens

Luke 24:44-46

44He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day,

Jesus reminds the disciples that His crucifixion was required. He’d been telling them for a while, but they didn’t fully understand. He opened their mind to the scriptures.

1 Corinthians 2:14

14But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.

We too need our minds opened to be able to see how scripture impacts our life. This is the reason so many atheists take scripture out of context and misuse it to “disprove” God.

We know that Jesus had to come and die according to God’s plan. As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:17

17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.

Everything hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. He was the price that had to be paid.

He reminds the disciples of the scriptures multiple times. He was reassuring them that His death wasn’t a result of the Jews’ conspiracy or the Romans’ complicity. It was all part of God’s plan.

Jesus refers to scripture throughout His ministry, setting an example for us as to the importance of God’s word.

He used it in Luke 4:1-12 when rebuking the devil

1Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2for forty days to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, he was hungry. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

4But Jesus answered him, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone.”

5So he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6The devil said to him, “I will give you their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. 7If you, then, will worship me, all will be yours.”

8And Jesus answered him, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

9So he took him to Jerusalem, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:

He will give his angels orders concerning you,

to protect you, 11and

they will support you with their hands,

so that you will not strike

your foot against a stone.”

12And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.”

Jesus taught about his fulfillment of scripture in Luke 4:16-21

16He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written:

18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me

to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to set free the oppressed,

19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

20He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”

When questioned about spiritual truth in Luke 10:25-28

25Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”

27He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”

28 “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”

In the His sermons in Matthew chapters 5-7, he clarified application of the scriptures.

This really accentuates the importance of scripture in our lives.

The importance of what all of these scriptures tell us, is that this was always God’s plan to bring us back to Him. It wasn’t that we messed everything up, so He had to come up with something new. God knew we would rebel, and He put a plan in place that would ultimately redeem us.

If you have a very challenging task, like a speech or major presentation, how comforting is it when you have prepared and planned in advance?

How much more comforted would you be, if you already knew you were going to get an A on the presentation no matter what? Does knowing the outcome of God’s plan give you comfort?

Sends

Luke 24:47-49

47and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”

The gospel started in Jerusalem. Most of the Jews had the misconception that God’s salvation was exclusively for them. Jesus taught that the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed to all nations. We are to be witnesses.

What does it mean for someone to be a witness in a trial?

According to the Department of Justice:

A witness is a person who saw or heard the crime take place or may have important information about the crime or the defendant. Both the defense and the prosecutor can call witnesses to testify or tell what they know about the situation. ... In court, the witness is called to sit near the judge on the witness stand.

Jesus is calling us to be a witness. We have to sit next to the judge and testify as to what we know of the situation. The situation being that God sent His son to die on the cross that we might find forgiveness through faith in Him.

The good news is, God empowers us to do these things. The Holy Spirit should give us confidence to share about Jesus.

To whom do you feel like you are being sent?

Revealed: Luke 24:18-31

Most of the Jews in Jesus’ time had an opinion of what the Messiah was going to come and do. The Old Testament scripture had, in their mind, spoken of a savior coming in glory to free them and rule them. They pictured a conquering kind, and not a suffering servant.

Isaiah 53 says

1Who has believed what we have heard?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2He grew up before him like a young plant

and like a root out of dry ground.

He didn’t have an impressive form

or majesty that we should look at him,

no appearance that we should desire him.

3He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.

He was like someone people turned away from;

he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

4Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,

and he carried our pains;

but we in turn regarded him stricken,

struck down by God, and afflicted.

5But he was pierced because of our rebellion,

crushed because of our iniquities;

punishment for our peace was on him,

and we are healed by his wounds.

6We all went astray like sheep;

we all have turned to our own way;

and the Lord has punished him

for the iniquity of us all.

7He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth.

Like a lamb led to the slaughter

and like a sheep silent before her shearers,

he did not open his mouth.

8He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,

and who considered his fate?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.

9He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

but he was with a rich man at his death,

because he had done no violence

and had not spoken deceitfully.

10Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.

When you make him a guilt offering,

he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,

and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.

11After his anguish,

he will see light and be satisfied.

By his knowledge,

my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will carry their iniquities.

12Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,

and he will receive the mighty as spoil,

because he willingly submitted to death,

and was counted among the rebels;

yet he bore the sin of many

and interceded for the rebels.

Today we will see Jesus reveal himself to two discouraged disciples after His crucifixion.

Questions

Luke 24:18-24

18The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked them.

So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. 22Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

These two disciples had had expectations of what Jesus was going to do. They felt discouraged by His apparent defeat. They expected Jesus to come and redeem Israel, but didn’t understand that that was exactly what he’d done. They must have felt disappointment, thinking Jesus must not have been the Messiah.

