'Jesus' Tagged Posts (Page 27)
Daily Devotions
Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’” vs.19 Luke 17:15-19 Faith is a big word for the followers of Jesus. We run across it regularly as we read the scriptures and have discovered that it can have a variety of meanings. In this instance, Jesus ascribes it to a Samaritan man who had been healed of his leprosy. Evidently all ten of the lepers had faith, they had trusted…
Daily Devotions
The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’” vss. 5-6 Luke 17:5-6 On the surface the demand sounds reasonable. It’s the sort of thing we might have said to Jesus–it might even be the core of our daily prayers: “Lord, increase our faith!” Often we imagine that…
Daily Devotions
He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” vs. 31 Luke 16:26-31 There were plenty of warnings about the danger of riches in the laws of Israel, and especially in the writings of the prophets. But there was little inclination among the rich to take any of that seriously. They likely considered the different strata in society to be God’s intention. Of…
Daily Devotions
But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.’” vs. 25 Luke 16:19-25 If we are at all alert to the world around us, it’s hard not to notice that there is an intrinsic unfairness built into the systems we have constructed for ourselves. Some people get their share and more of good things while others reap…
Daily Devotions
No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” vs. 13 Luke 16:8-13 Most of the time the parables of Jesus are focused on a particular point, and if we study them long enough, we can see what he’s up to. The parable of the dishonest manager is more difficult to deal with. Many have…
Daily Devotions
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” vss. 1-2 Luke 15:1-6 It’s a funny thing! We know that Jesus preferred the company of sinners and often had meals with them, but we’re often reluctant to really think of ourselves as sinners. Oh, we pay lip service to the notion, and are even a bit proud…
Daily Devotions
So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.” vs. 33 Luke 14:31-33 When we take these words of Jesus literally, we are likely to dismiss them without much thought. We’re very aware of sectarian leaders who asked their followers to sign over all their property and then live together in community. Often, they claimed that such a practice was a part of the call to discipleship and pointed to these…
Daily Devotions
Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” vs. 26 Luke 14:25-30 There’s no doubt about it, sometimes the teachings of Jesus are baffling and we wonder what he could possibly have in mind. Here he tells the crowds that becoming his disciple is more important than the most intimate family relationships–it could even mean the loss of life. And he says…
Daily Devotions
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’” vs. 5 Hebrews 13:1-5 The writer of Hebrews concludes his letter to early believers with some words of encouragement and advice. His admonitions are consistent with the words of Jesus and the testimony of scripture, but still we seem reluctant to accept what he has to say about money. There are some…
Daily Devotions
When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment.’ When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.” vss. 12-13 Luke 13:10-14 As seems to have been a common occurrence during his ministry, Jesus had been invited to teach during his visit to the synagogue on the sabbath. He had become known for his lessons and taught with authority, often amazing the congregations with…
daily Devotions
You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them.” vss. 18-19 Hebrews 12:18-24 The writer of Hebrews had a deep and profound appreciation for the scriptures, and the ancient stories had been the foundation of his faith. But as he wrote to early Jewish Christians, he…
Daily Devotions
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” vs. 40 Luke 12:37-40 Believers are familiar with admonitions to be prepared. They occur regularly in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in those relating to the coming apocalypse. Disciples were warned that the Son of Man would be coming at an unexpected hour and that they should be ready. Early Christians taught that Jesus would be coming again, likely within their lifetimes, and even…