Zion Luke Study

  Luke Chapter 24 With Luke 24 we come to the end of our study/reading of the Gospel of Luke!  It's been a great experience for me to go through this Gospel with you, and I hope you've learned and grown during this time.  It's a wonderful Gospel of contagious joy, written so masterfully by Luke, with themes that run throughout the whole Gospel. In Luke 24 we have Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, both to the women who went to the tomb, and to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  It's a wonderful way for Luke to conclude his story of Jesus, and the joy both ends his Gospel, and leads into his next work, the Acts of the Apostles. What's next for us is focusing in September on My Joy Journal that people on Zion's mail list will be receiving this week, and for others, you can download a PDF on our website at www.zionrdm.com - it'll be up on Sunday for our Tuesday start. And you'll receive an email from me directing you to www.zionjoyjournal.co

 Luke Chapter 23 It is in Luke 23 that we read about the final trial and crucifixion of Jesus.  The man who gave his life for others now goes to his death on the cross.  Yet, even though his death he still loves and care for all people.  He forgave those who were killing him, he saved a criminal from eternal hell, and he commended his Spirit to God in the prayer that parents prayed with their children every night. Be sure to read through Chapter 23 before you listen to the video, just to take in the whole of Luke's story of the death of Jesus. Here's the video: And if you're an old timers you might remember Anne Murray singing The Old Rugged Cross!

Luke Chapter 22 So much is happening in Chapter 22.  It begins with the chief priests and elders looking to find a way to put Jesus to death, but they were fearful of "the people."  Then, in 22:3, Satan entered into Judas.  Remember how the Spirit of God has a substantive quality?  It's the same with Satan's spirit "entering" into Judas.  Remember how, at Jesus' temptation that Satan departed until an "opportune time?"  Well, now is the opportune time for Satan to "enter into" Judas. Jesus celebrates the Passover, and reconstitutes that meal into the Last Supper, and then things move quickly.  The disciple argue, Jesus goes to Gethsemane, is betrayed, arrested, and put on trial.    Tomorrow we experience the death of Jesus in Chapter 23, but for now, just spend some time on Chapter 22.  Here's the video: Here's a wonderful a-cappella version of In Christ Alone - it doesn't have words, but just let the harmony wash over yo

 Luke Chapter 21 In Luke 21 we have Luke's apocalypse, similar to Mark 13 and Matthew 24-25.  These words about the dark end of times encourage us to do one thing - to look for the Son rather than interpret what we think are current "signs." Back in Jesus' time they thought that Jesus was going to usher in God's Kingdom to restore Israel to its universal prominence.  They thought the death of Jesus would bring that, in fact, in Acts 1:6 they asked if Jesus was going to bring about the end of time right then, to which Jesus responded that he didn't know when the end of time would be; neither do the angels, but only God the Father knew that. Those are important words to remember when we hear people reading the tea leaves and saying that our current context fulfills what the apocalyptic portions of Scripture foretold.  But that's what people have thought through every difficult time in history, and it's never need the end.  Instead of reading tea leaves,

Luke Chapter 20 In Luke 20 we again see some themes that have developed over Luke's Gospel.  Jesus, after cleansing the Temple, now teaches "the people" in the Temple and telling them the Good News of the Kingdom.  Still angry, the religious leaders tried to entrap Jesus in a question about his authority, and Jesus turns the question on them.   Jesus then tells a parable against the religious leaders with the imagery of a vineyard in which they would have seen themselves, and turns the tables on them even further.  And he negates a question that the Sadducees asked him, and suddenly they were not able to ask him any more questions, because they feared "the people." The move of the religious leaders is now reaching a fevered pitch, and soon Jesus would go to trial. We only have a few days left, so be sure to read the chapter before each lesson to get the most out of it!   Here's the video:  Here's a wonderful song by Kari Jobe - You Are For Me.   Enjoy!

