Study: Luke in 30 days

Fresh Air:

A devotional look at Christ’s perfect balance of truth and mercy from the book of Luke

By Jody Shee

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Introduction

Perhaps you, like I, are thirsty to know God. What is he really like? Is he like our fathers? Does he frown at us a lot? Does he wink at our indiscretions? Is he so huge and wide-scoped that our little lives don’t register on his radar?

We could wonder these things all day, but I found two verses that describe what God is like – in his own words.

Moses, God’s friend, once asked God to reveal himself to him. After some discussion, God agreed. This came at the time when God rewrote the 10 commandments. (As you recall, Moses threw the first set of commandments on the ground and broke them.)

When Moses went up the mountain to pick up the second set of tablets, God came down and stood next to him. And then we have the two verses where God spoke and said what he is like:

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. (Ex 34:6-7)

After I read and studied that, I didn’t wonder what God is like anymore. I know, and I’ve run far and fast with it.

God says he is merciful, gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth. The word used for goodness is the same Hebrew word often translated lovingkindness. God is full of mercy, goodness or lovingkindness and truth. These are his acts and words of love paired together. Truth is his words of love. Goodness, mercy and lovingkindness are his acts of love. He doesn’t just tell us, he shows us.

Truth without mercy and goodness is legalism. Mercy and goodness without truth is mushy and without substance. He demonstrates them together in perfect balance.

I’m not the only one banking on this dynamic combination of character. David could stay sane in the presence of his enemies because God is like that. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life… (Ps. 23:5-6 ff).

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.  Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. (Psalms 40:10-11)

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. (Psalms 57:3)

For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. (Psalms 57:10)

If God shows and tells his mercy and truth in his acts and words, and Jesus is God, couldn’t we expect to see a perfect blend of mercy and truth in the life of Christ?

A study of the book of Luke shows that Jesus was, in fact, a model of mercy and truth in the way he handled people. He was God in skin proclaiming his truth and his love and mercy.

Each day this month, we will look at something from Christ’s life in Luke that demonstrates these stable characteristics. And if we’re astute, we will learn and follow his example. We will become the little Christs he asks us to be - full of mercy and truth. 

After all, don’t we read in the New Testament, My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1Jo 3:18)

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Chapter One

Mercy in skin

Read: Luke 1:46-55

Key Verse: “And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation…He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.” Luke 1:50&54

            We’ll never know how thrilled Mary was - once she was over the shock of being pregnant when there was no earthly way she could have gotten that way. To think - she was going to give birth to the Son of God.

            Childbirth is a miracle anyway, but to be so passively involved in the greatest honor on earth must have made her marvel every day for nine months.

            But we do have some idea of the elation Mary felt. We read of her rejoicing, and it’s amazing. While she rejoiced for herself, she also grasped the national significance of the birth of this baby.

            It was the long-awaited coming. It had been prophesied that he was coming, but who, including Mary, could have guessed that she would be at the center of the humble delivery of God into the world.

            God wasn’t just in her womb, either. He was also in her heart and mind. When her soul magnified God, she said something interesting that only the astute would pick up on. “He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.” (vs. 54)

            Where did this come from? It’s a rehearsal of a prophetic Psalm: “He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God”. (Psalms 98:3)

            Jesus was born for all of us. But first he was born for the house of Israel. They were expecting him from the many prophesies in the Old Testament. God promised he would come.

            And now he remembered his promise of mercy and truth to the house of Israel. That nation lived through a quiet 400 years from the time of the last communication from God by the prophet Malachi. There was no evidence of the God who once was so active in their nation. But now He was on his way! He was about to make good on the mercy and truth he had promised to the house of Israel.

            Remember at this same time, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth was also pregnant – with John the Baptist. After Elizabeth gave birth, her husband was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. He praised God for the salvation that was being realized in the nation of Israel. He said, As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant…” (vs. 70-72)

            The birth of Christ was our salvation. But it was first the salvation of the nation of Israel. It was God remembering the mercy he promised. Because that’s who God is. “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Ex. 34:6)

            This was the beginning of a visitation from God that still gives us hope – a reason to live – a shout of praise to our God who became mercy and truth in skin so we could see.

            Dear Lord, thank you for leaving your throne in heaven to come down and mix with us and show us the grace we need just as you promised you would. In this world, we have turmoil and sorrow. But one good look at your life shows us the center. Thank you for coming.

For further meditation

His promise to Israel: Gen. 17:7; Gen 26:24; Lev. 26:12; Ps. 105:8-88; Mic. 7:20

His great mercy: Ex. 20:6; Ps. 86:15; Ps. 103:11 & 17-18; Ps. 147:11; Dan. 9:4; Mic. 7:18

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Chapter Two

Revealing choices

Read: Luke 2:25-38

Key Verse: “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation…”  Luke 2:28-30

            God the Father must have been so proud to finally reveal the brand new baby he delivered into the world who would grow up and become salvation to all who would trust in him.

            Who would God want to show this baby to first? Would it be to kings? Would he think it was important to rush him right away to the extended relatives of Mary?

            It’s impressive to watch who God chose to be among the first to see his significant new son. He gave the honor to two people we’d never recognize or pay attention to in a crowd.

            One was Simeon, who was “just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”  (vs. 25-26)

It’s as though God was excited to show Simeon this bundle of eternal joy that he had secretly promised him he would get to see before he died. This was God’s crowning personal lovingkindness in this simple man’s life.

And it’s just like God to do something like this for those who anticipate it.

“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” (Isa. 25:9)

“Truly my soul waiteth  upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.” (Ps. 62:1-2)

“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” (Ps. 62:5-7)

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Ps. 27:14)

It’s to the humble, anticipating, seeking soul that God reveals Jesus. He doesn’t waste time trying to impress those who will never care.

The second privileged person to see Christ was Anna, a godly older widow who loved the temple and served God there with fastings and prayers night and day.

Her response? “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (vs. 38)

            God reveals himself to the godly and lowly who love, serve, fear and honor him.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecc.12:13)

            If we want to see God’s glory and find peace and contentment, we must turn our focus away from our own importance and apply our energy to seeking him.

Jesus is visible to anyone who looks, but God only reveals him to those are worthy by their humility and sincerity.

Help me Lord to look for the depth and wonder of Christ. I want to change my focus and behold you today and each day.

