Bible Reading Reflection from John 15-21

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (JAC) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible] 

JOHN 15:1

"I AM the true Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser."

This is the 7th and the last time Jesus used “I AM" statement in the book of Gospel John.

Every true Christian is a branch in Jesus, the true Vine. As long as the Vine survives, the branches will survive. And the Vine will survive because there is a Vinedresser, who is God the Father.

And if (and since) the Vinedresser is faithful to water and take care of the vineyard, and since the Vine is true and vibrant, the branches will surely bear much fruit. What an assurance! Praise be to God! 🙏

 

JOHN 16:2

"They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service."

While we are saddened by the popularity of false teachers, we do not want to kill them. Jesus nor His disciples sought to kill the traitor, Judas Iscariot. When we want to harm anybody in the name of religion or purity, let's be aware we could be fanatics, and not really the disciples of Christ.

Even in disagreement, to not hate one another, and to not slander someone's reputation other than the known issue! I'm sure our relationship will be much better when we are conscious of that even if we fail to successfully practice all the time!

 

JOHN 17:12

"While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled."

Once we are saved, nothing can make us unsaved anymore. No sin of ours will make God re-condemn us. Neither can we jump out from His hands.

But are we sure we are saved? Or are we like that son of perdition, who was exactly like any other disciples? Nobody doubted him. Even Jesus blessed and walked with him as He did with the rest.

And how do we, 21st-century people know we are truly saved? That's why Jesus prayed in v17, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." Sanctify means "to be set apart," or in other words, separated from a sinful lifestyle (worldly living). How do we do that? By learning and obeying His word.

Lord, help us to pursue sanctification with fear and trembling!

 

JOHN 18:22-23

“And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?””

In Matthew 5:39, Jesus himself had spoken, "But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Why was not He following His own preaching in John 18:22-24? 😉

One thing, I will say, please, let us not allow the world to interpret the Scriptures for us. Please let us not allow the world to dictate what looks christianly and what does not.

For example, this week, the Roman Catholic Church refused to bless the Same-Sex Union. CNN's guy Don Lemon says, "God is not about hindering people or judging people." He meant to imply Christians (including Catholics) are misrepresenting Christ!

Another example. Some churches in America continue to conduct church services in Covid19 panic situation. People quoted "Love your neighbor" a biblical commandment to shut them down.

Well, Jesus didn't give His other cheek! 😎

 

JOHN 19

Three interesting influential people and their attitude towards the lowly King of the Universe.

1. Pilate, a powerful governor knew Jesus was no ordinary man, but He chose politics over Jesus and identified with the mob. He wanted the praise of people.

2. Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man knew Jesus but was timid to follow Christ openly. Maybe, he wanted his business to run well. He feared man. But like in a movie, in the last scene, He chose to identify with Jesus and use his wealth for the cause of Christ's burial.

3. Nicodemus, a learned scholar knew Jesus to be of God, but he didn't want to risk His reputation. He loved the respect of his fellow scholars and people. However, in the last scene, He chose to risk His reputation and buried Christ.

These temptations are still real for each of us, aren't they? May we choose Christ over everything!

[07:41, 3/19/2021] S.R: According to Luke 23:50-52, Joseph opposed the decision of condemning Christ in the parliament (Sanhedrin). Mark 15:43 says that he mustered up his courage to ask for the body of Christ.

Sure, it may be easier for a camel to go through the needle of an eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God, but a lot easier for a rich man (at least Nicodemus) than for politicians and scholars! 😂 Btw, all the 4 Gospel accounts mentioned Joseph, each describing him uniquely!👍

 

JOHN 20:29

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

What a way to bring his writing to a conclusion. John had the privilege to see all the works of Jesus and believed in Him.

His audience and us, 21st century Christian, haven't seen Christ. John proclaimed blessedness for us who believe in Him even if we haven't seen Him.

Indeed, we live by faith not by sight! I am a blessed man, and so are you! Just because we believe! Praise be to God!

 

JOHN 21:18

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

When we suffer or are in trouble, it's tempting to think if God has forsaken us because of our particular sin or disobedience. Actually, the Bible teaches us differently. It is because God owns us that He chastises us. The word of God goes on to say that suffering is proof of our Salvation (1Pet1, Phil2). Suffering is an Assurance of our Salvation.

Peter denied Christ 3 times. Jesus assured Peter in their last encounter that Peter would never be a timid guy who denies Christ anymore, rather he would be firm in his confessions to the point of suffering to death for Christ! What assurance for Peter!

