Luke 22:39-46 Pray That You Do Not Enter Into Temptation

And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.  When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”  And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray,  saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.  And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.  When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

What is the main point that Jesus is speaking of here?  Is it that Jesus wants the cup of wrath to be taken from Him if God is willing.  While Jesus does ask that in His time of agony, twice He tells His closest followers to pray that they will not enter into temptation.  We cannot live the Christian life with good intentions or in the flesh alone.  Since our trouble is not of flesh, but from angelic warfare, we are to live a life, strengthened by the Spirit of God and initiated by our lives of prayer.  In this way, the heavenly warfare will be won.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, in a way of learning from You I ask that for today, not my will, but Your will be done.  Help me in my life to be an imitator of You and to experience victory in the spiritual realm by the Spirit who live within me.  In Your Name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:35-38 In Christ, We Lack Nothing

And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.”  And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.  For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.”  They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”

One of the great lessons in the Bible is to remember.  He wants the disciples to remember they need neither sword or money or belongings, because they admit that they were satisfied without them.  Now Jesus is warning the disciples that He must pay the price for all transgressors and the time is at hand, but they could not comprehend it.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, make me aware of the warnings you send to me.  But not only aware, but let me act according to the foreknowledge You give so that when Your time comes, I will be waiting for You.  Amen.

Luke 22:31-34 Peter's Resurgence form Denying Christ

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;  but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”  And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

Based on these verses, one can say it was not Christ’s will that Peter would stumble.  But even though He prays for Peter, it seems He is praying mostly for Peter’s rebound from falling.  I say this because our Lord says, “Once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  This is very similar to what Jesus says to Peter personally when the meet after Christ’s resurrection where Jesus tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.”  It is a statement that Jesus knows Peter will fall, but the condition will not last and Peter will come back to his Lord and serve Him.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, many of us are like Peter and stumble in our faith.  We get caught up, especially when sin hinders us and for a time, become separated from you.  But like Peter, when this condition arises, let us rebound in our faith and be drawn to You once again.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:28-30 Rewards to Jesus' Followers

“You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you  that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Although we do not serve Jesus for the sake of reward, Jesus does reward His followers. To the twelve apostles, He grants them rule over the 12 tribes of Israel.  To us He assures us that who so ever brings a cup of cold water in His name by no means will lose reward.

Jesus has in storage many splendorous things that are beyond our imagination.  Though our salvation is reward enough, He showers other reward on those who believe.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I cannot imagine the wonderful things You have in store for me, a lowly sinner.  I do know that I have been saved by Your resurrection from the dead and that You love and care for me.  But not only me, but all who place their trust in You.  Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.  Amen.

Luke 22:24-27 Who Is Greatest

 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.  And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’  But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.  For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

It is a human tendency to elevate our position in the world.  Here the disciples are disputing who among them is “greatest.”  It is interesting to note that Jesus does not use this word to describe either himself or Father-God.  Earlier in this gospel, someone came to Jesus and called him “Good Teacher.”  Jesus tells him “Why do you call me good when only God along is good?”  Jesus calls God good and did not refer to Him as great.  Yet the disciples who are mere men dispute who among them is great!  Jesus draws them back to Kingdom principles when He points out that the servant is the best among them.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, why do people rate themselves in contrast to their brother or neighbor?  Are we so shallow that we need to appoint ourselves as the best one?  Let us be content with the gifts you have given to each of us according to Your will and use those gifts for the benefit of others.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:19-23 Christ's True Body & Blood Given

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.  But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table.  For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”  And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.

Christians believe that in communion we are partaking of the body and blood of our Savior.  This is possible by having Christ’s presence in these symbols for his body and blood.  We must remember that elsewhere Jesus said only My body and blood are true food.  When he said this many fell away from Him and no longer followed.  This actual presence in the wine and bread is know as His “Means of Grace.”  It is God’s way of distributing himself to his followers.  In this passage we also see the first of Christ’s defectors found in Judas Iscariot.  We learn that Satan entered him for the purposes of having Jesus crucified, unaware that it is the Cross that God used to free people from their sins and draw believers to Himself.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You know the beginning from the end.  Because You are the Son of God and God indeed, nobody can steal from Your hand.  You came not to condemn, but to save.  You, as the Good Shepherd draw people to Yourself so that death, sin, and the devil will have no authority over those who are with You.  I thank You in Your holy name Amen.

