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PASSION OF OUR LORD ACCORDING TO LUKE 1. As you know, the stories of Jesus arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection are told a bit differently in each of the 4 gospels. Of the 4, Luke approaches this as an historian, trying to write an orderly, believable account, so... Read More →

LUKE 16 – SOME WARNINGS TO THE RICH Bible Background: Luke sees wealth as a ‘spiritual barometer’. How you got it, what you do with it, means everything. Jesus warns “You cannot serve God and wealth.” The Pharisees are accused (perhaps wrongly) of... Read More →

LUKE 13 TIME TO REPENT Bible Background: We’ve skipped over chaps. 11-12, where Jesus teaches about persistence in prayer; tangles with the scribes and pharisees; casts out demons; points out the Rich Fool; and teaches how to not worry. Keep in mind, that his ‘face is... Read More →

LUKE 10:25-42 WHO ACTED AS A NEIGHBOR? Bible Background: Luke 10 is the chapter after Jesus ‘sets his face to go to Jerusalem’. This section is special to Luke (meaning that Matthew and Mark do not have this series of stories). Jesus has sent the 70 on their mission;... Read More →

LUKE 7=JESUS HEALS AND RESTORES LIFE! Bible Background: Since last week’s controversy in the synagogue, Luke’s account tells of Jesus teaching the crowds (Sermon on the Plain), with special emphasis on “love your enemies”, “do not judge”, and... Read More →

Luke 5 = The First Disciples Bible Background: Since being driven out of Nazareth, Jesus has been teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee. Jesus has been to Peter’s house and healed his mother-in-law. Now, he gets into a boat to teach the crowds, and reveals his... Read More →

Luke 4:14-30 Jesus in the Hometown Synagogue+Trouble! Bible Background: At Jesus’ baptism, we met the ‘grown-up’ Jesus in his first ‘public’ appearance. Then the Spirit led him into the wilderness for 40 days of testing. Now, he begins his ministry... Read More →

JOHN THE BAPTIST + BAPTISM OF JESUS + LUKE 3 Bible Background: John the Baptist appears and acts like one of the prophets. He attracts people and gets their attention! Jesus and John are cousins. John issues a call to real repentance, as in: “Turn your life towards... Read More →

Luke 2:41-52 Jesus at Twelve Bible Background: This is our favorite story of Jesus as a kid-because it’s the only story we have! We meet a precocious 12 year old, who is showing his independence and worrying his parents. He’s also amazing the group of teachers at the... Read More →

LUKE 2: SIMEON AND ANNA Bible Background: Luke has started his gospel with pairs of people: Zechariah & Elizabeth, Mary & Joseph, and now Simeon & Anna. He’s also included a series of ‘songs’ or poems that celebrate what God is doing: The... Read More →