They had lost faith in Jesus. They must have known He had predicted His resurrection, as evidenced by the usage of the statement, “Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.”

Their impatience led them to leave Jerusalem and head home to Emmaus. They had heard what the women had reported about the tomb being empty, but still didn’t believe.

It is in this state, that Jesus approaches them on the road to Emmaus. However, He prevented them from recognizing Him.

What misconceptions do people have about Jesus today, that prevent them from truly recognizing Him?

These men wanted undeniable proof of Jesus’ resurrection. They heard the women’s story. They had even heard that Peter and John went to the tomb and confirmed it. However, the fact that nobody had seen Jesus led them to still disbelieve.

How ironic that they were actually talking to Jesus as they said this.

Answers

Luke 24:25-27

25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.

This is what I would call willful ignorance. The truth was literally right in front of them, yet they chose not to see it.

Jesus does something here that I believe sets a good example for us. He doesn’t remind them of His own words, though that would have been completely appropriate. Instead, He points them to the truth of scripture.

Have you ever heard the term Sola Scriptura?

Sola Scriptura is the belief that the Bible is the sole authoritative source of Christian faith and practice.

Jesus opened their eyes to the scriptures of the Old Testament. Growing up, I often disregarded the Old Testament. It felt like somehting that didn’t really apply to me. After all, I have the New Testament to guide me now.

But as we see here, the Old Testament was always pointing to Jesus. In verse 27 Jesus says “he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.”

Why should we simply rely on the Bible when sharing about Jesus?

Recognized

Luke 24:28-31

28They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.

It was near dark when they arrived at their destination. The men asked Jesus to stay with them. This was customary hospitality, but it was also more. They were urging Him to stay. He had made an impression on them while traveling. Something was stirring in them, and they wanted to know more.

Almost symbolically, Jesus breaks the bread, and then the men’s eyes are opened. Then He just disappears.

This reveals a truth for our lives. You have to spend time with God, to truly be able to see who He is.

What are some of the ways you use to regularly spend time in God’s presence?

Denied Luke 22:54-62

Luke 22:30-34

31 “Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 “Lord,” he told him, “I’m ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 “I tell you, Peter,” he said, “the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know me.”

Jesus knows our future. He desires for us to live our lives in faith. But, just as we saw with Peter here, God leaves us to our own free will. But, also like Peter, He is there to welcome us back when we fail. Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus on the same day. The difference was in their response. Judas hung himself, while Peter went on to support the other apostles and bring many to know the Lord. When we fall, our response should be to turn back to Jesus in repentance, not wallow in self pity.

Distance

Luke 22:54-55

54They seized him, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance. 55They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. 56When a servant saw him sitting in the light, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with him too.”

Jesus has just been captured and will stand trial before the Sanhedrin in the morning. The men that seized Jesus were leading Him away. The rest of the disciples had fled, except for Peter. Peter was following at a distance. I think this last phrase describes a lot of Christians today. We are willing to follow Jesus, but not close enough that we are in any real danger.

The people who took Jesus, then lit a fire and sat around it in the courtyard of the high priest’s complex. Peter then joins them. These were the people who took Jesus, and Peter joins them, initially unnoticed.

Do we sometimes distance ourselves to blend in with the crowd? What would we be risking if we followed Jesus unreservedly?

Denial

Luke 22:56-60a

56When a servant saw him sitting in the light, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with him too.” 57 But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know him.” 58 After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too.” “Man, I am not!” Peter said. 59 About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with him, since he’s also a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Verse 56 says that a servant noticed Peter when he was sitting in the light. As long as Peter remained in darkness, he was hidden. This is a truth for all of us. Living in the light will open us up to scrutiny.

The servant accuses Peter of being a follower of Jesus. Here, Peter denies Jesus for the first time.

His deception apparently worked for a little while, but eventually the accusations returned. He feared for his safety, so he denied Jesus a second time.

An hour later, he is emphatically accused. John 18:26 says

26One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27Peter denied it again. Immediately a rooster crowed.

This accusation would have really held some weight. This person could really get Peter in trouble, so he denies Jesus a third time.

Defeat

Luke 22:60b-62

Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

God brings discipline and blessing into our lives at precisely the correct moment.

What do you think was on Jesus’ mind when He looked at Peter?

Peter had gone into the garden with good intentions. He had boldly proclaimed to Jesus that he was ready to go to prison or die for Him. We see here that his actions didn’t back up that claim.

In Matthew 26:41 it says

41Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Perhaps if Peter had heeded Jesus advice, he would have been strong enough to overcome temptation. We should all do the same.

