Category: He Sees He Knows He Cares

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

Open Our Eyes Lord –

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 9:51-10:24; SOAP / Luke 10:23-24

23 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Luke 10:23-24 NET
The Prophets, The Disciples, and Us

The Old Testament patriarchs and prophets had angels, burning bushes, and visions. They knew about the One to come and, as Luke points out, they longed to see and hear what these 12 Disciples and others with them were experiencing, but it did not happen in their day. The disciples in the New Testament Church were blessed to hear and see what Jesus taught and showed them. This is especially true of the 12, who were with Jesus the most. They were eyewitnesses day in and day out to Jesus’ life, His work, and more; they learned first-hand what it meant to truly be His followers. For all of the modern day conveniences, I sometimes find myself wishing I could have walked and talked with Jesus like the 12 did, or even be one of the many that followed – learning from Him as He taught or seeing even one of the miracles He performed. While we can’t turn back time and have Jesus with us in the flesh; however, as Jesus explained to the Disciples shortly before His ascension into Heaven – “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” We are blessed to have His Spirit with us which as Jesus explained is in a sense even better. His statement is explained by Bibleref.com and I believe is most helpful and relevant to our discussion today. “The Holy Spirit, the Helper, provides the ability for each Christian to have constant, personal, immediate, indwelling contact with God. Instead of relying on someone “outside” of themselves, believers in Christ can focus on the voice of God “inside” their hearts, as He dwells with them (John 14:17). That doesn’t make Christians infallible or all-knowing (Colossians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 13:5). It does mean that we have the advantage of His influence, so far as we’re willing to submit to it (1 Corinthians 2:14–16).

John explained that the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, was given to us by God to teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus said, (Jn 14:26). We must not take this gift lightly though, but rather – as the prophets and disciples did before us – we must be responsible with what He has given us, living by it and sharing it with others. Following Him in this way will come with challenges because the message of the cross is not understood or received well by everyone and it may upset some – actually Paul said it is foolishness to those who are perishing – but it is God’s power to us who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). May we never take for granted Jesus’s presence nor His teaching but faithfully use it to encourage, equip, and empower others with the message and hope of Jesus.

Because we are privileged to know so much about Christ, we must be careful to follow Him

NIV New Life App – commentary
Response to God’s Word

Father – knowing Christ is indeed a blessing. To see Him for who He is and to hear His still small voice – through Your Spirit in me – is like nothing else in all the world. May I never forget or treat carelessly this gift from You but ponder it and treasure it in my heart even as Mary did. May I love it enough to share it with others and may I faithfully pray for their eyes and ears to be opened to understand and receive the message, that they too might share in the blessing of Your WORD for salvation comes through hearing and hearing through Your Word. – In Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,

to reach out and touch him, and say that we love him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.

Maranatha Music
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

A Vital Question for Every Believer

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 9:18-50; SOAP / Luke 9:20

Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

Luke 9:20 NET
The Two Questions

Today’s passage includes two questions that Jesus asked the disciples. The first was, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The disciples replied that some thought He was “John the Baptist, others say Elijah; and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has risen.” Then Jesus asked the disciples – but who do You say that I am? There was only one answer to this question, and it was given by Peter, who said – “The Christ of God.” Both questions were important but the second one was vital – not because Jesus needed to know, for as we’ve seen in other passages He knew the hearts and minds (Luke 5:22) of those around Him. I believe He asked the question because He wanted them to enter into a relationship with Him and that meant it had to be personal. They still had much to learn about Him and from Him but they could not bank their beliefs on the beliefs of others. The disciples needed to know who Jesus was to them before they could truly share Him with others or do miracles in His name, (Luke 9:1).

Who Do You Say He Is?

Our Scripture reading today, and many of those we’ve looked at over the past three weeks and those still to come, are good reminders for us to have our own ‘statement of faith’. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. You can borrow the words from your churches statement of faith. However you do it , the idea is to make your faith personal, so that you are ready with an answer for the HOPE that is within you, a declaration of “who you believe and say Jesus is”. Was He just a teacher or a prophet like Elijah? Or, is He the eternal, living Son of God, your Savior? What is it you believe? Do you believe He died for you … was dead … buried …. and rose again. Do you believe that His blood was sufficient for all of your sins – past, present, and future? Do you believe He can love the most evil and vilest offender? Do you believe once you are saved you are always saved and salvation through Christ allows you a relationship with God? What is it that you believe? It should be clarified that no true statement of faith can be made without the Word of God as its foundation.

