Learning From Luke

Jesus turns our focus to the flip side of the previous four paradoxical beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23) and pronounces four corresponding woes that are equally mysterious from an earthly perspective (Luke 6:24-26). On the surface, what appears to be a rich, happy, full, and successful life turns out to be shockingly empty and devastating. Whether one seeks after possessions, pleasure, or popularity, the...

Jesus introduces one of His great sermons by grabbing the attention of his listeners with paradoxical statements. What the world considers weak, and those things that will bring great sorrow, Jesus said, if you are honest, hungry, humble, and even when you were hated for His sake – blessed are you!

In this episode we will examine Luke’s list of the Twelve apostles. What lesson can be learned from the selection and service of these special ambassadors for Christ?

 As the controversy over the Sabbath continues, Jesus turns the tables on his antagonistic opponents who are carefully watching to see what He will do. Join us as we examine if it’s “lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

This episode highlights the masterful response Jesus gives to the Pharisees who accuse His disciples of breaking the Sabbath. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees while defending the guiltless disciples, proving that “the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath."

Before He heals a paralytic, Jesus declares to the man, “your sins are forgiven!”  The religious leaders considered such a claim to be blasphemous and respond, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  This legitimate question and its implications are considered in this episode.

When a leper pleads for cleansing from Jesus, the Lord demonstrates His ability and willingness to heal in a remarkable way. What lesson does the touch of Jesus communicate?

“Neverltheless, At Your Word”—This is how Peter responds to Jesus when the Lord’s instructions challenged his own experience and understanding.  What should be our attitude when the Lord’s instructions do not make sense to us?

Physician heal yourself…this proverb represents how the residents of Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, felt about Him when they attempt to diminish His claims of being the Messiah. In this episode, we will discuss what happens when God’s message and messengers are rejected by His people.

What happens when Jesus is tempted to publicly demonstrate His deity by throwing Himself off the pinnacle of the Temple? In overcoming this temptation, Jesus teaches us the importance of understanding and correctly applying scripture. Will Satan learn  the lesson Jesus wants us to learn, “you shall not tempt the Lord your God”?     

"It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve”(Luke 4:8). This is how Jesus responds when Satan tempts Him with a crown without the cross. In this episode we will explore lessons can we learn from Jesus’ rejection of Satan’s offer?

As we follow the footprints of Jesus, we are taken from the waters of baptism to the wilderness of temptation. For the Christian, baptism is not the end but merely the beginning of a life filled with trials and temptations that must be overcome. In this episode, we will examine the first of three temptations Jesus successfully overcomes. The example of Jesus teaches how we too can be victorious wh...

What are some lessons we can glean from the baptism of Jesus, the event that marks the beginning of His ministry? In this episode, we will explore why Jesus was baptized, why the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and what heaven declared.

Who did warn you to flee from the wrath to come? This statement from John the Baptist to his audience confronts them with the reality of an imminent judgment. What are the lessons we can learn from the words of this fiery prophet?

Joseph and Mary lost Jesus! After three days, He is found. His response to their desperate search is insightful and teaches us several important lessons about Jesus and about us.

There was no room for them in the inn! That describes the circumstances that Joseph and Mary encounter as the time draws near for them to bring forth the promised Messiah. The sad commentary that was true of the world when Jesus was born typifies how many still respond to Jesus. He is often left outside of the hearts and lives of many because they leave no room, nor do they make any room for Him

In this episode, Mary is told that she will mother the Messiah. How does she respond? This faithful young woman finds assurance in the words of Gabriel, “For with God, nothing is impossible.”

John the Baptist was born to a remarkable couple that had longed for many years to have a child. God answers their prayer in surprising and astounding ways beyond their expectations!! Does God answer prayer? Sometimes with a - yes! Sometimes with a - no, and sometimes with a - wait.

Welcome to Learning from Luke! In this introductory episode, Jimmy Cating highlights the motivation and inspiration of Luke’s gospel account. As an inspired writer, Luke,  although not an eyewitness himself, gives reassurance that truth can be established by proper investigation, evaluation, and corroboration of historical details. Today, all men and women who read and study the Bible have the sam...