Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

The three parts of this text: the healing, the Pharisees challenge, and the instruction of the Kingdom to his disciples. Part 1 The road to Jerusalem is not straight. Related to the places his disciples had gone to prepare his arrival. Leper colony where strangers are forced upon one another. Had a measure of faith when they raised their voices to be heard – desperation. All had faith for healing,...

Luke Johnson writes: “The Pharisees were indicted for false legal piety, they did not keep the deep moral demands of the law and prophets even as they posed as their protectors. As Money-lovers, they tried to both serve God and Mammon.” Now Jesus turns to the disciples with positive instruction concerning the demands of the Gospel. There are four matters which Jesus addresses:  The presence of sca...

Here is the setting: the people are rejoicing over the newness of the message and the Kingdom of God. The barriers are being torn down and they are excited about being allowed in where they thought only special people could go. They are excited about healings and deliverance, a new life made available. The disciples are exploring these developments with the teachings of Jesus and are being overwhe...

Many find this text confusing and it has given rise to many discussions as to its meaning and interpretation. I find that the understanding of this text is seen in two particular aspects:  first, the cultural setting in which the story is told, and second, the reaction of the Pharisees at the end of the story.  These two clues point to a dynamic in the Kingdom of God that Jesus sees as critical fo...

Preached often from this show the power of being redeemed – bought back and restored Powerful message about reconciliation and the process we go through to arrive at a place of repentance (the peeling of an onion to get at the heart of the matter) The joy and the honor that comes with being a child of God! The importance of the clothes, the ring and  sandals! Again, a feast with dancing! Joy in co...

Who is Jesus addressing? What is the context of their grumbling -  last chapter about hospitality into hostile surveillance and rejection, so the parable addressed their rejection - they do not remember their God given calling and purpose. Their interests are very self centered Jesus bringing honor to sinners by hosting and eating with them How does Jesus respond to their grumbling? Telling a para...

One basic premise with three parables: The Cost of being a disciple: forsake all, pick up a cross and follow Jesus Why?  Are we not supposed to honor Father and Mother? Jesus knows the priority: if we want to be able to love others, or even ourselves, we have to first love God In loving God above all else, we do not fall into the temptation of making idols out of others See ancestor worship,  King...

Introduction Mealtime is the best time for sharing, and for building each other up. It is also a time when families can share with each other building strong bonds. It ought to be a place of honesty, commitment, love and understanding. We guarded our mealtimes with our children as they grew up.   Dr. Luke Johnson points out, in his commentary on Luke, another purpose for meals within both Hellenis...

Luke 13:22-35 On the road to Jerusalem Jesus is confronted by those who oppose him. He responds by clarifying priorities.

Luke 2:6-20; 13:22-24 The story has been told so often from so many different angles and cultural perspectives that it may not reflect the actual events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Do we really need a savior? The modern situation is that we need to be self reliant. Sin is overrated. Sin is old fashioned.  “But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call H...

Luke 2:10,11 Did the first Christmas come as a surprise? Does God always wait until the last moment to announce his purposes? Is that how God works in our lives as well?

Luke 2:10,11 Good news brings joy and is coupled with hope! And the really goods news is that it is for all people!

I wonder why the shepherds were afraid when they saw the angel.  What were they expecting, anticipating at that moment?  How would I react if an angel just showed up? Different reactions from Scripture: Abraham and Lot – invited them to eat and stay Gideon – had a discussion of his doubts Zechariah was troubled and then fear fell on him Mary was troubled but curious The shepherds are filled with g...

In this passage there is a direct confrontation between two very different world views.  In the first one, you can see that the leaders mentioned control people through different means of coercion. Pilate is mentioned here for the first time, as the direct confrontation lies in the direct future of this band of travelers on their way to Jerusalem.  Rome had a policy of ruling with direct power and...

Background with the Pharisees and the Lawyers: their reaction to Jesus and now how Jesus sees the road to the cross developing more clearly. He addresses the large crowd after addressing the disciples. Look at this text within its context, both time wise and in the reactions of the people who are with Jesus at the time: Unlike many prophecies and the focus of his ministry regarding healing, Jesus...

The difficulty in understanding this portion of scripture is trying to divide it up when it is all happening in one day and it all ties together!  Chapters 11 and 12 are one day in the life of Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. (9:51) The importance of these dialogues is evident from the amount of time Luke spends sharing the content of what Jesus is saying!  Remember, from the early days of Jesus...

Jesus is a teacher and prophet, not a lawyer He uses all events to teach Again he uses stories to tell of great spiritual truths:  Life is a gift from God! No amount of possessions, however abundant can make it greater or give it security! “What Is Love? “Love is doing what’s best for someone else, whatever it takes.” (Pastor Tyler McKenzie - Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, KT) Love is N...

Jesus focuses on the core deception of the Pharisees which is a lie, which they ultimately believe! It leads not only to self deception, but feeds on pride, greed, and a judgmental attitude. This is what feeds hypocrisy. Hypocrisy:  a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.  So Jesus teaches the disciples how to gua...

Dr. Jones responds to Brad’s questions regarding “Anger”. We explore why the religious leaders got so angry that they were willing to plot murder.

The first part of the encounter demonstrates that Jesus doesn’t rebuke the crowd for their obvious avoidance of issues they raise – ie. how could the devil do something good and wonderful?  Or don’t you see what a folly your statement is about prophets?  He doesn’t justify, but instead uses illustrations to call all the listeners to repentance. Then he focuses on matters of justice, and the love o...

Introduction to the Journey through Luke series and a brief background to the host, Brad Thurston

Introduction This series of responses come as a result of Jesus healing a mute person. There were three responses: those who were amazed, those who accused him of being a devil, and those who wanted to test him.  His response is quite revealing: Response #1 to the accusations A divided Kingdom will not stand If God is at work, then his Kingdom is present If you are with me then your house can be c...

What happens when Kingdoms clash? The more powerful one wins. Why is that so important to us? What do we need to know about two spiritual Kingdoms who are in conflict with one another? As Jesus nears Jerusalem, he makes it clear to those who will listen.  Read Text A remarkable event with a deaf dumb person who is completely healed takes place. How would you respond if you were there? There are 3...

Review:  the main lesson for the disciples and key instructions: How to get to know the Father: in prayer is the answer from Chapter 10 The model prayer of Jesus is phase 1 The importance of persistence is phase 2 The receiving of the Holy Spirit from the Father is phase 3   Read Text How important is it to us to get to know the Father? Jesus tells this parable which all who heard it would underst...