My Statement of Faith

I believe that Jesus, born of the virgin Mary, is the son of God. I believe He was sent out of the love and the power of God to save the world from their sins, John 3:16. I believe that without Him I would be condemned unclean and destined for an eternal hell – but that with Him, through faith in Him, I am now a redeemed child of God*! I am forever forgiven because Christ gave up His life for mine, shedding His own blood for me. I believe He died on the cross in my place, was dead – buried – and raised to life on the third day. I believe that He walked again on the earth and then ascended into Heaven where He now sits at the right hand of God’s throne interceding with the Father – for me, and for all who are His. I believe that none of this is by works that I have done, ever will or even can do – but solely and profoundly by God’s grace alone – through faith alone.

*Romans 3:23, 5:8; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 1:7; John 10:18

Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for loving the world so much that you gave Your only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life. Thank You for teaching us to be prepared with an answer for the hope that we have. Thank You for making us lights of this hope to the world around us so that ALL might share in the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Help us to stand firm and to faithfully shine as lights in this dark and often foreboding world – Amen, in Jesus’ name

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The Importance of the Word

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Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 8:1-21; SOAP / Luke 8:21

But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Luke 8:21 NET

As I was reading back through my notes on verse 21 and thinking about how to put what I had journaled into words, the words from an old church camp song came flooding through my mind. I don’t remember all the words but it included several verses about not being able to get to heaven on roller skates, or in a rocking chair, or with a limousine. If I could add one verse to these after reading today’s passage, it would be “Oh you can’t get to heaven by who you know.” That’s the jest of today’s passage and Jesus’ response to His mother and brothers desire to see Him. Actually, the commentary I read said they were concerned for His health and wanted to take Him home to rest. However, being in the middle of a very important lesson for which a very large crowd had gathered no doubt influenced His answer. No disrespect was intended only the need for them and all who were listening to understand that, first and fore-most He was God’s son and thus it was those who were “hearing the Word of God and doing it” that bore the truer family-ties.

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Romans 10:17 NLT

More than once in sharing the Gospel with someone or in response to asking someone if they are a believer, I have received answers like – “Yeah, I’ve been baptized and go to church every Sunday”, or “I’ve always tried to live the good Christian life”, or “well, I don’t go to church any more but my mom and dad took me every week when I was growing up …” Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that those who answered like that aren’t saved but we certainly can’t hang our hope of salvation on going to church or living a good Christian life. Salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone, and as Paul wrote – faith comes through hearing and hearing by the Word of God. We are saved by grace through faith – not church, or baptism, our good works, our ‘knowledge’ of Jesus, or our earthly family ties.

It is worth noting and perhaps helpful to understand that Jesus’ response to His mother and brothers came shortly after His sharing the parable of the sower. A lesson on a sower and his seed and the responsibility of those who hear the Word to let it penetrate the heart and bring about good works. The lesson is the same for His mother and brothers. They cannot depend on who they are to Him but must respond to who He is to them.

Sandwiched in between the parable of the sower and and the response to his family came a brief statement about letting your light be seen. This follows the teaching on the seed that landed on the good soil – defined as “the ones who, after hearing the Word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance. One commentary explains it like this:

the meaning of Luke’s verses seems to be that listeners are to be like the good soil, accept the seed, and produce fruit (Luke 8:8). In the same way, people are to “enter” and “see the light,” working hard to understand the truth and application of Jesus’ teaching (Luke 8:18).

Bibleref.com on Luke 8:15-18
Some Application: Turning facts into action (or knowledge into wisdom)

I feel like I am constantly learning more about who Jesus is and who He has called me to be. So I loved seeing that even though Mary had the personal knowledge of who He was, backed up by the angelic announcement, she was still learning more about who He was, what it meant, and how to deal with it.

We don’t get to heaven because of who our family is or what they believe – but solely because of what we do with what we hear in the Gospel. For example Romans 3:23, 6:23; John 3:16, 6:47, and 13:34.