  Luke Chapter 19 Luke 19 tells of the final ministry of Jesus before he enters into Jerusalem in 19:28.  Remember the pivot verse of 9:51 when Jesus "set his face" to go to Jerusalem?  Well, he finally arrives there. The chapter begins with the delightful story of Zacchaeus, which brings together some themes that were developed in Chapter 18.  Then Jesus tells the parable of the pounds, reminding his disciples (and us!) that it matters what we do with what God has entrusted to us!  As he enters into Jerusalem with the text we often use on Palm Sunday, he goes to turn over the tables in the Temple of those who were selling things to profit themselves. And all the crowds (the people) were spellbound by what they heard (19:48).  Surely Jesus was someone they wanted to know more about! Here's the video: Here's a song I hope you like!  Jesus, Your Mercy.

Luke Chapter 18   Luke 18 is a chapter where we see the importance of who it is that is the target of the teaching.   It begins with a parable about prayer, told to the disciples.   In 18:9 the focus changes to those who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.”   In 18:18 it’s the people (the interested crowds) to whom Jesus says about letting the children come to him.   In 18:28 Jesus responds to a question by Peter, and in 18:31 Jesus talks to the Twelve Apostles, apart from anyone else.  As the chapter ends, Jesus enters Jericho and a large crowd follows him and he heals a blind man sitting by the side of the road, and after the healing, “all the people” praised God. It’s just interesting how the audience changes, which I hope is instructive in what we’ve learned about Luke so far.  Listen in: And here's a newer version of Holy, Holy, Holy that I think you'll really like!

 Luke Chapter 17 Luke 17 is yet another challenging chapter!   And as we begin, think of the move that we’re all on from actuality to potentiality – we’re all on a journey from what/who we are to what we are becoming.   We’re on a move, never static, but always moving from one thing to another.   We always hope it’s growth, but being alive means that we’re all on a journey from actuality (who we are) to what we are becoming.   I think that’s a helpful way to look at Luke 17, and as you listen to the video I think you’ll see how that might make some sense.  On the other hand, when Jesus talks about the coming Kingdom of God (and its potential) he also says it’s actually here, so it’s reversed in the potentiality of the Kingdom being actually here in and among us. It’s not something I’ve thought about before, but I think it might be a key to understanding Luke 17!  Listen in and see what you think: And here's a great new song (to me, at least) by Plumb called Beautifully Broken. 

 Luke Chapter 16 In Luke 16 we have a very challenging chapter with parables and sayings that cut to the core of what it means to follow Jesus!   As he is marching toward Jerusalem he tells a story to his disciples (his followers – this is not one for “the crowds”!)   It’s the parable of the shrewd manager who has cheated his master, is about to get fired, but then does something that his boss commends him for!   It’s one of those hard to understand parables, for sure!   Then Jesus has words about divorce, which are also challenging, but which, I think, needs to be seen in the broader context of Jesus’ love for people.   And then there is the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus – a great and graphic story about how the decisions we make today about the way we use (and misuse) our wealth has long term consequences!   Make sure you have a good cup of coffee and listen in! And here's another wonderful song by the Living Stones Quartet , which I didn't know a while back but t

 Luke Chapter 15 In Luke 15 we have some of the most comforting but also most challenging verses in the New Testament!  The comfort comes with the stories of the shepherd who loses )and finds) a sheep, the woman who loses (and finds), and a Waiting Father who loses (and finds) a lost son.  That's all very nice and comforting! But it's the response of the elder brother that is the point of the chapter.  In the beginning verses the scribes and Pharisees grumbled against Jesus, saying that he welcomes sinners and tax collectors and eats with them.  And Jesus tells this trilogy of parables against them!  The elder brother represents those who don't want riff raff in the kingdom of God, but Jesus says that it is for the riff raff that he came!  What a challenge it must have been for the scribes and Pharisees, and in many ways, it continues to be a challenge to us! So - listen in to the video: And sing along with Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling - Come Home!

  Luke Chapter 14 In Chapter 14 we have continued teachings from Jesus that many outcasts and Gentiles will be a part of the Kingdom of God!  Contrary to the expectation of his hearers, Jewish outcasts and Gentiles outside of the people of Israel will be a part of the Kingdom, as Jesus continues to reject Jerusalem, who had rejected him. In the familiar story of the banquet where people chose the preferred seats at the table, Jesus says that the least will be first, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.  And in the parable of the Great Banquet there is the story of the people who made excuses!  As the chapter ends, Jesus warns about thoughtless discipleship, and talks about the actual cost of discipleship and bearing our own crosses. It's a wonderful, yet very challenging chapter!  So listen in to the video: And remember this old Vacation Bible School song?  It's right from Luke 14 - I cannot come to the banquet!

