Tag Archives: Luke

Luke 9- The Cost of Christianity Part 2

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And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:57-62

Previously in this chapter, Jesus taught us what the Cost of Christianity was going to be, to deny ourselves, carry our crosses, on a daily basis. The fact is to be a true Christian, will cost you everything. Why? Because Jesus is your everything, He is your Lord and King, and you are his servant. If you don’t understand that then you haven’t come to a true understanding of the gospel message. 

Many people today want Jesus to benefit them. How can Jesus make me more wealthy, how can Jesus make me more successful, how can Jesus make me more happy. They come to Jesus for the wrong reasons, and receive a false gospel becoming false converts. This is why you see alot of dead churches, with dead pastors preaching dead messages. There is no life without the Holy Spirit, you need to be baptized by the Water and Spirit, become Born again in Jesus Christ

In Jesus teaching today , we see more examples of people creating their own agendas and Jesus given them the harsh reality. They say I want to follow Jesus, but I will follow him on my own terms. We might even be guilty of that ourselves, but as Jesus said “Nobody put his hand on the plow and looks back, is worthy of the Kingdom of God” You can’t become Born Again and then think well maybe I was better in my sin. Well maybe I’ll serve God ,if they pay me the right money. Or maybe I’ll be a Christian if I feel a positive experience. 

Pushing the plow is not a glamorous job, its not a self fulfilling job, its not a job anyone dreams about being a child, but its a calling and you fulfill the mission. You might say this has nothing to do with me, if has everything to do with anyone who calls themselves a Christian. Jesus commanded us to “Preach the gospel to all the nations” you are to sow the seeds of the gospel, you are plowing the fields of the world. So yes as a Christian, your hand should be on the plow and not looking back

Another man said Jesus I’ll follow everywhere you go, I want to see your fame and power. But Jesus said “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” meaning even though Jesus is Lord of the Earth, he owned nothing on this Earth. He humbled himself as the suffering servant to pay the penalty for the sins of the world. You honestly believe you can be and go like Jesus? As Jesus said to his disciples “Nobody can drink from the cup given to him” There is only One Son of God, and you need to serve and worship him, not try to be him. 

So what is the Cost of being a Christian? It will cost you everything including possibly your life. But as Jesus said “Anyone who wants to save their life will lose it” Put your hand on the plow, follow Jesus , and never look back Amen!

Luke 9- Who Is The Greatest?

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Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. Luke 9:46-48

One of the greatest challenges of ministry or Church, is to remain humble and “Christlike”. Often we see many Ministries or Churches, when they start to have some success, the egos really start to grow. Soon that humble servant of Jesus, who started in ministry for the right reasons, grows into a false teacher who is in it for all the wrong reasons. 

We seen this even with the early Apostles, a fight broke out about , who is the greatest of the Apostles? Yes, even the Apostles can fall into this deceptive trap of flesh and ego. Jesus knew the sin that was in their hearts and was going to cut them down to size quickly. He promoted a child as the greatest in the Kingdom. That must of made the Apostles look and feel pretty embarrassed. 

Jesus said “Whoever receives this child in my name, they will be great in Gods Kingdom” But what about all of our theological debates, and commentaries on the Bible? No receive this unlearned , innocent child as a disciple. Why? Because they truly love Jesus with all their heart, and you simply dont

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Luke 9:49-50

Then one of the Apostles was like, hey what about that guy who was casting out demons in Jesus name, he’s not an apostle, we should rebuke him! Jesus is like “Hey whoever is preaching in my name, let them preach, for they are for us and not against us” Its very common also in ministry and Churches to be competitive, even though we are all on the same team! 

We need to remember its all about building Gods Kingdom and not building our egos. Whoever is the least among you , shall be the greatest in Gods Kingdom, that’s something our human flesh can’t comprehend or accept. We must be like on of these children, faith like a child Amen!

Luke 9- Faithless and Perverse Generation

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And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. Luke 9:38-40

Here we see a boy possessed with a demon, and his father brought him to Jesus to be healed. Now from the details it’s clear that this is a demon possession. It’s described as the boy is screaming, convulsing, and foaming from the mouth. As you continue to read through the New Testament, its clear a spiritual battle was going on. There were many demon possessions and people being tormented by demons. So why would we think this is still not going on today? 

