Luke 15

Posted on December 20, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 15: The Lost Sheep

Jesus gathers the Publicans and the sinners to hear Him, while the Pharisees and Scribes murmur that He is eating with sinners.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Sheep;

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth no leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friend and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:4-7)

Why is it important to rejoice over the Lost Sheep? Because you don’t want anyone to perish! We should have compassion on everyone! The other 99 sheep, why not worry about them? Well, they have not run away or slipped off the path from the rest. The 99 are just as important, but they are not in as much need as the ones who are Lost. Either way you should celebrate when someone or something has been found.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Coin (piece of silver);

“…what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I lost. Likewise… there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:8-10)

This is the same thing as the Parable of the Lost Sheep, we should value everyone. If everyone is on the path and is not lost, great! However, those who have fallen off the path and are Lost, have need to be found!

Jesus tells the Parable of the Prodigal Son;

“…A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me of the portion of goods that falleth to me [inheritance]. And he divided unto them his living…the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living [being rebellious and irresponsible]….when he spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land: and he began to be in want… he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine…. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” (Luke 15:11-15;17-19)

So, this son goes to his father and asks for his inheritance now. The father agrees and the son wastes the money, and is forced to find employment with a man who apparently does not pay him enough to eat properly and he hungers. So he decides to return home to his father, where he plans on becoming one of the hired servants.

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:20-21)

The son was embarrassed and told his father that he had sinned by wasting his money and that he was no longer worthy to be his son. But the father reacts in a rather unexpected manner…

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:22-23)

Instead of scolding his son, the father was so happy to see him that he wanted to put on a huge feast in celebration of his return. The older son, when he hears about this is angered. So the father comes out to find the older brother to talk about why he was angry. The older son claims that he had worked hard, without transgression and yet the younger son sinned and wasted away the fathers money on all manner of sin. The father responds to the elder son; “… Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32)

Essentially the father reminds the older son, that everything the father has is still his. He is not going to lose his inheritance, but that they should still celebrate the homecoming of the younger son. We need to remember this, that just because a sinner is being celebrated for getting back on the right path, does not mean that a good person who never sins doesn’t get a big feast. For that time will come!

Luke 14

Posted on December 19, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 14: Humility

Jesus goes into the home of the Chief Pharisee, to eat bread on the Sabbath day. There was a man who had dropsy; which was an old term for the swelling of soft tissue due to the accumulation of water. Today however, this might mean edema, due to congestive heart failure. Jesus heals the man and let him go. The Pharisees held their peace and did not say anything to Jesus for having cured the man on the Sabbath. Even though the Pharisees held their peace, Jesus knew that they were questioning Him for having done this great miracle.

Even though none of them questioned Jesus, Jesus knew the desires of their hearts and asks them; “…Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5) Jesus then tells them that they should not sit down at a wedding in the highest room, without starting at the lowest. He explains that you want to start at the lowest place and have the host or someone more honorable than you to invite you to come to a higher room; “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased [degraded or have your dignity or self-esteem lowered]; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) In other words Jesus is telling them that they should humble themselves and they will be lifted up and honored. But those who try and make themselves great will only be degraded and lowered. Moral of the story, be humble!

“…When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours… But when thou makest a feat, call the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Jesus then puts forth a Parable of the Great Supper…

“…A certain man made a great supper, and bade many [he invited many]: And he sent his servant at supper time to say… all things are no ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse [one by one they made excuses and left (18-20)]… that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets… of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt [lame], and the blind… And the lord said unto the servant… none of those men which were bidden [invited] shall taste of my supper…” (Luke 14:16-24)

Jesus uses this Parable to explain, that those who are invited, that choose not to come unto the Lord will not taste of his supper. He says; “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren and sisters, yea, and even his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) In order to follow Jesus Christ, we cannot have excuses, we must be able to follow Him at all times and sacrifice everything, if necessary for Him. Jesus says we must hate ourselves and everyone around us. What did He mean? He meant that we need to put Him first, then our families second. This does not mean that we don’t love our families, but we need to remember that God is Almighty, and He needs to be first in our lives.

For if we don’t put Him first we are like salt that has lost its flavor, if this be, what good are we?