Response to God’s Word

Father, I have heard Your Word all of my life and I believe … You are Go, the Father-make of heaven and earth. I believe You so loved the world – me included – that You sent Your only son to live and die for me. I believe He lived a spotless life despite the pain and temptations He faced – He stayed TRUE to living out Your will for all to see. I believe He was born of the virgin Mary, and that He intercedes for me at the right hand of Your throne and is able to forgive my sins. I believe He left examples and instructions on how to live and that You have empowers me, as a believer, with the Holy Spirit so that I might live as You have called me to live – the same Spirit who teaches me all things and reminds me of everything You’ve said. He also convicts me of my sin and leads me to repentance. I believe in the Holy Spirit, and pray that I might be always yielded to His teaching, leading, and conviction toward repentance. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen and Amen!

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Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Gospel

Understanding Is Key

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 7:18-50; SOAP / Luke 7:47-50

 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Luke 7:47-50 NET
The Whole Picture
The Alabaster Jar

Have you ever come in on the end of movie and wondered what in the world was going on, or what those closing words meant? It’s like starting a book at the ending paragraph and reading “… and they lived happily ever after”, which leaves you wondering who “they” were and what led up to the “happily ever after.” Today’s focus passage, like much of Scripture, is the happily ever after but the story starts in verse thirty-six, where a Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him. The story isn’t so much that Jesus went – but what happened at the dinner. A woman, described only as a sinner, learns that Jesus is going to have dinner at the Pharisees house and she decides not only to go but to take with her a costly jar of “perfumed oil”, which she uses – along with her tears and hair – to anoint the feet of Jesus.

Then when a woman of that town, who was a sinner, learned that Jesus was dining at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfumed oil. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfumed oil. 

Luke 7:37-38
She’s a Sinner

It’s a beautiful picture and event that Jesus turns into a teachable moment for the Pharisee and for all who were listening then or reading it now. Luke writes that when the Pharisee saw what the woman did, “He said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.‘” Jesus responds to Simon’s thought with a lesson on cancelled debts between two debtors, one who owed much and one who owed little. His point being, that when both debts were freely forgiven, the one whose debt was greater would have more “love” for the creditor. This story is followed by a more pointed lesson, as Jesus uses a comparison of how they had each treated Jesus from the time He entered Simon’s house.

Simon

Simon recognized Jesus as a teacher and nothing more. Unlike, Simon Peter, who compared or saw himself in the light of Jesus’ righteousness – Simon, the Pharisee, compares himself to the sinner and sees himself as righteous and worthy of Jesus’ being in his home – but the woman as unworthy to even touch Jesus. When he does compare himself with Jesus, it is to acknowledge that he could see the woman for who she was but Jesus couldn’t.

  • He gave Jesus no water for His feet
  • He gave Jesus no kiss of greeting
  • He did not anoint Jesus’ head with oil
The woman/Sinner

She knew about Jesus but didn’t let her sin hold her back from Him. She went to where He was. She saw Jesus for who He was and she treated Him as such. Her love bearing witness to her faith and the forgiveness she had known.

  • She wet Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her tears
  • She did not stop kissing Jesus’ feet
  • She anointed Jesus’ feet with perfumed oil
The Meaning

Jesus, then sums up the lesson and the comparison with the revelation that even though the woman’s sins were many – she was completely forgiven; and her love, poured out in tears and oil and the use of her hair, showed her understanding of this. However, while Jesus’ illustration pointed out the Pharisee, who was a strict and religious follower of the law, had sinned less, didn’t understand the depth and debt of his few sins, and placed no value on the forgiveness of the debt or the forgiver.

As the end of our focus passage reveals, those at the table did not truly understand who Jesus was, as they questioned his authority to forgive sins. You may remember this question being asked before in Luke 5:20-21, but it is a vital question we should all ask at some time:

  • Who do I believe Jesus is?
  • AND – Do I believe He can forgive sins, be they ‘big’ or ‘little’, many or few?

Don’t miss that the woman understood exactly who Jesus was and it showed, but it wasn’t the evidence of her love that saved her, rather it was the evidence of her faith – as Jesus tells her, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.”