For further meditation

God favors the humble: 2 Kings 22:19-20; 2 Chron. 12:7; Prov. 29:23; Mic. 6:8; Luke 14:11; John 3:30; James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6

Seek the Lord: 1 Kings 3:11-13; Prov. 2:1-6; Matt. 5:6; Matt 6:33; Phil 3:8-10

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Chapter Three

The kiss of truth and mercy

Read: Luke 4:1-30

Key Verse: “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4.

In this, the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry, truth and mercy united and revealed the character of God in the flesh.

The Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness where the devil arrived to tempt him after Jesus had fasted for 40 days.

Satan was not too subtle. He wanted Jesus to do what he said. And Jesus was not so subtle either. To the suggestion that Jesus turn a stone into bread, he told Satan exactly where he stood. “It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” End of discussion.

Nothing to Jesus and nothing to God is subjective. There are no shades of gray. If something is wrong as written in the Bible, it’s wrong no matter what. Truth is more important than the feelings of any person or spirit.

Jesus did not stray from the truth as Satan went on to tempt him more, trying to get Jesus to worship him. We should be glad that Jesus stood firm as he said, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (vs. 8)

Even in the third temptation to throw himself off the roof of the temple (isn’t that like Satan, the destroyer), Jesus stood by what was written in the Bible, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (vs. 12)

Here in the beginning of his ministry, we learn what Jesus was made of – uncompromising truth.

But truth by itself without mercy is harsh, legalistic and not at all like God. For God says of himself “…The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth…” (Ex. 34:6b)

So the next thing we read of Jesus, he was in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He got hold of the book of Isaiah, searched through the pages until he found what he was looking for and read out loud: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor: he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (4:18-19) 

Then he told them, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (4:21)

And as we read the rest of the book, we know that Jesus spent his days preaching the convicting truth while he healed and delivered people.

Those who heard Jesus that day wondered at his gracious words.

What is God like? He is like that. He tells us the truth while he shows us love and mercy.

When we have open, humble hearts to God, we will listen to his truth and enjoy the merciful benefits of his favor. It we have hardened hearts, his truth will not penetrate and we won’t want anything to do with him, like those in his home town who were filled with wrath at his words and took him to the top of a hill to throw him off.

As we see what God is like through the life of Christ, we would do well to be like him in the way we stand. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” (Eph. 6:14)

Please help me, Lord, to stand and communicate your truth lovingly. Rather than feel threatened, help me to genuinely care for those who need a dose of the truth. I want to be like you.

For further meditation

Live by the truth: Deut. 8:3; Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2-3; Ps. 119:72; Prov. 23:23; Eph. 6:17

Recognize him as your source for help: Isa. 9:6; Isa. 11:2; 2 Cor. 12:9; Eph. 1:19; 2 Pet. 1:3

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Chapter Four

Faith receives

Read: Luke 5:17-25

Key Verse: “And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.” Luke 5:25

            Jesus was quite the spiritual party host. One day he assembled a group of Pharisees and doctors of the law from Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem under one tile roof to teach them the truth and perform healings.

            It must have been a heady experience to be among the congregation to hear Christ’s pearls of wisdom. But what was that noise from above? And why were dust and tiles falling from the ceiling?

Jesus was upstaged by some guys pounding a huge hole in the roof. They lowered a sick man on a couch through the hole so Jesus could take a look and do something for him.

            How odd, unrefined and rude that must have appeared to these educated people. How would Jesus respond to this?

            However uncouth this small group of friends must have seemed to them, Jesus’ words struck them as equally odd. “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.”

            What was that all about? In their eyes, Jesus spoke blasphemies, for only God could forgive sins. And that wasn’t what this sick man was there for anyway.

            What they didn’t see with their eyes, Jesus saw with his heart. The truth was, this man’s soul was more in danger than his body. But there was hope, for he and his buddies came to Jesus with faith in his mercy. Only his mercy extended beyond the physical to his spiritual needs.

            When we come to the Lord with our prayer requests for physical intervention for ourselves and for others, Jesus is more interested in the condition of our hearts. The fact that we even come to him is a start.

            This day, the paralyzed man had his sins forgiven and his body healed. He was touched by the truth of salvation and by grace to his body. Jesus is the master of both. He could have healed him first and then forgiven him. But what proof of inner cleansing would there be if Jesus touched him with physical mercy first.

            And the truth is, we need spiritual help worse than we need the physical touch. The catalyst for both is faith.

            Didn’t Jesus always take care of those who came to him? He gives grace to the helpless, hope to all who seek. He lifts up the bowed down and comes to the aid of the weak.

            If we are on our knees before God asking for deliverance from any physical hardship, we need to take that faith a step further and ask him to deliver our soul according to his truth. He died for us and wants to take our sin burden from us. He already paid for it. We just need to apply it to our lives.

            That’s what the most-quoted verse in the Bible is all about: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

            Give me eyes, Lord, to see my true need and I will rise and glorify your name when you replace my spiritual poverty with your grace.

For further meditation

Mercy and pardon often come together: Ex. 34:6-7; Num. 14:9; Mic. 7:18; Ps. 103:2-3; Ps. 130:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:4-5

He is the great deliverer: Ps. 18:2; Ps. 34:4; Ps. 34:19; John 16:33; Heb. 4:15-16; 1 Pet 2:24

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Chapter Five

Mercy over rules

Read: Luke 6:1-12

Key verse: “Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?” Luke 6:9

Life under a microscope would be intimidating for anyone, except Jesus. One Saturday as he and his disciples walked through a cornfield, they picked some ears and crunched on raw corn.

They had company. Some of the religious Pharisees tagged along, watching and listening to everything they said and did. They stopped dead in their offended tracks. What is this - picking corn on the Sabbath?

Here was a confrontation over rules. Jesus calmly defended his disciples with a Bible story. Once upon a time when King David was running for his life and had no food, he paid a visit to the house of God and asked the priest for some of the holy bread. David knew the rules. It wasn’t lawful for anyone to eat that bread except for the priests. But the priest was gracious and gave David the bread anyway.

And so Jesus, the gracious master, reminded the Pharisees that he was Lord of the Sabbath. It was okay. But they didn’t listen. They continued to scrutinize his Saturdays.

On another Sabbath day while Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, the scribes’ and Pharisees’ minds wandered. There was a man with a deformed hand sitting nearby. Would Jesus heal him on the Sabbath? They imagined that he would, and then they could accuse him of breaking the Sabbath again!

Jesus knew their thoughts, so he zeroed in on the deformed man and asked him to stand. Then he taught a big object lesson with two questions. “Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?”

This lesson didn’t hit its mark, for after Jesus went ahead and healed the man, the scribes and Pharisees were furious and plotted how they might harm Jesus.