Luke 22:14-18 God's "Here, but not yet Kingdom"

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;  for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”  And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves;  for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

In theology, we refer to the Kingdom of God as the here, but not yet Kingdom.  In today’s verses, Jesus is offering His body and blood for the atonement of sin.  He gives thanks, as is a pattern for us to do and declares that He will refrain from partaking of the fruit of the vine until God’s Kingdom comes.   But earlier in the gospel He says the Kingdom of God is at hand.  When Jesus came into the world, He inaugurated God’s Kingdom on earth.  But Satan is still present in the world so until the time when sin is no longer present in the world, it is the here, but not yet Kingdom.  In the mean time we continue to pray Thy Kingdom come, and  Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, the Kingdom is indeed here even now.  After You ascended to the right hand of the Father, You sent us a Helper, an Advocate to help us in our time of trouble.  That Helper is the Holy Spirit and He leads us into all righteousness until the Day of Your return.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 22:7-13 The Beginning of the End - Jesus Institutes The Lord's Table

Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. And Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.” They said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” And He said to them, “When you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. And you shall say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ And he will show you a large, furnished upper room; prepare it there.” And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

Today we are seeing the beginning of  the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  Jesus and the twelve are now in Jerusalem at the time of the sacred holiday called Passover.  This is the shedding of innocent blood, a sign of the greater sacrifice found in Jesus at the Cross. Sometimes the Bible reveals patters of behavior.  Jesus and the disciples don’t have a home or belongings.  But Jesus in His foreknowledge sends the disciples to seek out a particular person to give use of a place to hold the Passover.  It is here where Jesus will institute the Lord’s Table which will be an everlasting covenant for His followers for the forgiveness of their sins.  It is offered freely to all who believe.

Daily Prayer:  Jesus, I am so glad that the crucifixion is over and that You reign as King of Kings and the everlasting Prince of Peace.  How thankful that I am for Your washing away my sins and remembering them  no more.  Therefore let us live a bold life proclaiming Your name so that all who have been given to you may be saved.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:34-38 Be Watchful and Cling to the Holy Spirit

“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;  for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.  .  But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”.”  Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet.  And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Over the past two days, we examined the sign of the times and understood that Jesus will come once again to earth.  Christians in particular are zealous for His return but we have commented that nobody knows the day or the hour of His return except the Father alone.  Many have searched the scriptures seeking to know the season of His return and many have been disappointed.  Jesus tells us that many hearts will be weighted down, especially when they enjoin the “troubles of this world.”  We have been given all the strength we need in the Person of the Holy Spirit who dwells within the believer.  With that beings said, we must learn to call on our Advocate for the strength we need not to fall away before the Master’s return.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, you have equipped me for this time before Your return.  It is said greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.  Keep me mindful of practicing the accessing of the Spirits power and let  not me frustrate  His efforts to make me into the image You gave us in the beginning.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:29-33 The Parable of the Figtree

Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees;  as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near.  So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.  Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."

These words are known as “The Parable of the Fig Tree.”  Here Jesus’ words are difficult to grasp.  He says that this generation will not pass away until all things take place. What does He mean by that?  It is easy to see the turbulence around you in the form of hostile weather, angry nations, and other conflict and reason in your own mind that the time has arrived, forgetting all the while that Jesus told us elsewhere that nobody knows the time of His return except the Father alone.  I can only say to be careful of what you say to others, less you draw them into a false faith.  Indeed Jesus will come again, but just like the weather which often time surprises us, just when we think it is going to be a sunny day, Jesus will come like a whirl-wind.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I am among those who expected Your return by now.  Though I do not know the time, I do know the season.  So until Your return, I shall continue to grow in faith and in the knowledge of You.  Amen.