Some Applications / Turning facts into action (or knowledge into wisdom)
  • The Apostle Paul says that we are to be honest in our evaluation of ourselves, measuring ourselves by the faith that we have been given – Romans 12:3-5.
  • In other words we are to see (judge/measure) ourselves in the light of Jesus not the light of others – Romans 12:1-2.
  • Seeing our sins, seeking, and finding forgiveness should promote, provoke, and reveal evidence of our love and appreciation for Jesus and what He has done for us

Response to God’s Word

Father, how deep Your love is for us, so vast beyond all measure – that You should forgive one, let alone the multitude of our sins. YET! in love, in kindness, compassion, abundant grace, and mercies that are NEW EVERY MORNING, You have forgiven much – and I am forever grateful! Thank You Father for the reminder to not judge others by their sins and to not think I am better or more righteous than another. May my love bear witness of who You are to me and what You have done for me – and may I respond to You accordingly!

Vital and Revealing Questions
  • Who do you say Jesus is?
  • Do you believe he can forgive your sins – big or little, many or few?
  • What do you believe saved you?
    • Your Faith
    • Strict/religious keeping of the God’s Word
Know These Truths
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They Glorified God

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 7:1-17; SOAP / Luke 7:16

 Fear seized them all, and they began to glorify God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us!” and “God has come to help his people!”

Luke 7:16

There were two miracles in today’s passage. The first emphasizes the faith of a Centurion, the second the compassion of Jesus for a widow whose only son had died. While our focus verse is on the second miracle I can’t help but pause a minute to shine light on the first one as well. It excites and amazes me every time I read it. First of all that Jesus said of the Centurion, who was not a Jew (from the people of God) but a gentile, “… not even in Israel have I found such faith!” Second of all, that without even going to the home of the Centurion or being near his servant, Jesus healed him, not because of what a good man the people told Jesus the servant was – but because of the Centurion’s great faith.

“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith!”

Luke 7:9

The focus verse is equally exciting and amazing, as we see Jesus raise a dead man to life. not because of any words of faith but from what appears to be Jesus’ compassion for a widowed mother whose only son had died. Unlike the other miracles we have seen, this isn’t about a someone seeking out Jesus and asking Him to heal or help. Instead , this one paints a picture of God’s sovereignty and perfect timing, as Jesus enters a town right when people are carrying the dead man out of town for the burial. Jesus stops the procession, tells the mother’s son to “get up! So the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” A man raised to life out of compassion, a miracle witnessed both by the crowd with Jesus and by the crowd accompanying the mother in the funeral procession. That’s pretty exciting stuff, right? Yet, it is what happens next that must not be missed. I mean it isn’t uncommon for fear to be aroused by this miracle – considering no one had ever seen someone raised from death to life – but this “fear” seems to provoke an awe at what Jesus had done, which led to the people “glorifying God,” as they realized Jesus must be “a” (inferring one of many) “great prophet,” not The Messiah, God had promised – but admittedly, “one” whom, “God had come to help.”

A Response to God’s Word

Father, may we let the acts You do – big or small, significant or seemingly insignificant – move us to glorify You. May we stop and stand in awe of You. May we also, like Jesus, stop and show compassion for those who are hurting or struggling around us – and this that – You, like in the story we read today, might be glorified for who You are!

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Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

A Mountain Retreat

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Inspired by: He Sees, He Knows, He Cares / w2d5

Scripture Reading: Luke 6:12- 49; SOAP / Luke 6:12

Now it was during this time that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12 NET

I hope you enjoy this bit of a different view today – straight from inside the pages of my journal, the heart (my heart) of the study. Whether you journal on the pages of your Bibles, or in a notebook, or an LGG Journal, or on post-it-notes it doesn’t matter. I believe what matters is that you journal. One word or 50 – more or less … the amount isn’t the point the journaling is. It’s a place to capture your thoughts or questions or even the title of a song that came to mind. When you look back in your journal it will tell a story of what God was teaching you and so much more. In the weeks ahead my goal is to share more of these pages and give some pointers on journaling for those who are interested.

From INSIDE MY JOURNAL

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Power of our Faith

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Inspired by: He Sees, He Knows, He Cares / w2d3

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:12-26; SOAP / Luke 5:24

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralyzed man—“I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher and go home.”

Luke 5:24 NET

Luke packed a lot of information in these 15 verses …

You Can Make Me Clean

We see a man with leprosy, who comes to Jesus and is so moved that He bowed down at the very sight of Jesus. He begged Jesus for healing, saying: “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.” His words were evidence of his heart that he firmly believed in the power and work of Jesus. So great was the man’s faith that Jesus healed him immediately.

