trying to find His way
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) There is a sad irony in this shared cup of communion.Jesus says this cup represents a new covenant relationship.A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties to be in relationship.Like a marriage, or a treaty between nations,…
“The Teacher asks: ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’” (Luke 22:11) As I see it, this was not a mind-reading or future-telling miracle.They were expected, the host knew they were coming, and the room was prepared.Like making plans for Christmas today, Jesus would have made Passover plans.Jesus eagerly…
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” (Luke 22:3) ‘Satan enters Judas’ is Luke’s way of describing what happened to Judas.The deceiver was constantly whispering doubts and fears in the disciples’ minds.Jesus tells Peter this while they’re eating the Last Supper (Luke 22:31-32).But Jesus was constantly praying for His disciples, for He knew their…
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life…” (Luke 21:34) Jesus is preparing His followers for the challenges of kingdom living.To carry the yoke of Jesus is to let Him train us for Jesus-like living.But it is possible to carry another yoke, to be burdened by unhealthy…
“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) Did Jesus mean the kingdom of God would come soon, in the disciples’ time?Or was He referring to the final day of history, when Jesus fully returns?It depends on how we understand ‘the kingdom of God’.Jesus confers a different…
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) Jesus conflates the destruction of Jerusalem with the day of His final return.Many of the first disciples were likely expecting Jesus in their lifetime.Similarly, many times in history have felt like the end, when…
“And so you will bear testimony to me.” (Luke 21:13) Jesus is referring specifically to what will happen soon after His time.Persecution, and the destruction of Jerusalem, came after Jesus ascended (A.D.70).The first disciples were arrested, and eventually put to death.But what Jesus describes here also serves as a general pattern for all ages.In all times,…
“For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” (Luke 21:8) I have never met someone who actually claimed to be Jesus or the Messiah.(But I do know of one who just posted a picture of themself as Jesus).And too often people follow human leaders…
“Every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6) The disciples found the temple remarkable, beautiful, God-glorifying.Jesus does not see it this way; he sees beneath the show to the heart.I hear Jesus challenging me for what I find remarkable or impressive.Jesus is not impressed by what I’ve done, or am doing, or will do.My…
“This poor widow has put in more than all the others.” (Luke 21:3) I love how Jesus focuses their attention on what no one else notices.It is the size of widow’s heart, not her gift, that counts.God can do more with a widow’s penny than with large donations of the rich.God doesn’t need our money, but…