Luke 13

Posted on December 18, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 13: Repent or Perish

Jesus tells us that the Galileans who were killed by Pilate at a sacrifice, or the eighteen people who were killed by a falling tower at Siloam, were not worse sinners than anyone else. He says; “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)

He speaks of the Parable of the Fig Tree;

“…A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sough fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find non: cut it down…. he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it. And if it bear fruit, well: and if it not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” (Luke 13:7-9) Essentially the certain man was God, and He was coming to remove any fruit that did not produce good fruit, while the dresser of the vineyard, Prophets, Apostles and other men on earth plead with the Lord to give that tree or person another year to produce good fruit. If it were not for the dressers of the vineyard, the bad plants would have been cut and burned.

While teaching in the Synagogue a woman who had a problem with her spine came in and was healed and straightened out by the Lord. The ruler of the synagogue was displeased by this action on the Sabbath, and Jesus responds; “…Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?” (Luke 13:15) The man was a complete hypocrite and did not allow for a woman to be healed, but could lead his animals to drink.

Jesus then explains that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, and leaven. The Mustard seed is the smallest of all the seeds, yet is one of the biggest when fully grown. We must strive to enter through the narrow gate to salvation, which will eventually be shut, causing wailing and gnashing of teeth, for Jesus will say; “… I know you not…” (Luke 13:27) Jesus laments for Jerusalem and its unwillingness, saying; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather he brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34)

Luke 12

Posted on December 17, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 12: Much is Given, Much is expected

Jesus teaches to a multitude that is without number, so much so that they were on top of each other to gather closer to Jesus. He teaches that “…there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid that shall not be known.” (Luke 12:2) The Kingdom of God is not secret, but sacred. Those things that we do not understand now, we will understand later, for all things will one day be revealed.

Jesus explains that we should no fear physical death, nor fear those who can bring inflict that death upon us; “…Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do… ye shall fear… him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell…” (Luke 12:4) We should never fear the power of humans, for if someone wants to kill, that is all they can do. No one, besides God can “kill” us beyond physical death. We have no need to fear man, but only God.

Jesus then reminds His followers that they are precious in the eyes of God; “…even the very hairs on your head all are numbered. Fear not therefore…” (Luke 12:7) Those who follow God, and do not deny Him, the same shall not be denied before the angels of heaven. Jesus warns, that those “…that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost… shall not be forgiven.” (Luke 12:10) But those who do follow the Holy Ghost do not need to fear before men; for unto him “…the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” (Luke 12:12)

Jesus reminds the people that the animals (more specifically ravens/birds) of the world do not have storehouses, or farms. Yet “…God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:24) Essentially, God love us, and we needed to be reminded of His love. Jesus also explains that we should not have a “…doubtful mind… your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things…. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Luke 12:29-31)

Jesus teaches those gathered that where “…much is given, of him shall be much required…” (Luke 12:48) If the Lord blesses us, we have an obligation to repay that debt. We will be called upon. Jesus ends His speaking in the chapter in a very interesting way, He asks; “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.” (Luke 12:51) So if Jesus is not come to give peace, He is come to cause division? He explains that, YES, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will cause division; “…there shall be five in one house divided… The father shall be divided against the son…” (Luke 12:52-52) etc.

This division I find to be very interesting, especially in the current time. Look at the United States of America, and the division that has been caused over the past decade or so. The country is almost 50% divided on issues. A house, divided cannot stand. Jesus knew this, and was telling His Apostles and followers that this would be a sign of the end times.

Luke 11

Posted on December 16, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 11: Jesus is Angry

As Jesus prayed, one of the Apostles came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray. So Jesus tells them; “…When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:2-4)

A few things to remember… Jesus showed them HOW to pray, and NOT how to REPEAT and MEMORIZE. Let’s recall Matthew 6, where Jesus also spoke about prayer. He said; “…when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men… But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:5, 7) I think it is clear that Jesus has taught us that we are NOT to use VAIN REPETITIONS, which literally means:

VAIN: ‘excessively proud, empty of substance, devoid of meaning.’

REPETITION: ‘repeating of something, something the same as before.’