Another interesting note is the disciples were unable to exorcise the demon. It doesn’t give a reason why the disciples failed, perhaps its the same reason today many Christians fail to have power over demons. Perhaps its lack of true faith, or lack of understanding, whatever may be the reason they were powerless against the demons at this point

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.  Luke 9:41-42

Jesus sounds really annoyed at this point, he said “You faithless and perverse generation, how long do I have to stay with you” Wow, so much for the watered down Jesus the liberals try to portray these days. Jesus was disgusted with the lack of faith and perversion of that generation. Imagine what Jesus must think of this generation? 

Jesus rebuked the demon and healed the child, demonstrating his deity as the Christ, the Son of God. But the disciples failed to do this even though Jesus gave them power and authority to perform this duty. Why did the disciples fail? Why do we the Church fail today?

Well since we know the power comes from Christ, then the answer is Christ. If we are failing to have power over demons, then we must examine our relationships with Christ and reveal where we are lacking. We don’t want to be the perverse and faithless generation, we want to be the well done servants generation Amen!

Luke 9- The Transfiguration

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And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Luke 9:28-31

The Transfiguration, one of the most mysterious events in the Bible, yet one that reveals so much about the past, present , and future. First we notice the scene is on a mountain. There is very similar to when Moses went up Mt Sinai to talk to God and received the Ten Commandments. Another fulfillment on how Jesus is the greater prophet of Moses, fortold by Moses himself (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Secondly we see Jesus come into his glory, being transformed into pure white. This is the same we see Jesus in Revelation Chapter 1 and Daniel 7. If you read Revelation 1 you can get the further description of how Jesus probably looked at this moment, eyes of blazing fire, his feet were like bronze, and his voice was like roaring waters. This must of be a terrifying moment for the disciples that were there

Third, we see Moses and Elijah there, now for those who believe in “Soul Sleep” how are Moses and Elijah there? They are still alive and well. I believe Moses represents The Law and Elijah represents The Prophets here. This is a revelation of the New Covenant through Christ, the Law and Prophets have been fulfilled through Jesus

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. Luke 9:32-35

Then the voice of God The Father is heard from a cloud “This is my beloved Son, Listen to him” Imagine the terror of hearing God speak, this is looking more like Mt Sinai. As Peter asked Jesus “Is it good for us to be here”? Imagine as a sinful human standing in the presence of the Holy God, reminds you of Isaiah 6

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen. Luke 9:36

Jesus told them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen” why? Because remember up until this point, Jesus wasn’t revealed as the Messiah to most. We just heard Yahweh confirm Jesus is the Messiah, so that would have made it clear cut. But Jesus wanted people to come to him, and learn more about him, have a desire to know God.

The Transfiguration was a unique moment in history, that should be pondered. What would you have done if you were up on that mountain, face to face with the transfigured Lord, in the presence of Moses and Elijah, and hearing the voice of God? Pretty intense, but get ready, because Christ is coming again soon Amen!

Luke 9- The Cost of Christianity

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And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

What does it cost to be a Christian? Some would say it costs nothing, however that is not true. As Jesus teaches us here, it will cost you everything to be a Christian! Now am I talking about money , no! To be a born again disciple of Christ will cost you your life. You must die to your old self and become a new creature in Christ. 

As Jesus said “If anyone wants to come after him or follow him, they must deny themselves” The first step in becoming saved is understanding you need to be saved! When people come to Christ for the wrong reasons, this is why you have false converts. People need to understand God is Holy and we are sinful, the only way we can become saved is through Jesus Christ. When you don’t have this understanding of your sinful nature, people come to Christ for the wrong reasons.

Jesus also said “If you want to save your life, you must lose it first” If you truly are born again, then there should be evidence of your conversion. If you’re still dead in your sins, then what were you saved from? This is a paraphrase of the late preacher Leonard Ravenhill, you must crucify your old flesh before you can become born again in Christ

 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. Luke 9:25-27

Jesus asks another question “ What does it profit you to gain the whole world and to lose your soul” Money will not save your soul from Hell, only Jesus Christ will. So don’t spend and waste all your time working and acquiring things. Spend your time on your spiritual lives, spend your time serving Christ. Your bank account will not buy you a house in Heaven. Only those who are born again will see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3)

So do you tell others the good news about Christ? Are you ashamed to be a Christian? Jesus said “Anyone ashamed of him , he will be ashamed of them before God the Father” This is about a relationship with Christ, it’s a two way street, you can’t neglect Jesus, and expect him to adore you. You must develop a relationship with Christ by prayer, reading your Bible, and worshipping in a community. Don’t be ashamed of the One who died for your sins, on that shameful rugged cross

Everyone thinks its easy to be a Christian, say a prayer and you have the golden ticket to Heaven! That’s not Biblical or reality, fact is you need to carry your cross on a daily basis and follow your Lord Jesus Amen!

