LUKE: List of events found only in this gospel account ...

             Being a physician it stands to reason that Luke would be very precise is his handling of the events that took place while he was a disciple of Christ. Here is a listing of 12 events that took place that are only found chronicled in the gospel of Luke ...

 

1:5-80 ...          The special events that led up to the birth of John the Baptist & Jesus.

2:1-52 ...          Certain events from Jesus’ childhood.

3:19-20 ...       King Herod puts John the Baptist in prison.

4:16-30 ...       Jesus is rejected in Nazareth.

5:1-11 ...          Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish.

7:11-17 ...       Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead.

7:36-50 ...       A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet.

8:1-3 ...            Women travel with Jesus.

10:1-18:14 ...  Events, miracles, and teachings during the months prior to Christ’s death.

19:1-27 ...       Jesus meets Zacchaeus & later tells the parable of the Kings 10 servants.

23:6-12 ...       Jesus’ trial before King Herod.

24:44-49 ...     Some of Jesus last words prior to his ascending back to heaven.

 

“Luke is the third Gospel (an account of Jesus’ life and ministry) in the New Testament. Luke tells Jesus’ story in extensive detail, more so than any other Gospel. Luke records miracles, sermons, conversations, and personal feelings (Lk 2:19 - “...but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.”). The writer is a thorough historian who researched everything (Lk 1:3 - “Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, ...”.). And Luke’s attention to detail shows: not only is his the longest of the four gospels, but it’s also the longest book of the New Testament. 

The book of Luke shows us Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10 - “For the Son of Man^[a]came to seek and save those who are lost.”). We learn all about the God-man in whom we’ve placed our faith. We see how He lived, how He died, and how He rose again.

Luke’s Gospel is written in ways that Jewish and non-Jewish people can understand and appreciate. In Luke, Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah; He is also the savior of the nations (Lk 2:30–32 - “So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. Finally, the woman also died.”). Whereas Matthew traces Jesus’ ancestry to Abraham (Mt 1:1 - “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.”), Luke charts His lineage all the way back to Adam (Lk 3:38 - “Kenan was the son of Enosh. Enosh was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.”). This isn’t surprising—after all, Luke spent a great deal of time with the apostle Paul, who shared the good news with both Jewish and Gentile audiences.

 

Why Luke was written?

 

Luke states his purpose right away: this book is meant to give believers an accurate, chronological understanding of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Luke investigated the events of Jesus’ life by speaking with eyewitnesses (Lk 1:2 - “They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from those who from the beginning were servants of the word.”), giving Theophilus (and us) a thorough record of the things Jesus did and said. Luke is written to a Christian with little education in the life of Christ, making this book a terrific starting point for believers interested in studying His life today.” ^[1]

                  Up next is a deeper look at Jesus’ trial. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

^{[a] “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.} 

^[1] https://overviewbible.com/luke/

LUKE: Spotlight on Martha, older sister to Mary & Lazarus ..

            In Bethany, where these three lived, Jewish culture required that no one be turned away from the door of an individual. It was considered shameful to do so regardless of who it was or what hour of the day or night it was. 

            Martha, being the older sister, pretty much always sought to be in control of whatever situation the three family members found themselves in. Martha was the one who was always busy. In Bethany she was known as a very hospitable homemaker and hostess. Martha was detail oriented, in that she tended to every precise detail of what she was doing. Because of the way she was socially wired, Martha found it very difficult to relax and enjoy her guests. Martha gently chastised Mary’s lack of assistance with all the preparations for Jesus visit. Martha’s frustration was so intense that she sought Jesus’ help in the matter. No expecting what resolution the Lord would present, she was a little surprised when Jesus gently corrected her attitude and showed her that what she was doing, though good, was not the best thing she could and should be doing. Giving personal attention to her guests should be way more important than the comforts she tried to provide for them.

            When Jesus heard that Lazarus had died ^[1], Martha ran to him as he approached the scene. Martha displayed both disappointment mixed with a small level of hope. What could Jesus do now that the body had been buried for 4 days. It was naturally expected that an unbearable stench from the grave (a cave cut out of rock) would emanate from the cave where Lazarus was buried. Jesus wasn’t at all concerned about that. Because of his own impending resurrection, not only would the Lord be victor over death, but of resurrection and life!!

            Martha always had a strong desire to do everything exactly right; however by doing this, it kept her from seeing the entire picture. In spite of this, Jesus always exhibited patience with her. There are two important lessons we can learn from Martha. 1) There are times when we must be silent and respectful, always listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit; 2) There is a proper time to listen to Jesus and a proper time to work for him.

