Tag Archives: Luke

Luke 8- Legion

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And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) Luke 8:27-29

Here again , we not only see the power and deity of Christ, but we also see the glimpse of the New Covenant. A man who was possessed with demons for a long time was finally set free by Jesus. Up until this point , nobody could save this man, but Christ has revealed a New Covenant, no longer can sin and death hold us captive, as Jesus has defeated it forevermore

Notice how the demons addressed Jesus “Son of the Most High God” , the demons knew Jesus is the Messiah, they knew Jesus has the power to destroy them, they begged Christ not to torment them. This is the New Covenant, through Christ we have power over sin and evil

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. Luke 8:30-33

Notice the name the demons gave Jesus “Legion”, now this is a military word . Legion represented the largest army in the Roman military, about 5,000 soldiers, could be more or less. So these demons were identifying themselves as a large group, possibly thousands of them. Then notice the demons asked Jesus permission to possess the pigs, see Christ is in full control

Its also symbolic that the demons would enter the pigs, which were considered “unclean” in the Old Covenant. Its also notable the fate of the demons was drowned in the lake, which the demons know their ultimate fate is the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10)

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Luke 8:34-37

Now here’s the interesting part of the story: there were multiple witnesses to these events, and they ran off and told everyone else in the town. And as they found the demon possessed man completely healed sitting at the feet of Jesus, they told Jesus to get out of here. Imagine that! These people witnessed the power of God right before them and they rejected him

This goes to show you again, that faith is not based on evidence. Many people have witnessed Jesus and his miracles, however they still rejected him. They didn’t want a relationship with God, they didn’t want salvation. Jesus has the power over Satan and death forever Amen!

Luke 8- Jesus Calms The Storm

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Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:22-24

The world we are living in today is a constant storm, I’m pretty convinced we are living in the last days. I know many Christians have believed that throughout the centuries, however I can only go by my experiences and what the scriptures tell me. Regardless , the question is, what do we do during these difficult times? How do we get through these storms of life? There is only One calm in the storm and that is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh!

The disciples were in a literal storm, stuck in a boat in a giant storm. They all believed they were going to die, so what was Jesus doing? Christ was taking a nap! How can he do that! Jesus wasn’t afraid of the storm, because He is in complete control of the storm. The winds and the water obey him, just like every knee will bow to Christ! He is the Lord of Lords!

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.  Luke 8:25

Where is your faith? Jesus asked the disciples, these guys were in his inner circle, witnessed miracles and listened to his teachings, yet they lost their faith. Just like when Peter said to Jesus “I will never deny you” and when his life was on the line he denied Christ three times. Where is your faith during these difficult times? It’s easy to have faith when life is good and easy, faith is made for the storms of life to endure!

We’re in the boat right now! Many are afraid of perishing, many are afraid of losing all they have, but Jesus is asking “Where is your faith”? Did we forget Jesus rose from the dead defeating sin and death forever! Did we forget God created the Heavens and the Earth, nothing is out of his control! Focus on the calm in the storm, Jesus Christ, and not the storm itself Amen!

Luke 8- We Are The Light and Salt

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No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Luke 8:16-18

As you become a Christian, your identity is in Christ. The whole concept of Christianity is dying to self and living for God (Matthew 16:24). This may not sound appealing to some people, but to those who understand that our peace, rest, and salvation only come from Christ, its the best news ever

Jesus said “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) meaning Jesus lives inside of you! However as the Light, you can’t be or are not meant to be hidden. When the world realizes you are a Christian, the world will come after you. But don’t have fear or be anxious, because Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

Its natural to want to hide and not display your light of Christ, however we were designed to share the good news of Christ. You were called to be the Light and the Salt of the Earth. You were not called to hide under a basket, go out and preach the gospel in the name of the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Luke 8:19-21

You are also a Child of God through Christ. Anyone who is born again (John 3) through Christ is a child of God. And we the Church , are brothers and sisters through Christ. We have become a family, a community because of Jesus. Regardless of your race, genderm or nationality, we have become one in Jesus Christ

Now that you know who you are in Jesus, go and live for Christ. You no longer live for yourself, as you were bought with a price, you were bought with the blood of Jesus, and your life is no longer your own. We belong to God, we are his Children, we are the Light and Salt in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 8- Sowers of Christ

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A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:5-8

Some people wonder why, when you preach the gospel of Jesus to some people, they receive it and it changes their life. While others can hear the gospel and they reject it and it makes no difference in their lives. Jesus explains this in a parable, basically people are like different soil. Some people are like good soil, they hear the word of God and it becomes planted and they become fruitful for God. Some don’t receive the word of God at all and it falls by the way side. Some receive the gospel , but as soon as a problem or trial comes in their life, they quickly forget about the gospel. And some are choked out by the thorns, who are influenced by Satan and his demons

Yes the word of God or gospel of Jesus Christ, is like a seed. We are to be sowers of Christ. We are to share the good news about Jesus to everyone, some will receive it and others will reject it. But we don’t know who is going to receive it or reject it. That’s why we must preach to everyone just as Jesus commanded in the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) We must also remember , sowing the seed of the gospel most times takes time to show growth. You may be preaching and feel like your not seeing any results, but the seed is being planted, and is taking root in certain people. Eventually you will see a harvest for your labor

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:9-15

The nice thing about this parable is Jesus actually explains it for us, so we don’t need to guess. As Jesus says “The seed is the Word of God” when you understand that, you understand why its important for us to preach the gospel at all times. Jesus then explains the different reactions from different people. So the question is which one are you? Have you truly received the gospel and allowing it to produce fruits of righteousness? Or are you one who allows this world or Satan to separate you from the love of Christ? 