Luke 9- Who Is Jesus?

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And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, 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. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. Luke 9:18-20

Throughout history, the same question has been pondered by many generations, Who is Jesus? We see Jesus asks his disciples this question, “Who do people say that I am”? And we see their responses were all over the place, some believe Jesus is Elijah, some believe Jesus is actually John the Baptist, some believe Jesus is an Old Testament prophet returned. But then Jesus asks the important question, “Who do you think I am”? 

Even today, the world has many different opinions on who Jesus is. Depending on who you ask, you will get different responses, for example if you ask a Muslim, a Mormon, a Jehovah Witness, and a Catholic, your going to get 4 different responses on who Jesus is. But Jesus wants to know, who do we think he is. Nevermind what I say about Jesus or your local Pastor, or your family. What is your personal experience and revelation of Jesus?

Jesus wants a personal relationship with us all, remember he personally died for everyone of us. Remember Jesus will say to many in Matthew 7, “Depart from me, I never knew you” , many people are professing the name of Jesus, yet he doesn’t have any idea who they are! Christ wants a personal relationship not just a religion

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. Luke 9:21-22

Peter amazingly knew who exactly Jesus is, the Christ , the Son of God. Jesus said Peter only knew this because of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 16:17) Remember Jesus didn’t reveal he was the Messiah at this point, but Peter through scripture, the Holy Spirit, and his personal relationship with Jesus figured it out. 

Next Jesus reveals more about who He is, the Messiah that must suffer for the sins of the world. And he prophesied about his resurrection on the 3rd day, Jesus made it very clear who he is to those who took the time to know Jesus. So why do so many still today have the wrong Jesus?

Many people today are putting their trust in a false Jesus created by their own false religion, false doctrine, or false ideology. If we want to know the real Jesus, we must surrender to him as Lord of Lords. Does your idea of Jesus line up with the Word of God? Make sure you know him, before it’s too late Amen!

Luke 9- Feeding the Multitude

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And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.Luke 9:12-14

So as Jesus continued to preach, and continued to perform miracles, including healings, the crowds just continued to grow massively. So Jesus decided to keep moving out more remotely from Jerusalem, however the crowds still continued to follow him anyway. So now you can see the issue, a massive crowd out in the middle of nowhere. These people had no food, no where to sleep, many of them had families. So the disciples suggested to Jesus to send them all home!

But notice Jesus’ response “You give them something to eat” Jesus was not only not going to send the crowds away but he ordered the disciples to find them food, the disciple had no idea what to do. Now as we are reading this, lets remember the Israleites in the wilderness, God sent down the Manna from Heaven to feed the Israelites. Jesus is the Bread from Heaven sent to the entire world

A little boy had 5 loaves and 2 fish, notice the symbolic number of 7, which Biblically represents completion. Jesus was going to feed the great multitude from what he was given, alot more symbols and shadows will be revealed during this event

And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. Luke 9:15-17

Notice Jesus broke the bread, distributed among the multitude. This was a foreshadow of Christ’s death on the cross. The Lamb of God, broken on the cross, to deliver salvation to the entire world. Jesus is the Bread of Life, that came down from Heaven, this was a foreshadow of the New Covenant.  This also reminds you of the sacrament of communion, the bread blessed, broken, and distrubed to the multitude through Christ

Another symbolic number of 12, remember the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 Apostles. This symbolizes the completion of God’s governing rule. The Bread from Heaven, Jesus Christ, has fulfilled and established God’s Kingdom.

The more you look at this event, the more you understand Gods plan and purpose through Christ. Jesus is the Bread from Heaven, that died for our sins, so we can inherit eternal life, the food that lasts forever Amen!

