How Are We Treating Others?

 N.T.#532 "How Are We Treating Others?"

April 18, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 7

And stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with her hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with ointment. (verse 38)

LET IT GLOW

If the only accusations of being a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of the publicans and sinners was all Jesus had to contend with, it would have been an easy ministry. However, it seemed the religious leaders were most of the time just around the corner, ready to pounce on the Messiah with threats and accusations of sins. It would have been a privilege for the Savior to have been called a friend of sinners. Yet, we know they eventually carried it to the extreme of killing Jesus on a cross, which was not merited. Jesus did no sin, thought no sinful thoughts, nor did He say anything but the truth. Looking back, we know it was in God's plan all along for the Perfect Lamb of God die in us sinners' place.

Look at what happened next. Jesus went to eat in the home of Simon, a Pharisee. Here was a host that was curios about this controversial rabbi. 

During the dinner party, an unexpected and uninvited guest showed up. What do we know about her?

• a woman in the city (who must have heard about Jesus' love, forgiveness, and healings);
• she was a sinner (perhaps a loose woman or prostitute) who was not welcome among these dinner guests, except for Jesus;
• this unnamed woman came with a mission (probably a believer in Jesus as Savior by this time);
• she brought a gift for the King Jesus, an alabaster jar of perfume (an expensive perfume imported from India);
• not only the perfume, but the woman brought with her love and praise and worship of the Master;
• she expressed her love with weeping, wiping, kissing, and anointing Jesus' feet with ointment (verse 38).

Such humility and humiliation in the company of religious leaders is shown here. It was known what lifestyle this woman lived, yet she had the gall to walk in and do this to the honored guest. Jesus didn't send her away, though. 

Jesus doesn't send us sinners away nor look the other way when we come to Him. He welcomes us with open arms like the children.

LET IT GROW

How did the host of the dinner party react to this woman? Verse 39 tells us of his thoughts: If Jesus was a prophet, he would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touched him, for she is a sinner. 

While the woman worshiped, the Pharisee condemned her. So the Pharisee concluded that Jesus wasn't an emissary of God because He tolerated the presence of a sinner and welcomed her devotion, too. (Swindoll)

How devoted are we to Jesus? Does it matter who is around us whenever we praise Him or worship Him? Do those around us know we are a believer?

How are we walking?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for loving us so much that You died in our place to pay for our sins!

Help us show Your love to others today.

 

Struggling With Doubt

 N.T.#531 "Struggling With Doubt"

April 17, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Are you struggling with doubt today? People are sinners and say and do bad things, yet Jesus remains faithful. John the Baptist even had doubts. How did it turn out? Read on.

What a different response concerning the baptism of John in the two groups of people. Many of the people heard (responded by believing and had received Jesus' teaching about John as truth). 

They justified (innocent; righteous) God. They vindicated God by their very existence as believers. 

The other group were Pharisees who rejected God's sovereignty rule over them. 

Rejected  means to declare invalid, to nullify, to set aside.

 Jesus likened the Pharisees to squabbling children who complain that everyone doesn't play their phony games. (verses 31-34)

The Pharisees had it all wrong. 

They dismissed John as a demonized heretic and Jesus as a drunkard and glutton. In less than 3 years, Jesus would prove His identity as God in human flesh. The religious ones would kill Jesus, yet He would rise from the dead and then ascend into heaven taking His rightful place in power-sitting on the throne at the right hand of our Heaven Father God. 

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

Time will tell who has believed correctly, as opposed to those who have rejected God's purpose for them and His salvation through Jesus. People who receive the messages of John and Jesus with spiritual insight validate it by their actions. Thus, they are the wiser than Israel's religious leaders.

Which are you, dear friend?

LET IT GROW

Was John encouraged by Jesus' reassuring message? John the Baptist remained in prison until beheaded by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee (9:9) 

We consider John's death as cruel and pointless, but he remained the greatest mortal who ever died. John's trust in Jesus gave him unshakable confidence during his lonely last days. Though shaken by doubt, John never blew away. 