So, when WE PRAY, we need to follow the OUTLINE Jesus has given us, but we are not to repeat what He said, word for word. So what is the outline Jesus gave us? Let’s break up what Jesus said…

Address our Heavenly Father; “…When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven…” (Luke 11:2)
Show respect by using the formal in whatever language you are speaking. For example, in English, we should us “thou, thee, thine… etc.” instead of “you and your” Jesus shows this respect; “…Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come….” (Luke 11:2)
We need to remember that when addressing our Heavenly Father that were are to THANK HIM for what we have, and accept HIS WILL in all things. “…Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth…” (Luke 11:2)
After having addressed our Heavenly Father with respect, thanking Him for what we have been blessed with, we can then ask for the desires of our heart; “…Give us day by day our daily bread…” (Luke 11:3)
Finally we can ask for forgiveness and ask that we might not be lead into temptation; “…And forgive our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:2-4) Finally to end the prayer, we close “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Jesus did not include this part, because he would have no need to close in His own name.

Jesus explains that our prayers should not be limited to simple, or any sort of memorized repetition, but rather a heart-felt conversation with God, our Father in Heaven. He explains; “…Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)

A man comes to Jesus that is possessed of a devil, and Jesus casts the devil out. However, some that witnessed this event say; “…He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.” (Luke 11:15) Jesus of course heard these comments and explains that a “…house dived against a house falleth.” (Luke 11:17) He asks; “If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?” (Luke 11:18) Essentially Jesus is saying that it makes no sense for Satan to be casting out devils, which he had placed there in the first place. If Satan were to allow this, he would be going against himself, and a house divided against itself cannot stand. Some still argued against him, but one woman suggests that the mother of Jesus was a blessed woman (Luke 11:27), while I think Jesus believes that, and agrees with the woman, Jesus tells her and the crowd; “…Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28) Jesus explains to them that He is greater than both Jonas and Solomon, and that He is the only sign the evil generation would receive.

Jesus explains that “The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.” (Luke 11:34) This can easily be applied to not only the time Jesus was on the earth, but also in our own day. We see that the internet has brought the evils of Sodom and Gomorrah to our own home. This tidal wave of evil comes in many forms, but Pornography is one of the most rampant. If our eye beholds this evil, we WILL lose LIGHT, and our body will be filled with filth and darkness.

Jesus goes on to scold the Scribes, Pharisees and Lawyers, saying “Woe unto you…” (Luke 11:44,46, 47, and 52) Because of this evil generation, the blood of the righteous will be required. Jesus reminds them that God sent Prophets and Apostles to the earth to lead and guide His children, however He sent them with the knowledge, that “…some of them they shall slay and persecute.” (Luke 11:49)

Luke 10

Posted on December 15, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 10: The Seventy

“…the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place…” (Luke 10:1)

Jesus then explains to the newly organized group of the ‘Seventy’ that the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. He tells them that he sends them as sheep, among the wolves. He gives them instruction to carry no money, and upon entering a house to say; “…Peace be to this house.” (Luke 10:5) and in whatever house a Seventy or Missionary should enter to “…eat such things as are set before you:” (Luke 10:8)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has a Quorum of the Seventy, as shown in the below Organization of Christ’s Restored Church:

Jesus tells them exactly what to say if a city rejects them…

“Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.” (Luke 10:11-15)

Jesus tells the Seventy that those “…that heareth you heareth me: and he that despiseth you despiseth me…” (Luke 10:16) The Seventy shout for Joy at their new callings! They explain; “…even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” (Luke 10:17) Jesus tells them to not rejoice because they have the power over devils, but rejoice because their names will be written in heaven. Jesus explains that He is happy that God the Father has “…hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes…” (Luke 10:21) Essentially Jesus is telling them, and the reader today that the things of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are not perceived by wisdom, but by the simple of understanding and knowledge; ‘babes’. Jesus tells the Seventy that they should be grateful for knowing the things they know, because many rulers have desired to know and see the things which they had witnessed.