Christ’s lesson wasn’t completely in vain. A man was healed and we ponder Christ’s mastery of mercy over rules. After all, he was and is “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands…” (Ex. 34:6). 

He didn’t come to tear down lives, for our lives are already torn down by sin. That time around, He didn’t come to judge. “And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47)

Christ’s first visit to the world was to teach us our lost condition and to save all who would come to him. Until Jesus, the law ruled. But when he came, grace and mercy triumphed.

It’s a dangerous thing for us to have a firmer grasp of the dos and don’ts of the Bible than the love and mercy of God. When we see others misbehave, we are quick to notice and condemn. We wonder how God could possibly work in their lives. In that, we show that we don’t know God. He can and does forgive. Just look at how Christ handled those who didn’t get it quite right but who had tender hearts to learn.

We would do well to watch our own lives and make sure we aren’t offending this loving and gracious God of ours by our attitude, unforgiveness and lack of prayers for those we see stumbling along the way.

Can we reach out a hand and help that person with a withered life?

Lord, help me to see people as you see them and not be afraid to be the lone Christian who does not condemn those we see struggling. Help me not to be the stuffy and arrogant Pharisee.

For further meditation

Christ forgives when we might not: Luke 22:31-34; John 3:17; John 8:1-11; Acts 9:1-9; Rom. 2:4; Rom. 5:20; 1 Tim. 1:15

Don’t judge others: Luke 6:37; Rom. 2:1-2; Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 4:4-5; James 4:11-12

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Chapter Six

Macho love

Read: Luke 6:20-38

Key verse: “For he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:35b-36

            The rest of the world can live any way it wants. After all, this life is as good as it gets for them. But the truth Christ’s disciples are to live by is a little more - unconventional.

            Jesus blessed those who would dare to live like he did and face the consequences he faced for standing for the truth.

            “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” (vs. 22) He was speaking to those who had already decided to follow him. Such advice for the merely curious would be foolish. It’s only the true follower of Christ that will face the scorn and hatred that Jesus faced.

            On the flip side, Jesus warned his disciples about being rich, full and well-spoken of – for that would be an indication there was little difference between them and the world.

He had something further to say about comfortable Christians in Revelation when he wrote to the church of the Laodiceans. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with good, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee… anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” (Rev. 3:15-18)

Jesus gave further eccentric advice as he explained to his disciples how to go deeper into his world. “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (vs. 27-28)

Jesus didn’t just love the lovely. He didn’t give of himself and expect anything in return. “For he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (vs. 35b)

Isn’t that just like God. We wonder how he could let this world go on the way it is. Haven’t we all said or thought that if we were God, we would wipe all these enemies off the face of the earth?

That thought, while it may seem noble, indicates that we don’t fully grasp the love and mercy of God. We grasp the truth that we shouldn’t do evil, and we’re quick to notice evil. But we don’t see the side of God that still loves and is kind to these unthankful and evil people.

And it’s a good thing God is like that, because sometimes we are the unthankful and evil people. We don’t always obey as we should.

Then, he tells us to be like him. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (vs. 36)

Can we do that? The Apostle Paul grasped it. He wrote, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind… is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4 & 5b-6)

Lord, help me to see and show your mercy to others as easily as I see and judge their errors. Thank you for not wiping us off the face of the earth as we deserve. I look forward to the day I face you in glory with perfect understanding and all sin left behind.

For further meditation

It’s okay not to be popular: Matt. 5:10; John 15:18-20; Phil 1:29-30; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-16

Don’t reject your enemies: Prov. 24:17; Prov. 25:21-22; Matt. 5:44-45; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; Rom. 12:17-21

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Chapter Seven

Overlook and forgive

Key verse: “Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.” Luke 6:42

It’s one thing for Christ to be gracious to those with humble hearts who stumble and error in their ways. Now he asks us not to stare at and point out the slip-ups of blunderers. And if we happen to notice an indiscretion, we are to forgive it.

Impossible. How can we, who are so quick to process black and white truth, not notice and mention it when we see others violate it?

But he handed out this no-judging policy right after saying, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (vs. 36) The same father who is gracious, patient and forgiving with us asks us to be merciful and not to focus on others’ rule breaking.

Specifically, he says, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” (vs. 37)

So it turns out, it’s in our own best interest not to judge others if we want to avoid condemnation in our own lives.

Not only can we avoid the condemnation spotlight ourselves by not condemning others, there are other tangible benefits for forgiving. After he says, “Forgive and ye shall be forgiven,” he says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (vs. 38)

So, we could say, “Give mercy and forgiveness and it shall be given unto you… For with the same measure that ye mete mercy and forgiveness it shall be measured to you again.” That is a lesson we’ll never learn anywhere else in life.

We may not completely understand all the spiritual dynamics of forgiveness but there’s no doubt that we are on the right path when we take the high road. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:14-15)

It’s even in the Lord’s Prayer just before the verses above. “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt. 6:11-12)

The truth is, we have all we can handle making sure we aren’t the ones blundering. We have to be twice as vigilant with ourselves because we don’t see our sins and mistakes as easily as we see them in others. That’s why he said, “Can the blind lead the blind?…And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (vs. 39 & 41)

So the next time we observe faltering brothers or sisters in Christ, we might put away our normal response of whispering, shunning and condemning. Instead, we might try praying for them and speaking a kind word to them. It might be just what they need and what we would need if we were in their shoes. We never know how we can turn around someone’s life – and our own - by being merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful.

Help me Lord to turn my focus away from the missteps of others. Please examine my heart and show me where I error and draw me back into your perfect way.

For further meditation

The Lord is merciful to sinners: Ps. 145:9; Isa. 1:18; Matt. 5:45; Luke 5:30-32; Luke 22:47-51; John 3:17

Be merciful to others: Luke 6:35; John 13:35; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:8-9

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Chapter Eight

Expect and receive

Read: Luke 7:1-10

Key verse: “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Luke 7:9

Usually those with whom Jesus dealt in his healing ministry were obscure, garden-variety people he met in his everyday life. He never did set up a tent and send out parchment papers to announce healing services – which in our thinking may not have been a bad idea, because wasn’t his goal to make himself known to everyone?

But of course, Jesus didn’t think or act like we do. He simply and mercifully responded to the sorry situations that were brought to him usually by poor and needy people. He, in fact, preferred the hearts of the poor and needy. Earlier he said, “Blessed by ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.” (Luke 6:20b-21)

So it was unusual that on this day as Jesus entered into Capernaum of Galilee, he was approached by some Jewish leaders on assignment from a Centurion, an officer in the Roman army, who had a sick servant he wanted healed.