Luke 21:25-28 The Return of Christ

“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,  men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus is explaining the end of the age to his disciples, even before He was crucified.  He notes that there will be a period of great tribulation before His return with even heaven being shaken.  People will be in distress at the time appointed for Christ to make a glorious return.  In my own mind I have wondered how all of the earth will know of Jesus return.  My perception is that Christ will fill the skies in every place before every nation. The Jewish people will recognize Him as the One who was crucified. To those who were anxiously awaiting Him, it will be a time of celebration, but to the ones who were acting as though there is no god, it will be a time of remorse and fear.  Regardless of our preparation He will return for the purposes of judgment and to reign from the throne of David as prophesied.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we do not know the time of Your return, but we are looking for it.  Not because of our righteousness, but because of Your holiness, let us walk with You until You make Your glorious advent.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:20-24 The Temple Destroyed

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled.  Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

In these verses, Jesus is foretelling the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem.  He also foretells a period of time in which the Jews will be ruled over by gentile nations.  This is referred to as the Time of the Gentiles.  And with the certainty of Jesus words, the Temple in Jerusalem was thrown down by Rome in AD 70, a historical fact now.  He said that Israel will be subject to gentile nations until the time of the return of Lord Jesus. 

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, even today we see evidence of the tensions spoken of in these verses.  Israel and the Palestinians are again at war over the holy territory in Palestine.  Such events have occurred before, but it is evidence of the tension against Your people and Your nation.  You are the Lord of Hosts and will lead Your people when they place their trust in You and Michael the archangel will also protect the City of God.  Amen and Amen.

Luke 21:12-19 The Battle Is The Lord's

“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.  It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.  So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;  for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.  But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death,  and you will be hated by all because of My name.  Yet not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your lives."

Throughout the New Testament, from words spoken by Jesus and uttered by the Apostle Paul, believers are encouraged to persevere, endure,  hold fast, stand firm, proclaim, battle, for Christ’s name sake and for the sake of the gospel.  Whenever we follow this path, we will meet resistance because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but by rulers, authorities, principalities, and forces for the darkness who war against Christ Jesus and against our Father.  So be sure, is you are a disciple of Christ, evil forces will not leave you alone.  When trouble comes, this testing will either destroy us or make us even stronger.  We must remember that greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. As Jesus said to his followers Mary and Martha, “Do You believe this?”  If so, rejoice, because through the Cross of Christ, He has gained our victory and defeated evil forces of the world.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I know that what is said in the Scriptures is also true in my life.  I have experienced this testing where the Spirit of God has supplied the words I need to deliver me at the very moment I needed to speak them.  For this to come to pass, we must have not have a doubting heart, but instead hold fast to those things You promise to all who believe and trust in You.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:5-11 CONTRASTING PROPHECY - THINGS TO COME

And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said,  “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.”  They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”  And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them.  When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”  Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,  and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

If you are a Christian, prophecy can be a burden.  As we long for our Savior’s promised and imminent return, we begin to examine “signs of His return.”  We notice natural disasters, wars, and open rebellion and we say to ourselves “This is part of the signs of Jesus’ return.” But when the commotion ceases, we find ourselves alone and lonely.  We know in our mind that nobody knows the day of our of Christ’s return, less the Father alone.  And when Jesus comes, even if I am examining signs of His return right now, when He does return, I will be totally caught off-guard.  Since it seems futile to search for the key to Jesus’ return, then what should you and I do in the time of our waiting?  We are to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You in particular know how I ache for Your return and have been heavily disappointed when it hasn't yet come to pass.  Lord, I am like Abel who cries from the heavenlies , “How long?”  But in the meantime, let me spend my time profitably in service to You and Your church who is the family of Christ.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 21:1-4 God Loves A Cheerful Giver

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.  And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.  And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them;  for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”

Often times we hear people complain that, “All the church wants is my money.”  Well, as you can see, Jesus Himself cared about people’s giving habits.  However, to Jesus, the one who gave the most was not most recognized by God, but the one who gave at a  sacrifice.  What honor comes from giving to God leftovers?  God loves a cheerful giver so the motivation of one’s heart is the measure of their love of God.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, let me never complain about what I give in Your Name.  You gave me eternal life and what can a man give for that?  So let me be a cheerful giver because it is an outward sign that Christ lives within me.  Amen.

Luke 20:39-47 Leaders Have Greater Responsibility

Some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”  For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything. ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’  Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord,’ and how is He his son?”  And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples,  “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,  who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

It is strange that because David became king over all of Israel, that even to this day, people hold to the words of their greatest king David.  But when the King of Kings appears before them, they become stiff-necked and stubborn.  It is for this reason that Jesus presents them with the secrets of the Kingdom.  Jesus reminds the people and their leaders that David proclaimed Him as the Anointed One, so how can He be the son of David?  To the non-believer, this is non-sense, but to the Child of God, they instantly know that Jesus is the Son of God (The Anointed One) and the Son of Man (Son of David).  Jesus condemns the leaders as being blind guides and ones who do not shepherd the people as David did.  For this reason, they will be judged harshly because they led others who depend on them astray.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Apart from You, there is none other.  Yet many still don’t believe and don’t understand.  Because our leaders are undependable, draw near to them so that the work of the Holy Spirit can take affect in their lives.  I pray this in Your holy name Amen.