A man among them, who was an attorney, asks Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asks him how he interprets the writings and he explains to Jesus that all he needs to do is “…love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” (Luke 10:27) Jesus tells the man that he is correct, but the man then asks Jesus; “…who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

In response to the man’s question, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan…

“…A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment [clothes], and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead…. There came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” (Luke 10:30-32)

So, there was a ‘certain man’, who we assume was Jewish, but may or may not have been Jewish, is robbed, beaten and left for dead. The road he was on was probably heavily traveled, so it is not surprising that two people had walked by him in a fairly short period of time. Although time is not mentioned, I personally believe that the events all took place within the same daylight. Both a priest and a Levite pass the man, forgetting the simple ‘love thy neighbor’.

Jesus continues the Parable; “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” (Luke 10:33-35)

So, we learn that no matter what faith, gender or race we should show compassion on one another. Jesus asks the man who proposed the ‘who is my neighbor’ question, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves? And he said He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)

The answer to the man’s question was easy, and the Parable of the Good Samaritan really hammers the message home. No matter who we are dealing with, even our enemies… when someone needs help we help!

Luke 9

Posted on December 14, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 9: Jesus Heals and Teaches

Jesus calls His Apostles together and gives them Power and Authority, (see Luke 9:1)

Jesus then sends His 12 to “…preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey… neither bread, nor money… whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” (Luke 9:2-3, 5) Notice how Jesus gave those who preached His Gospel, Power and Authority? You cannot claim Power and Authority because of the knowledge of man, nor can you claim Power and Authority because of the Bible. No, you must receive Authority from someone who has the Authority, in this case Jesus. Because Jesus is not on the earth today, it must be received from an Apostle, Prophet or someone who has the Priesthood Authority. I personally can trace my Priesthood Authority by names, back to Jesus Christ.

Because of all the great things that were occurring, Herod finds out and desires to see Jesus. The Apostles warn Jesus that Herod may try to capture or kill him and Jesus leads them; “…privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.” (Luke 9:10) There Jesus has a large gathering and after instructing them commands that they return to the cities to find a place to sleep. Before they leave, Jesus desires to feed them. The Apostles come to Jesus, and say; “…We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.” (Luke 9:13) There were about five thousand gathered. Jesus commands that they sit in companies of fifty and he took the five loaves and two fishes and blesses them. He then commands the Apostles to distribute the food among them all, afterward collecting twelve baskets of “fragments” as leftovers.

After the followers had retired to their respective cities, Jesus was praying alone when He asked the Apostles; “…Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.” (Luke 9:18-19) Jesus then asks them again; “…But whom say ye that I am?” Peter answered and said; “…The Christ of God.” (Luke 9:20) Jesus tells them to keep this and tell no man. He explains that He will be rejected, slain (crucified) and rise on the third day. He gives them a charge that if any man wants to follow Him, they must deny themselves and take up his own cross; “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:24)

Eight days later… Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain to pray, and while there His countenance was changed, His clothing was white and glistering. Jesus spoke with two men; Moses and Elias. Peter makes a silly suggestion that they build a tabernacle for Jesus, Moses and Elias. This is when God overshadows them in a cloud and says; “…This is my beloved Son, here him.” (Luke 9:35) Immediately they were found alone with Jesus, and commanded to tell know one of what had happened.

The next day, as they came off of the mountain, they were met by a multitude of the followers of Jesus Christ. A man comes to Jesus and asks Him to heal his child, who was possessed by a devil. The man tells Jesus that he had already asked one of His Apostles, and they were unable to heal the child. Jesus was a little upset that they couldn’t do it without Him, but heals the child anyways. He then explains to His Apostles that He would be “…delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying… and they feared to ask him of that saying.” (Luke 9:45)

For whatever reason, the Apostles simultaneously start thinking about which of the Apostles is the greatest, Jesus, perceiving their thoughts sits a child down near Himself and says; “…Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me… for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.” (Luke 9:48) The Apostle John responds to this and explains that they had forbidden a man from casting out a devil, because the man was not part of them. Jesus explains; “…Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” (Luke 9:50)

So do you need Authority? YES! But Jesus explains that anyone who wants to attempt those things, without authority can do so. Whoever is not against the Church or Gospel of Christ, is for it. For this purpose The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the “…privilege of worshipping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” (Articles of Faith 1:11)

Jesus and the Apostles go to the village of the Samaritans, but are not received. Aftering seeing Jesus being rejected; James and John said to Jesus; “…Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Jesus turned to them and scolded them; “…Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them…” (Luke 9:55-56)