These high-society couriers must not have been aware of the free compassion of Christ, for they felt they had to convince him that healing this influential man’s servant would be in everyone’s best interest. “They besought him instantly saying that he was worthy for whom he should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” (vs. 7:4b-5)

We know what Jesus thought of pride and arrogancy, so we wouldn’t be surprised if he had a little jabbing rebuke for the guys. But far from it. The pompous comment didn’t phase him. He went with them to the Centurion’s house to heal the servant. 

Without any judging, Jesus responds to faith in him. It doesn’t matter if we’re poor or rich. Though he loves the poor, he doesn’t prefer the poor. He prefers faith.

Before Jesus even got to the Centurion’s house, the man sent some friends to meet him in the way insisting that he didn’t need to trouble himself by coming all the way to the house. His heart conveyed by the messengers was, “For I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee; but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” (vs. 6b-7)

In his military mentality, he went on, “For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” (vs. 8)

Ever how unconventional this healing arrangement was, Jesus was amazed with the man’s faith, and of course he healed the servant according to the way the Centurion believed.

Jesus has mercy on our needs wherever we are in our thinking. The man’s logical approach may seem unusual to us, but Jesus looks straight to the heart. If he sees tenderness, humility and faith in him, he calls it good. Remember that it’s not wealth, beauty or emotional togetherness that causes Christ to respond

Jesus made this man an object lesson for all those standing around. “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (vs. 9b)

Thank you Lord for loving me just the way I am. Help me to keep a tender heart toward you – one that relies on your mercy, knowing I am unworthy of your gifts of grace.

For further meditation

The Lord responds to faith: Matt. 9:2; Mark 5:27-34; Gal. 5:6; Heb. 4:2; Heb. 11:6

The Lord responds to humility: 2 Chron. 33:10-13; Prov. 29:23; Mic. 6:8; Luke 14:11; 1 Pet. 5:6

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Chapter Nine

The touch of compassion

Read: Luke 7:11-17

Key verse: “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” Luke 7:13

            Jesus had become quite the celebrity. He no longer walked alone. In a day with no television, radio, newspapers or magazines, anyone who wanted to know what was going on just had to be there.

            So Jesus led an entourage of disciples and groupies to the next town. There must have been much discussion and laughter with Jesus as the host when they came to the gate of the city.

            But wait. Something was wrong. Jesus stopped the crowd as another crowd came toward them. This group probably didn’t even recognize Jesus or even care who he was. They had their own happening, and it wasn’t joyous. 

            A widowed mother lost her only son. The crying woman’s friends were carrying his dead body out of the city.

            Though Jesus was a celebrity – God’s son, in fact – The moment that followed wasn’t a staged publicity event or a spontaneous evangelistic service. Jesus simply was moved to the core.

            In his compassion, he told the woman not to cry. He didn’t follow that up with a discourse on the depraved condition of man and his salvation solution. He could have done that. After all, isn’t it our crying needs that make us most receptive to the spiritual truths that sooth the soul?

            Forget the sermon. Jesus hurt with this woman, and as easily as he could lay out spiritual truth, he could demonstrate mercy that heals. He walked up to her son’s coffin and touched it. Those carrying it stood still.

            The body came to life and the young man sat up and started talking. Then Jesus presented this perfectly healthy boy to his stunned mother.

            We know that the healing touch of Jesus was a sign to the Jews, for they wouldn’t believe in him unless they saw these things. And this event was an effective sign, for we read, “And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.” (vs. 16)

            But underneath it all, we see Christ’s aptitude to take his eyes off of himself and see and address the deep needs before him.

            The Apostle Paul grasped that point when he wrote, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself…” (Phil. 2:4-8a)

            Can we for a moment turn our focus away from our personal feelings, families and future and see what’s going on in the lives of those around us? Let’s realize that we don’t have to give theological answers to those who hurt. We may not even have any answers. But we can care and show it in our own way.

            Lord, help me to see people through your eyes. May I have ready arms to hug them even when I don’t have any answers. Please use me to be your instrument of compassion. 

For further meditation

Notice the Lord’s compassion: Ps. 78:38; Ps. 86:15; Lam 3:21-23; John 11:33-36; Heb. 4:15-16

Notice others’ needs: Rom. 12:15; Rom. 15:1-3; 1 Cor. 10:24-33; Gal. 6:1-2; Heb. 13:1-3

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Chapter Ten

A show of hearts

Read: Luke 7:36-50

Key verse: “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” Luke 7:47

            Jesus can detect a humble repentant heart a mile away. But in this case, no supernatural detection was needed. The woman with a contrite heart was right there, crying buckets of tears onto his feet and wiping them off with her hair. If that wasn’t conspicuous enough, she also kissed his feet while pouring ointment on them.

            It was quite an incident to Jesus’ macho Pharisee dinner host. But like any self-respecting person, he didn’t speak his disgust. He just thought it. And the sphere of his reflection wasn’t as much against the woman’s odd display as it was against Jesus. He thought that if Jesus was really so smart, he would know that this woman was a notorious sinner and he wouldn’t let her touch him.

            But our Lord, who can read a humble heart, also can read a proud one. He decided he needed to have a heart to heart with this man, whose name was Simon. He told a story of two people in debt, one more so than the other, and how they couldn’t pay their debt, so the lender just called it good and told both of them they could stop paying.

            The point of the story was the gratitude the debtors naturally would feel. Jesus asked Simon which of the two would probably love the loan-forgiver the most. In his astuteness, Simon figured it would be the one who had owed the most money.

            Jesus complimented him on his wise answer and then took a pin to his bubble. He turned their attention to the woman at his feet and pointed out the magnitude of love and attention she was showing to him, compared to the little care Simon had shown to him since he walked in the door.

            Then he recognized what Simon already knew. This woman had many sins in her life – but they were now forgiven. Her debt was cancelled because she loved him much. And to show what he thought of that, he told her that her sins were forgiven and that her faith had saved her. He dismissed her in peace.

            It left a lot for Simon and for us to think about. While we are judging the degree of sinfulness in others, the Lord is looking at the condition of their heart and ours at the same time, and he’s far more merciful than we are with sinners.

            Those who walked with Jesus for any length of time learned this lesson. The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (1 Cor. 4:5)

            It’s hard when we’re told by those who believe they mean well, “No we shouldn’t judge, but we are called to be fruit inspectors,” meaning we can look for results in a person’s life and figure out where they are spiritually.

