Author: Norm

“Woe to you Pharisees, because…” (Luke 11:42) The Pharisees were deeply devout believers, considered the most holy.They were devoted to God, to the Law, to holiness and obedience.They were meticulous and scrupulous in obeying God’s Law.They were eager to fulfill the smallest letter, the least stroke of the pen (Matthew 5:18).Yet, Jesus speaks these harsh words of…

“Inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39) Acting or looking like a religious person doesn’t change the inside.God knows what is inside of me, and wants to work on me there.My outward appearance and my public role or persona are not the real ME.God sees my character, my inner self, and what that…

“See to it that the light within you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:35) Jesus is talking about how our lives can glow – or not.If our focus in life (eyes) is healthy, it will show in our life.People will see the glow of goodness and be drawn to it.If our focus is dark, that will emanate…

“Something greater than Solomon is here.” (Luke 11:31)“Something greater than Jonah is here.” (Luke 11:32) Jesus was obviously more than just a teacher or prophet.He was already performing signs and wonders that convinced the people.The crowds sensed something greater and flocked to Jesus.But not the religious leaders, “a wicked generation” (Luke 11:29).Confident in their own rightness, they looked…

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) A woman is so inspired by Jesus, she cries out:“Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” (Luke 12:27)On the one hand, I can appreciate what this woman means.She experiences Jesus as wonderful, and feels blessed to see and hear…

“And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:26) This seems like a strange story, that doesn’t quite fit.Jesus uses two words, unclean and spirit, not the word demon.A spirit (literally breath, wind) is an invisible presence or power.The Holy Spirit is an invisible presence/power that is clean, from God.The clean/holy…

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23) On another occasion, Jesus said something that sounds the opposite.The disciples saw a man casting out demons in Jesus’s Name.But he was not one of them, not with them as they followed Jesus. “‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus…

“If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Luke 11:20) Jesus is releasing those who are caught in the grip of dark powers.I cannot explain what ‘demons’ are, but I know what they do.They are negative spirits, spirits that hinder and harm people.This man was…

“How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13) Jesus changes the analogy from a friend (v.5) to a father (v.11).He describes how most human fathers know how to care for their children.This in spite of the fact that humanity is evil, not loving as it…

“Because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:8) With God, persistence pays off according to Jesus.He uses the comparison of a friend in need.If a friend is desperate, you would help them out.Even if it was inconvenient or costly. This analogy assumes two things:One,…