Learning From Luke

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...

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 for...

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 willingn...

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 wit...

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?”