            Even that is dangerous territory because God isn’t just looking at the person we are looking at. He’s looking at us while we’re looking at the other person. And that can be just as ugly.

            Remember the Lord is merciful to those with a humble, loving, non-judging heart. He doesn’t have a lot of good to say to those who think they are okay while looking down their noses at others.

            Lord, help me to mind my own business, and when I see others who I think are not where you want them to be, may I be merciful in my thinking, words and actions toward them.

For further meditation

Jesus receives sinners: Matt. 9:12-13; Luke 18:13-14; Luke 19:1-9; John 8:1-11; Heb. 7:25

Let God be the judge: Isa. 33:22; Matt. 7:1-2; Rom. 14:4; Rom. 14:13; James 4:11-12

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Chapter Eleven

Grounds for truth

Read: Luke 8:1-18

Key verse: “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” Luke 8:18

            Jesus had something he needed to get off his chest. He waited until he had a diverse crowd around him, including his disciples. He wanted to discuss how people were handling the life-changing truth he disseminated.

            The mercy he showed to all who came to him in faith was conspicuous and was the thing about him that drew crowds. After all, raising people from the dead was far more entertaining than any table game they could have played. But he didn’t want his other reason for coming to be a sideshow. Namely, he came to spread the truth. In fact, he was the truth. (“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6)

So he felt it was necessary that they examine their hearts to determine how deeply they were receiving what he said.

Using a parable, he explained that some people listen to truth and they don’t get it. Lest they be inclined to ponder it and try to understand it, Satan takes away the morsels of truth they heard so there’s no chance they will think more deeply about it.

Others hear the truth and are excited about it, but before they have believed it long enough to make a difference in their lives, they face temptations that make them choose between the truth and sin. They choose sin and fall away from the little truth they had.

A third group hears and receives the truth, but shortly their lives and hearts are so crowded with cares, concerns, riches and pleasures that the truth is choked out and isn’t allowed to thrive and make a difference in their life.

The last group hears the word of truth with a good and honest heart. They keep it, live by it and it makes a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.

The difference between all these people, Jesus sought to explain, is the condition of their heart as they hear the word. “Take heed therefore how ye hear…” he said.

And that’s an exhortation for us today. When we read the truths of the Bible or listen to them in a sermon, there’s a battle in our brains. We can snooze through the revelations of truth or prefer the secret sins we harbor over the truth. We can enjoy the truth but immediately get caught up in other things and forget what we heard or read. None of those cases are the ideal.

In the best case, we come to the word of Christ eager to hear and learn it to change our lives. There’s a reward for that kind of heart toward eternal truth. “…for whosoever hath, to him shall be given.” (vs. 18)

Jesus looks for sponges to soak up his truth. He looks past our spiritual façade straight into our hearts. Let’s determine to take the truth more seriously and sit up and pay attention as we’re reading his word and listening to sermons.

He said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (vs. 8) That kind of hearing involves more than our ears. It engages our heart and shows up in our actions.

Yes Lord. I want to hear what you have to say to me in your word. Help me keep my mind off of where I’m going or what I’m doing next. I confess that I don’t always receive your word with a good and honest heart. I come to you with open ears to hear what you want to say to me right now. Speak, for your servant hears.

For further meditation

Listen carefully: Prov. 1:20-23; Prov. 2:1-6; Prov. 8:5-11; Mark 4:24; Acts 17:11; Eph. 1:15-19; Heb. 2:1; 1 Pet. 2:2

Show what you know: Luke 6:46-78; John 13:13-17; James 1:22-25; James 4:17

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Chapter Twelve

Compassion in action

Read: Luke 9:1-6

Key verse: “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:2

            This was a big day for Jesus’ twelve disciples. They had spent months with him trying to grasp his truth and watching him perform awesome random acts of kindness and healings. They must have felt privileged to be the ones on the front row of every amazing thing Jesus said and did.

            Now it was obey day. They had to apply what they learned. After endowing them with power, Jesus sent them out to preach and to heal just like he did. Their comfortable sideline days were over.

            It was time to take their eyes off themselves and their personal needs. Jesus told them not even to bring their walking stick, wallet, money, bread or more than one coat with them.

            They were to spread out and mirror what they had seen Jesus do. That was his purpose in raising up the twelve. His strategy was multiplication by division. Rather than unite and move as one company from place to place, they were to divide and conquer with words of truth combined with acts of mercy.

            They weren’t to dwell on the hardened ones who wouldn’t receive them. Instead, they were to leave them and shake the dust from their feet. “And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (vs. 6)

            Why heal? Why not just preach? After all, healing wasn’t the eternal remedy that the gospel of salvation was. Part of the reason was that they were fanning out to win their Jewish brethren - and to them, seeing was believing.  “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.” (1 Cor. 1:22)

            In our day, we sometimes say, “They won’t care to know unless they know we care,” and those acts of kindness are evidence that we care.

            But that’s only partly why Jesus combined truth with mercy and why he had his disciples do the same. The truth is, Jesus loves and love gives. It doesn’t just give truth. It gives compassion. The most quoted verse in the Bible conveys truth and mercy in one gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

            If Jesus was only concerned about making sure the truth got out and was obeyed, he would have been a very angry person. For there were many who disobeyed and rejected him. They even crucified him. Yet he still gave with compassion.

“It is of the Lord’s  mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:22-23)

While we try to gain truths from the Lord that will change our lives, we would do well to gain the love and compassion he had – overlooking the shortcomings of others and, rather, looking for ways to build them up. The end result doesn’t even have to be that they hear and accept the truth. We could just show love and mercy because Jesus was like that and we are his disciples trying to live just like he did. As a byproduct, others might just notice and become curious to find out what we have that they don’t.

Lord, I admit that my focus often is wrong. I look at myself too much and not enough at others and their needs and interests. In this cruel world, help me to provide some relief for others along the way today.

For further meditation

Love shows: Matt. 25:42-45; 1 Cor. 13:4-7; James 2:15-16; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 3:18

Love gives: Ps. 41:1; Prov. 11:25; Prov. 19:17; Prov. 22:9; Luke 6:30; Luke 6:38

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Chapter Thirteen

Meals of mercy

Read: Luke 9:10-17

Key verse: “Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.” Luke 9:16

            Every day around Jesus must have felt like Christmas. He had spiritual and physical gifts for all who wanted them. He definitely was proof of Prov. 19:6: “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.”

