Learning From Luke

(Luke 20:20-25). This episode discusses the delicate balance between a Christian’s relationship with God and government.

(Luke 20:9-19). In the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, Jesus predicts how many of Israel will respond to the sending of God’s only Son. In this teaching, the Lord highlights the patience, mercy, and love of God while warning of the severe consequences faced by those who reject the Son of God. 

(Luke 20:1-8). This question from Jesus highlights the only two sources of authority. During the week of His crucifixion, Jesus is tested on all sides. This episode explores Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and reveals several important truths about authority in religion.

(Luke 19:41-46). This quote from Jesus shows the degree of corruption among those who turned the holy temple into a market place of self-serving merchants. This episode highlights lessons learned from the second temple cleansing during the last week of Jesus’ ministry.

(Luke 19:28-40). Throughout His ministry, Jesus carefully orchestrated the timeline by preventing others from disclosing what they saw or heard. But, as He enters Jerusalem to finish His work, it is time to throw off the cloak of obscurity. As He openly displays His Messianic claims, it is impossible for His followers to contain their praise. This episode unpacks some of the details surrounding Jesus’ Triumphal Entrance.

 (Luke 19:11-27).  In the Parable of the Pounds (Minas), Jesus highlights three categories of people: the faithful disciple, the fearful steward, and the foolish rebel. This episode explores three reasons why Jesus presents this parable and some important takeaways.  

(Luke 19:1-10).  This declaration summarizes the essence of the gospel message and explains why Jesus associates with sinners. In this episode we examine the Lord’s visit to the home of Zacchaeus, which practically demonstrates Jesus’ mission and perfectly highlight that it matters not what kind of sinner one is, because of the kind of Savior He is!

(Luke 18:35-43). When the blind Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus for mercy, the Gentle Healer asks an insightful question that reveals something about Jesus and ourselves. This episode highlights some of the remarkable changes brought to this blind man’s life the day that Jesus passed by.

(Luke 18:18-27). When a rich, young, ruler turns away from Jesus because he refused to give up his wealth, the disciples asked, “Who then can be save?” This episode notes how the Lord challenges the disciples to fully trust in God rather than riches.

(Luke 18:9-14). This episode highlights the Lord’s application of His Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. Two men when up to pray, but only one went down justified. What is the lesson Jesus wants Christians to learn?

This episode explores the Parable of the Persistent Widow; a parable Jesus taught so that men ought to always pray and not lose heart. Times of uncertainty will cause the disciples to grow weary and even cause some to question God’s promises or even God’s care for them. When the righteous are surrounded by indifference and are tempted by materialism, Jesus wants His disciples to pray (Luke 18:1-8).

When Jesus is asked by the Pharisees about when the kingdom of God would come, His response is insightful and filled with admonition. The Lord exhorts His disciples concerning His Second Coming and the need to be ready for the final judgment of the world. Those who seek to save their lives, whose hearts turn from God and seek after the things of this world, are certain to lose everything when Jesus returns. On the flip side, Jesus highlights what will happen to those who choose to prioritize the kingdom of God.    

(Luke 17:11-19): After Jesus heals ten lepers, only one returns to give glory to God. This episode highlights who the unlikely worshiper was and why Jesus calls attention to the gratitude shown.

 (Luke 17:1-4) In this episode, we examine the Lord’s warning of sinning against another (offenders; verses 1-2), and also how we should respond when we have been sinned against (offended; verses 3-4). Jesus enlightens us on the full picture of reconciliation and the important role of both repentance and forgiveness.

In this episode, part 2 of 2, after a rich man dies, he is filled with regrets as he faces eternity suffering a fate that is worse than fire. When he prays for his family to witness a miracle lest they also end up in torment, the startling response he receive indicates the powerful testimony of scripture.

In this episode, part 1 of 2, Jesus gives us a glimpse into the afterlife. He reveals what happens when someone uses their wealth selfishly and fails to help others (echoing Jesus’ earlier teaching in Luke 16:9 to “make friends” with worldly wealth for an eternal reward). This teaching from Jesus contrasts the earthly lives and eternal destinies of two men. This episode highlights the great change that a righteous man experiences at death as he is “carried by the angels.” 

This episode discusses one of the most challenging parables of Jesus, The Unjust Steward. Why did his master commend him? This parable is a shocking and memorable way to motivate us to use the resources God provides by prudently preparing for our future home in heaven.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son, which has been called the greatest short story ever written, is the third in a trilogy of illustrations concerning God’s love for the lost. Combined, these three parables emphasize the depth of God’s love, the desperation of God’s love, and the discipline of God’s love. This episode considers this parable’s deep relatability, highlighting human flaws and divine forgiveness, and ultimately heaven’s reaction when a lost sinner returns home to God.

When the skeptics criticize Jesus for His associating with those who are viewed as exceptionally sinful, Jesus responds by presenting three parables in Luke 15. This episode focuses on the first two parables in this trilogy of illustrations that are all connected by the same theme: God’s care and concern for the lost. God’s love for all sinners is powerfully portrayed as Jesus shows God’s willingness to seek, search, and sacrifice for those who have wandered away from Him, those who have been misplaced by carelessness of others, or those who have rebelled against Him. 

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses! Material possessions, business professions, and domestic obligations fail to provide legitimate reasons to decline the honored invitation by the Messiah. This episode highlights the Lord’s willingness to extend His gracious offer to those who will accept it. 

Will only a few be saved? This episode discusses the Lord’s answer to this difficult theological question. 

Jesus calls upon all who would follow after Him to turn to God in repentance. Find out the immediate and broader application of Jesus’ words in Luke 13:1-5 that would spark His demand, “Unless YOU Repent…”

Jesus teaches His disciples to live in constant readiness for His sudden and unexpected return.  This episode explores the difference between faithful and unfaithful servants.