We need to be “Sowers of Christ” we need to spread the seed of the gospel, just like farming, if you don’t plant any seeds , nothing will grow, right? Same thing with the gospel, if we don’t share the gospel , we can’t expect a great revival in our communities, this is your responsibility! Go now in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, preach the gospel Amen!

Luke 7- The Sinful Woman

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And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:36-38

There is alot going on in this story, first off notice Jesus was invited to the house of a Pharisee. As you may know a Pharisee , was a religious leader of Israel. So for this man to invite Jesus into his house, he either believes maybe Jesus is the Messiah or he is setting up a trap for Jesus. 

Secondly, we see a woman, who is described as a “sinful” woman. Its funny when we read this as a Christian because we know we are all sinners, however this Pharisee believed he was righteous, he didn’t believe he was a sinner, which is the beginning of his problems.  Anyway the sinful woman brought an expensive bottle of perfume and washed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her own hair. She literally threw herself at the feet of Jesus, because she knows who he is and what she is

The third thing to understand from this is, this is a prophecy about The Lords death. Most people didn’t understand that the Messiah had to die for our sins, and this woman probably didn’t know that either. But her act of covering The Lords body in perfume , was a foreshadow of his death and memorial

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. Luke 7:39-43

The Pharisee was appalled, “If you are a prophet, how can you let this sinful woman touch you” But Jesus was going to teach the Pharisee about Gods mercy! Jesus gave him a senario and compared sin as debt. As we know the wages of sin are debt! So Jesus said the one God forgives the most is the one who he loves the most. Christ was teaching the Pharisee about grace and mercy of God

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.Luke 7:44-48

The Pharisee believed he was superior to the sinful woman, he believed he was more righteous and holy. However Jesus corrected him, this woman washed and anointed his feet, God forgives her sin because her love for God is greater. And Jesus did the unthinkable, he forgave the woman of her sin and saved her

Who does this Jesus think he is?  Who can forgive sin but God alone? Jesus is demonstrating his deity, he is revealing he is God in the flesh (John 1:14) and the New Covenant has come Amen!

Luke 7- The Greatest Prophet

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And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Luke 7:24-27

In our reading today, Jesus teaches us about who John the Baptist is and why he came here. At first glance many probably thought John the Baptist was just a crazy guy, wearing camel hair clothes and eating locusts. However John was a prophet, and not just a prophet but Jesus called him “the greatest of all prophets” (verse 28) 

So what was the big deal about John? Besides his strange appearance and very strong message of repentance, why was John so important? Well Jesus quoted the prophecies about John in Isaiah and Malachi, John was the prophet to prepare the way for the Messiah. John’s mission was to prepare everyones hearts for the coming of Jesus, by baptism of repentance, and reveal who the Christ is!

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Luke 7:28-30

If John came upon the scene today, imagine what most people would say or think about him. However Jesus said “there was no greater prophet born among women” John didn’t care what the world thought about him, he had a mission from God and he was going to fulfill it, even to the point of death, when Herod cut his head off for rebuking his sin

The religious leaders rejected John, not because of his appearance, but because they felt they were already righteous and didn’t want to repent for their sins. These men believed they were so religious, yet didn’t even recognize a prophet from God in front of them. They were all blinded with pride and self righteousness

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children. Luke 7:33-35

The religious leaders claimed John the Baptist was possessed by demons, even though he was a holy prophet of God. Just as the religious leaders killed their own Messiah, crucified him on a cross, because they love their sin and religion, more than they love God

The reason people reject God, is not an evidential issue but its a moral issue. Nobody wanted to repent and change, so they killed off John and Jesus. Unfortunately their delusion forgot that Jesus is the Son of God, and He is Risen forever. One day they will bow their knee to Christ and be sentenced to Hell forever, Worthy is the Lamb , Amen!

Luke 7- Are You The Christ?

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And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? Luke 7:18-20

One of the stranger moments in the New Testament is this one, John the Baptist has some of his disciples ask Jesus if He is the Messiah. Now remember John actually baptized Jesus in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus in the form of a dove, and the Father declared “This is my beloved Son” , so how can John have any doubts that Jesus is the Christ?

It just goes to show you, John the Baptist, even though he was a prophet from God, was still a flawed human just like all of us. Even though John was filled with the Holy Spirit, and knew Jesus, his human nature made him doubt what he already knew. What makes it even more interesting is Jesus declared John “the greatest of all prophets” (Luke 7:28) So its amazing the greatest of all prophets is doubting himself, maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves when we don’t understand something or get it wrong!