            Now thousands of people followed him wherever he went, and no wonder. “… He received them and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.” (vs. 11)

            His disciples were used to it, but now it was the end of the day. They knew Jesus was so taken up in what he was doing that he didn’t realize it was 5:00 quitting time. The twelve informed him that it was getting late and that it was time to call it a day. The people needed to go find places to eat and sleep.

            But Jesus never was constrained by time or personal need. That was something the disciples still didn’t grasp. Jesus not only could meet all spiritual needs, he could meet all physical needs. (He hadn’t given his discourse yet on how he feeds the sparrows.)

            Here was a golden double opportunity for Jesus. He could teach his disciples another truth about himself and he could eliminate the hunger pangs of 5,000 people at the same time. He told the disciples to feed the people, to which they objected. What could they do with just five loaves and two fishes? Jesus was about to show them.

            In moments, everyone was fed and full with 12 baskets of fragments left over, one for each disciple to ponder as he collected.

            What could they have been thinking? Perhaps that Jesus gives food for the soul, but he also gives food for the body. Or never underestimate the Lord. Or why do we doubt when he asks us to do something?

            There are many lessons for us. One is to reexamine the prayer we sometimes pray absently before meals when we thank him for the food. Yes, he did provide it and he appreciates it when we acknowledge that. He doesn’t want us to ever forget the connection to him we have with our food – and specifically bread.

            He even mentions it in his hall-of-fame prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matt. 6:11)   

            We might also remember when he said earlier, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:4), and when he said, “…I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

            Jesus didn’t just meet the needs of those 5,000 people. He meets our needs every day in physical and spiritual ways when we turn to him. Even when we don’t turn to him, he still provides for us.

            In times of doubt, we should reflect on how he’s taken care of us and how unlimited his mercy is toward us. And when we pause to thank him for our food, we should really thank him from our hearts, not only for the physical food, but for the spiritual sustenance that keeps us going each day.

            He’s not done feeding the 5,000.

            Lord, forgive me for not fully comprehending that it is you who provides for me when I think I’m doing well on my own. You’re the one who holds me up in every way every day. I can’t live without you.

For further meditation

The Lord sustains us: Ps. 37:23-24; Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:31-34; John 10:27-29; 1 Pet. 1:3-5

His word is like food: Job 23:12; Ps. 119:103; Jer. 15:16; Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:2

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Chapter Fourteen

Grace overcomes prejudice

Read: Luke 9:51-56

Key verse: “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56

            The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Now it was time for Jesus to head into Jerusalem because the end of his earthly ministry was near. He had some eternal business he needed to get ready for.

            With his twelve disciples at his side, Jesus aimed to take the long walk straight for Jerusalem. Up ahead were miles of dusty Samaritan land that they needed to trudge across. This was going to be a long journey – through unfriendly territory. The Jews and the Samaritans didn’t like each other. They weren’t the same culture and religion.

            Since they were going to have to find lodging a few nights along the way, Jesus didn’t want to catch the Samaritans by surprise, so he sent a few messengers ahead to scope out hotels in one of the villages and let them know a small crowd would be arriving.

            The welcome wasn’t exactly warm. What?! Jesus, the leader of the Jews, and his disciples were walking in their land on the way to that awful city of Jerusalem and wanted to use their hotel? No way!

            The messengers ran bursting back to Jesus with the breaking news. They weren’t welcome to come through that village.

            James and John were livid. How dare they turn down the Savior! This called for a rain of hell, fire and brimstone on that village – didn’t Jesus think? No, he didn’t.

            “But he turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” (vs. 55)

            Wow.  Jesus didn’t suffer from righteous indignation. When he was hated, he didn’t hate in return. He didn’t speak evil of his enemies. He actually lived out what he said to them earlier, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

            He told his disciples, who were stunned with the snafu in their plans, “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” ( vs. 56) So they just went through another village. No big deal.

            But it was a big deal. The disciples probably actually had the ability to call down fire from heaven onto the offending village. Power and knowledge can be dangerous without love.

            How many times could Jesus have wiped everyone who apposed him off the face of the earth? We totally would have understood (except that we wouldn’t be alive to know about it).

But he didn’t come to judge the world on that visit. He came to save it.

            We’re still in the age of grace and there’s still no room for prejudice. There are plenty of cultures and religions unlike ours that may give us strong feelings, and vice versa. Activism against them isn’t the way to go. Jesus modeled the correct response. Just move on.

Lord, what a lesson for me. Please forgive me for the strong feelings I’ve harbored against those who appose you. I want to leave them in your hands, because, after all, it is you with whom they will have to deal later on.

For further meditation

Who’s behind the will to kill: Gen 3:3-7; Luke 22:31; John 8:44; John 10:10-14; John 13:21-27; 1 John 3:12

Be calm through injustice: Jer. 15:15; Matt. 5:10-12; 2 Cor. 12:10; 1 Pet. 2:19-20; 1 Pet. 3:14-18; James 1:12

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Chapter Fifteen

Extreme love

Read: Luke 10:25-37

Key verse: “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all they strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27

            Could Jesus take a little spar with a lawyer? This legally minded man thought he would trip Jesus up by asking him what he should do to inherit eternal life.

            We who hold the true answer to that question might have informed the man that there’s actually nothing one does to “inherit” eternal life. It’s a free gift to those who repent, believe and turn their lives and hearts over to Christ who was about to be crucified for them.

            But Jesus was masterful at turning a person with a simple question. He asked the lawyer how the law answers his question. This man was all about the law since he was a lawyer. It said to love God to the full extent and your neighbor as yourself.

            The man realized he fell short in the love department, but he wanted to justify himself. “Who is my neighbour?” he asked, probably hoping that it was just his buddy next door.

            Now Jesus was in control of the conversation and everyone was listening. By the time he was done, no one could consider themselves justified.

            Jesus chose to put his finger on love in the context of meeting the needs of someone from a different culture and religion. It was the good Samaritan story.

            A Jewish man traveling to Jericho was robbed and badly beaten. As he lay bleeding in the street, a Jewish priest came along, and switched sides of the street so he wouldn’t have to deal with the man. Another Jewish man, a Levite, saw him and did the same thing. Finally a Samaritan happened upon the man.

            The story got interesting because the Jews and Samaritans hated each other. They didn’t share the same religion or cultural practices. They normally didn’t even speak to each other. If Jesus was going to imply that this guy was a neighbor and there was to be love involved – well that was taking this a little too far.

But that’s where Jesus went with it. The Samaritan had compassion and took a short break from his journey while he lovingly met the needs of the beaten Jewish man. He dressed his wounds, put him on his mule, led him to a hotel, paid for his room and board and offered to pay the inn keeper more if the Jewish man incurred further expenses in the healing process.