Lord, help me to see Your goodness in troubled times. Help me to count all trials joy, because it is You who works in me to confirm the genuineness of my faith in You!

Bible Reading Reflection from John 8-14

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (JAC) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

JOHN 8:7-9

"So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’ And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst."

Think about the power of conviction wrought to them by Jesus. It was a hostile crowd. It was a hypocrite crowd. It was a sinful crowd! It was a justice-crying crowd. They were all put to silence by the presence of Jesus. It's easier to identify ourselves with the crowd, but what about seeking to identify with our Lord? Have we silenced any sinful mob by our presence? Have some people said, "I really want to... but I controlled myself because he/she was there"?

When Mahatma Gandhi was fasting unto death for the peace of India, some radicals were shouting, "Death to Gandhi!" Jawaharlal Nehru ran down from his home and challenged the crowd to kill him before they kill Gandhi. The crowd responded in silence, convicted and ashamed! When we are people of integrity, maybe even our mere presence could convict people of their dishonesty. Indeed, we are the salt and the light of the world!

 

JOHN 9:8, 34

8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, ‘Is not this he who sat and begged?’

34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

The neighbors looked down on him. They were surprised, yes jealous, yes angry, to see him receive such a blessing!

A story is told about friends of an SDO of Nungba when they were in college. His friends did not want to respect him and often narrated the story of the past saying, "He was our waiter. We ordered him to go and fetch whatever we liked, why would we respect him now?"

Not to look down on less privileged people (in needs, wisdom, or anything).

And not to be jealous of them when they are prosperous, even if they achieve through corruption, or with God's blessing. O, my Father, tune my heart to Thee, Amen!

 

JOHN 10:10

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they MAY HAVE LIFE, and that they may have it MORE ABUNDANTLY"

Many think the Christian life is boring and bitter because it's so demanding and costly. Actually, this verse reveals to us that true life is only found in Christianity. Life without Christ is a zombie, spiritually dead man walking, wow!

The worldly lifestyle (its philosophy and temptations) and the false religions only deceive us and ultimately lead us to death. Jesus came to give true life. Wow! It's like zombies becoming human beings again through anti-dote like in a sci-fi movie.

Not only to give life but life in abundance! Very wow! Not only life in abundance but life more abundantly. Could anyone with a brain say that a Christian life is boring!?😇

I like the language of the Good News Bible Translation of John 10:10, it reads this way: "The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life— life in all its fullness."

Hmm! Rejoice!

 

JOHN 11:32

“Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.’”

Mary was utterly right that Lazarus wouldn't have died, had Christ been there. The disciples knew it, and even we know it.

But Mary was absolutely wrong to have said it in that manner. When she said those words, she was saying, in actuality, "It's unfortunate! It's a mistake that You were not able to be here! If you had been here, this would not happen!"

It wasn't a mistake. Jesus purposefully let it happen (v4-6). It was not to torture Mary or Lazarus, of course. It was to strengthen their faith by restoring life to Lazarus.

A thousand years ago, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham didn't think it to be a mistake. He decided to kill him knowing God can raise Him again (Heb.12:19). God confirmed his faith.

I'm rereading JOHN 11 and 12 thinking through the character of Mary.

Mary's devotion to Christ is culturally defying, not like the feminist movement of our time, but in her devotion to God.

First, she anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. It is often said that most women look for a rich guy to marry for a stable secured life. Mary emptied all her savings at Jesus' feet, she would rather adore Christ with what she had than live wealthy without Christ.

Second, she was also the Mary who would rather choose to eat God's word than physical food. She would rather be commended by Christ than even by her family members or the world. She chose to sit at Jesus' feet while Martha was in the kitchen. Martha was upset with her. Mary wasn't lazy btw; she was hardworking and industrious. If not, how did she save up for that perfume? It was one year's worth of work.

According to modern financial experts, it's commendable to have 3-6 months' salary available to use anytime. Mary had 12 months' salary at her disposal to serve Christ anytime.

 

JOHN 12:10

"But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also"

Why would they attempt to kill someone who cannot be dead? 😂 He was dead and raised up recently. They should have a better plan.

Sin makes us illogical. With sin in one's life, it's difficult to think straight.

 

JOHN 13:35

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This verse looks obvious and easy, but very difficult to practice in all dimensions of our Christian relationship. If it is easy and obvious, the Lord would not have commanded so.

