Luke in 50 Days

Jeff and Scott conclude this podcast series by giving an overview of St. Luke the gospel writer and briefly explaining the second part to this story which is the Book of Acts. They also encourage listeners with other ways they can continue growing in understanding of the Bible and the spiritual life. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott go through the last verses of the Gospel and unpack the significance of Jesus appearing to his disciples. They explain how, in this Gospel, Jesus highlights how he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and calls them to be a witness to all they have seen and heard. Today's reading: Luke 24:36-53 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott examine the events after the Resurrection of Jesus, particularly the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They walk through this story of the Emmaus journey, discussing how it may have been the greatest Bible study of all time. Today's reading: Luke 24:1-35 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss the events of the Crucifixion and point out how Jesus is the fulfillment of all that was foretold in the Old Testament. They go through the history of crucifixion in the Roman Empire and and focus on the various biblical characters who are part of these events. Today's reading: Luke 23:26-56 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott walk us through Jesus' sentencing to death. They highlight parallels to the Old Testament and how these moments fulfill numerous prophecies that foretold this moment. Today's reading: Luke 23:1-25 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about the events surrounding Jesus' arrest on the Mount of Olives. They walk through the progression of those events and how Jesus remains fully in control at each stage of the arrest. Today's reading: Luke 22:35-71 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott compare the Last Supper with the institution of Passover and the release of the Egyptians from bondage. They also discuss the various aspects of the Last Supper meal with the celebration of the Mass that we participate in today. Today's reading: Luke 22:1-34 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott step back from the readings to explore another central theme in Luke's Gospel, which is the Temple. They explore the significance of a temple though a historical, theological, and spiritual lens. They also discuss what the centrality of the Temple meant in the Old Testament and how Jesus transforms the understanding of the Temple in the New Testament. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about the meaning and history surrounding the Temple and how it relates to Jesus through both Old and New Testament connections. They describe how to read the apocalyptic writing of the Gospel of Luke and how it relates to Daniel 7. Today's reading: Luke 21:1-38 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott examine the nuances of the various questions the Pharisees and Sadducees use to try and trap Jesus. They explain how Jesus uses his answers to make a definitive statement about the Temple, salvation history, and himself. Today's reading: Luke 20:20-47 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss how Jesus teaches with authority, unlike the other rabbis of his time. They also examine the parable of the wicked tenants and how Jesus is using this parable to relate the story of salvation history. Today's reading: Luke 20:1-19 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott explore Old Testament stories that prefigure Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They cover multiple connections with the Passover, King Solomon, Macabees, and Ezekiel 10. Today's reading: Luke 19:28-48 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott share different insights about the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus. They highlight the historical and cultural context in this section of readings, along with a technique Jesus is using to speak directly to the leaders. Today's reading: Luke 19:1-27 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about several parables and point out how Jesus lifted up people who were considered unfavorable or were despised to highlight the theme of Jubilee. They also discuss the story of Jesus' encounter with the rich ruler, which shows how Jesus is preaching an internal understanding of the law in the heart, not just righteous external actions. Today's reading: Luke 18:1-43 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott step back from the readings to explore another central theme in Luke's Gospel, which is the theme of ages—the present age and the age to come. They discuss what can be seen in the Scriptures and how Jesus sometimes reveals what is happening that cannot readily be seen except through the eyes of faith. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss the themes of gratitude and graciousness in the story of Jesus' cleansing of the 10 lepers. They also offer their perspectives on the leper that returned to thank Jesus and his Samaritan background. Today's reading: Luke 17:1-37 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott examine this parable from several angles and explain how it can be understood as a standalone story. They also discuss the different allusions to Christ in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Today's reading: Luke 16:1-31 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott explore why this famous parable could also be called "the parable of the merciful father." They explore the perspectives of the different characters in this story in the context of Old Testament connections and Jewish culture. Today's reading: Luke 15 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott share their insights about the significance and importance of meals in the time of Jesus. They also share various stories about humility and finding Jesus in others. Today's reading: Luke 14 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott examine the parable of the mustard seed in light of Jesus' references to the Kingdom of God. They also relate how these parables relate to the themes of the Exodus story. Today's reading: Luke 13:17-35 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss the concept of repentance that Jesus calls us to, along with what repentance means in light of the events of the time. They also talk about repentance not as a one-time event but as a way of life that Christians should adopt. Today's reading: Luke 13:1-17 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott step back from the readings to explore another central theme in Luke's Gospel, which is the early Christian term "the Way." They discuss the background, etymology, and deeper meaning behind the name the early Christians chose for themselves.