There probably was silence as Jesus finished the graphic story and asked the lawyer, “Which now of these three thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?” (vs. 36) The lawyer concluded, “He that shewed mercy on him.”

            And those became his and our marching orders. “Go, and do thou likewise,” Jesus said.

            Neighbors are those near us at the time with a need that we can meet – no matter who they are and where they come from. We need compassion that transcends culture. We have to give up the distaste we have developed over time.

            We can do that if we look at the model who told the story. He certainly held no animosity toward anyone – not even those who inwardly and outwardly hated him.

            Lord, I fall so far short of this ideal. I confess that it would be difficult for me to reach outside my own barriers. Please help me to look at others as you do and be willing to help them when there’s a need.

For further meditation

Show compassion and empathy: Rom. 12:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:24-26; 1 Pet. 3L8; 1 John 3:17; Jude 1:21-22

Love others: Rom. 13:8-10; 1 Cor. 13:3-7; Gal. 5:13-14; James 2:8-9; 1 Pet. 3:8

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Chapter Sixteen

Natural focus

Read: Luke 12:22-32

Key verse: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

            While Jesus didn’t have a white board or Power Point to aid in teaching his disciples, he never lacked teaching materials to convey his eternal messages. We can read his lessons on paper. His disciples could read them in nature.

            This time Christ’s lesson was on focus. He didn’t want the disciples to get in the trap of worrying where and how they would make enough money to buy food and clothes. He taught them to be casual and trusting by looking around at God’s creation.

            He pointed to the ravens in the sky and noted that they don’t spend their lives planting, reaping and storing food. Yet they don’t starve to death because God feeds them. “How much more are ye better than the fowls?” (vs. 24b) he asked.

            So don’t worry, he reminded them. Worry won’t add a thing to ones life. And if worrying can’t produce money for food, how much less can worry produce something bigger than food.

            Then he brought another lesson of the giving nature of God - this time from the garden. He humanized the flowers and pointed out how they don’t work or strain to grow and be beautiful. Yet not even Solomon in his royal robes was dressed as splendidly as the flowers that God takes care of.  Even though flowers are here one day and gone the next, God makes sure they glow with color and beauty. If he could do that, couldn’t God clothe us?

            Every country and culture focuses on providing for itself. It’s human nature. But it’s not the nature God encourages.  He would rather that we focus more on knowing, loving and serving him and leave our needs in his hands. How radical.

            He concluded, “Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (vs. 32)

            If only we would trust God that easily. We can if we watch the same nature that Jesus pointed to.

            When we see a bird grab a worm from the yard or a cold French fry from the fast-food restaurant dumpster and fly off with it, we can praise God that he is true to his word in caring for the birds – and while we’re at it, we can thank him for taking care of our hunger pangs every single day.

            When we are moved with the magnificent beauty of a flower in the garden – and we know that it won’t last long, we can remember that with a tiny touch, God made the color and texture that can’t be reproduced by any paintbrush. He puts that much care into his budding creation and even more care into our lives, whether or not we think we deserve it. Others don’t recognize this care as from God. But we are different. We are coinsurers of his love and mercy. We know that everywhere we look, his creation is filled with loving lessons.

            There’s mercy in God’s daily care for us. He doesn’t require that we do anything special but quietly trust him. “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” (Ps. 131:2)

            The focus of my life, Lord, is often my life. I’m sorry that I don’t leave the details to you and bask in your love. I’m either too busy or I’m just looking somewhere else. Help me to be as a content child resting in your loving arms.

For further meditation

The Lord teaches with nature: Ps. 8:3-4; Isa. 40:26; John 6:31-35; Rom. 1:19-20; 1 Pet. 2:2-8

Trust God’s care: Ps. 27:13-14; Ps. 55:22; Ps. 56:3-4; Phil 4:6-7; Heb. 13:5-6; 1 Pet. 5:7

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Chapter Seventeen

The right side

Read: Luke 13:11-17

Key verse: “And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.” Luke 13:17

The head of the Jewish synagogue had seen so much in his years of service that he was numb to miracles and calloused to those in need. He memorized a lot of facts but missed the meaning of a life set free from bondage.

Here was a crowd in his synagogue led by none other than the now famous Jesus Christ. It was common for the sick and infirm to come to the synagogue and even more common for them to seek out Jesus. So when a woman who was bent over double shuffled in that Sabbath day, the church leader probably didn’t even notice.

But Jesus did. One look, and by his knowing nature, he could see into her soul and feel what she had been through. She was a Jewish woman who lived at a 90-degree angle for 18 years. Could anyone understand how awful it must have been? Not the Jewish leader. He didn’t care.

Jesus spotted her from a distance and he called her to himself. Then he pronounced that she was healed. She hadn’t asked for it, but Jesus knew the need and took care of it. He touched her and right away she stood up straight – for the first time in nearly two decades. She was one happy woman. She couldn’t thank Jesus enough and she couldn’t stop praising God. She was a new woman.

In the midst of this lively celebration, the church leader became furious and inserted his frozen perspective. He openly revealed the empty contents of his mind. If this woman wanted to be healed so badly, why couldn’t she come on a more appropriate day – like any of the other six days of the week. Why did she have to go and ruin the Sabbath day by being healed?

Fortunately, the Lord of the Sabbath was right there to pick up the emotional pieces that this man was responsible for. He called the man a hypocrite – because he could look right into his life, the same way he could look into the woman’s life.

He pointed out that this man loosed his oxen on the Sabbath and led them to drink. Then why couldn’t this woman be loosed from her infirmity on the Sabbath?

Whoever was on the church leader’s side before that simple comment quickly switched sides. They all became ashamed. Of course, when they looked at it from a compassionate perspective, it made sense. Jesus challenged their legalistic perspectives. With the focus on rules rolled away, they all rejoiced at the marvelous thing Jesus did for this woman.

We need to examine ourselves now and then to make sure we aren’t hunkering down with the playbook and losing sight of reality. For in truth, we all need mercy. None of us lives completely by the book. God knows that.

But what if he chooses to have mercy on someone and it doesn’t fit with our estimation of how and when it should be done?  We know we’re in danger of missing his point when we can’t understand how he could love, heal and forgive someone who obviously doesn’t deserve it. We also are in danger of unanswered prayer when we question God’s grace and don’t forgive others. We don’t want to become proud in our self-righteousness, not realizing, like this Jewish leader, that we are really blind and missing the point.