Jesus and His Apostles travel to another village, where they are met by a man who desired to follow Jesus. Jesus accepts the man’s proposal and He tells them man to follow Him. But the man asks Jesus; “…suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but thou go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60) Another man approaches Jesus and asks to follow Him, and when Jesus agrees, the man asks Jesus for time to go home and say farewell to his family. But Jesus tells him; “…No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Jesus taught clearly that His Gospel is so important, that we do not have time for the little things in Life. When we follow Him, we must put our full strength in, and our feet forward. Looking back to our old ways of life will do us no good. Following Christ is forward thinking, and moving. Always following His path!

Luke 8

Posted on December 13, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 8: Miracles of Jesus

Jesus went throughout all the cities “…preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God…” (Luke 8:1)

Jesus relates the Parable of the Sower:

“A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold…” (Luke 8:5-8) Jesus then explains to His Apostles that “…the seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are those who hear… The rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” (Luke 8:11-14)

Essentially those who hear the words of God and plant the seed of that goodness in good ground, they will rise up and produce good fruit. Those however that are around thorns (temptations or evils) will be choked out. Those who simply don’t have a standing will wither. We must plant our seeds of the gospel in good ground and surround ourselves with good things or else we will wither or choke.

After giving this Parable the Apostles along with Jesus travel by boat to their next destination, however a storm rises… The Apostles, scared, turn to Jesus and say; “…Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was calm.” (Luke 8:24)

The Apostles were scared and had forgotten the power of the Lord, after all they had seen many miracles by Jesus, yet forgot that He would not let them perish. Jesus turns to them; “…Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! For he commandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:25)

They arrive in the country of Gaderenes, which is against Galilee. When they were there they ran into a man possessed of many devils. The man’s name was Legion, and he had been possessed by devils for years. Jesus commands the devils to leave the man, and they do. But they plead to have a body, so Jesus permits them to enter into a herd of swine (pigs), which upon entering them ran off a cliff and choked in a lake. The man Legion proclaims the miracle of Jesus throughout all the land!

Jesus continues His journeys and while walking a woman, who had suffered a disease of the blood reached out and touched the garment of Jesus, in hopes of being healed. Jesus upon feeling the touch, stopped, and said; “…I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” (Luke 8:46) The woman admitted to touching Jesus and comes and kneels down before Him, Jesus heals her and says; “…Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)

Before Jesus could finish what He was doing, there came a ruler of a synagogue’s house that said his daughter was dead. He turns to the man and says; “…Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.” (Luke 8:50) Jesus explains that she is not actually dead, but sleeps. He comes into the girl and tells her to arise, and she does! Jesus tells the parents to tell no man of what they saw.

Luke 7

Posted on December 12, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 7: Follow Jesus Christ

After Jesus had finished speaking with those gathered, He traveled to Capernaum, where He is asked to heal a centurion’s servant. The centurion tells Jesus that He doesn’t need Him to come back to his house, because he is not worthy of the Lord to enter into his home. But the man still believed that Jesus could heal his servant, and Jesus did. The servant was healed and Jesus proclaimed that the Centurion had great faith.

Jesus then travels to the city of Nain. When Jesus arrived He noticed a funeral procession, where a young man had died and his mother was distraught. Jesus saw her, and had compassion on her. Jesus the goes and commands the boy to arise, and he does. Jesus brought the young man back from the dead. The people who witnessed this great even were fearful; nonetheless they were filled with a sense of joy that God had sent such a great prophet to be among them. Jesus tells the witnesses to spread what they saw far and wide. The news spread throughout all of Judea.

Some of the servants of John the Baptists come and speak with Jesus and ask Him; “…Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?” (Luke 7:20) Jesus explains to them that it is Him who was to come after John the Baptist and while healing the sick, blind, lame and deaf He tells the messenger to relay what they saw to John. So the messengers depart. Jesus then explains to those gathered that John the Baptist was the one who was sent before Him, to prepare the way.