What lessons can we learn from John's struggle? According to Swindoll:

1. Doubting may temporarily disturb but it does not permanently destroy a relationship with Christ. If you are doubting, may the grace and mercy of God sustain you. Seek truth and let it lead you to God.
2. Special blessings rest upon those who can live with earthly inequities, knowing there are heavenly purposes. Keep trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, for special blessing lie ahead.
3. Being childlike is commendable; being childish is unacceptable. Run to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Let go of discouragement and doubt. Trust Jesus and follow His teachings. 

Don't try to justify our actions. Jesus sees it all.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless all who read this today, Sweet Jesus, with comfort and salvation and faith.

Which Are You?

N.T.#530 "Which Are You?"

April 16, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

After John the Baptist's disciples left and took Jesus' message to him in prison, Jesus set straight the bystanders concerning John's doubt, his character, and ministry.

• John was a man of strong conviction. He wasn't a reed swaying in the wind. (verse 24)
• He lived in the desert, living on locust and honey, dressed in camel's hair. (verse 25)
• John was a prophet, fulfilling Malachi 3:1. 
• He was a messenger preparing the Messiah's way. (verses 26-27)
• John knew which king to seek: King Jesus.
• John was a very great man, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (verse 28)

The New Covenant, which Jesus would bring through His atoning death on the cross, was greater than the Old Covenant. So we citizens in the kingdom operating under the New Covenant will have a greater capacity than John, who had been operating under the old. 

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

It is by faith in Jesus that saves us, believing He is the Son of God, our Sacrificial Lamb, The One who shed His blood so we don't have to pay for our sins. Oh, what a Savior!

Friend, have you asked Jesus to be your Savior?

LET IT GROW

In contrast to John, the religious leaders:

• They depended upon men instead of God for their sustenance.
•  They enjoyed the comforts of the religious elite in Jerusalem. 
• Wearing their eloquent robes and ate like a king.
• Their messages were preset with rules and more rules for the people to abide by.
• They rejected the plan of God, showing grace and mercy, compassion and love. 
• Most importantly, they rejected Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah.

Well friend, which category do you fit into? Are you walking by faith and not by sight? Will you celebrate the Risen Savior this Sunday in church?

LET IT GO

Anything holding you back from giving your all, your soul, to Jesus?

His love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on us.

Have a blessed week serving the Living Savior.

Are You Blessed or Offended by Jesus?

N.T. #529  "Are You Blessed or Offended by Jesus?"

April 15, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

John was in prison, suffering for telling the king he was living in sin with his brother's wife. He was about to be beheaded and wanted to know for sure that Jesus is the Messiah. So he sent a couple of friends to find out. Jesus' answer was the evidence found in the healings and delivering of the people. 

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. (verse 23)

In the Greek language, blessed mans happy and offended means stumble or trip up.

John was facing death, so he had a right to be concerned about his spiritual condition and how to get to heaven. John's faith was firm as a rock; he fulfilled his commission by the Heavenly Father; he had preached repentance of sin; he was the messenger to point people to Jesus the Messiah and God through faith. Eternal life was awaiting him in heaven. John just needed that affirmation by Jesus. Look at the evidence, John. No one else could do the miracles Jesus did, so don't be tripped up or stumble over Jesus the Only Way to heaven.

We can't point fingers at John the Baptist. How often do we question Jesus when things aren't going our way? 

LET IT GROW

That very hour Jesus performed miracles predicted of the Messiah in Isaiah 35 and 61. So don't take offense for what happens to you as a Christian. Stay firm upon the Rock of Salvation. Don't fall away with faithlessness. Shout for joy while suffering for Jesus. 

Do you need a broken heart healed? Come to Jesus.

Do you need set free from a stronghold? Tell it to Jesus.

Repentance of sins and trusting in Jesus is what we need in our hour of need.

LET IT GO

Open our spiritual eyes to see where You are working, Jesus.

Give us ears to hear what people need.

