Learning From Luke

 They All Ate and Were Filled: With only two small fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus feeds a multitude of over 5000 people. This episode explores the message behind the miracle when “they all ate and were filled.” 

In Luke 8:40-56, Jesus heals a woman suffering from a blood issue for twelve years and raises Jairus' twelve-year-old daughter from the dead. Both miracles highlight the power of faith in Jesus' ability to transform dire situations. Once again Luke shows the need to overcome fear, trust in divine timing, and find hope even in the face of despair.

When a man possessed with many demons is healed by Jesus, his changed life is evident to all.  He longs to follow after and learn from the One who has saved and restored his life. But Jesus does not allow the man to return with Him to Galilee. Instead, He instructs the man to return to his home and society and allow his changed life to illustrate the greatness and goodness of God.

 Who Can This Be? Jesus’ authority over the winds and the water bewilders the disciples. Their question reflects their attempts to understand the implication of such a display of power. No ordinary man can do what Jesus is doing; therefore, He is no ordinary man.

My Mother and My Brothers: When Jesus’ earthly family seeks Him, His response is shocking and insightful. In this episode, the Lord elevates the spiritual relationship He has with His followers in a remarkable way.

Take Heed How You Hear: Why did Jesus teach in parables? In this episode, we will explore the answer as we dissect Jesus’ famous Parable of the Sower, or more appropriately named the Parable of the Soils: Luke 8:4-15.

When Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisees named Simon, his prophetic powers are called into question. But Jesus once again turns the tables on the skeptics and the doubters. Find out why Jesus tells Simon, “you gave me no kiss.”

Jesus seeks to encourage John with a reassuring message—a message meant to strengthen the faith of an isolated prophet and a reminder to all that anyone who lays aside preconceived notions and expectations and simply surrenders to the Lord’s plan will be blessed—a message delivered long ago when Jesus said, “Go tell John…”

After Jesus displays His remarkable power over disease and death, what is the lesson to learn? After witnessing the miracles and message of Jesus, it becomes more and more evident that God has visited  His people.

 Why Do You Call Me Lord, Lord?  As Jesus draws his sermon to a close, he asks his audience this important question.  This episode highlights Jesus’ instructions on how to avoid being surprised on the final day of judgment.

 In this episode, we discuss one of the most challenging commands in the New Testament—“love your enemies.” In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus gives four proactive mandates to His disciples: (1) love your enemies; (2) do good to those who hate you; (3) bless those who curse you; and (4) pray for those who despitefully use you.  It is only when we reflect the love Jesus demands of us will we reflect God to the...

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?