Luke 20:27-38 God is the God of the Living

Now there came to Him some of the Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother.  Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless;  and the second  and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.  Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage,  but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;  for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.  But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”

In Luke’s gospel, we continue to see groups of people who seek Jesus to justify Himself to them instead of them receiving Him as the True Son of God and receiving Him as such.  Today it is the Sadducees who are a Jewish sect. that do not believe in the resurrection (the raising from the dead) as Jesus instructs.  The lesson Jesus is teaching them here is that salvation comes to individuals, not to groups of persons.  Each must be forgiven their sins and justified in Christ in order to be saved.  The salvation of a wife does not justify her husband and vice versa.  Finally we need to stop thinking as dead people, and recognize God is a God of life, and in Him lies eternal life.

Daily Prayer:  Lord God, I recognize that our “inner man” called our soul cannot perish as does flesh.  For this reason, I choose to build up my soul in order that my flesh can sustain life, the life that You give to all who believe.  In Jesus name I pray Amen. (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother.  Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless;  and the second  and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.  Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage,  but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;  for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.  But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”

In Luke’s gospel, we continue to see groups of people who seek Jesus to justify Himself to them instead of them receiving Him as the True Son of God and receiving Him as such.  Today it is the Sadducees who are a Jewish sect. that do not believe in the resurrection (the raising from the dead) as Jesus instructs.  The lesson Jesus is teaching them here is that salvation comes to individuals, not to groups of persons.  Each must be forgiven their sins and justified in Christ in order to be saved.  The salvation of a wife does not justify her husband and vice versa.  Finally we need to stop thinking as dead people, and recognize God is a God of life, and in Him lies eternal life.

Daily Prayer:  Lord God, I recognize that our “inner man” called our soul cannot perish as does flesh.  For this reason, I choose to build up my soul in order that my flesh can sustain life, the life that You give to all who believe.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Now there came to Him some of the Sadducee s (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother.  Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless;  and the second  and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.  Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage,  but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;  for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.  But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”

In Luke’s gospel, we continue to see groups of people who seek Jesus to justify Himself to them instead of them receiving Him as the True Son of God and receiving Him as such.  Today it is the Sadducees who are a Jewish sect. that do not believe in the resurrection (the raising from the dead) as Jesus instructs.  The lesson Jesus is teaching them here is that salvation comes to individuals, not to groups of persons.  Each must be forgiven their sins and justified in Christ in order to be saved.  The salvation of a wife does not justify her husband and vice versa.  Finally we need to stop thinking as dead people, and recognize God is a God of life, and in Him lies eternal life.

Daily Prayer:  Lord God, I recognize that our “inner man” called our soul cannot perish as does flesh.  For this reason, I choose to build up my soul in order that my flesh can sustain life, the life that You give to all who believe.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 20:19-26 Tribute to Caesar

The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.  So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor.  They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.  Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”  But He detected their trickery and said to them,  “Show Me a Darius  Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.”  And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.

You know, the evil man is a pity.  God speaks of unity for His people, but there are those who are not his, but are pretenders.  The seek not the good for their neighbor, but seek bloodshed and violence in polite ways. This describes Jesus’ adversary in today’s lesson.  Rather than submitting and surrendering to the authority of God and the Son of God, they seek to secretly destroy Him.  Jesus knows the heart of man and plainly replies to give God what is His, which is everything.

Daily Prayer:  Lord it is true and also a shame that man cannot act outside of his character.  For this reasons, change who we really are and permit us to live righteous and holy lives in service to You.  Amen.

Luke 20:9-18 Parable of the Vine-growers

And He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to vine-growers, and went on a journey for a long time.  At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, so that they would give him some of the produce of the vineyard; but the vine-growers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.  And he proceeded to send another slave; and they beat him also and treated him shamefully and sent him away empty-handed.  And he proceeded to send a third; and this one also they wounded and cast out.  The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’  But when the vine-growers saw him, they reasoned with one another, saying, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’  So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them?  He will come and destroy these vine-growers and will give the vineyard to others.” When they heard it, they said, “May it never be!”  But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: The stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief corner stone’?  Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.”

