The Parable of the Lost (Prodigal Son) Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 In line with the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus tells an extended parable with the same lesson in mind. However, the parable of the lost son packs more of an emotional punch. Most Christians already know this parable well, even new Christians. It’s one of … Read More

What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? Scripture: Luke 13:1-9 Jesus told the Parable of the Fig Tree — Luke 13:6-9 — immediately after reminding His listeners of a tower over the pool of Siloam (John 9:7) which unexpectedly fell and killed eighteen people. The moral of that story is found in Luke 13:3 — “Unless … Read More

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35 …’O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you … Read More

Jesus’ Trials Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 All people face temptations at one time or the other. We quite often have an opportunity to choose if we are going to do what God would have us do, or ignore His desires and do our own thing. Jesus, when He was on this earth, was not exempt from facing similar trials and temptations. … Read More

High Standard of Morality Scripture: Luke 6:27-38 The gospel reading above gives us yardsticks with which to measure how far or how close we are to the criteria of a good follower of Jesus. They look very difficult, if not impossible, to do especially in the age of social media. Yet we cannot just throw in the towel and continue … Read More

Blessings and Woes Scripture: Luke 6:17-26 The so-called “sermon on the plain” or “on a level place” is in all likelihood an abridgment of the same “Sermon on the Mount” that Matthew’s Gospel records (which itself is likely to be an abridgment of the original discourse). In this sermon, as people come from far and wide to hear Jesus and … Read More

Trusting God Over Myself Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 Peter is obedient to the Lord in spite of his own rational objections (verse 5), and as a result, his life was never the same (verse 11). Far too often, we fail to do this. When the … Read More

Scripture: Luke 4:21-30 The previous week’s gospel reading, Luke 4:14-21, speaks powerfully of Jesus’ mission, a mission of liberation, forgiveness, and healing. This week’s passage, Luke 4:21-30, makes a different point. Jesus has proclaimed glad tidings from the words of Isaiah and announced that those tidings will be actualized in him and his work. The people’s initial response is strongly … Read More

Eyes Fixed Scripture: Luke 4:14-21 Jesus comes home. He goes to his home worshiping community, as he must have done countless times as a young one. He’s handed the scroll. He opens the scroll to just the right place. He reads. He hands it back to the attendant. He sits down. Everyone stares at him waiting for what is to … Read More

Scripture: John 2:1-11 Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so. John 2:7-8 Notice the simplicity of this account, how easily, how quietly, with such dignity this was done. He says … Read More