Conclusion

Believers must be careful to not distance themselves from Jesus

Believers can expect people to identify them as followers of Jesus

Believers are held accountable when they deny knowing Jesus

Sinners? Luke 19:1-10

Do you have someone you would give anything to meet? A celebrity or athlete you love? Think about the things that draw you to them. Would you be surprised if, upon meeting them, they invited you to lunch?

Today we will see this exact scenario play out in the story of Zacchaeus.

Desperate

Luke 19:1-4

1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

Being a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus would have been a prominent official in the region. He also would have been extremely hated. Jews viewed tax collectors as traitors. They usually became extremely wealthy by cheating their fellow Jews, while serving their Roman overlords.

Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus, and wanted to see Him. Apparently he wasn’t the only one, because a large crowd had gathered to see Jesus as well.

Jesus was making His final journey to Jerusalem, before being crucified. As we’ve been reading, he’s made several stops along the way. Each of these stops served a purpose. He was trying to reach as many as possible along the way, but He was also trying to prepare His disciples for when He was no longer with them.

Jesus comes to the town of Jericho and draws a large crowd.

How would you describe Zacchaeus’s actions in seeking Jesus? What would cause us to seek Jesus with the same desperation?

If we look at the modern church as the crowd surrounding Jesus, do we sometimes create the same barriers to people coming in? Should we make it so hard that outsiders have to climb a sycamore tree to get in?

Friended

Luke 19:5-7

5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

Jesus is supposed to be our model for living. Here we see him neglect the devout followers with Him to minister directly to what the others called a sinner. We as a church need to be willing to do the same. We definitely don’t need to be the grumbling crowd when someone who doesn’t seem to “belong” walks through our doors.

Jesus’s actions here show that He is available to all, no matter what their past or present.

Think about the things in your own life Jesus has had to forgive and accept.

Repentant

Luke 19:8-10

8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Zacchaeus demonstrates true repentance here. He puts the world aside, knowing now what is truly important. His repentance showed action. He immediately sacrificed half of his possessions to the poor. He then declares that he will pay back 4 times the amount of anything he stole.

Another important thing Zacchaeus does is declare that Jesus is Lord. It is his acknowledgment through faith that grants him salvation. The fruit of his faith is the repentance. Because as James says, faith without works is dead.

Jesus says that salvation has come to “this house.” Zacchaeus’s faith wouldn’t have brought salvation to anyone else in his household directly, but it’s possible that his immediate actions would have had a profound affect on those around him, possibly bringing them salvation as well.

What can we do to show our repentance and draw others to faith through this demonstration?

Celebrate

When we think about reunions, we usually picture something happy. A soldier returning home or finally seeing a family member you haven’t seen for a while. But, what if you saw someone that had wronged you. That wouldn’t be as happy of a reunion. Today we will discuss the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus told this story to demonstrate the joy we should share when God welcomes home a wayward child.

Forgiveness Granted

Luke 15:20-24

20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

So we are starting in the middle of the story. If you remember the rest of the story, the son asks his father for his inheritance. His father was still living, so he wanted his portion early. He takes the inheritance and squanders it. He’s out starving on the streets when he decides to return home.

He leaves full of arrogance, but returns full of humility.

The first sentence in verse 20 is extremely powerful. It outlines exactly what we should do when we lose our way. When we’ve allowed distractions and other things in our life become what’s most important, the only step we have to take to get back is to “get up and go to our father.”

The beautiful thing is, we just have to take that first step. We may feel like we’ve drifted too far away from God to make it back to Him, but as the second part of verse 20 says, we don’t have to make it all the way back to God. He’s going to come meet us.

The father doesn’t need an explanation from the son. He was just glad his son had returned. God reacts to us in much the same way. Once we repent and return to him, our sin is washed away like it never happened.

The father then goes on to restore his son by bringing him a fresh robe and sandals.

When thinking about repentance, do you typically view it with fear or hope?

Do you feel like you’ve drifted too far to get back to God, or do you look forward to being restored by God through repentance?

Resentment Expressed

Luke 15:25-30

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’

Here we see the older son. He represents a Christian who never really went out and sowed their wild oats. They always remained faithful, unlike someone who comes to know Jesus later in life.

Do we sometimes have resentment for someone who “got to sin” their entire lives and now that they are saved, get to go to the same heaven we do?

The older son is understandably upset. In his eyes, his father is rewarding the younger brother’s bad behavior, while having taken him for granted.

Like the older brother, we probably sometimes feel that God owes us something for remaining faithful, but it doesn’t work like that. God doesn’t owe us anything. God’s salvation isn’t earned, it’s freely given. It is God that has been wronged, and so it is for God to forgive and offer grace. We are no more deserving than anyone else.

We shouldn’t let jealousy replace the joy we should feel for every soul coming to Jesus.