His Need To Be Alone

Luke pauses between this miracle and the next to tell us two things

  • crowds were gathering “to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases”
  • and that, “Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.”
    • Don’t you love knowing that Jesus found the need to both withdraw from people and to pray? Please note, His need to withdraw was more than a need to be away from the people – He needed to be alone to talk with His Father (God).
Faith moves mountains and stirs the heart of Jesus

Then we meet a paralyzed man, unable to walk on his own, he is carried on a stretcher and finding no other way to get him past the crowd and into the house where Jesus was, those carrying him lowered him through the roof “right in front of Jesus”, and “when Jesus saw their faith,” He said to the paralyzed man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Do you see it? It seems to me that their actions demonstrate how ‘faith moves mountains’. For when it seemed impossible to get through the crowd, instead of their faith being shaken it appears that their faith increased their determination bit it also moved the heart of Jesus. It’s important to note that the initial response wasn’t – “get up and walk” as I’m sure everyone expected. Instead, what they heard was – “your sins are forgiven’ – a pointed statement signifying to all listening that not only could Jesus heal but He could forgive sins. This was an important milestone in Jesus’ ministry. The response of forgiveness was also what prompted ‘the experts in the law’ and the Pharisees to begin wondering “to themselves”, who Jesus was and how he could so boldly speak such blasphemies, for they knew that only God could forgive sins. I’m sure they were surprised when Jesus, who knew what they were thinking to themselves, not only questioned them – saying, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk?” but He also said to the paralyzed man – “I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher and go home.” Which he immediately did.

“God honors the faith of those who seek to bring others to Christ. When we pray, we orient our attention toward the issue and watch for God to work. God performs mighty deeds that no one realizes. When we are paying attention, however, we have the opportunity to be seized with amazement, filled with awe, and glorify God, declaring, “We have seen extraordinary things today” (Luke 5:26).

BibleRef.Com, Luke 5:20
Turning Facts into Application
  • Like the man with leprosy – go to Jesus
  • Let nothing stand between you and Jesus
  • Let nothing quench your faith
  • Let your faith be evident
  • Take others to Jesus
Prayerful Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for instilling in me an ever deepening faith in You, the Holy-Three-In-One. Jesus, thank You for responding to my prayers and faith. May faith in You always move me toward You – moving the mountains that are in my way – and may I stand in the gap for others who need You – lifting them up and bringing them to where You are! – Amen! in Your Holy and powerful name!

Helpful Commentary

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, LGG Study, Quiet Time

But, At Your Word I Will …

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Inspired by: LGG’s / He Sees, He Knows, He Cares / w2d2

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:31-5;11; SOAP / Luke 5:8-11

8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people!” 11 So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:8-11 NET

Oh, how I hope you read the full passage today (and everyday) as each day has so much to offer. For as Paul wrote, “All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness; so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” But honestly, outside of that truth – I hope you read it just because it is interesting and full of insight, intrigue, hope, and so much more. Like today’s story about Jesus and the demons knowing His name …

Our focus passage today picks up sometime after Jesus’ encounter with the demons. The crowds were growing in size and pressing Jesus for more of the miracles they had seen or heard about. However, He kept moving on, telling the people He had to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns, reminding them it was what He was sent to do. On one occasion when the crowd was pressing around Him to hear what He was teaching, He got into a boat by the lake, He “put out a little way from the shore, and taught the crowds from the boat. Luke writes that when Jesus finished speaking, he said to Simon Peter, the boat’s owner – “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon explained that they had already done that, they had worked hard and had caught nothing, “But”, Simon said, “at Your word I will lower the nets.” You probably know the rest of the story, how that when he did as Jesus said they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. So, Simon enlisted their partners to help and still there were so many fish that their boats were about to sink. Simon was moved beyond words and fell down before Jesus, which is where our focus verse comes in today. Read it again –

“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people!” 11 So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.“

