Are We About Your Father's Business?

 N.T.#671 "Are We About Your Father's Business?"

Nov. 11, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do you know what business your Heavenly Father has for you to do? Jesus found out.

You will recall the event which occurred whenever Jesus was 12 years old. He was strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and grace of God was upon Him. (2:40) Mary and Joseph with Him had attended the Passover in Jerusalem and Jesus stayed behind. (2:43) After 3 days, Jesus was found in the Temple. 

Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house? (2:49, NLT) 

King James says, about my Father's business. 

Jesus' Father is none other than God. His divine identity and divine purpose on earth His parents did not understand. He was in the Temple with the experts of the Jewish law. Those guys were amazed at Jesus' words. Of course, Jesus would know about the Law of Moses. He made it. Of course, He knew about the Jewish laws. He knows everything. It was another 11 years before Jesus' ministry began. 

Are we teaching our children the Word of God?

LET IT GROW

As a man, Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. the people were being baptized after their repentance of their sins. Jesus had no sin, but His baptism was to fulfill all righteousness. (Matt. 3:15)

That was when God proclaimed, Thou art My beloved Son: in thee I am well pleased. (3:22)

This marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry. It also pictured for Christ a pledge of His future death, burial, and resurrection for the sin of the world. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Jesus was 30 years old whenever He began His public ministry, as were the Levitical priests when they began their service. He preached, performed miracles, and prophesied about the future. He showed love and compassion while standing against the religious leaders stuck on the law. He overcame the temptations of Satan. This Messiah fulfilled the Old Testament predictions of One to come.

How is your faith, dear one? How are you walking? 

God has a purpose and plan for each of us. (Adriane Rogers)

Are we busy about our Father's business?

LET IT GO

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look fully in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of His glory and grace.

Thank You, Father, for Your glorious grace!

To You be the glory forever.

It Was the Right Time

N.T.#670 "It Was the Right Time"

Nov. 10, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Was Dr. Luke an apostle/among the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ? I wondered that. Apparently not, for Luke is not mentioned among them in chapter 6. He could have been among the 70 followers of Jesus. Luke was one of Paul's missionary companion. He was in the early church at Antioch. He was a Greek, not a Jew.

I like to review the highlight events and Scriptures after we finish studying a book. Keep in mind that 400 years passed without a word from heaven. Then, at the right time, God sent His messengers to earth. Boy, were they busy.

First, we read about the events surrounding the special birth of John the Baptist, who prepared the way of the Lord. John's older parents were both descendants of Aaron, the first high priest. Zacharias was serving in the Temple (1 week every 6 months) when Gabriel appeared to him with the good news of a son to be born to the barren couple. Because he doubted, Zac was speechless the entire time of Elisabeth's pregnancy. He couldn't share the most exciting news of their lives. 

Next, a teenager named Mary, engaged to Joseph the carpenter got a visit from Gabriel. (She was of the Aaronic descend by her mother and Davidic descend by her father.) He announced Mary was going to have a son, Jesus, because she was favored by God. The Jews were expecting a Messiah to come. How could this be since Mary was a virgin? The Holy Spirit was empowered of the Highest in order for this to happen. (1:35) Isaiah 7:14 foretold of the Messiah, Emmanuel to come.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. (1:37)

Mary surrendered to the Lord's will for her life. (1:38) Matthew 1 describes the reaction of Joseph and Gabriel's visit to him in a dream. then the married couple had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for census and pay taxes. That was where the intended birth of Jesus was to take place. And in a lowly manger surrounded by animals, not a place one would think appropriate for a King to be born. Mary's on was called Jesus, according to 2:21. He is called Deliverer, the Anointed One, Messiah, Son of the Living God. Visited by shepherds and kings, this child had quite a future ahead. To me, these events never get old hearing and reading about them, even seeing it in church programs.

LET IT GROW

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (2:52)

Jesus matured in 4 ways:

1. mentally (in wisdom)
2. physically (in stature)
3. spiritually (in favor with God)
4. socially (in favor with man).

By Jesus' example we can see the importance of us and children to mature in those areas.

now

What is our take-away today? Is your faith like Zacharias or Mary?

Are we growing spiritually in favor with God? Or is our faith growing stagnant?

LET IT GO

What a Wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

Friend, if you haven't surrendered to Jesus yet, do so now. 

 

Who Was Luke?

 N.T.#669 "Who Was Luke?"

Nov, 2025

Summary of Luke

LET IT GLOW

I recall memorizing the passages in Luke about the birth of Jesus in elementary. My classmates and I recited them at a Christmas program we had. I can still do it, mostly. If you haven't done so, give it a try. 

Well folks, we finally made it through the Gospel according to Luke. Many thanks for staying with me while we studied this book. I always like to look back at the book we have studies together and pull out some gold nuggets from it .

What do we know about the writer?