            Up next are the 12 gospel accounts found ONLY in Luke’s gospel. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

^[1] John 11:1-44 ... the death & resurrection of Lazarus.

LUKE: Spotlight on James the disciple of Christ ...

            There were three of Jesus’ 12 disciples that the Lord handpicked for some special training. James, his brother John, and Peter. Peter would become a powerful speaker, John would become a prolific writer, and James ended up being the first of the disciples to die for his faith. 

            In scripture James was always mentioned before his brother John. This showed that James was the older of the two. James & John’s father, Zebedee, owned a fishing business where the sons worked along with Peter & Andrew. They lived in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee.

            “When a Samaritan village rejected Jesus, he and John wanted to call down fire from heaven upon the place.” For this reason James & John were both given a nickname by the Lord ... “the sons of thunder”. 

Being selected to be in Jesus’ inner circle meant a lot to James, however, he, as well as the others, misunderstood what Jesus’ purpose was. Their misunderstanding was evident when both James & John attempted to secure prime seating to the right and left of the Lord in his kingdom. Listen to Jesus’ response: “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” _{[Mark 10:38-40]} The ‘cup’ and ‘baptism’ Jesus referred to was his suffering and his death. This was to say that all the disciples would suffer and die for their faith. Would you be willing to die for your faith or would you deny him as Peter did? 

            The disciples didn’t grasp the meaning of Jesus words at the time, but after his death it began to become a bit clearer to them. At this particular time they still expected that Jesus would establish a kingdom on earth and overthrow the Roman Empire. This was not at all what God had planned.

            “James' zeal for Jesus resulted in his being the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred. He was killed with the sword on order of King Herod Agrippa I of Judea, about 44 A.D., in a general persecution of the early church.” ^[1]

            “Jesus promised eternal life to those willing to trust him. If we believe this promise, he will give us the courage to stand for him even during dangerous times.” ^[2]

                  Up next is a spotlight on Martha, the older sister of Mary & Lazarus. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

^[1] https://www.learnreligions.com/profile-of-apostle-james-701062

^[2] The Life Application Study Bible; p. 2213.

Thought for the Day

LUKE: Jesus’ encounters with women ...

            “As a non-Jew (Gentile) recording the words and works of Jesus’ life, Luke demonstrates a special sensitivity to other ‘outsiders’ with whom Jesus came into contact. For instance, Luke records five events involving women that are not mentioned in the other Gospels. In the first-century Jewish culture, women were usually treated as second-class citizens with few of the rights men had. But Jesus crossed those barriers, and Luke showed the special care Jesus had for women. Jesus treated all people with equal respect. The below passages tell of his encounters with women.” _{[TLASB; p. 2209]}

 

John 4:1-26 - Jesus talks to a Samaritan woman at the well ...

Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead ...

Luke 7:36-50 - A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet ...

John 8:1-11 - Jesus forgives an adulterous woman ...

Luke 8:1-3 - A group of women travel with Jesus ...

Luke 10:38-42 - Jesus visits Mary and Martha ...

Luke 13:10-17 - Jesus heals a crippled woman ...

Mark 7:24-30 - Jesus heals the daughter of a Gentile woman ...

Luke 23:27-31 - Weeping women follow Jesus on his way to the cross ...

John 19:25-27 - Jesus’ mother and other women gather at the cross ...

Mark 16:9-11 - Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene ...

Matthew 28:8-10 - Jesus appears to other women after his resurrection ...

 

            Throughout scripture women were seen to have a subservient role to men. In NT times this changed slightly in that while the women were still subservient to their husbands, the men were subservient in a way, by virtue of their deep love for their spouse. Women were respected for their role as the child bearer, a role that very obviously, men could not fulfill. This is why when a woman was barren, as in unable to bear children, it is viewed by society as someone who is being punished by God. This is why Joseph, being betrothed to Mary, considered quietly divorcing her so as to avoid shaming her; until an angel explained the entirety of the situation to Joseph. 

            Jesus didn’t present a world where women were segregated from men, but rather accepted all people equally, without exception. In the spirit of selflessness, believers today are to strive to treat all with the same love, patience, and compassion that Christ did. Life is a little more complicated today as equality for all involves many ungodly elements in addition to godly ones. It is somewhat difficult to navigate thru this maze without stumbling once in a while and dealing with parties that you may not theologically agree with can be tricky. However, treating women as women still stands as the biblical way to look at things. Respect is the key. Acceptance is also a key. This has nothing to do with diversity or gender bending, although we are to love them the same as anyone else. You can love others without supporting their lifestyle. We aren’t anyone’s judge and jury. We are ambassadors of God’s love. Almighty God is the only true judge. 

