1/20/2016 Day 20 - Luke 15 - FoundConnecting to the Larger StoryIn addition to teaching in the synagogues and performing miracles of healing and signs, Jesus also taught his disciples privately and crowds along the way. His teachings often focused on how the people were called to live fully into the kingdom of God and what that kingdom is like. Important to Note 1) The religious leaders were upset that Jesus so often associated with tax collectors, sinners, and other people they looked down upon. In their minds, a true teacher and follower of God would not hang around with such a bad crowd but would instead shun them for the more upstanding members of society. On this occasion, Jesus told three stories called parables to illustrate why he explain why he did what he did and to convict these religious leaders of their own misguided notions. In each of these stories, someone finds something or someone who was lost and rejoices. The point that Jesus made with these stories is that God sent him to find those who have lost their way. Where the religious leaders see a scandal of one of their own associating so closely with sinners, God rejoices at those who repent and now have hope because of Jesus. 2) It is in conflicts like this one with the religious leaders that Jesus found himself at odds with the powers that were. The leaders recognized in the stories that he told that they are being named as the jealous older brother who does not celebrate the younger brother's return. Many of them were infuriated by his remarks, and some were worried about how the common people may revolt under his leadership. In time, they began to look for ways to stop him. It should be noted that not all of the Pharisees and religious leaders were opposed to Jesus. For instance, in John 3, we hear of the Pharisee Nicodemus who came to learn more from Jesus and continued to follow him. Thoughts for Reflection1) How do stories help us see things we otherwise might not see?
2) How do Jesus' teachings challenge us? 1/19/2016 Day 19 - Luke 4:14-44 - Good NewsConnecting to the Larger StoryAfter overcoming his temptations in the wilderness, Jesus was ready to begin his ministry. He wandered through the towns of Galilee, preaching the good news and healing many along the way. Important to Note1) In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus reads a Scripture from the prophet Isaiah that sums up his mission to preach the good news of God's kingdom and to help all those in need. Remembering him merely as the son of Joseph the carpenter, the people are amazed and then enraged by his rebuke of them. 2) Coming to Capernaum, Jesus' teaching and his ability to heal the sick and possessed is embraced and word begins to spread about him. People begin to follow him in hopes of keeping him for themselves, but Jesus proclaims his mission again - to preach the good news of God's kingdom far and wide. Thoughts for Reflection1) Why did Jesus receive such different reactions in Nazareth and Capernaum?
2) How do we try to keep Jesus for ourselves? Connecting to the Larger StoryNot much is known of Jesus' story from the time of his birth until he began his public ministry around thirty years old. Before he began his ministry of preaching, healing, and calling disciples, Jesus made his way to where his kinsman John the Baptist was already engaged in public ministry. Important to Note1) Jesus prepared for his ministry by being baptized by John who had already begun preaching the message of repentance because of the coming of the kingdom of heaven, a message that Jesus would repeat. 2) After his baptism and before beginning his work, Jesus went into the wilderness to face temptation in preparation for the difficult road ahead of him. He fasted for forty days and then faced three tests. With each test he uses Scripture to combat the desire to prove himself as the Son of God and to grasp his power for himself. Thoughts for Reflection1) Who has laid the groundwork for your life in faith?
2) Why did Jesus need to face temptation before starting his work? How do trials shape us for ministry? 1/17/2016 Day 17 - Luke 2:1-20 - SaviorConnecting to the Larger StoryEventually the people of Judah were released from exile in Babylon and many returned to a land left in ruin. In time, they rebuilt Jerusalem, its walls, and its temple. Yet control over Judah passed from one empire to the next, and its people struggled for independence and waited even more expectantly the Messiah, the anointed one, to bring God's salvation and lead them. Important to Note1) We are told that Jesus' birth occurred during the time of Caesar Augustus. By noting this time, Luke reminds us of the situation into which Jesus is born. Judea (Judah, now a province of Rome) is under Roman control, and the emperor at its helm is increasingly making claims of being divine himself by taking the title "Son of God". Jesus' birth in the midst of this situation will bring peace to those whom God favors. The ensuing struggle between Jesus as God's anointed and the Roman authorities is set from the beginning. 2) While few outside the shepherds noted his birth to a common worker and his wife at the time of a census that had brought them far from their home, Jesus was born to a family in the line of King David in the town of Bethlehem, the hometown of David. In a manger attended by shepherds, Jesus was born in a lowly, humble place to small acclaim rather than in a palace to great rejoicing. He came not for the rich and powerful but for the lowly and downtrodden. Thoughts for Reflection1) What situations do we face today that make us need Jesus?
2) What kind of people would Jesus come to now? |
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February 2016
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