Reality Defined

Luke 15:31-32

31And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

I think a lot of churches lose sight of the purpose they should serve in God’s kingdom. We get rapped up in existing only for the edification of our own members. A lot of churches aren’t welcoming to people like they should be.

If you were someone who had never been saved and you came to our church, how would you feel? Would you be comfortable? Would our church make you feel welcome?

We should rejoice every time a sinner walks through the church doors, welcoming them with open arms. As the old cliche goes, the church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints.

Find one person this week that you can pray for them to accept Jesus.

Neighbors? Luke 10:25-37

One of the hardest things Jesus asks us to do is to love our enemies. The command to love our neighbors seems much easier at face value. But, this is only true if we consider common courtesy enough to fulfill this mandate. Jesus’ command actually goes much further than that.

James 1:27

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Our love for our neighbor should be self-sacrificing.

Who should we consider as our neighbor?

The Exchange

Luke 10:25-29

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Everybody is always trying to take a swing at the champ. This contender was likely an expert in religious law. His question was a good one that any of us might have asked, but his intentions were clearly to try and justify himself with Jesus answer.

The wording of his question is interesting. He speaks of inheriting eternal life, which would reflect receiving something as opposed to earning it. But he also asks what action he must take to inherit it. So he had some misconceptions about salvation.

Jesus knew the man’s heart, so he turned the question back on him. Being an expert in religious law, he should have easily been able to answer what the law says.

The lawyer shows his expertise by answering Jesus correctly, but then he thinks he has a loophole. He asks Jesus who he would consider his neighbor.

Do we sometimes try to find ways to justify our actions? Or try to find ways to do good things to balance the scales when we sin?

The Story

Luke 10:30-32

30Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Most Jews in Jesus’ time believed their obligations were only to their fellow Jews. Jesus wanted them to recognize the bigger reality of God’s requirements. He did this by telling them a story.

A man is attacked by a gang and left for dead. A priest and a Levite come up on him, but pass him by. The wording of the text suggests that they were going away from Jerusalem just as the other man was. Jerusalem was on a hill, so anytime someone left Jerusalem they were said to be “going down” to somewhere.

This is important, because it shows that the two men weren’t headed to Jerusalem, so they wouldn’t have needed keep themselves clean for some sort of temple ceremony. So, they had no excuse to pass the man in the street.

Luke 10:33-35

33But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

The next man to pass was a Samaritan. The Samaritans were descendants of intermarriage between Jews and pagans during the Babylonian exile. So the Jewish people had a lot of disdain for the Samaritans. It would have been unheard of for one to help a Jew.

However, this Samaritan had compassion for the injured man and saw to his wounds. He then takes him to an inn and pays them to take care of the man. He gave them the equivalent of two days wages, then further commits to come back and reimburse any further costs incurred.

Most people would have been able to excuse themselves from further service after just bringing the man to the inn. The Samaritan promised to return to check on him.

What point do you think Jesus was making by picking the Samaritan as the protagonist of His story?

The Challenge

Luke 10:36-37

36Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Jesus’ parable helped the lawyer to answer his own question. He helped him understand that a neighbor meant more than proximity, shared ethnicity, or common interests.

The other thing Jesus showed was that being neighborly was more than just a claim. If you look at the question Jesus asked in verse 36, he asks who “proved” to be a neighbor? Being neighborly is an action.

Once the lawyer understood this, Jesus gives him a directive. He tells him to go and do likewise.

How are you challenged by Jesus’ story?

How do you think Jesus would respond to our excuses for not helping others?

Loved: Luke 7:40-50

We’ve all seen a movie where a troubled kid is taken in and accepted by an understanding and loving mentor. This child would go on to change their ways and grow to love this person as a result of the forgiveness they received. We have each received this same forgiveness from Jesus. As a result, we should respond by loving Him in return.

Love’s Intensity

Luke 7:40-43

40And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

To give some background to what’s going on here, we have to go a few verses back. A Pharisee named Simon had invited Jesus to his house for dinner. A “woman from the city, who was a great sinner” comes in. She begins to weep, using her tears to wash Jesus feet. She used her hair to dry His feet. Simon knows of this woman’s reputation. He thinks to himself that if Jesus were a real prophet of God, he would recognize this woman for the sinner she is. Knowing Simon’s thoughts, Jesus asks if he could tell him something. Simon responds by calling Him teacher. It’s likely that this was said mockingly, since this was not a formal title like rabbi. Jesus goes on and tell him a parable.

A denarii was worth about a days wages, so both sums would be considered large, but one debt was significantly larger than the other. The interesting thing is the story doesn’t make a point to mention anything about the debtors character.

