Learning From Luke

 (Luke 22:31-34). Before Peter denies the Lord, Jesus gives the apostle a sobering prediction—a prophecy that would ultimately lead him back to the Christ. But Jesus also will manifest His care and concern for  the faith of His followers when He lets Peter know, “I have prayed for you.”

(Luke 22:21-30). As Jesus approaches the cross and prepares His apostles for His impending death, astonishingly, they focus on themselves. In this episode, we discover how Jesus turned the world’s definition of success upside down as He redefines true greatness.

(Luke 22:14-20): As we study this passage, Jesus’ words draws our focus on two themes that rise naturally from the text: the pattern and the purpose of the Lord's Supper. Many discussions have centered on the mechanics of communion, while others have focused exclusively on its meaning. But Scripture emphasizes both. The Lord gave His disciples a pattern to follow and a purpose to remember. Whe...

(Luke 22:7-13): As Jesus approaches His sacrificial death, He instructs His disciples to prepare the final Passover He would eat with them. At first glance, this passage may seem like a simple account of logistics. Yet, beneath these details lies a powerful revelation of God’s providence, Christ’s divine knowledge, and His sovereign control over the events leading to the cross.

(Luke 22:1-6): Before Judas betrayed Jesus, Luke gives this unsettling detail. What are the lessons that can be learned from the statement, “Satan entered Judas”?

(Luke 21:20-36). God’s imminent judgment upon Jerusalem continues to be the theme of Luke 21. Jesus sets out to warn His disciples and preparing them by giving them signs to watch for in order to escape the destruction that awaits their unfaithful nation. Being able to stand before the Son of Man will depend upon whether one is prepared for the coming judgment. This episode’s focus is on the Lord’...

(Luke 21:5-19). When Jesus gives the ominous prediction concerning the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple, His words are filled with admonition and exhortation. What is the faithful response to persecution? Jesus cautions His followers to remain grounded in truth despite false claims, wars, and troubling events. He also teaches that these hardships provide a platform to testify of their faith and u...

(Luke 21:1-4). During His final week, Jesus observes those who were donating to the Temple treasury. This episode highlights a teachable moment when a poor widow gives only two mites. How is it that Jesus could say that she gave more than all?

(Luke 20:41-44). Returning to the subject of His authority, Jesus confronts the Pharisees with a question of His own. If the Christ is the the son of David, why did king David refer to Him as Lord? This episode explores the implications of David’s mysterious statement in the Book of Psalms (110:1).

(Luke 20:27-40). When Jesus is challenged by the Sadducees who reject the resurrection of the dead, the Lord responds with irrefutable reasoning from the scriptures.

(Luke 20:20-25). This episode discusses the delicate balance between a Christian’s relationship with God and government.

(Luke 20:9-19). In the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, Jesus predicts how many of Israel will respond to the sending of God’s only Son. In this teaching, the Lord highlights the patience, mercy, and love of God while warning of the severe consequences faced by those who reject the Son of God. 

(Luke 20:1-8). This question from Jesus highlights the only two sources of authority. During the week of His crucifixion, Jesus is tested on all sides. This episode explores Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and reveals several important truths about authority in religion.

(Luke 19:41-46). This quote from Jesus shows the degree of corruption among those who turned the holy temple into a market place of self-serving merchants. This episode highlights lessons learned from the second temple cleansing during the last week of Jesus’ ministry.

(Luke 19:28-40). Throughout His ministry, Jesus carefully orchestrated the timeline by preventing others from disclosing what they saw or heard. But, as He enters Jerusalem to finish His work, it is time to throw off the cloak of obscurity. As He openly displays His Messianic claims, it is impossible for His followers to contain their praise. This episode unpacks some of the details surrounding Je...

 (Luke 19:11-27).  In the Parable of the Pounds (Minas), Jesus highlights three categories of people: the faithful disciple, the fearful steward, and the foolish rebel. This episode explores three reasons why Jesus presents this parable and some important takeaways.  

(Luke 19:1-10).  This declaration summarizes the essence of the gospel message and explains why Jesus associates with sinners. In this episode we examine the Lord’s visit to the home of Zacchaeus, which practically demonstrates Jesus’ mission and perfectly highlight that it matters not what kind of sinner one is, because of the kind of Savior He is!

(Luke 18:35-43). When the blind Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus for mercy, the Gentle Healer asks an insightful question that reveals something about Jesus and ourselves. This episode highlights some of the remarkable changes brought to this blind man’s life the day that Jesus passed by.

(Luke 18:18-27). When a rich, young, ruler turns away from Jesus because he refused to give up his wealth, the disciples asked, “Who then can be save?” This episode notes how the Lord challenges the disciples to fully trust in God rather than riches.

(Luke 18:9-14). This episode highlights the Lord’s application of His Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. Two men when up to pray, but only one went down justified. What is the lesson Jesus wants Christians to learn?

This episode explores the Parable of the Persistent Widow; a parable Jesus taught so that men ought to always pray and not lose heart. Times of uncertainty will cause the disciples to grow weary and even cause some to question God’s promises or even God’s care for them. When the righteous are surrounded by indifference and are tempted by materialism, Jesus wants His disciples to pray (Luke 18:1-8)...

When Jesus is asked by the Pharisees about when the kingdom of God would come, His response is insightful and filled with admonition. The Lord exhorts His disciples concerning His Second Coming and the need to be ready for the final judgment of the world. Those who seek to save their lives, whose hearts turn from God and seek after the things of this world, are certain to lose everything when Jesu...

(Luke 17:11-19): After Jesus heals ten lepers, only one returns to give glory to God. This episode highlights who the unlikely worshiper was and why Jesus calls attention to the gratitude shown.

 (Luke 17:1-4) In this episode, we examine the Lord’s warning of sinning against another (offenders; verses 1-2), and also how we should respond when we have been sinned against (offended; verses 3-4). Jesus enlightens us on the full picture of reconciliation and the important role of both repentance and forgiveness.

In this episode, part 2 of 2, after a rich man dies, he is filled with regrets as he faces eternity suffering a fate that is worse than fire. When he prays for his family to witness a miracle lest they also end up in torment, the startling response he receive indicates the powerful testimony of scripture.