Luke 24: 36 to 53 With death itself overcome, Jesus shows His disciples there are no barriers to His risen presence. In case they still think they’re seeing an apparition, He eats fish in front of their wide eyes! As with the two on Emmaus Road, Jesus again shows how His death and resurrection fulfil […]
Luke 24: 13 to 35. We can try to imagine how disconsolate and bewildered Cleopas and friend were feeling as they trudged wearily to Emmaus. Jesus gently draws alongside and helps them to understand the ‘things that have happened’ (v.18). As they walk and talk the fire of hope is rekindled within them. When Jesus […]
Luke 24:1 – 12. We open our hearts and minds once again to the life-transforming message that “He is not here; he has risen!” Wonderful news! Jesus is alive and death, the ‘last enemy’ (1 Cor. 15:26), has been conquered. This hope is born out of suffering, loss and despair – which is a message […]
Luke 19:28 – 20:8. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of a tumultuous week! The Romans are nervous, Pharisees prickly and after Jesus upsets things in the temple enemies among the religious leaders determine to have Him killed. It’s all a question of authority – hence the discussion about John the Baptist. As the […]
Luke 18: 9-34. Again Jesus challenges assumptions and priorities – here specifically those things we rely on for self-worth and salvation. He draws a striking contrast between the Pharisee and the tax collector, uses infants to challenge adult pride and finally tells a morally upright religious man to give away everything he owns. Jesus is […]
Luke 15: 1-32. These wonderful parables belong together as stories of lost things being found – of coming home. What we sometimes miss is the theme of exuberant joy and celebration which also unites them. Shepherd, woman and father all say: ‘Rejoice with me’, urging others to share their excitement. When somebody is ‘found’ by […]
Luke 14: 1 – 24. A number of themes interweave through this passage but the most obvious is Jesus’ concern for the needy and vulnerable. The kingdom of God is good news for those who are side-lined, put down or ignored by those with power. How can we be bearers of hope for ‘the poor, […]
Luke 11: 1-28. Many of us are familiar with Jesus teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer and His parables about persistence. However, they’re worth looking at again, especially if we go on to see what Luke includes next. Jesus’ ministry challenges evil powers that hold people captive. So-called spiritual warfare is a dimension to prayer […]
Luke 9:57 to Luke 10:24. It’s easy enough to think we’re not like the would-be disciples in Luke 9:57-62 but how different are we? In the verses which follow, Jesus sends out seventy-two followers, telling them to rely on whatever hospitality they’re offered and do whatever good they can. This passage challenges us to examine […]
Luke 9:18-36. Peter has seen enough to be convinced that Jesus is Messiah, the Christ – even if he still can’t grasp why the Lord’s mission will involve suffering. His personal witness in verse 20 is magnified when he, together with James and John, sees Jesus glorified. Peter’s confession and the ‘Transfiguration’ are defining moments […]