In this episode we discuss Jesus’ cure for covetousness and His answer to anxiety. There is a special promise to those who seek the Kingdom of God first.

When Jesus is asked to resolve a financial dispute between brothers, the Lord offers a dire warning and a practical parable. This episode explores the dangers of a covetous heart.

In this episode, Jesus emphasizes the care and concern God has for His children. The One whose eye is on the sparrow, will most certainly remember you in your time of need.

In this episode, Jesus continues to denounce the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. In the last three of six warnings, the Lord admonishes the lawyers for repeating the same mistakes of the past.

In this episode, Jesus announces warnings upon the Pharisees that all most take to heart. He calls upon each of us to monitor our motives. While God is concerned that we honor Him with obedience in the details, those whose hearts are truly converted will reflect the heart of God and will not neglect any aspect of His will.

When the skeptics ask Jesus for a sign to prove His identity, the Lord pointed to the sign of Jonah. What is the sign of Jonah and what makes it different than any other miracle?

When Jesus delivers a man from demon possession, His opponents accuse Him of being in league with Satan. Jesus responds with several argument and highlights the implication of the miracle. To the sincere seeker, the miracle was not a cause for accusation but celebration—the Kingdom of God has come!

On one occasion after the Lord finishes praying, an unnamed disciple approaches with the request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” When Jesus teaches His disciples on how to prayer, in both Matthew 6 and Luke 11, there are 6 elements He emphasizes to make our prayers effective. 

This is how Jesus defended one of His disciples, a young woman named Mary who sat listening to Him teach, while her sister, Martha, was busy serving. The sweet devotion of discipleship is often best demonstrated in the lives of the godly women of the gospels. It is seen in Mary of Bethany, who would not be denied or discouraged, whose example of sincere study, sacrifice, and steadfastness form within the pages of the everlasting gospel a memorial to her honor and a model for our homes.

This question prompts Jesus to teach one of His greatest parables, which will pave the way for the universal brotherhood of man. This episode highlights how Jesus masterfully rephrases the issue. Instead of governing our lives with the motive of doing the least that law dictates, we should live with a desire to do the most that love demands.

Through these words, Jesus enlightens and encourages. The power to expel demons is astonishing, but according to Jesus there is a greater cause for celebration: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Despite knowing the suffering and death that awaited Him, Jesus "steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), demonstrating His commitment to fulfilling God's plan. Along this journey, Jesus did not merely focus on His destination; He remained dedicated to His mission of seeking and saving the lost.

After laying the foundation of the demands of discipleship, Luke records three encounters Jesus has with three would-be-disciples.

This episode explores how Jesus responds to the disciples debate over who shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The illustration Jesus uses is counter culture and teaches what true greatness is all about.

On the Mountain of Transfiguration, three apostles witness Jesus conversing with two ancient heroes. What lessons can be learned from what was seen and heard?

As Jesus anticipates His suffering and death in Jerusalem, He seeks to prepare His disciples. Not only does He prepare them for His own cross, but discipleship demands its own price. This episode explores the three conditions of discipleship.

As Jesus continues to draw near Jerusalem and the fate that awaits Him there, His identity remains the focus. After asking, “who do the crowds say that I am,” it is evident that public opinions vary concerning Him. But Jesus focuses His concern upon His own disciples by asking them, “Who do you say that I am?”  

 They All Ate and Were Filled: With only two small fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus feeds a multitude of over 5000 people. This episode explores the message behind the miracle when “they all ate and were filled.” 

In Luke 8:40-56, Jesus heals a woman suffering from a blood issue for twelve years and raises Jairus' twelve-year-old daughter from the dead. Both miracles highlight the power of faith in Jesus' ability to transform dire situations. Once again Luke shows the need to overcome fear, trust in divine timing, and find hope even in the face of despair.

When a man possessed with many demons is healed by Jesus, his changed life is evident to all.  He longs to follow after and learn from the One who has saved and restored his life. But Jesus does not allow the man to return with Him to Galilee. Instead, He instructs the man to return to his home and society and allow his changed life to illustrate the greatness and goodness of God.

 Who Can This Be? Jesus’ authority over the winds and the water bewilders the disciples. Their question reflects their attempts to understand the implication of such a display of power. No ordinary man can do what Jesus is doing; therefore, He is no ordinary man.

My Mother and My Brothers: When Jesus’ earthly family seeks Him, His response is shocking and insightful. In this episode, the Lord elevates the spiritual relationship He has with His followers in a remarkable way.

Take Heed How You Hear:Why did Jesus teach in parables? In this episode, we will explore the answer as we dissect Jesus’ famous Parable of the Sower, or more appropriately named the Parable of the Soils: Luke 8:4-15.

When Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisees named Simon, his prophetic powers are called into question. But Jesus once again turns the tables on the skeptics and the doubters. Find out why Jesus tells Simon, “you gave me no kiss.”

Jesus seeks to encourage John with a reassuring message—a message meant to strengthen the faith of an isolated prophet and a reminder to all that anyone who lays aside preconceived notions and expectations and simply surrenders to the Lord’s plan will be blessed—a message delivered long ago when Jesus said, “Go tell John…”

After Jesus displays His remarkable power over disease and death, what is the lesson to learn? After witnessing the miracles and message of Jesus, it becomes more and more evident that God has visited  His people.

 Why Do You Call Me Lord, Lord?  As Jesus draws his sermon to a close, he asks his audience this important question.  This episode highlights Jesus’ instructions on how to avoid being surprised on the final day of judgment.