Jeff and Scott explore how we can structure our lives with these Gospel passages in mind. They also discuss how not to be a cause of division; instead, how can we speak the truth in love. Today's reading Luke 12:35-59 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott examine these passages against the backdrop of Jesus' travel narratives. They also share relatable insights from these Gospel passages about how to handle anxiety and fear. Today's reading: Luke 12:1-34 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss how these passages are an invitation into intimacy with Jesus, and how we can be fed on the Word of God. They also give a variety of insight into what Jesus calls the Sign of Jonah. Today's reading: Luke 11:27-54 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss the Lord's Prayer (Our Father) in the context of Jesus' travel narratives. They explore the prayer's connections to the Exodus and the theme of Jubilee. Today's reading: Luke 11:1-26 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott unpack the story and complex history behind the parable of the Good Samaritan. They also offer insights into the story of Mary and Martha. Today's reading: Luke 10:25-42 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss how Jesus sends out seventy disciples before him to spread the kingdom. They unpack the connections between this story and Numbers 11:16-30, where Moses sends out seventy elders. Today's reading: Luke 10:1-24 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott step back from the readings today to explore another central theme in Luke's Gospel, which is the travel narratives. Jeff and Scott help us understand the story woven through these travel narratives and how they fit together. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about how the Gospel of Luke reveals the purpose of the Transfiguration and its relation to the Feast of Tabernacles. Jeff and Scott highlight the importance of understanding salvation history and seeing the context in which these stories happen. Today's reading: Luke 9:28-62 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about how Jesus shares his authority with his disciples to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. They also discuss how Jesus can use whatever we have to offer him as they explore the story of the feeding of the five thousand. Today's reading: Luke 9:1-27 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott explore the story of the Gerasene demoniac against the larger context of Jesus and his disciples. They also return to the Old Testament as they discuss Luke's accounts of a girl restored to life and a woman healed. Today's reading: Luke 8:26-56 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss some of the women of Luke's Gospel. They also explore the Parable of the Sower, which they describe as a focal point of Jesus' teachings. Scott and Jeff unpack this parable and examine how we can personally respond to the Word of God. Luke 8:1-25 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss the messengers sent by John the Baptist and the question they ask Jesus. They also relate the story of the sinful woman with the theme of the Jubilee. Luke 7:18-50 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about how Jesus demonstrates his authority with the stories of the faithful centurion and the widow's son at Nain. They also show how these stories apply to our daily lives. Luke 7:1-17 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott step back from the readings today to explore another central theme in Luke's Gospel: parables. Scott and Jeff will help you understand this powerful teaching method more fully and teach you how to find Jesus in each of the parables. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott unpack Jesus' Sermon on the Plain and discuss how we can live this teaching out in our daily lives. They also explore how we can best imitate Christ and his mercy for others. Luke 6: 27-49 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott explain why the Pharisees question Jesus about the Sabbath. They also discuss the context behind Jesus choosing his twelve disciples and the Sermon on the Plain. Luke 6:1-26 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott highlight the power of intercession seen in Jesus' healing of the paralytic. They also talk about the history of the Pharisees and how this particular sect interacts with Jesus. Luke 5:17- 39 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott go deeper into the story of Jesus' call to Peter and the other disciples to follow him. As they break into today's verses, Scott and Jeff will also share how Jesus reverses the effects of sin and death when he cleanses a leper. Luke 5:1-16 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott point out the significance of the town of Capernaum as it relates to Jesus' ministry. They explore the different ways Jesus speaks with authority as the Son of God. Luke 4:31-44 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott compare Jesus' temptation in the wilderness with the story of Israel wandering in the desert. Scott and Jeff relate these stories to our daily lives and experiences. Luke 4:1-30 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott step back from the readings today to dive into a central theme in Luke's Gospel, which is the Year of Jubilee. They talk about how Jesus uses this theme to inspire mercy and ultimately our release from sin. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott talk about the significance of the Trinity, with all three Persons fully present at Jesus' baptism. They discuss the genealogy of Jesus in Luke's Gospel and how he shows Jesus is the fulfillment of all of the entire human narrative from Adam. Luke 3:21-38 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott explore how John the Baptist's preaching uses "consolation language" for Israel, and they discuss how John's life and message recall stories from the Old Testament. Today's readings are: Luke 3:1- 20 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott discuss the Presentation of Jesus and how it connects to the history of Israel. They also explore the theme of mercy and Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant. Today's readings are: Luke 2:22-52 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott dive into the infancy narrative of Jesus. The story of Christ's birth is set in contrast against the narrative of the kingdoms of the earth and shows how Jesus' kingship is for everyone. Today's readings are: Luke 2:1-21 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott reflect on the Visitation and Mary's Magnificat prayer. They emphasize how Luke uses primary sources and how recapitulative history is prominent in Luke's Gospel and throughout the New Testament. Today's readings are: Luke 1:39-80 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff and Scott reflect on the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke. They dive into the title "Son of Man" and explore how it relates to Daniel 7 and Abraham, along with the references to the kingdom without end. Today's readings are: Luke1:1-38 To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke

Jeff Cavins and Dr. Scott Powell will explore the life of Christ through the eyes of St. Luke. Each day Fr. Mike Schmitz will read a small portion of the Gospel, and Jeff and Scott will then unpack the significance and insights it reveals to us. To download the full reading plan go to ascensionpress.com/luke