 Luke Chapter 13 In Chapter 13 we see the increasing hostility toward Jesus and his call to repentance.  Jesus starts speaking in more parables and calling on people to repent.  At the end of the chapter he Jesus tells of his rejection of Jerusalem because they killed the prophets that had been sent to it.  Like a hen so desperately wants to gather her chicks around her, so Jesus wanted to gather his people around him, but they were not willing! Jesus also says that people from the north, south, east, and west will come, and not just the people of Israel.  Jesus continues to poke the hornet's nest! Here's the video: And since for many of us it's Saturday, just sit back and enjoy this wonderful duet of Canon in D!

 Luke Chapter 12 Sorry - this one got a little long!  There's so much there that I just got carried away!  Hope that's OK - just grab a second cup of coffee halfway through and I think you'll be fine! Here again we have Discipleship Training as Jesus speaks to his disciples, which the crowds (the people) gathered in thousands around him.  Remember those three groupings - the Twelve (apostles), the disciples, and the people (the crowds) who were receptive?  Here Jesus is surrounded by the crowds, but speaks just to his disciples.  It's Discipleship Training for those who wish to follow Jesus. Nonetheless, the conflict surrounding Jesus continues to escalate, since he "set his face to go to Jerusalem" in 9:51 and we continue to see that increase in the coming chapters. Here's the video: And here's a wonderful version of How Great Thou Art from Anthem Lights.  There aren't printed lyrics to go along with it, but I hope you know most of it by heart!  E

 Luke Chapter 11 Sometimes things start well, and then go bad...well, that's what we have in Chapter 11.  Jesus starts out by teaching his disciples about prayer, and then things go from good to bad to worse as the opposition to Jesus grows. It's interesting that there are so many challenges in this chapter that not very many sermons are preached from Luke 11!  Nonetheless, it's important to see the context and flow in the Gospel of Luke and how this transitional chapter continues to make the case for the necessity of the cross! Here's the video: And as Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer at the beginning of Chapter 11, here's a beautiful rendition of the beautiful song!

Luke Chapter 10 In Luke 10 we see the escalation of hostility and conflict toward Jesus and his ministry, starting after the great "pivot" yesterday in Luke 9:51 when Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem."  And it gets worse in the coming chapters!  It's as if Jesus poked a hornet's nest, and the conflict and hostility started swarming around him!   Nonetheless, in this chapter we hear about the story of the Good Samaritan and Mary and Martha, which are great and familiar stories, but, seen within this conflict context, perhaps they will take on some new meaning for you! Listen in and see what you think!  And here's a great song by Alison Krauss, A Living Prayer.   The chorus includes the line, "Take my life and let me be - a living prayer, My God, to Thee.  Beautiful summary of today's lesson!

 Luke Chapter 9 In Chapter 9 there is a huge pivot from what went before (Jesus' Galilean ministry) to what lay ahead (Jerusalem and the cross). Jesus sends out his disciples at the beginning of the chapter to see if people would receive their ministry as his own, feeds the 5,000 (again, as an authentication of his ministry), and is then transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. It is then that he starts to talk about the cross and his suffering and death.  And then comes Luke's major pivot in 9:51 when Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem." Listen in, and we'll see in the coming weeks how this pivot made all the difference in (and for!) the world!  Here's the video: And here's a great video by Anthem Lights - Who I'm Meant To Be .   

Luke Chapter 8   In Luke Chapter 8 we come across some wonderful and familiar stories about the sower who went out to sow, about the calming of the sea and the waves, and about the healing of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the flow of blood.  Great insights into the person and the work of Jesus! And there's the interesting note in Luke 8:1-3 about the "women of means" who financially supported Jesus and his ministry.  That shows, in even a small way, the importance of women in the ministry of Jesus.  They followed, they supported, and they were a part of Jesus' discipleship team! Here's the video: And here's a great video song by Audrey Assad called "Be Thou My Vision."   Hope you enjoy it!