Why do you think the focus was only on the creditor’s character?

Do we sometimes identify more with the debtor that owed less money? The truth is, even our sin is enough to have put Jesus on the cross. We should respond to that with fervent love for Him.

Love Demonstrated

Luke 7:44-47

44Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Every part of these verses shows that the Pharisee had little regard for Jesus. He didn’t do any of the things that were customary for a host. I wonder what led him to even invite Jesus to dine with him.

In contrast to the host, the woman is humbling herself and paying the Lord the respect He deserves. She anointed His feet with expensive perfume. To use something so expensive on someone’s feet would be considered extravagant and wasteful. Her deference to Jesus, is what He chastises Simon with.

Jesus’ statement that the woman’s sins were forgiven served two purposes. It made the point that forgiving her many sins led to her great love, but it also made the point that Jesus had the power to forgive sin.

Love and Faith

Luke 7:48-50

48And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Here, Jesus reemphasizes that her sins are forgiven. This angers those that were at the table as well. It’s not clear who these other guests were, but they clearly shared some of the views of the host, Simon. They questioned why Jesus felt He had the authority to forgive sin.

Jesus ends by doing two things. First pointing out that the woman’s faith is what saved her. Then He tells her to go in peace. She doesn’t have to worry about her sin anymore.

What is the relationship between faith and forgiveness?

Take some time to reflect on the sin debt you carried before you came to Jesus. Think about ways you can demonstrate your gratitude for His forgiveness.

Luke 4:16-30

Rejected

• Spiritual highs often precede spiritual tests. Last week, we

talked about Jesus’ baptism. He was filled with the Holy

Spirit. Immediately after this, he leaves and goes into the

wilderness. Luke 4 says that he went without food or water

for 40 days. At His weakest point, he was tested by Satan.

Jesus had mastered control of His physical desires, so he

resisted the Devil. Having passes these tests, Jesus was

ready to begin His ministry. He begins in Capernaum, on the

northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Word of His preaching

and miracles spread all around. So, after this, He heads to His

hometown of Nazareth. One might think He would receive a

warm welcome, but as we will see, this wasn’t the case.

• True Identity

• Luke 4:16-21

◦“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought

up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the

synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.

And there was delivered unto him the book of the

prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the

place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is

upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good

tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim

release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the

blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, To

proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. And he

closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and

sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were

fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, To-

day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.”

• When arriving in Nazareth, Jesus goes to the synagogue.

• A typical synagogue service opens with an invocation for

God’s blessing and a recitation of the traditional Hebrew

confession of faith (Deut. 6:4-9, 11:13-21)

• Deuteronomy 6:4-9

◦““Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You

shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and

with all your soul and with all your might. And these

words that I command you today shall be on your

heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children,

and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and

when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and

when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your

hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house

and on your gates.”

• Deuteronomy 11:13-21

◦““And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I

command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to

serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he

will give the rain for your land in its season, the early

rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your

grain and your wine and your oil. And he will give grass

in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and

be full. Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you

turn aside and serve other gods and worship them;

then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you,

and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no

rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish

quickly off the good land that the Lord is giving you.

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your

heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a

sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets

between your eyes. You shall teach them to your

children, talking of them when you are sitting in your

house, and when you are walking by the way, and when

you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them

on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that

your days and the days of your children may be

multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your

fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above

the earth.”

• This was followed by prayer and the prescribed readings, then

a brief sermon

• Jesus was apparently selected to do that days reading

• He begins to read from the book of Isaiah

• Isaiah 61:1-2

◦“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the

Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to

proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the

prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of

the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;”

• Jewish rabbis interpreted this passage as referring to the

Messiah. Jesus was boldly claiming that he was the fulfillment

of this passage, and the people in the synagogue would have

recognized that.

• The words Messiah and Christ mean the same thing. They

both mean “anointed one”. Messiah is the Hebrew word,

Christ is the Greek.

• Anointing means to authorize, or set apart, a

• How would you respond if someone you grew up with showed

up one day and announced that they were the anointed of

God?

• False Understanding

• Luke 4:22-27

◦“And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious

words that were coming from his mouth. And they said,

“Is not this Joseph’s son?” And he said to them,

“Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb,

‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did

at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’”

And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is

acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you,

there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah,

when the heavens were shut up three years and six

months, and a great famine came over all the land, and

Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath,

in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And

there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the

prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but

only Naaman the Syrian.””

• “Physician, heal yourself” doesn’t come from the book of

Proverbs, but was likely a known saying in the Jewish

community. It meant take care of yourself first.

• The people of Nazareth were wanting Jesus to perform

miracles in His hometown, like they had heard of Him doing in

Capernaum.