Help us walk by faith again today.

Cleanse our life of bad thoughts and condemning words.

Raise us up to walk in newness of life with You, Savior.

Restore the joy of Thy salvation.

 

Is Jesus The Expected One?

N.T.#528 "Is Jesus The Expected One?"

April 14, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Friend, who do you say Jesus is? Is He your Savior, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah, to you? John had some questions about Jesus' identity. Read on to find out.

So far we have learned that Jesus healed the centurion's servant and bringing to life the dead son of a widow. Yet, the people considered Jesus to be a great prophet and God had visited His people. They glorified God. (verse 16) Remember, 400 years had passed as God remained silent toward the Jews. He raised up John the Baptist to predict/prepare the coming Messiah and preach repentance. 

We will recall that John the Baptist had baptized Jesus, was an eccentric desert preacher, and suffered for not compromising his obedience to the Father. Most assuredly John had heard of the wonderful things Jesus was doing.  John was locked up in prison by Herod Antipas (chapter 3) by this time. He had warned people of God's coming wrath and the Messiah. John expected the kingdom of God to come, but he was in prison with no kingdom.

Although, John had a few questions for Jesus to answer, so he sent a couple of fellows to the Messiah for the answers:

Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? (verse 20)

Does our faith sometimes waver, not because of doubting Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Messiah, but because of circumstances we live in, the way Christians treat us badly, or we get weary in well doing, loss of a loved one, sickness?

The Jews were looking for the Messiah to conquer the Roman government and make things right and easy for them. He didn't come with that purpose in mind. Jesus came to show us how to love and forgive, show compassion to the less fortunate, and be faithful to God.

How are we doing in those departments? I fall down and He picks me up, dusts off the offense, and bids me go tell and love again.

Who is Jesus to you, my friend? Is He just a prophet, or the Son of the Living God? Will you believe in Him as the only way to heaven? 

LET IT GROW

Are You the Expected One, the Lamb of God?

Little did they know Jesus would prove Himself to be so when He died on the cross as our Sacrificial Lamb, then rise from the dead to be our Living Savior!

Jesus told John's disciples to report back to John all the miracles they had seen and heard:

• The blind see,
• the lame walk,
• lepers are cleansed,
• the deaf hear,
• the dead are raised, and
• the poor are preached the gospel. (verse 22)

Instead of giving a "yes" answer, Jesus performed many miracles for the guys to witness.  They were to tell John about it as evidence of Jesus' identification as The Messiah.

Jesus wanted John to be encouraged to continue to have faith in Him, despite his circumstances. (Tony Evans)

Faith does not require evidence. We live by faith, not by sight. That is what makes salvation so wonderful to me. I don't have to do a gillion good deeds, do a billion repentances, or be highly educated to understand and receive this free gift from God.

For God so loved (you) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (anyone) believes in Him, shall not perish (not go to hell), but have everlasting life (in heaven). John 3:16

LET IT GO

Have you admitted you are a sinner?

 Do you believe in Jesus? 

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior?

He will never leave you nor forsake you, dear one, whenever you become a believer in Jesus Christ.

Dead or Alive

N.T.#527 "Dead or Alive"

April 11, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

They found the servant whole that had been sick. (verse 10) The centurion felt so unworthy to go to Jesus himself, so he sent friends to ask Jesus to heal his servant. The centurion spoke to Jesus, "Just say the word and he will be healed." And it was so. When the others returned to the house where the servant was dying, they found him healed. Jesus had not found so great a faith in Israel. 

To have the Savior say that about us. Wow! I want great faith but have failed too often.  

Isn't that what we want to hear, "Enter into your rest, good and faithful servant."

His grace and mercy continue to prevail. That is good news for us.

LET IT GROW

Then the next day, Jesus and His disciples traveled to a small town or village of about 200, called Nain. When they got there, a funeral procession was taking him to be buried. The dead man was the only son of a weeping widow.

What happened next?