Sometimes fellow ministry workers are the people whom leaders keep most distant. I, myself, have no contact with our Rongmei Theological Society. They didn't contact me, and I didn't contact them too! Another Seminary friend of mine never called me up, and I also don't bother to give a call! Are we jealous of one another? Hopefully not! Are we doubtful of one another's intention/theology? Maybe! But love trusts all things and must practice trusting one another.

Lord, to trust my fellow believers in Christ and support each other, cause my heart to be humbled by your grace, Amen!

 

JOHN 14

John 14 is fascinating!

First, This World Is Not Our Home. There's a better place prepared for us (v3). Let's invest our time, money, and energy into that coming kingdom.

However, we aren't supposed to stay idle here on earth because He who prepares a place for us yonder also lives in us (v20) We aren't abandoned orphans (v18). We have all the resources we need, we just need to ask (v14)

Thus, second, This World Is More Homely To Us Than For Those Who Do Not Know God. After all, it's our God who created this world, and He is still in control. Even the Devil is God's Devil. Let us be courageous and faithful in doing good deeds and gospel works!

Bible Reading Reflection from John 1-7

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (JAC) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

JOHN 1:48

“Nathanael *said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’”

"I saw you!" Indeed, God sees and knows everything. Actually, we don't know even who we are, particularly how sinful we are. The Lord searches the heart and understands who exactly we are. Bad news: we are all filthy sinners; our hearts are deceptive above all things.

Yesterday I was so annoyed with my slow laptop, and I hit my keyboard once running out of patience. Then I realized a neighbour could be seeing me because I had opened my window and door. I was so relieved that nobody had seen it.

Sometimes, we, sinners, are okay with sins, and reluctant to repent if nobody has seen them or confronted us. When we do that, we are acting like God has not seen us.

To practice the presence of God all the time. That God is watching us all the time.

 

JOHN 2:19-21 and JOHN 3:14-15

"Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body."

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

The Jews, including Nicodemus did not understand what Jesus was saying in these two passages. In both instances, Jesus was very clear that He came to die for sinners. He just hammered this truth, whether they understood it or not. Even in John1:51 and John 4:14. Gospel John is evangelistic in style. O to be very evangelistic in all conversations, Lord, Amen

 

[17:42, 2/23/2021] C______: JOHN 3:8 “the wind blows where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit.”

Q. Please enlighten me in this verse, not getting the spiritual meaning of it.

Answer: [17:55, 2/23/2021] S.R: Pastor ______ may answer when he wakes up from his nap...

Here's my thought:

First, Thanks for asking. Very glad to answer.

We cannot see the wind, because the wind has no colour. But we feel the presence of the wind. We can also see the effect of the wind especially when it shakes the trees.

We cannot see the Spirit of God because Spirit is immaterial and invisible. But the one who has the Spirit can feel His presence. Moreover, people can see the effect of the Holy Spirit in one's life by the fruit the Spirit produces.

Feeling the presence of the Spirit can be such as

1. Conviction of Sin

2. Conviction that Jesus is truly God truly man

3. Conviction in reading God's word

4. Even in remembering particular Bible verses in time of need.

5. Assurance of Salvation

6. Even Answered prayer.

7. The list can go on ....

Fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

 

JOHN 4:16

"... Go call your husband, and come here."

I've been reading how people react to any news of disgraced leaders. This morning I was reading 2 Thess. 3:15, where Paul talks about how to and how not to confront a sinning brother.

Jesus in John 4 confronted this adulterous woman in a very amazing way. He could have said, "Repent from your adultery." Many things to learn from here, but one thing is clear, Jesus did not despise nor condemn her. "True love confronts but, in a way one is not humiliated." Have I humiliated anyone in my confrontations, in giving feedback or comments?🤔 Something to introspect!

 

JOHN 5:33-36

"You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved."

2 observations about Jesus's comment on the greatest human prophet ever lived, John the Baptist:

1. Jesus didn't need even the great prophet's testimony. Jesus lived consistently to the will of the Father. He didn't need man's approval or commendation! He didn't live to please man either.

2. If Jesus didn't need the great prophet, surely, He does not need me. The modern man has very, very high self-esteem of himself. God doesn't need us for anything! Life is a gift. Salvation is a gift. Even ministry is a gift.

Praise be to this Almighty God who has called us into His church!

 

JOHN 6

John 6 is fascinating. It has 71 verses. All about food! It looks and sounds funny but is very profound! Yet, I'd like to share my observation on v15.

Everyone wanted Jesus to be a king. In fact, the narrative says that they'd forced Him to be a king. Jesus ran away. The true King of the Universe refused to be a king!!! And how many of us want to be a king? Or to ask more accurately, "How many of us want to be popular?