Jesus explains that there is “…not a greater prophet than John the Baptist…” (Luke 6:28)

Those who heard Jesus, the publicans justified God by being baptized by John. But the Pharisees and lawyers “…rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” (Luke 6:30)

Why did the Pharisees and lawyers reject the baptism of John? Because they did not understand the word of God! Instead they were not baptized by the proper authority, which is extremely important in baptism, for without the proper priesthood authority one will only get wet.

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and while eating a sinful woman came and anointed Him with alabaster oil. She also washed His feet with tears and dried them with the hair on her head. A Pharisee in the dinner party took no time to criticize Jesus ; “…This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:39)

Jesus then turns to Simon and says; “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefor, which of them will love him most?” (Luke 7:42) Simon tells Jesus that he supposes the one who owed the most would be happier and love the creditor more. Jesus explains that Simon is correct and continues; “…Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me not water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet…” (Luke 7:44-45) Jesus finally tells Simon that he failed to do many things, but because the woman was a sinner she loved much when her sins were forgiven. Jesus tells the woman that she is free from her sins and that she is forgiven. He tells her; “…Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

Luke 6

Posted on December 11, 2013 by zachridd Standard Reply

Luke 6: Blessing for the Obedient… woes for the Wicked

On the second Sabbath, Jesus and His Apostles travel through a corn field and plucked ears of corn because they were hungry. Without having stepped much further the Scribes and Pharisees were ready to find fault and begin questioning Jesus; “…Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?” (Luke 6:2) Jesus responds; “…Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungered, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? …the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:3-5)

The Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus doing anything wrong, but even their so called mastery of the scriptures and the word of God was no match for the Son of God himself. The Pharisees did err, because they knew not the scriptures. How could they not see that Jesus was the Christ? The Son of God!?

Jesus continues His journey and enters into a Synagogue to teach, while He was there He saw a man whose right hand was withered. The Scribes and Pharisees again stood by waiting to see if Jesus would heal the man on the Sabbath, and therefore find fault for having healed on the Sabbath. Jesus of course knew their intentions and asked the man to come near and stand up, He then asked the man; “…Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save a life, or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9) Jesus then asked the man to stretch forth his hand so he could heal it, and the hand was restored to a perfect condition.

The Pharisees were angered and communed with one another to figure out what to do with Jesus, for He was clearly violating what they had made up or misunderstood about His own law. The Sabbath day should be kept as a reverent, holy day unto the Lord. If at all possible we should avoid activities that draw away from the Savior or do not bring peace into our homes. Sabbath days are meant to be a day of rest, but also a day of service. The Sabbath is the time to go to church, worship God and spend time with Family. We should avoid working or shopping on this day, so that others can honor the Sabbath day.

Jesus leaves the Pharisees and goes to a mountain to pray (where He prays all night to decide who to call to be His Apostles), those chosen the next day are; Simon (who is also named Peter), Andrew, James, John, Phillips, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon, Judas and Judas Iscariot. Jesus speaks to His apostles and those gathered;

“…Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” (Luke 6:20-22)

Jesus taught that all things will be made right for those trials we go through in life. Jesus continues to address the people gathered; “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28) Jesus taught that we should love our enemies, regardless of what they do to us.

Jesus explains that we must be charitable and give unto others. For what we sow, so shall we reap; “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” (Luke 6:36-37)

Jesus continues by explaining that:

The blind cannot lead the blind (Luke 6:39-40)
Do not judge others when you, yourself are not perfect (Luke 6:41-42)
Every tree brings forth its own fruit, and is known by that fruit (Luke 6:43-45)

Most importantly Jesus explains that those who follow Him, and actually do as He has taught will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock, with a solid foundation. However, those who don’t listen to Jesus or follow His teachings will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. When the floods come the one without a foundation will be washed away. This metaphor can be used in our own lives, if we do not ground ourselves in the doctrines of Christ and follow Him each day… when the storms of Satan come and he tempts us, we might just give into those temptations and wash away.

Jesus asks those who follow Him; “…why call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) Earlier in Matthew we read that Jesus taught; “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in haven.” (Matthew 7:21) Because of this, we are Saved by grace and good works. We cannot simply say we believe in Christ. To believe in Jesus, means that you believe His teachings, and if you believe His teachings you are a follower. Therefore if you follow Jesus, you believe in Him, are a follower of Him and do the will, and good works.