Jesus frequently told stories about His journey as the Son of Man.  In these stories, He is presented as the True Son of God.  As God’s son, He comes into a hostile world and is killed by the sons of Satan.  Jesus presents Himself as the Anointed One of God and that whoever takes refuge in Him will be spared God’s wrath, but whoever rejects Him, this one or ones will suffer God’s wrath.  Death upon death await those who did not take refuge in the Son.

Daily Prayer: Holy Father, let this be the Day when many open their eyes and ears to Christ Jesus.  Let us refrain from foolishness and self-pride, and honor the King of Glory found in the Son of God.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 20:1-8 Jesus’ Authority Questioned

On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him,  and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me: ⁴ Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”  They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’  But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”  So they answered that they did not know where it came from.  And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

When a child asks a question in earnest, one gladly gives a complete and a prompt reply.  But this is not the case with the chief priests and the scribes.  They were not seeking an answer to their question, but they were rebuking Jesus as the Anointed One.  It was an usurp to His authority, and when Jesus asks them a question in reply, they expose their hypocrisy. 

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in my mind that you can do all things, but my sinful nature oft times prevents me from relying expressly on You.  Help me with this fleshly wound and heal my soul to join with my mind so that I can faithfully believe, trust and obey.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 19:45-48 Traders Driven from the Temple

Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling,  saying to them, “It is written, ‘And My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a robbers’ den.” And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him,  and they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said.

One rule concerning the rule of Satan is that whoever He can not tempt, deceive, or act outside of the will of God, he will destroy.  Here it is evident that Jesus Christ is who He says He is, who is the Son of God.  When Satan could not deceive him into a sin, he plots through those who are his own (the chief priests and the scribes) to destroy Jesus.  What he did not count on is that through the Cross, Jesus would save many through His atoning blood and reign victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  It was the Cross, which Satan planned for the purposes of evil, to be used by God for the purposes of good.  This is because all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purposes.

Daily Prayer:  Father, in Your infinite wisdom, You have found a way suitable to You to reconcile us back to You.  What Satan means for harm, You use for good, to demonstrate Your wisdom and goodness to the world.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 19:41-44 They Did Not Recognize the Time of His Visitation

When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,  saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.  For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side,  and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

Isn't it a tragedy that when the Prince of Peace come unto us, He was not recognized and thus rejected?   There was the Prince among us, but instead we chose violence and manners of self-defeat.  Concerning those days, we now say, “How foolish they were.”  But even now, the Prince is knocking at the door.  We are concerned about many things and forget to answer to door.  Now we are the foolish ones!  It is not to late to learn from our error.  When we turn around and toward Christ Jesus, it is called repentance and our only source for life.  Therefore let us  revive our souls and return to Him.  Amen.

Daily Prayer:  Create is me a new and revived heart.  Do not leave me to my own wisdom, but instead give me Your wisdom so that I can have eyes that can see, ears that can hear, and a heart that can understand.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 19:28-40 Indeed, Even The Stones Praise Christ Jesus

After He had said these things, He was going on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.  When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples,  saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’”  So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them.  As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord has need of it.” They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it.  As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road.  As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen,  shouting: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord;
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”  But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”

This is the even we call Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry of Jesus as predicted in the Book of Daniel who prophesied after a fixed time after rebuilding the walls in Jerusalem, their King will appear.  An appear He did, at the appointed time.  But from this day for the next seven days is known as Holy Week in the church because in the next seven days,

Jesus will institute The Lord’s Table (communion), will be arrested and tried and sent to the Cross to die for all who trust in Him for their salvation, Just as Father God had commanded.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, things happen so quickly.  One week the crowd is praising You, but the next week placing You on the Cross.  Yet You offered yourself up for the forgiveness of my sins and so that I might die to  death, and live for life and no longer be guilty of my transgressions, because they are coved by Your blood.  My praise and gratitude to You my Savior.  Amen.