But maybe you are wondering also, is Jesus the Messiah? How can we confirm that Jesus is the Christ? Well Jesus is going to reveal this to us next!

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. Luke 7:21-22

Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 and displayed that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy. We know Jesus is the Messiah because Isaiah prophesied about him and Jesus fulfilled it. Jesus did everything that Isaiah and all the prophets wrote about, in fact Christ fulfilled over 300 messianic prophecies. 

So when Jesus was going around healing people or raising the dead, he was just doing these things to show off, he was demonstrating that he in fact is the Messiah. Anyone who knows the Old Testament, can identify that Jesus is the Christ, the evidence was made in clear sight

Maybe your not sure who Jesus is, study the Bible! See what was foretold about Jesus and what he accomplished. Read the words of Christ and let the Holy Spirit reveal him to you Amen!

Luke 7- Widows Son

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And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. Luke 7:11-14

 The first thing to notice about this story is why Jesus brought the man back to life. Notice it says “The Lord saw her and had compassion on her” Jesus saw this widow, who’s only son just passed away and Christ had great compassion for her. This is The Lord we serve, a Lord of great mercy and compassion!

Also notice how Jesus brought this man back to life, Christ spoke and the man rose from the dead. Does this sound familiar? Genesis maybe? God spoke creation into existence, just as Christ spoke life into this dead man. Jesus has the keys for life and death, He is the only one who can bring us back to life!

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. Luke 7:15-17

Imagine being at a funeral, carrying a coffin , and then the dead body comes back to life. This must have been a shocking event for all who were in attendance. Jesus literally rose the dead man back to life, just as he can bring our spiritually dead souls back to life!

Notice what the people said “God has visited his people” Remember before Jesus it was about 400 years since God spoke to Israel through prophets. The people rejoiced as God had finally spoken again to Israel. Not only that He sent the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus Christ to deliver the world from its sin

You might say well I never seen anyone dead come back to life, well I would disagree. If you are born again through Christ , you were brought back to life from the dead. Ask anyone who has been baptised by the Holy Spirit and they will tell you Christ has saved their life Amen!

Luke 7- The Centurion

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And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Luke 7:2-5

The story of the Centurion is very interesting, because first we need to understand a Centurion was a Roman military leader. This man was not just a Roman but he was in a leadership role that persecuted and killed Jews and eventually Christians. So this was probably the last man you would expect to come to Christ. However when this mans servant was ill, he commanded his people to find Jesus because he believed he could heal his servant

Secondly its interesting about Jesus response, Christ had every reason to reject or rebuke this Centurion. This man was responsible for persecuting his people. However this is a slight glimpse into the New Covenant. Jesus didn’t just come to save Israel, but to save the entire world including this Centurion!

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. Luke 7:6-8

The Centurion, who was a military leader, showed great humility to Christ. He told Jesus he was not even worthy to be in his presence and notice he affirmed Jesus had the power and authority to heal the servant without even seeing him. The Centurion demonstrated great faith in Jesus, and appeared to understand he was a sinful man in the sight of a Holy God

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. Luke 7:9-10

The statement Jesus makes here is amazing “Not even in Israel , did I find such great faith” Wow , think about this, this man was a Roman Military leader persecuting Israel and this man had greater faith than anyone in Israel. Talk about God turning everything upside down. This is the New Covenant, where anyone , Jew or Gentile, can come to Christ and be saved!

You might be an enemy of God right now, just like the Centurion was, just like Paul was, just like we all used to be. But Jesus can save you, he can cleanse your sin by his blood and be baptised by the Holy Spirit! Thanks be to God in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 6- Jesus Is Our Rock

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And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. Luke 6:46-48

Many people call Jesus their Lord, however many people don’t follow Christ commandments. This is what Jesus was saying, “Why do they call me Lord, and not do the things I say”? We see this alot today in modern day Christianity, many people make up a Jesus of their own liking. Remember the word “Lord” in the Bible means Master. If you a declaring Jesus is your Lord, then He is your Master and you are his slave, period

Jesus compared those who actually do listen to him, like those who build their house upon The Rock. When the storm comes, they will not be shaken, because their foundation is firmly built upon The Rock. This is related to your personal life, when the storm of life come upon you, you won’t be shaken because Jesus Christ is the foundation of your life. Regardless of what happens to you, the Great Shepherd will lead you through the valley of death, his rod and staff will comfort you

But notice Jesus said, this is only for the people who actually listen to him. These are the people, Christians, who put their complete faith in Jesus Christ. Not the false converts who put their faith in their religion or politics.

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.  Luke 6:49

Anyone who doesn’t have true faith in Jesus Christ, have no foundation in their lives. And when the real storms of life come crashing in, they will collapse. Why? Because they have no foundation, they have no faith in anything but corrupt and perishable things. You must have complete faith in Christ, and listen to his commandments! If Jesus is your Lord , then He is your Master, period

The storms of life are heavy today, we are in the last days. If you haven’t already , build your foundation upon the Rock, Jesus Christ. Otherwise you will be destroyed by this world, you have no hope without Christ! Jesus is my Rock and the gates of Hell will not prevail against him Amen!