• Jesus gave two examples of how God works outside of

people’s expectations

• He was showing that His purpose on earth likely wouldn’t

meet their expectations

• What type of modern misconceptions do people have of

Jesus?

• Misguided Response

• Luke 4:28-30

◦“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue

were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him

out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill

on which their town was built, so that they could throw

him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he

went away.”

• Jesus’ words were an affront to the Jewish people’s national

pride.

• Jesus was exposing their prejudices against gentiles

• Having their beliefs questioned brought the people to anger

• A mob got together to drive Jesus out of town.

• The mob wanted to throw Jesus over a cliff

• Jesus’ time had not come, so He miraculously passed through

the crowd and went on His way.

• Do people today sometimes react to Jesus in the same way?

• What kind of preconceived notions do people have about

Jesus’ nature today?

◦He died for all, so all are saved

◦Only those that believe what I believe will be saved

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Photo by Ali Farid from FreeImages

Reigns: Luke 6:1-11

If you’ve ever lived in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, you might have experienced some of the restrictions the association can place on you. My neighbor purchased a basketball goal for his driveway. The backboard was a plastic material. The association confronted him, informing him the goal had to have a glass backboard. He was understandably angry. He told them, “You can’t tell me what kind of basketball goal I can put in my own yard.” He quickly learned that they, in fact, did have that right. Sometimes, we too can get upset when we don’t get our way in life, failing to recognize that it’s God’s desires that reign over all.

How do you typically respond when God’s will comes into conflict with your own desires?

Work on the Sabbath?

Luke 6:1-2

On a Sabbath, he passed through the grainfields. His disciples were picking heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?

Sabbath laws address ways people should honor the Lord by refraining from certain behavior.

Exodus 20:8-11

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The scribes and Pharisees were more interested in the letter of the law than the spiritual intention behind it. Jesus would use these interactions to correct their misunderstanding, and also assert His reign over all things, including the Sabbath.

The Pharisees confront Jesus’ disciples for picking grain from a field. The issue was with the labor of picking the grain, not that the disciples were stealing. Mosaic law permitted eating from a vineyard or grain field (Deut. 23:24-25). Interestingly, Jesus wasn’t picking the heads of grain, so He couldn’t be directly accused. The Pharisees sought to accuse Jesus’ followers to reflect poorly on Jesus Himself.

Jewish traditions dictated that this was unlawful, rather than the law itself doing so.

What kinds of religious traditions do we tend to get trapped in today? Which ones draw people closer to Christ, and which ones push people away from Him?

Lord of the Sabbath

Luke 6:3-5

Jesus answered them, “Haven’t you read what David and those who were with him did when he was hungry- how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat? He even gave some to those who were with him.” Then he told them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

The Pharisees had directed their question to Jesus’ disciples, but Jesus confronted them Himself. Jesus claps back at the Pharisees by bringing up a story about David, a revered figure in Jewish history.

David was fleeing from King Saul, who wanted to kill him. He asked the priest Ahimelech for bread for he and his men. The only bread available was the “bread of the presence.” This bread was 12 loaves used to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. The bread was placed based on the guidelines from Leviticus 24:5-9. Ahimelech recognized David’s need and gave him the bread.

Jesus was pointing out the parallels between the two actions. Jesus also pointed out that the Sabbath was holy to the Lord. He gave Himself the title Son of Man, which the Pharisees would have understood to mean the Messiah, to point out that he was on the same level as God. This made Him ruler of the Sabbath.

How can we demonstrate our acceptance of Jesus’ lordship in our daily lives?

Do Good on the Sabbath?

Luke 6:6-11

On another Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. A man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The scribes and Pharisees were watching him closely, to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a charge against him. But he knew their thoughts and told the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand here.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you: Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, he told him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his hand was restored. They, however, were filled with rage and started discussing with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Here we have another confrontation with the Pharisees on the Sabbath. It always amazes me how brazen the Pharisees were. The scripture says here that they were looking for Jesus to heal someone. Clearly they believed He had divine power, and yet they were still trying to call Him out. Then, when He had shown that power by healing the man with the shriveled hand, they were filled with rage and started plotting against Jesus.

The way Jesus responded to the Pharisees is brilliant. He puts the men on record. He asks them if it is lawful to do good or to do evil. Rabbinical teachings would allow actions to be taken on the Sabbath to preserve life. The Pharisees showed their cowardice and remained silent.

Jesus then heals the man. The man had to show some faith though. When Jesus told the man to stand in front of Him, the man did so without question. Then Jesus required him to take action. He said, “Stretch out your hand.” The man did, and his hand was restored.