• Jesus had compassion on her and said, "Weep not." (verse 13)
• Jesus touched the coffin.
• Those carrying the coffin stood still.
• Jesus said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.  (verse 14)
• The dead man sat up and began to speak. 
• They delivered the alive man to his mother. (verse 15)
• There came a fear on all.

They glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited His people. (verse 16)

To have been there and seen the look on the people's faces-priceless. To  experience a dead man raised alive! For the widow to have her son back alive and well. 

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;

If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

Have we great faith as the centurion or a dead faith that needs to be made alive by Jesus as the dead young man?

Are you spiritually dead or alive?

LET IT GO

Times are hard, Lord Jesus. Fill us with faith overflowing and love reaching to others who need it.

Please forgive us of our failures. Use us in Your kingdom work today.

Bless all who read this with Your Spirit of encouragement. 

Great Faith

N.T.#526 "Great Faith"

April 10, 2025 

Luke 7 

LET IT GLOW

This past week my state has had an over-abundance of rain. We really need some for we were in a drought. Yet it kept pouring down. Our yards were flooded. The road to our farm was flooded and rocks washed into the road. It was passable so I was able to feed my cats living there. By the weekend, the lowlands of our state were flooded, running off of the mountains. Tornadoes sparked as thunderstorms came and came. Yet, we had hope that the rains would stop and the flood waters would recede. And it has done just that in our area. 

Without hope, despair drowns in difficulties, all too often pulling its victim under with it. (Thornton Wilder)

Spiritually speaking, we sometimes get flooded with hurtful words, tragedies, problems, changes, that keep coming down upon us, weighing us down, trying to drown us. What do we do? There is always hope in Jesus. 

Jesus encountered hopelessness in varying degrees. Luke illustrates a close connection between hope for the future and confidence in Jesus' power and goodness. Here Jesus and His apostles returned to His adopted home of Capernaum. He may have stayed in the home of Peter's wife's family or with Matthew. 

Now we read of two healings performed by Jesus-the centurion's servant and the widow's only son. The first was deathly ill, while the latter was already dead.

What do we know about this centurion?

• He could have had up to 6,000 Roman soldiers under his command.
• These were Gentiles so Jews would have to go through a cleansing ritual before entering the synagogue again after being with them.
• Some Jewish elders considered the centurion worthy of Jesus' miraculous healing of his slave. 
• The centurion had funded the building of the Jewish synagogue in Capernaum.
• The guy loved the Jews, though not many did so.
• He sent friends to Jesus concerning the matter. The guy felt so unworthy to ask Jesus to heal his friend, much less come to his house. 
• Let's not forget that the centurion's servant was dear to him. Dear means valued, more honored, precious.  (Maybe the servant had been under the centurion's command for a long time. At any rate, he cared about the guy and didn't want him to die.)
• Matthew 8 tells us the man had palsy, which means he was paralyzed and greatly afflicted. 

Do we take our friends' problems to the Lord Jesus in prayer? As the centurion went extraordinary lengths to save a life, do we?

LET IT GROW

The centurion realized Jesus was a man with authority. Perhaps he had heard about Jesus casting out demons. This man was one with power and influence in the Roman military, so he understood authority. His word caused men to go, come, and to do something. So would a word from Jesus. Just say the Word, Jesus and it will be done. 

... but say the word, and my servant shall be healed. (verse 7)

Jesus responded by telling the crowd following Him, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. (verse 9)

Can you see Jesus standing there, marveling and amazed at the centurion's great faith? His faith was the greatest that Jesus had seen in all of Israel. 

Matthew 8:10 says that Jesus marvelled (to wonder, to admire) at the man's great faith.

Where is the response about what happened by the people, Mr. Luke? 

Jesus dealt with the cause of physical sicknesses, sin itself, when He died on the cross. 

Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. (Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:17)

LET IT GO

When we have tried everything and still no change in our troubles, we must lay them at the feet of  Jesus, and let Him take them away from us, to deal with them as He would.

When it happens, let Jesus have the victory and glory.