O to resist the temptation of fame and name!

 

JOHN 6:67-69

“Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

Of course, Jesus is not giving them permission to run away (or to lose salvation). Whoever comes to Him, He will receive, and will never let them go (verse 37) and no one will snatch us away from His hands (10:28). And the disciples responded correctly. We come to Christ because Jesus is the only source of life. Whether His way is hard or easy, He is the only way!

I admit, if God did not choose me to be a Christian, I would have never chosen to be one! And if I can lose my salvation, I would have lost it many times. Jesus is not only the Author of our salvation but the Perfector of our salvation!

 

JOHN 7:18

"He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him."

I have been reading John 7 over and over again trying to find at least a verse to meditate upon. That doesn't mean John 7 is garbage, it just means my spiritual brain is dull! Finally decided to think through verse 18 in its context.

God has only one Son, He made Him a Preacher [said, Steve Lawson]. Jesus in His life on earth seeks the glory of the Father. A preacher glorifies God when he speaks from the word of God. In other words, those who speak their ideas seek their own glory. Biblical preaching may sound boring to some people, but that's not because biblical truths are garbage, but because the listeners have a spiritually dull brain!

Bible Reading Reflection from Luke 15-24

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (JAC) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible] 

LUKE 15

No way I am ever doing what is written in Luke 15. I know nobody who has done it dead or alive. And I don't think anyone has ever done it and will ever do it, especially the third story. Probably there were some for the first and second stories. Overall, to a modern mind, Luke 15 is a "stupid" and impossible story. But the stupidity of man is the wisdom of God! Because Luke 15 is talking about God's passion for the lost ones.

My Take:

 #1. If I have 100 sheep and 1 got lost, no way, I am leaving the 99 in the wilderness and going after just 1 lost sheep. I still have 99. 99% sheep are with me. I can afford to lose 1. 😎😅😬

#2. No way, I am going to labor that much for just one lost coin. And why would I call my friends to celebrate when I find it again. Actually, I have a lot of coins on my table. I don't care if one or all of them are lost! 😎😅😬

 #3. No way I am going to receive such a "prodigal son" in that manner. I will surely give him a lecture before or after I receive him. I might even find it difficult or might never regain my trust in him! 😬

Thanks be to God; He is not like me or any man. He loves because He Himself is love!

 

LUKE 16

—The wisdom of Jesus—

No way the manager of this parable is a good guy. He is as crooked as anyone can be. But Jesus finds something to commend him.

Lesson learned: We can find a commendable thing in everyone. We can speak well of all, if we choose. We can even eulogize the devil: the devil is never lazy! [Steve Lawson]

Also, all of us are as crooked as this manager. We wasted our life, resources, body, time, everything which God has given us. Our life here on earth is stewardship. We all failed. But this crooked manager at least learned to make friends—and that was Jesus' point.

Jesus wants us to make a lot of eternal friends, (not earthly friends) with our earthly resources. Paul Washer said that Christian missionaries are the wisest investors because they invested everything they have in the coming Kingdom.

 

LUKE 17:17

"So Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?’"

Friends, I appeal to all of us to by-heart this Scripture portion. It's 17:17 of Luke. That's easy. It teaches us about gratefulness. One of the reasons why there is unhappiness in this world is because of ungratefulness. Even Adam and Eve were not rich in gratitude that they desire to eat the fruit. They could have eaten all the fruits, except that fruit. Alas!

Many times, by being in a ministry, people often ask me to pray for them. Hardly do they ever call or text me back to thank God for the answered prayer. I am not better than them. I do the same. I often send prayer requests to people and neglect to tell them back to thank God for the grace of God.

To be more pathetic: every day I pray, and I pray for even all the mundane activities of life because I cannot live alone, but the time I reflect on my prayer points in gratitude is nowhere close to being proportionate.

I am one of the nine!

 

LUKE 18

Two interesting and needful prayers man must pray.

v13 "God, be merciful to me a sinner!"

Even as redeemed Christian, we need the mercy of God every moment of our life, because we always fall short before the glory of God as long as we live on this side of heaven. Apostle Paul loves to use this word for the churches.

v41 "Lord, that I may receive my sight."

Even as born-again Christian, we need to be enlightened as long as we live here on earth. Even in heaven, we will continue to be enlightened. Paul prays in Ephesians for their eyes of understanding to be opened (enlightened) to comprehend the richness of Christ. Oh! How my eyes of understanding need to be enlightened, more and more . . .!

