April 11 / Luke 14:15-35

Luke 14:15-35 It’s interesting to weave today’s two separate sections into one. That is, the first ten verses talk about the great banquet, where those who were initially invited made excuses for not attending and were then excluded from the banquet altogether, while …the poor and crippled and blind and lame… enjoyed the feast. The …

April 10 / Luke 14:1-14

Luke 14:1-14 I am intrigued by the “parable of the great banquet” at the end of today’s reading. Most of us have friends who are in the same “social standing”. Incomes may differ dramatically, but we find common ground with our race, religion, nationality, etc. Frankly, for many of us, our church is our social …

April 6 / Luke 12:1-21

Luke 12:1-21 In the meantime, when so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, He began to say to His disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (v. 1) Luke seems to be writing his gospel in chronological fashion. The NASB has “Under these …

April 5 / Luke 11:37-54

Luke 11:37-54 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. (v. 43) I have so often identified with the Pharisees, especially with them being suspicious of Jesus teachings, which were outside the Pharisees’ “mainstream” teachings. I also would have doubted His miracles, where I would …

April 3 / Luke 9:51-62, 10:1-12

Luke 9:51-62, 10:1-12 And He sent messengers ahead of Him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for Him. But the people did not receive Him, because His face was set toward Jerusalem. (Luke 9:52-53) I commented on this verse two years ago, but it was about Jesus’ “setting His …

April 2 / Matt. 8:18-22,11:20-30

Matthew 8:18-22, 11:20-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt. 11:28-29) I thought of these verses on Wednesday evening as …