Women are a wonderful blessing from God and should be viewed and treated as such without exception. Giving someone, either male or female, honor, and respect, bolsters their self-respect. This is important as an avenue a person can take to see who they truly are and places value on them, just as God does. 

Up next is a spotlight on James, one of the 12 disciples. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: TLASB = The Life Application Study Bible.

 

NOTE: Take time to read each scripture reference to get the full picture of how Jesus interacted with women.

LUKE: A spotlight on Mary, mother of Jesus ...

          Marriage was a special time for young Jewish women back in Bible times.  As they went about their day they would no doubt daydream about the wedding, married life and bearing children. Mary was a special case in that she would be the mother of God’s promised Messiah. 

            The Lord sent an angel to deliver a special message to Mary. Mary’s initial reaction was one of confusion ... what could the angel mean? Now as we discussed in a previous post, the appearance of angels was quite awe inspiring and frightening. Though taken aback, Mary listened to what she was told by the angel Gabriel and responded the way I’m sure God wishes we would ALL respond; with instant acceptance and willingness to fulfill that which is presented to them.

            Luke 1:26-38 tells us of the conversation that took place, telling us that “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee” to give a message to Mary. Not having been intimate with a man, giving birth to any child seemed perplexing to her. When she posed the question of how she could give birth while being a virgin, verse 35 clears this question up by having the angel say: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” Proving the devoutness of Mary she responded by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”        

            All this placed Mary’s betrothed Joseph in an awkward position. Matthew’s gospel reveals to us that an angel came to Joseph to assist in his dilemma. Matthew 1:19-20 says: “Because Joseph, as her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

            Mary’s being chosen by God for this incredibly important event tells us that God’s best servants are often ordinary people who make themselves available to God. Mary’s character was revealed by her response to the unexpected. Have you made yourself available to be used by God?

            Here’s a trivial fact: Mary was the only individual who was present at both Jesus’ birth and his death.

 

            Up next is Jesus interaction with women in the New Testament. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

^[1] Footnotes from The Life Application Study Bible; p. 2174.

LUKE: Spotlight on Simeon & Anna ...

            “The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah ... Anna never left the Temple but stayed there day and night worshiping God with fasting and prayer.” _{[Luke 2:25-26, 37]}

                  Simeon was a prophet who spent much of his time at the Temple worshipping and praising God for his goodness and faithfulness to Israel.  Simeon’s one request of the Lord was that he see the Messiah before he passed from this earth. 

Anna was a prophetess who had been widowed just 7 years into her marriage. She was now 84 years old and had also spent the majority of her life at the Temple worshipping and praising the Lord God. 

When Mary & Joseph came to the Temple to have 8 day old Jesus be circumcised, Simeon saw him and immediately recognized him to be the prophesied and long awaited Messiah of God. His excitement was noticed by the nearby Anna. She overheard Simeon speaking a prophecy regarding Jesus and was quick to add her own words of praise for this Savior.

There is no question that both Simeon & Anna exercised a faithful anticipation with regards to God’s promised Messiah. Their trust in God and his ability to do exactly what he had said should be an example to us all. God’s timing isn’t off, he does what he does at the precise moment that provides the greatest benefit to the people and the most glory to himself.

It should be noted that God will freely give a deeper insight and clarity regarding his future plans to a special type of faithful follower. God will know who should have these spiritual gifts bestowed upon them by virtue of their mindset regarding the things of God. Will the individual use God’s gift(s) for personal gain or to encourage the brethren with words of warning or hope? Are you one of the few that God shall use in this manner? 

Prophecy is an “inspired (by God) foretelling of future events”. ^[1] It can create excited anticipation of a future event that is to come. It depends on how much you trust and have faith in God and his ability to follow thru on those things that he had declared thru his prophet.

What lesson(s) can we learn from this story? Regardless of our age, whether spiritual or actual, a person’s usefulness is never invalidated. God’s purposes require men and women of all shapes, sizes & AGES. In his old age, Simeon relied on God to manifest his prophecy right before his eyes and he was not disappointed. This story encourages us to hone our gift of discernment towards the Lord to carry us thru each situation in life. God is faithful to us ... in like manner WE are to be faithful to him. 

Up next is a spotlight on Mary, the mother of Jesus ... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

^{[1] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.}