• Luke was a Gentile and the only Gentile to pen any books of Scripture. His name is Greek.
• Not only did Luke write this Gospel, but also the Book of Acts, which tells about the early church.
• Since Luke was a doctor, He gave more details of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. He gave us a deeper perspective of Jesus' healings. 
• Probably this book was written between A.D. 58-60, before the invasion of the Romans on Jerusalem in A.D. 64, for he does not mention this historical event.
• A running theme in Luke's Gospel is Jesus' compassion for Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and other outcasts in Israel.
• Other themes include human fear in the presence of God, forgiveness, joy, wonder at the mysteries of the role of the Holy Spirit, the temple in Jerusalem, and Jesus' prayers.
• Another theme emphasized is the relentless progression of Jesus toward the Cross, of which He did not deter, for His whole mission was to save sinners.
• Luke was one of Paul's closest companions and fellow laborers. (Col. 4:14)
• He was a tremendous historian, missionary, church planter, traveler, and writer, as well as being a physician.
• Luke was martyred at the age of 84 in the Greek city of Thebes. 

[References: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Luke reveals to us that God is not respecter of persons; He opened His heart to the needy through the kingdom ministry of His Son. The Son of Man who heals the sick, raises the dead, and calls the prodigal back is also the transcendent God who calls all people to Himself in salvation.

Luke shows through the genealogy and birth of Jesus that He has the right to claim the title of Son of David, the Messiah and King. Jesus used the Word of God to open people's minds and hearts to who He is. [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

What a beautiful account of the life of Jesus Luke gives us.  Luke does not end his writing with sadness over the death of Jesus. We can read of His appearances to people and His promise of sending the Holy Spirit. [Life Application Study Bible]

Let me leave you with this verse today: For with God nothing shall be impossible. (verse 1:37)

Whatever is going on in your life today (and mine), keep praying and reading God's Word. It never fails. Our Living Savior can do the impossible. He arose from the dead, didn't He?

I will pull out some Scriptures that are significant to me which we studies and some life lessons, too. So stay with me for the next couple of days as we review.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the burdens and problems in our life and world, and lay them at the feet of Jesus.

Grow our faith stronger and firm. 

May You be honored, glorified, and praised, Lord Jesus, Savior, Messiah, Son of God.

Please bless those who study the Scriptures with me.

What Kind of Witness Are We?

 N.T.#668 "What Kind of Witness Are We?"

 Nov. 6, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

When we moved away from our families, came to visit, then left for home, it was a time of sadness for being separated from them, but also joyous as we looked forward to the Lord using us in kingdom work. I understand now that our daughter and her children live so far away. Mixed emotions seem to prevail. I wonder if it was the same for the disciples of Jesus. 

Jesus commanded His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for what His Father had promised-the Holy spirit, so that they would be empowered from on high. (verse 49)

Waiting is very difficult for me. How about you? Things seem to go through my mind-good scenarios, bad ones. My imagination seems to run wild at times. What ifs pop up. So I have to cling to the faithfulness of God. He is in control. Wait for His timing not mine. so many Psalms speak about waiting on the Lord. David surely had to learn how to do that. It was about a 15 year wait before David became king of Israel.

LET IT GROW

Previously, Jesus assured His followers they had a message the world needs to hear. (verse 47) Repentance and then remission of sins found in faith in Jesus as Savior was their message to share with the world. And so it is for us..

And ye are witnesses of these things. (verse 48)

Witnesses , in Greek, means martyr.

The Holy Spirit is sent with power by God Himself. It was to be the beginning of gospel outreach in Jerusalem. (verse 47)

Jesus led His followers toward Bethany, high upon a hill east of Jerusalem, just a couple of miles. There, Jesus' beloved city could be seen. His next visit to earth will be standing on the Mount of Olives. (Zech. 14:4)

There, Jesus lifted up His hands and blessed them. (verse 50) It was a benediction, a blessing, and they got to see the ascension of Jesus, carried into heaven. I wonder if angels did it, lifting the Son of God to the right hand of the Father onto His deserved throne on the right.

Wow! What a sight and experience they never forgot!

The followers returned to Jerusalem as commanded. How did they do it? With great joy! This hopeless people now had hope; broken people had purpose; the abandoned people had experienced the presence of God. 

And were continually in the Temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.  (verse 53)

Worship, joy, praise-that's where our faith in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ should lead us. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

Are our days filled with great joy? If not, then meet with Jesus. 

Praise and bless the Most High God!

Thank You Jesus You are always with us.

Use us to be Your witnesses.

What kind of witness are you and I for the Lord?

Behind Locked Doors

N.T.#667 "Behind Locked Doors"

Nov. 5, 2025

Luke 24-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

While the rest of the city continued to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread and carrying on life as usual, a group of Jesus' closest followers were gathered behind closed doors, in the upper room. As they gathered, they found encouragement and safety, hope instead of fear as they heard of Jesus' appearances. Folks were sharing their experiences (two on the road to Emmaus). 

Days had elapsed between verses 43 and 44. Jesus and His followers traveled to Galilee and back before He returned to heaven. (Matt. 28:16) In Acts, Luke makes it clear that Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples between His resurrection and ascension. (Life Application Study Bible)

What happened next?