 

LUKE 19:17

"And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’"

Was Mother Teresa truly born again? Is she in heaven or hell? Her salvation is doubtful. But I love one of her quotations, which goes like this: "Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing."

 

LUKE 20:5-8

“And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’” [Legacy Standard Bible]

It is fascinating to know that all humans are the same. We react similarly. Those men of Jesus's days (2000 years ago), an ancient world, and us, we all have similar traits.

We love to respond "I don't know"😂 Actually, we know, we just don't want to cooperate with the questioner, or we just say when we just don't want to tell the answer. In a sense, "I don't know" means 'I won't tell you.'

Interestingly, Jesus didn't say, "I don't know". He didn't even say, "Me too, I don't know." He is careful with His word. He meant what he said, "Neither will I tell you"

 

LUKE 21:38

"And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him."

Wow!

Early in the morning to listen to Christ!

Al l- not just priests (or pastors)

Would - habit

Get up - from sleepiness

Early- earnestness, intensity

Morning- the first and fresh duration of the day

Come to Him- the delightful walk with Christ teaching

Temple- the place of learning, reverence, worship

Listen- the chief means of learning. The delight of life to know more of Christ.

Would we thirst for God just as the deer pants for the water!

 

LUKE 22:3

"And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, who belonged to the number of the twelve."

Judas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ being possessed by Satan! 😱👹 Who would have thought of that! Who would have doubted him? Yet he was.

Somebody said, "Nearer the church farther from heaven!" Whatever that may mean, even those who seem to be closest to God could indeed be farthest from God. In the story of The Pilgrim's Progress, there were some who came to heaven's gate, yes, even sailing across that scary river and climbing the hill, but they departed to hell! (p.69).

Well, Praise God that God has sealed us with His Spirit, that no matter what, He will never let us fall away utterly! That's why I love this song "He will hold me fast!" https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

 

LUKE 23:31

"For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"  [LSB version, 2021]

If the righteous suffer, how terrible will the life of sinners be! If Jesus, the Holy One of God was crucified, wouldn't the world want to silence us too?

In this context, Jesus, the green tree, was crucified. The dry tree, the people of Jerusalem, were consumed in 70 AD!

"Be merciful to us even in Your judgment, O Lord, our God!"

 

LUKE 24:2-3

“And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”

What picture from Sunday School books or paintings comes to your mind when you think of the resurrection?

I grew up seeing a door of the tomb half or fully open, and Jesus leaves. It impressed on the mind that the stone was rolled away for Jesus to get out of the tomb.

Actually, it was for the weak women to come and see the empty tomb and believe that Christ has risen as He has promised before. And also, for all the disciples to come and find out and believe.

Jesus didn't need help anymore. It is the disciples that needed help! Btw, in everything God doesn't need us, it is we that need God.

Oh! I love to sing that old song, "I need Thee! Oh! I need Thee!"

Bible Reading Reflection from Luke 1-14

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (JAC) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

LUKE 1

The longest chapter in the NT. Happy reading 😅

The theme of Luke is found in verses 1-4.

Almost everything recorded in chapter 1 is not found in the other gospels. Very unique.

Btw, the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts are written by Luke.

 

LUKE 2:52

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

4 descriptions of Jesus's growth:

1. Increased in Wisdom, that's intellectual growth

2. Increased in stature, that's physical growth

3. In favor with God, that's spiritual growth

4. In favor with man, that's social/relational growth. 

Intellectually, Physically, Spiritually, and Socially. This is how we, all, must grow up in this world. One of my favorite Bible verses to read out on Birthdays.

 

LUKE 3

Particularly v1-20

Repentance

John's preaching is repentance. He called people to repent v3. Some thought they did not need to repent, John confronted them saying "Brood of Vipers." He dared to confront the politician, Herod and it led him to his own death (v19-20)

Calling to repent is not enough. That's why v.8. One must bear the fruits of repentance. Because one can simply say, "I believe" or "I repent" or "Jesus is my Saviour" or "I'm Christian," one must really demonstrate the fruits of confession and repentance in real life.

What does repentance look like? v11-14.

Gospel preaching without a call to repentance (explicitly or implicitly) is not the complete Gospel!

 

LUKE 4

Particularly v24-27

I would add as well: in the days of Jesus, not everyone was healed from sickness nor cleansed from leprosy.

I would go on to say, not many in our present days too, know or receive the grace of God in their life.