Luke 19:11-27 The True King Is Coming, So Be Ready

While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.  So He said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.  And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’  But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’  When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done.  The first appeared, saying, ‘Master, your mina has made ten minas more.’  And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’  The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, master, has made five minas.’  And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’  Another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I kept put away in a handkerchief;  for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’  He said to him, ‘By your own words I will judge you, you worthless slave. Did you know that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?  Then why did you not put my money in the bank, and having come, I would have collected it with interest?’  Then he said to the bystanders, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’  And they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas already.’  I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.  But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”

The lesson to be gained from today’s lesson is recognition of the True  King over his people.  Whether the king is standing in our midst or currently away, Jesus is still king and His return is certain.  On that day, which is the day of his return, how will he find us?

Will we be busy about His business or sluggards who are enemies of the king?  Jesus is telling us now, that those who are faithful to Him in His absence will be rewarded upon His return.  But those who are His enemies and found to be slack about His business, these will be openly punished and will inherit no reward.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Satan is always on the prowl seek those who he may devour.  He tries to convince us that You are not returning and to follow the ways of the world.

Protect us from the enemy and place in us faithful hearts who hear, believe, and do what is pleasing in Your sight.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Luke 19:1-10 Today Salvation Has Come To This House

He entered Jericho and was passing through.  And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich.  Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.  When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”  And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly.  When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”  Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.”  And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He is because He came to seek and to save the lost lest they suffer eternal separation from God.  What would have happened had Zaccheus not run ahead and climbed the Sycamore tree to find Jesus.  Behold, this man would be in outer darkness to this very day, but because He entered the company of Jesus, salvation came into his house and it won’t be lost again.  Who among us is still lost and needs to be found?

Daily Prayer:  Let is be our mission to join Lord Jesus in His seeking out the lost.  Bring these ones into Christ’s presence so that salvation may come to their house.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 18:35-43 Christ Jesus Can Set You Free

As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging.  Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was.  They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him,  “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!”  And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.

When Jesus worked miracles, these acts are referred to as signs.  They and many other acts like it are signs from God that Jesus is who He declares, who is the Son of Man and the Son of God.  Jesus rarely worked miracles unless someone came to Him in faith that He could do what others cannot.  Frequently when this person of faith came forward, others would try to quiet this one.  When children came to Jesus, the disciples tried to brush them off, but Jesus said not to hinder them.  Today, when the blind man called out, the crowd tried to quiet him.  But in the cases where someone sought Him for who He is, He by no wise let them down.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, You are the same today as in times past.  You still are watching for those to approach You and let their troubles rest on You.  You alone can tear down and build up.  So remind us that we have a friend in You who loves us and has died and rose again to set us free.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Luke 18:31-34 Things To Come

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon,  and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.”  But the disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said.

Much earlier in Luke’s Gospel, we made the point that this gospel has a geographic orientation to it.  The book begins in Galilee and ultimately Jesus sets His face like flint towards Jerusalem, because He knew He was going their to complete the work of salvation by way of the Cross.  In these verses today, Jesus says by way of reminder that He is going to Jerusalem, He will be delivered over to the hands of the gentiles where He will be scourged and broken.  Yet despite everything, the disciples did not understand nor question what He was warning them of and their minds were closed about the things to come.

Daily Prayer:  Christ Jesus, my mind is closed in much the same way as with the disciples.  I live in the world and all that is possible with you doesn’t always make sense to me.  Bring me to a place of understanding so that it affects the life I live in my wait for Your return.  In Your holy name I pray Amen. 

Luke 18:28-30 Our Everlasting Reward in Jesus

Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.”  And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,  who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.”

It is puzzling that Peter, the lead disciple and the pillar of the church to come, questions Jesus about reward because of his sacrifice.  Jesus is offering forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Yet Peter asks his reward.  As it turns out, reward is in the heart of God anyway.  Jesus proclaims that whoever has given up anything for Him and the sake of the gospel will have everlasting reward in heaven.  To all of us who are not apostles, but are disciples because we are followers of Jesus, our intent is to rule with Jesus in His Kingdom forevermore.  In other places, Jesus says that even if you give a cup of cold water in His name, You will by no way lose your reward.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I am happy to be a follower of You and look forward to the day that I can rule with You, even as I do today.  Even now, I pour out my life as a drink offering to You because You had mercy on my and have forgiven my sins and granted my eternal life.  In this I give my thanksgiving.  Amen.