• Suddenly and miraculously, Jesus appeared in their midst, greeting them with Peace be unto you. (verse 36) 
• Obviously, Peter had been the only apostle to have previously encountered Jesus. 
• What were the others reaction? Terror as they viewed the resurrected Lord Jesus. (verse 37) Had they seen a ghost?  (I think we all would have been scared out of our wits had we not seen Jesus enter through the door but suddenly was there.)
• Jesus encouraged the believers to touch Hin and see that He had flesh and bones. (verses 38-39)
• He showed them His hands and feet with nail scars. (verse 40)
• The shocked people believed not for joy and wonder. (verse 41)
• Jesus ate a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb to prove He had a resurrected body. (verses 41-43)

The doors were closed and locked. (John 20:19) Were the people standing there with wide eyes and mouths open? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus expounded how the Old Testament pointed to the Messiah, His sufferings, and His resurrection all predicted. (verses 44-46)

Jesus opened the people's minds so they understood the Scriptures. 

The apostles were to preach of repentance and forgiveness of sins to the Jews and to all nations. 

These were witnesses of such things. In order to carry out the task, they would be endued with power from on high-the Holy Spirit. (verse 49)

LET IT GO

Help us carry on the Great Commission, Lord Jesus.

We are Your witnesses of Your salvation in our lives.

To You be glory, honor, and praise forever!

The Resurrected Jesus

 N.T.#665 "The Resurrected Jesus"

Nov. 4, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 5

And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight. (verse 31)

 LET IT GLOW

Do you have some doubts concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Read on to find out to whom He appeared as proof.

Until we see Jesus for whom He really is-crucified Savior, Risen Lord, Messiah, Son of God-we will not come to Him. Until we see ourselves as who we are, sinners in need of a Savior, we won't repent. Our soul is in need for forgiveness of our sins. Only Jesus can do that. We simply admit we are sinners, believe Jesus died in our place taking our punishment for our sins, and is risen, sitting at the right hand of God the Heavenly Father. Have you done so, friend? Are we sharing the Good News with others?

Do you know what those two people who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus did after eating with Jesus and seeing His nail scarred hands? They rose up from the table, returned to Jerusalem (7-8 miles), and found the 11 disciples and others gathered together. (verse 33) They related to the folks what had happened to them.

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. (verse 34)

Peter and John had seen the empty tomb. The Lord may have presented Himself to Peter, but there is no recording of such and he did not mention it.

LET IT GROW

MacArthur gives us 10 instances where Jesus appeared between the Resurrection and Ascension:

1. Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9)
2. to the women on the road (Matt. 28:9-10)
3. the two on the road to Emmaus (verses 13-32)
4. to Peter (verse 34)
5. to 10 of the 11 disciples (verses 36-43)
6. to the 11 with Thomas present 8 days later (John 20:26-31)
7. to 7 of the disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25)
8. to more than 500 disciples probably o the mountain in Galilee (1 Cor. 15:6)
9. to James (1 Cor. 15:7)
10. to the apostles when He ascended into heaven. (Acts 1:3-11)

After His ascension, Jesus appeared to Paul. (1 Cor. 15:8) The next time He appears it will be in glory as He comes in the clouds to get His children.

Is the Truth in Front of Us?

N.T.#664 "Is the Truth in Front of Us?"

Nov. 3, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

As the two people walked on the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked with them, listening to them recount the events which took place in Jerusalem. We previously ended at verse 23, when the angel told the women Jesus was alive. The women ran to tell the disciples what they had experienced, but they were not believed. Peter and John ran to the tomb to find it empty. 

Jesus was unknown to the two walkers at this point. They were blind to the facts of the Resurrection as they were to the face of Jesus. They called Jesus a prophet who did powerful miracles and a might teach. 

So, Jesus began to speak to them:

• He called them fools, slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken. (verse 25) The Messiah would come and suffer prior to His exaltation as King. (Ps. 22 and Isaiah 53)
• Jesus told the two travelers about the writings of Moses and prophets concerning Himself. (verse 27)
• He stayed with the two since night was falling. Jesus took the bread and blessed it. (verse 30)
• Did they see His ail prints in His hands resulting in who He was?
• He opened their eyes and they recognized Jesus. Then He disappeared. (verse 31)

Their hearts had been burning when Jesus explained the Scriptures to them and the truth of God's Word had transformed their discouraged hearts. The One they couldn't find was walking beside them. (Tony Evans)

What a trip! What a meal!

Do you believe Jesus is who He said He is? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus is the Son of God, sitting now at the right hand of the Father, crowned with honor and glory. He had to endure great suffering to get there. 

We like to read about the promises and blessings of the Bible, but we avoid those passages that talk about trials and pain. We can't have one without the other. We must be willing to accept the total package. (Tony Evans)

The purpose of the written Word is always to lead us to an experience with the Living Word. 

Sometimes the Truth is right by us, in front of us, there with us. We need Jesus to open our eyes so we can find it.

LET IT GO

Open our spiritual eyes so we can see the Truth, Lord Jesus.