The Pharisee’s response showed their true nature. Rather than rejoice at the healing of the man, they began plotting to do Jesus harm. They were more concerned with their status and religious traditions than having compassion on a fellow man, which was the point Jesus was trying to make.

What are some ways you could help someone this week?

Conclusion

We shouldn’t place religious ritual above all else.

Jesus is Lord over all of His creation.

Believers must place human needs above ritual practices.

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Photo by Lians Jadan on Unsplash

Luke 3:7-18

Prepared

• Ben Ebeling and four other colleagues sounded a warning not

on January 27, 1986. As one of the engineers on the space

shuttle Challenger, Ebeling and his colleagues came to the

conviction that the temperature would lead to an explosion.

Those above him ignored the warnings and proceeded with

the ill-fated launch. Most of us have ignored warning signs

too.

• Here we will see John the Baptist sound the warning call.

Some would heed it, while others ignored it.

• Why do we sometimes ignore clear warning signs?

◦Immaturity

◦Ambition

• Warning

• Luke 3:7-9

◦“He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be

baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you

to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping

with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves,

‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is

able from these stones to raise up children for

Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the

trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit

is cut down and thrown into the fire.””

• Most preachers in search of a crowd would go to a populated

area, but John the Baptist went into the remote wilderness of

the Jordan River valley.

• This fulfilled the prophecy from Isaiah.

• Isaiah 40:3-5

◦“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of

the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our

God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain

and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become

level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the

Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it

together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.””

• There were different types of people who came to be baptized

by John. There were some who were sincere, and others who

weren’t.

• John was quick to call out the insincere. He called them a

brood of vipers.

• John asks them “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to

come?”

• He knew that they were seeking the benefits of baptism

without the price of repentance

• John wanted to see true repentance in the people.

• Repentance literally translates into “a change of mind”. You

should turn away from sin, but also no longer desire to sin.

• John says that true repentance should produce fruit. In other

words, there would be evidence of the changes in their lives.

• Next John addresses some of the Jews’ belief that they had

special privilege with God due to his covenant with Abraham.

• One does not become a member of God’s body simply by

being a descendant of Abraham, but by responding personally

to God and his call.

• John then says that the ax is at the root of the tree, meaning

judgment was near. Any without true faith and repentance

would be cut down and cast into the fire.

• What does it mean to be truly repentant?

◦Repentance literally translates into “a change of mind”.

You should turn away from sin, but also no longer desire to

sin.

◦You should follow God’s teachings

• Response

• Luke 3:10-14

◦“And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to

share with him who has none, and whoever has food is

to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized

and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he

said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized

to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we

do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from

anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be

content with your wages.””

• The people responded to John’s message. In what ways does

the gospel message always demand a response from people?

◦People are forced to accept it, and change their lives, or

deny it and continue in sin.

• John the Baptist just called them out, so the people ask him

what they’re supposed to do.

• John instructs them to share what they have with those in

need. He uses a few simple examples, that anyone would be

able to apply.

• Every person is able to find some tangible way to express a

changed life by helping other people instead of living selfishly.

• John talks about a lot of works Christians should do, but

works are merely the evidence of Christ’s converting work in

believers’ lives.

• James 2:17-18

◦“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is

dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have

works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and

I will show you my faith by my works.”

• Next, John addresses the tax collectors who had come to

him.

• Tax collectors were usually Jews in Roman employ. They

were typically considered traitors to the Jewish people. They

often would enrich themselves at the expense of their fellow

Jews.

• John told them to collect no more than what had been

authorized.

• Of course, this wouldn’t be the only sin in these men’s lives,

but this would be the one that would show the most evidence

for true repentance.

• In verse 14 John speaks with soldiers that were there. We

aren’t told what they were doing there. It’s possible they were

their investigating the large crowds.

• The soldiers were touched by John’s message and ask him

what they should do.

• Like the tax collectors, John gives them an applicable way to

change.

• He knew soldiers were likely to use their power to take things

by force, or testify falsely against someone to gain their

possessions.

• If we were in the crowd that day, what changes might John

direct us to make to show our true repentance? Think about

different occupations and what John might have said.

◦Car salesman shouldn’t cheat a customer

◦Lawyer lying for a client

• Division

• Luke 3:15-18

◦“As the people were in expectation, and all were

questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether

he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying,

“I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I

is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy

to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and

fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his

threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn,

but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So

with many other exhortations he preached good news

to the people.”

• The people were amazed at what John had said. They began

to wonder if he was the Christ that had been foretold.

• Jews had been awaiting the coming messiah for centuries

• There had not been a prophet in Israel for 400 years.

• The people recognized that John taught with the authority of

God. This was something they hadn’t seen before. The

scribes and rabbis didn’t possess this authority. This was

made clear in Mark when talking of Jesus.