THE POWERFUL EFFECTS OF OBEDIENCE

It’s not always easy doing what Jesus asks of us or going where He sends us. Fear and uncomfortableness, tiredness and lack of understanding can be some of the mitigating circumstances that cause us to hold back. No doubt, this is how Simon Peter was feeling when Jesus told him to – “put out into the deep water and lower [his] nets for a catch.” Despite how Simon felt about it, he submitted to Jesus’ request and did just as He was told. And, because he did, his life was changed – as he not only realized the greatness of Jesus but, in comparison, the greatness of his own sin. Realizing the depth of His sin, he told Jesus, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Simon’s reaction is, no doubt, a beautiful picture of what happens when we truly see ourselves in the light of who Jesus really is. However, we must not miss that Simon Peter wasn’t the only one impressed and drawn to Jesus that day, for we read in verse 11, that “all who were with Him left everything to follow [Jesus].” I believe this is important, as it teaches us that our obedience to even the silliest and seemingly unnecessary tasks can have a huge and lasting impact that we may never realize this side of heaven.

But, Simon Peter said, at Your word I will lower the nets.

Luke 5:11 NET
The Recap

I see at least three things about obedience that we can learn from Simon Peter’s statement. First of all, obeying a request or a command that we do not understand, such as lowering nets again after you’ve already had them lowered and caught nothing, reveals our trust and/or respect for the one we obey. Not only that, but our obedience can lead to a broken and contrite heart, which can lead to a right relationship with Jesus, which leads to worship, and possibly to others seeing, knowing, and following Jesus.

Response to the Word of God

Father, let the greatness of Jesus wash over me every day. In the light of who He is, may the depth of my sin and unworthiness move my heart to yield in confession and to worship You – Holy three in one! Help me to faithfully encourage and invite others to share in what You’ve done and who You are! Let nothing Lord, absolutely NOTHING – stand in the way of You! In the great and mighty name of Jesus, I pray – Amen!

Worship in Song

Have you decided to follow Jesus today? I would love to know and rejoice with you.

Would you like to know more about following Jesus? I would love to share more of the good news and help you understand what it’s all about. Visit Know These Truths [link below] for more details –

If you answered yes to either question please leave a comment here or email me, m.black@lmbc.org – i would love to send you a small gift in celebration or in answer to your questions.

KNOW THESE TRUTHS

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

In the Power of The Spirit

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Scripture Reading: Luke 4:14-30; SOAP / Luke 4:18–19

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and the regaining of sight to the blind,
to set free those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 4:18-19 NET

In our most recent post, we read about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by the devil. Today’s encounter picks up sometime after His encounter with the devil, and it made me stop and think and appreciate Luke’s writing even more and Jesus’ life on earth just a little differently than I have before. Today’s passage, revealing yet another Jesus encounter as God in the flesh, caught my attention. Here’s what captivated my mind – as though I had never read it before. Picture it with me, this young man is God in the flesh and yet we’ve seen word pictures of His birth announcement, His circumcision, His presentation to the LORD at the temple, His baptism, and, what I can only imagine, was a grueling temptation by the devil in the wilderness. This brings us to today’s word-picture of Jesus, God in the flesh, being led by the Spirit of God, dedicated to God, Father for His life’s purpose. We so often focus on the price Christ paid on the cross, and rightfully so; However, as I look at these other encounters He endured on our behalf my heart is moved even more at what it cost Him to leave His place with the Father to die for us. Going through rituals meant for sinners, enduring temptations, mockery, insults, and all that we will witness moving forward may appear to be easy for this man who was God – but let us not lose sight of the fact that He was a man, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law. He felt pain, cried tears, sweat great drops of blood, worked hard, faced temptations, comforted the hurting, dealt with hunger, and needs just like us and He knew from the beginning that He was born to suffer and die a horrendous death that He did not deserve to die.

Following the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus, “in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee” and began to teach in the synagogues. This encounter finds Him in His hometown of Nazareth where He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He opened the scroll to a specific place and read, ironically – but not mistakenly, about Himself to the people – telling them that He was sent to:

  • proclaim good news to the poor
  • proclaim release to the captives
  • restore sight to the blind
  • set free those who are oppressed, and
  • to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
    • It might be helpful to stop here for a minute and explain what is meant by “the year of the Lord’s favor”. From what I read and understand, the statement describes not a particular year or literal time but a space of time that is characterized by God’s grace, redemption, and deliverance. In its original use by Isaiah it is said to specifically refer to the restoration of God’s people from Babylonian captivity. In it’s reference here in Luke 4:21 it is specific to Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 through the reading of the Scripture.*

The people would have been familiar with the passage as it was from the prophet Isaiah, a passage they no doubt had heard or read often. However, when He had rolled the scroll back up He said to them,

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled, even as you heard it being read.”

