EatScripture

The transfiguration of Jesus.  Why does Jesus meet on a mountain with Moses & Elijah? Why does Luke use the word "exodus" to describe their conversation?  Why does Peter think it would be a good idea to build "shelters" for the three of them?  What is this story really about?

The transfiguration of Jesus.  Why does Jesus meet on a mountain with Moses & Elijah? Why does Luke use the word "exodus" to describe their conversation?  Why does Peter think it would be a good idea to build "shelters" for the three of them?  What is this story really about?

Peter successfully identifies Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus tells the disciples not to say anything about it. Jesus redefines, for the disciples, what His mission will look like - suffering, death, & resurrection. He then instructs the crowds that if anyone wants to follow Him, they can only do it by carrying their own cross.

Peter successfully identifies Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus tells the disciples not to say anything about it. Jesus redefines, for the disciples, what His mission will look like - suffering, death, & resurrection. He then instructs the crowds that if anyone wants to follow Him, they can only do it by carrying their own cross.

Questions continue to swirl around Jesus' identity. The apostles are given authority by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel and heal people. Herod is perplexed about reports he continues to get concerning Jesus and seeks to see him. And how do you feed 5,000 hungry people??

The gulf between faith & fear can be a great chasm. When Jesus works in our midst, we have a choice to make: will we put our faith in him or be seized with fear and ask him to leave?

Jesus redefines family, calms the storm, and heals a demoniac. Fear and misunderstanding have the potential to stifle the disciples learning about Jesus, but by truly hearing they are able to become part of his close "family."

Jesus speaks in parables to the crowd. Many are unsure what the parable he is using means.  True disciples follow him and ask for an explanation. Whether or not you are asking for an explanation of what you don't understand is a major determiner of the kind of soil you are.  

Jesus forgives the sins of a sinful woman in a Pharisee's home. Interestingly, Luke never tells us how the Pharisee ultimately responds. Then, chapter 8 begins with more of Jesus's association with women in society - from both the highest levels to the lowest.

John the Baptist is not sure if Jesus is the one he's been looking for.  Jesus reassures John's disciples that he is God's Messiah.  Jesus then turns to the crowds to address their own fickle hearts.

Luke includes two stories that draw the attentive readers' mind back to the Elisha & Elijah accounts in the Old Testament.  And yet there is something quite different about each account.  Is Jesus actually better than Elijah? How about Elisha? 

The second half of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain." The center of the sermon is a 7-fold parallel about mercy and being judged by the same standard you use to interact with others. This teaching filters into all the rest of the sermon.

Jesus teaches his disciples in what is referred to as the Sermon on the Plain. His emphasis on poor and hungry is very literal and contrasts with Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. His teaching about loving your enemies should be enough to make anyone reconsider their commitment to following him.

Jesus continues to exert authority, this time over the Sabbath & over the choosing of his apostles.  The powers that be continue to be unhappy with his "new wine.";

The calling of Levi (Matthew) - the beginning of a new priesthood. Three quick parables used by Jesus to answer a question about fasting. In what way do these three short teachings go together?

The miracle stories of Jesus continue to fall back to back, together displaying an authority that is beyond earthly ability.  By calling fish, healing leprosy, and cleansing sin Jesus is establishing much more than His Messianic role - He is giving clues to His very identity as God.

Jesus' word has AUTHORITY! People are astounded by it; demons are powerless before it; deathbed illness is immediately cured by it. Jesus will heal people--every one!--who come to him and he is casting demons out of a broken system, as well. All of it is done with the word from his mouth. 

At the end of the temptations, Jesus is tempted to throw himself off of a very high place.  When Jesus visits his hometown, people from his past try to throw him off of a very high place. Coincidence?

Jesus identity is in question from some.  But His Father has made it abundantly clear that He is the Son of God. Even Satan seeks to throw a monkey wrench into Jesus' psyche regarding this fact. 

John the Baptist is the one coming to prepare the way for Jesus. In what way does his message resonate with the prophets of old? What kinds of people are most interested in what he has to say?

Luke is the only gospel writer that includes this story of Jesus, being 12 years old, asking questions and discussing God's Law in the Temple. Why does he include this story?  Why does this story include a 3 day period? Why are Jesus' parents so mystified by his disappearance and activity? There is much more to this story than meets the eye!

Today we are taking time to interview Paul & Claire Ahrens who are leaving to do mission work & plant a church in Queretaro, Mexico in 11 days!  They are a part of team who has been planning for this for 3 years. This happens to be our daughter & son-in-law. The work they are going to do is exciting and important.  A vast majority of the people they will serve there are unchurched. (Help! They are...

Jesus is taken to the temple for purification (of Mom & Dad).  While at the temple, Joseph & Mary come into contact with two "witnesses" who are going to make a big impression.  Both of them have been waiting to see God's miraculous saving work on behalf of Israel.

Luke's birth narrative: Why does Luke give us such detailed historical data? Why did Jesus have to be born in Bethlehem? Does the meaning of "Bethlehem" have any significance? Is there any importance as to why Jesus was laid in a feeding troth? What is the Tower of Eder (Genesis 35:21; Micah 4:8) and why is it important for this story? 

The Songs of Mary & Zechariah surround the miracle of speech given to Zechariah. What does it mean that a mute priest is now re-enabled to speak?