• Mark 1:22

◦“And they were astonished at his teaching, for he

taught them as one who had authority, and not as the

scribes.”

• John quickly shuts these thoughts down claiming that Jesus

would be much greater than he.

• John baptizes with water, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy

Spirit and fire.

• Clearly the Holy Spirit is a good thing, but baptism by fire

doesn’t sound as great

• Verse 17 would go on to talk about Jesus judgment, so it’s

most likely that the fire discussed is speaking of how Jesus

will bring either salvation or judgment to all.

• A winnowing shovel was used to separate grain from chaff.

The grain would be tossed into the air. The lighter chaff would

blow away, and the good grain would fall to the floor to be

collected.

• Jesus’ judgment is double edged. If you reject the gospel,

you will be blown away like the chaff. If you accept the

gospel, you will be gathered into Jesus’ barn.

• Why should the good news of the gospel also include

warnings?

• A scary picture is painted at the end of verse 17 when it says

“the chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.”

• I’m sorry, but that’s terrifying.

• Conclusion

• Judgment awaits those who live in disobedience to God and

His standards

• Repentance Is demonstrated through godly living.

• One’s eternal destiny is determined by his or her response to

Jesus.

• Think about people you know who need to be warned about

God’s coming judgment on sin.

• Think about how you can demonstrate true repentance and

love for God by loving others.

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Photo by Alex Jones on Unsplash

Luke 6:27-38

Compassionate

• Americans have been having a real problem with

dehumanizing people. We generalize, and label other people

to create a “lesser-than” mentality. We call people racist, or

ignorant, or some other title, so that we can absolve ourselves

of guilt when we judge them.

• Jesus was different. He loved all people, and saw them as

worthy of His time. He would confront His critics, showing

them how to be compassionate in the process.

• Can you disagree with someone and still love them? Explain

• Context

• Today’s study comes from what has been called the Sermon

on the Plain. Luke 6:17 since it says it “took place on a level

place”

• It has some common themes from the Sermon on the Mount

• There is a variation of the beatitudes

• The central idea is to love other people through mercy and

forgiveness

• Love All

• Luke 6:27-28

◦““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do

good to those who hate you, bless those who curse

you, pray for those who abuse you.”

• Jesus emphasizes the difference between non-believers and

His followers.

• One of the primary differences between believers and non-

believers is how we view our enemies. We aren’t to return evil

for evil. We are to do good to those who hate us.

• This is hard to do, but we should really pity those that hate us.

They don’t have our peace, our love, or our salvation.

Returning good to them may be what they need to see what it

means to be a Christian.

• When it says bless those who curse you, this is more than just

us doing good to them. It’s a desire for God’s blessings for

these people.

• What makes it so difficult to pray for someone who mistreats

you?

• Luke 6:29-31

◦“To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other

also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not

withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs

from you, and from one who takes away your goods do

not demand them back. And as you wish that others

would do to you, do so to them.”

• We need to be willing to suffer for Jesus’ sake.

• We need to be willing to give more than is our natural

tendency to do so.

• When someone asks for a handout, we shouldn’t judge their

motives, but give generously to them.

• The sayings in these verses aren’t necessarily a set of rules to

be followed, but rather a reflection of the type of attitude

Christians should have.

• We should react to circumstances differently than the rest of

the world.

• With a Pure Heart

• Luke 6:32-36

◦““If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to

you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if

you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit

is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you

lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what

credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to

get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and

do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and

your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the

Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

• These verses are a call to question our motives in how we

respond to people.

• We should do good to people, wether we are going to gain

something in return or not.

• Christianity isn’t quid pro quo. We recognize that nothing we

have is truly ours. It all comes from God. So we should give

freely.

• The verses go on to show that this is the same way God

reacts to us and others.

• He is gracious to those who are ungrateful.

• He is merciful to us, even though we don’t always deserve it.

So, we should grant mercy to others, just as we have received

mercy.

• Which of these commands is most difficult to follow?

• And With Mercy

• Luke 6:37-38

◦““Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not,

and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be

forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good

measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,

will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use

it will be measured back to you.””

• Only God is in a position to judge others. We can’t sit as

judge and jury.

• The part that says you will not be judged is qualified in the

Sermon on the Mount

• Matthew 7:2

◦“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be

judged, and with the measure you use it will be

measured to you.”

• So it would benefit us to extend a lot of forgiveness and mercy

• I find it surprising, though, that Christians often times are the

most judgmental.

• It turns a lot of people off from church.

• Conclusion

• Believers are to treat all people with dignity and respect

• Believers are to love all people with pure intentions

• Believers are to exhibit God’s character in this world

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Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

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