Luke 4:20 NET

This subtle announcement led to more conversation and filled the crowd with rage. Despite their rage and plans to throw Him down the cliff, Jesus was able to pass through the crowd and go on His way.

A Response to God’s Word

Thank You Jesus, for coming to set me free from spiritual captivity, blindness, and oppression – for apart from You there would be no way for me to come to the Father. Thank You for Your willingness to suffer not just on the cross but in this world for sins you did not commit. Thank You for Your Spirit within me, so that I can carry on Your work living as Your witness, and answering Your call on my life to encourage, equip, and empower others with Your Word. praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Want more?

Be sure and visit Love God Greatly for today’s blog

*For more insight on “The year of the Lord’s favor, visit https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/the-year-of-the-lords-favor

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 3:1-4:13; SOAP – 3:21-22

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.”

Luke 3:21-22 NET
Taking It All In

The length of today’s passage is long for sure but the beauty of it is worth reading and helps to highlight the focus passage. Starting off with the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry, including Jesus’ own baptism as well as His genealogy, and culminating with the temptation He faced in the wilderness and how He handled it. The scene Luke paints is helpful to understanding that Jesus was baptized, most likely, during the height of John’s calling to prepare a way for the Lord; and it is a beautiful picture of the trinity as both the Father and the Holy Spirit appear on the scene of His baptism.

Zeroing in

Matthew and Mark give more detailed accounts of Jesus’ baptism while Luke condenses his version and zeros in on the simple fact that Jesus was baptized. His description does seem to hint at a time line for the baptism – which appears to most likely be during the height of John the Baptist’s ministry. Which explains his statement – “when all the people were baptized”. “All” is not a literal term here but rather a reference to John’s many followers. My favorite part of the passage is the Holy Spirit descending on Christ, like a dove, followed by God’s voice from Heaven with a personal message to His Son for all to hear – “You are my one dear Son; in You I take great delight.” A fitting confirmation at the start of Jesus’ own ministry (23) not only that He is who He says He is, but that He walks in obedience to God.

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT

While our focus is on Jesus’ baptism, I believe it is vitally important to soak in the details of how He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for 40 days. I love that Luke doesn’t just say that Jesus was tempted but that “He endured temptations”, confirming the words of Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, and giving us great hope that we can do the same. As important as it is to know that Jesus endured temptation, it is equally, if not more important to know how. Luke details three specific temptations, each of which Jesus overcame by using the Word of God. He knew what God had said and He used it as a weapon in the warfare of temptation. So important is this concept that we see it used in both the new and old testaments. It is referenced in the words of David when he said that He had hidden God’s Word in His heart that He might not sin against Him (Ps 119:11). We also find an example of it in Ephesians 6:17–18, where Paul describes the “Word of God” as a piece of the “armor of God”. Perhaps the greatest hope concerning the temptations that Jesus faced is the fact that when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from [Jesus], a great example of James’ instructions and encouragement to “resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 NLT
How then should we live?

First of all, we should follow Jesus in baptism, as a sign of our faith and commitment to follow Him. Secondly we should use God’s Word as a weapon when we are tempted to sin, trusting that when we do this the devil will flee and we will be able to endure as Jesus did. To use God’s Word as a weapon we will have to know it – and have it ready as Paul told the Ephesians, putting it on as armor in order that we might stand firm.

My Response to the Word

Father, thank you for the life and examples of Jesus. How exciting to picture Him walking down into the waters to be baptized by John and then to see Your Spirit descend on Him and hear Your voice from heaven, declaring how pleased You were with Him. I thank You for the sweet memory of my own baptism and the choice I made to follow You. I pray for those who have not yet followed You in baptism, that they would be moved to do so. I praise You for the victorious example this passage gives us of Jesus being tempted by the devil, and how he overcame the temptations with the power of Your Word. May I/we be faithful to do the same so that we can stand firm, may we be alert and yielded to Your Spirit so that we will see and take the way of escape that He shows us. May we know and use Your Word as the powerful weapon that it is so that the devil will flee. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name and for Your eternal glory – amen!