 Luke Chapter 7 In Luke 7 we come across several fascinating stories as Jesus' identity is slowly revealed to those around him.  The first is the story of the healing (at a distance) of a Roman Centurion's favorite servant when Jesus makes the astounding observation that nowhere among the people of Israel had he seen such faith. Then there's the story of the healing of the widow of Nain's only son, followed by a defense of John the Baptist's ministry, and then the woman who came and washed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and with her hair and her tears.  Jesus loves her, forgives her, and restores her and tells her that her faith has made her well. Read through Chapter 7 before listening to the video and you'll get much more out of the video!  Here is is: And here's a wonderful  song by Casting Crowns entitled, "Listen To Our Hearts. "

Luke Chapter 6 Today we go into chapter 6, but with a bit of an introduction to the compilation of the Gospels and their relationship to one another. One word I mention is "synoptic", meaning that Mark, Matthew, and Luke are the "synoptic" Gospels in that the see (optic) things together (syn-meaning together).  Synoptic - seeing things together.  John, written much later, has his own way of telling the story of Jesus during the time of severe persecution.   All that said, I hope that this video provides some good background information for the way in which you're reading through the Gospel of Luke! Here's the video: And here's just a wonderful rendition of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" - I love the blend of their voices!!

Luke Chapter 5 Today we have the calling of Peter and his brothers, James and John, from their fishing boat after they made an amazing catch of fish.  Then, the forgiving and healing of a man who was paralyzed after his four friends let him down through the roof.  And then the calling of the most unlikely of disciples, Levi, the tax collector! Luke's themes are developing, and I hope you find it fascinating about how he is such a masterful story teller, always with the end in mind, and weaving in what he most wants to tell about Jesus. I hope you enjoy the video today! And here's a wonderful song - My Life is in Your Hands by the Brooklyn Choir.  Sing along!

Luke Chapter 4 In Luke 4 we see how some themes are starting to emerge as Luke tells his story of Jesus.  Jesus is "full of the Holy Spirit" in a "substantive" kind of way, and is driven by that same Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  Through this we learn about demon seduction - being seduced to do little things that draw us away from the heart of God - so that the little things actually become the big things! Then, Jesus goes to his home town synagogue to preach, all goes well, well, that is, until they rise up and want to throw him off the brow of the hill outside of town because he suggests that the people of Israel are not God's "club" that God will only seek to bless!  Jesus does some casting out of demons, and then retreats by himself to re-energize before he goes to call his disciples in Chapter 5. Read through Chapter 4 before listening to the video, and I hope you enjoy some new learning! Here's the video: And here

Luke Chapter 3 Today we're on Luke 3, which jumps to the ministry of John the Baptist and his baptism of/for repentance.  Jesus is also baptized, with a particular aspect of Luke saying that the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in "bodily" form, which is a recurring theme in Luke/Acts about the "substantive" quality of the Spirit when it comes upon a person, so you'll see this again! There's also Luke's genealogy, which goes back to Adam, as opposed to Matthew's genealogy, who just goes back to Abraham.  All these fascinating things about the way in which Luke tells about Jesus! Here's the video for Chapter 3: And here's a great song by Alison Krauss entitled A Living Prayer - listen to it twice and sing along the second time!

Luke Chapter 2 Today we're on Chapter 2 with Luke's story about the birth of Jesus!  It's the familiar Christmas story.  But as you read through it, where are the Wise Men?  Where is the Flight to Egypt?  Neither are there, as those are stories about Jesus' birth from Matthew, who was writing to a Jewish audience.  Luke was writing for Gentiles, emphasizing prayer, hope, and loving care. Keep your Bible handy for looking through the chapter each day as there are some things I highlight throughout the video. I hope you enjoy the Gospel of Luke as much as I do!  Here's the video: And since this is Luke's Christmas story, I hope you'll love singing O Holy Night - right from Luke's Gospel!  Sing it out!!