Luke 9- Power of Christ

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Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. Luke 9:1-3

Notice here what Jesus gave to his disciples “Power and authority over all devils”, if you are a Born Again Christian, that includes you! Jesus gave you the power of the Holy Spirit to rebuke and defeat demons. So why do we live in fear of everything? Everything bad and evil in this world is because of Satan, so rebuke him! Remind Satan that his head was crushed at the cross with Christ!

The disciples were also given a job, preaching the gospel and healing the sick! Now you might say I can’t heal anyone, yes we don’t heal anyone God does! You can pray in faith over the sick people and let God do the work. Tell people the good news about Jesus Christ, and his eternal Kingdom to come!

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And 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. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. Luke 9:4-6

You might say “Well nobody will listen to me preach the gospel” Jesus said “If they will not receive you , then leave” Shake the dust off your feet, meaning leave in peace. You planted the seed of the gospel, its up to them to receive it. Again, you don’t save people, God saves people! We are just the hands and feet of Christ to do His work for His kingdom

The disciples went throughout the regions , preaching the gospel and healing people, they changed the world with no money , no building, no tax exempt status, they went in the name of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, obeying the will of God. Its our jobs to do the same!

Many people today don’t go to Church anymore because they don’t feel like its relevant. Well if people won’t go to Church, then take the Church to them, preach the gospel everywhere in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 8- Jairus Daughter

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And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. Luke 8:41-42

Now to really understand this story, we first need to understand who Jairus is. Jairus was a Jewish religious leader and ruler of the synagogue, also he was the father of a daughter who was dying. So Jairus was not just an ordinary Jew, he was highly respected and well vested into his religion. So for Jairus to come to Jesus, and beg him to heal his daughter, demonstrates the great belief Jairus had in Jesus

Yes Jairus was desperate, but when you are desperate you go to where you believe your best chance of change will be. Jairus put aside his religious beliefs and went to The Lord, because deep inside he knew Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. Luke 8:49-52

Now by the time Jesus got to Jairus house, his daughter had already died. When people instructed Jesus that she had passed away, notice Jesus response “Fear not, and believe she will be healed” Now the response Jesus got from the crowd was mostly mocking and disbelief

That’s why when Jesus finally got to the house of Jairus, he instructed only his chosen disciples to enter the room, why? Because he didn’t want the non-believers there. You see, lack of faith prevents the works of God. We can’t please God without genuine faith in Christ

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. Luke 8:53-56

While the crowd outside mocked Jesus, inside the house of Jairus he raised his daughter from the dead. Who is this man that can raise the dead back to life? Jesus revealed his power and deity , and saved the little girls life 

Notice all of this happened because Jairus humbled himself, came to The Lord and begged for his mercy. Jesus can bring you back to life also, Christ can make you born again by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Luke 8- Just One Touch

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And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? Luke 8:43-45

What does it take to become healed? What does it take to save your soul? Just one touch of The Lords garment. The question is , are you crying out to Christ? Are you seeking the Savior and trying to reach him? There is only one who can save your soul, its Jesus Christ, seek him with all your heart, just one touch from The Lord will deliver you!

We see a woman who had a medical condition her entire life, but she heard The Messiah would be in town, so she knew if she could just touch the garment of Christ, she would be healed. No magically words or rituals needed to be spoken, she knew in her heart, the power of Jesus was enough. 

Even though there was a large crowd, Jesus felt her touch. Christ said “Who touched me”? The woman who probably felt insignificant her entire life was now recognized by The Lord. Why? Because her faith drove her to Christ!

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. Luke 8:46-48

Jesus felt the woman being healed the moment she touched him, he perceived the power had left him. Just one touch of the Christ is all we need to be restored. The woman , trembling in fear at the presence of The Lord, confessed she was the one who touched Jesus. She professed her faith in Jesus, she believed he was the One who can heal her

Notice what Jesus says “Daughter, your faith has made you well or whole” It wasn’t the women’s money or religion that saved her, it was her faith in Christ. Also Jesus addressed her as “daugher”, through Jesus she is now a child of God. No longer an orphan or outcast of the world.

Are you seeking healing or maybe salvation, crawl to the Savior. Even if there is a large crowd of obstacles in your way, get to Christ! Just one touch from The Lord and you shall be made whole Amen!