And if we wonder why, because God's miraculous grace (including healing, cleansing, salvation, spiritual fruits) is only for those who believe in God and come to Him in faith with a penitent heart!

Oh! Gracious God! Why would You save a wretch like me! Blessed be Your name!

 

LUKE 5

Particularly v17-26

v19 "And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus."

They never gave up. They did something which most of us will never dream/think of — from the housetop, removing the tiles.

Have I sought God or asked Him anything with this degree of faith and importunity?

 

LUKE 6 particularly v.30-36

What a hard teaching on giving!

1. Give to everyone who asks. [Areh!]

2. And don't ask back! [Kya baat heh!]

3. Fulfill 1 and 2 not only to your friends but to your enemies as well. [Kya baat heh!]

4. Not only in giving, but even in lending, don't expect to get back! [Just wow!]

5. Lend especially to those who will never give you back because they are too poor. [Hmmm!]

God wants Christians to be generous! Especially to the poor. I am not a rich man, in fact, am a very poor man, but there are millions of people who are poorer than me too!

And I know no man nor myself have come to this standard! BTW, if we practice this perfectly, we will die of starvation within a day! 😅 And remember, heaven is not guaranteed for those who practice this. Only faith in Jesus saves us!

 

LUKE 7

v1-10

What a contrast between a godly prayer and an ungodly prayer!

The Jews thought the Centurion deserved a blessing because he did a good job for them (Jews). While the Centurion thought He was totally unworthy even to welcome Christ.

The Centurion asked Jesus in humility and in faith. The Jews put leverage on Christ as if Christ was obligated to heal the Centurion's servant.

Jesus commended his humility, his faith, and healed his servant instantaneously.

Many times, I hear people ordering God to do this and that in their prayer as if God exists to serve them. If I really know who God is and who I am, I will come before him in humility, penitence, and in faith.

 

LUKE 8:40-48

First, the faith of this woman is extraordinary. Second, She didn't run away after the healing. Rather, she came trembling, falling down.

When God asked Adam, he blamed Eve. Eve in turn blamed the serpent.

When nobody sees or knows, it's tempting to hide, as if nothing wrong has been committed! Indeed, it takes courage, honesty, faithfulness to admit wrongdoing or anything!

Well, in my adult life, I have been trying to be very responsible for all my actions and words, but I haven't come even close to the standard I want to be!

 

LUKE 9:12-14

"You give them something to eat."

That's my Jesus. If I were there, I would definitely be "very smart and wise" and say exactly like the 12 disciples. I might even be thinking, "These multitudes deserve to feel hungry because they are so lazy or thoughtless in bringing no food when they set out to come here." My Jesus is gracious, generous, and powerful to provide all for all! 😇🙏

 

LUKE 10:2

"Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’"

While I was in Derabassi, Punjab, as I was thinking about missions, I was so encouraged to realize that Jesus had called all Christians to pray for missionaries. It means millions of people across church history have prayed for us. And therefore, missionaries can go with confidence, even because of others' prayer! 👍

Still fascinating to think through! 👍

 

LUKE 11:23

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”

It's a default position to wonder or ask, "Is the Lord with me?" It's another level to ask, "Am I with God?"

Furthermore, there's no middle ground, no middle position. Either with Jesus or against Jesus.

Hard teaching!

 

LUKE 12:6

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”

God doesn't forget the sparrow, a thing of only 2 copper coins. Certainly, He does not forget me, a man created in His image.

Very certainly, never will He forget me, for I am bought by the precious blood of Christ!

 

LUKE 13:33

"Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem."

The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, both, are written by Luke.

In the gospel, he portrays Jesus’ life on earth as a perfect life lived. In the book of Acts, he portrays Paul's life as a Christian a faithful life lived.

Both accounts ended with them journeying to Jerusalem, being arrested, and handed over to the Romans. [Their arrests were foretold, yet they gave up their lives willingly.]

Just an observation! For today! I happened to be reading Luke 13 and Acts 21 in other groups I am associated with. So, can't ignore the interesting connection between these two chapters!

 

LUKE 14: 25-33

Counting the Cost of Following Christ.

Every time I read this passage, and many times I recall this passage to mind, I look into my future and have a conversation with my future family.

I dreamt to be somebody by the time I have attained my present age now. [Maybe, I would never fulfill my dream even if I didn't choose to be in the ministry of the word because my dream was bigger than my brain and heart! 😬]

But, when I accepted the call to ministry 8 years ago, I counted (and still am counting) what it will cost my family someday! I just pray that the faithfulness of God would always be my strength!