Lord, please examine my heart and let me know if I’m the one who condemns your goodness. Lead me back to your side and help me to focus less on the letter of the law and more on your mercy. May I become one of your cheerleaders as you do marvelous things in others’ lives.

For further meditation

There’s healing in Christ’s touch: Matt. 8:2-3; Matt. 8:14-15; Matt. 20:32-34; Luke 18:15-16; Luke 22:50-51

Jesus sets us free: John 8:32-36; Rom. 8:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 4:30-31; Gal. 5:1

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Chapter Eighteen

Handling rejection

Read: Luke 13:31-35

Key verse: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” Luke 13:34

            On some, Jesus had compassion. On others, he didn’t. Herod fell in the later category. Perhaps it is because Herod already had shown his true colors. Jesus wouldn’t forget this ungodly king who was responsible for the brutal death of his cousin, John the Baptist.

            Christ’s eventual goal was to make it to Jerusalem, but he was traveling through Herod’s territory. Some of the Pharisees told him he better leave quickly because Herod might find him and kill him. Since the Pharisees weren’t any fonder of Jesus than Herod was, they may have been trying to taunt him.

            Whatever the reason for mentioning Herod, Jesus wasn’t going to let loose of his traveling mission and allow that man to stand in his way. 

            And then, the Master’s focus switched to those he did have compassion for – the Jews who were in desperate need of salvation. He knew they rejected him and that they would continue to reject him. Yet they were the ones he came to save. He likened himself to a mother hen that wanted to protect her baby chicks, but they didn’t want her.

            “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:10-11)

            So it’s amazing to us that he wasn’t angry with them or emotionally hindered by their rejection of him. His merciful spirit was telling of who he really was.

            Jesus sees rejection, not as a personal thing, but as a loss to those who don’t accept him. That’s because he knows the future. He knows the agony he can spare us from.

            We could use a dose of that same spirit toward those we are close to who reject the Lord. It’s easy to take it as a personal rejection, when really, it’s an offense to their own soul that they refuse to see the truth and mercy Christ offers.

            But, “Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.” (John 4:44) It’s a fact of life.

            Sometimes the best thing, when words fail to work, is to just live that shining light and allow the Lord to convict their heart in his time.

            The apostles understood that, and Peter thought of it when he advised women how to handle their unsaved husbands. He knew that sometimes they have no honor in their own homes and preaching to their husbands might not work. He said, “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;” (1Pet. 3:1)

            For some, it’s not a spouse but a parent, child, sibling, coworker or neighbor that’s on the obvious path to destruction. Jesus showed that it’s normal to grieve and long for their salvation. He’s touched with our helpless feelings because he went through it too. In fact, he still goes through it. If anyone knows the destruction ahead on their path, he does. He sees it all and he cares.

            Father, my heart is grieved for those I’ve tried to explain the gospel to and they don’t want to hear it. If they would listen to someone else, please bring that person into their life. Thank you for understanding and sharing the load.

For further meditation

Don’t take rejection for Christ personally: Matt. 5:10-12; Matt. 10:35-36; John 15:20; Acts. 7:59-60; 2 Tim 3:12

We have a bright hope ahead: John 16:33; 1 Cor. 15:19; 2 tim 1:12; Heb. 11:13-16; Rev. 22:1-7

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Chapter Nineteen

Open up

Read: Luke 14:12-23

Key verse: “And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou has commanded, and yet there is room.” Luke 14:22

            With Jesus as a dinner guest, the conversation around the table was never dull, especially in this case when his host was the chief Pharisee. The term “politically correct” hadn’t been invented yet, and even if it had, Jesus aimed to impart truth, not dance around everyone’s feelings and opinions.

            So, with his dinner host, Jesus launched into a discourse on whom one should invite to dinner. Not one’s friends, family or rich neighbors, who all could be expected to return the favor.  Rather, he instructed the Pharisee that it’s better to invite poor, injured, lame and blind people who can’t return the favor, because there’s an eternal reward for that.

            Jesus was such an advocate for the downtrodden and those so used to being overlooked.  He knew that it would make their life if someone paid attention to them and showed kindness for even an hour. He could see into starving and thirsty souls.

            Another dinner guest saw a little parallel there between the hypothetical dinner Jesus mentioned and eating in the kingdom of God. “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God,” he said. (vs. 15)

            Jesus took that and ran with it and compared the dinner he had just referred to with the kingdom of God this man had just brought up. And though the story was still hypothetical, it was also prophetic.

            In summary, he has invited many people through the years to enter the kingdom of God (and enjoy the marriage supper of the lamb) by grace through faith. But many have made excuses. So he continues to invite and compel people including the poor, injured, lame and blind. Even so, his invitation remains open. There is still room for more.

            All we have to do is accept the invitation to come and we will find mercy and enter into his kingdom to live with him eternally.

            It’s very simple, for he made it that way. We can’t say we didn’t accept his invitation because we didn’t have anything to wear or we weren’t smart or strong enough. His favorites aren’t the smart and strong anyway. His disciples grasped that.

            Paul said, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen… That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29)

            So, he is the big-time example of inviting unlikely guests. And we still have the instruction he gave to the chief Pharisee about who to invite over for dinner.

            It’s notable when we show hospitality and invite people over for dinner. But we might want to look around for those at church or in the neighborhood who get left out for whatever reason. It not only means something to them, it means something to the Lord who is gracious and full of compassion. He rewards those who mirror his graciousness.

            Thank you, Lord, for inviting me into the kingdom of God. I know I’m not worthy, but you chose me. Help me to extend that invitation to others for you, since the door is still open. And help me to show hospitality to those I might not otherwise pay attention to.

For further meditation

Jesus invites anyone to himself: Isa. 45:22; Isa. 55:1-3; Matt. 11:28; John 3:16; John 7:37

Show hospitality and love: John 13:34-35; 1 Cor. 12:24-27; Gal. 6:2; Heb. 13:1-3; 1 Pet. 3:8

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Chapter Twenty

Soul search

Read: Luke 15:1-32

Key verse: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

            Even after watching Jesus for months and noticing that he was compassionate to everyone, the religious leaders still muttered under their breath about the company that he kept.

            “And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” (vs. 2)

            Jesus explained himself to them in parables, one of which was the story of the infamous prodigal son. The lad rejected his father, ran away with his inheritance and partied hard. After he spent all his money without even enough left to buy a meal, he came to his senses and realized what a useless fool he was. He returned to his father a broken boy just hoping his dad could extend enough grace to allow him to live on the property and be a hired servant.

            We know that his father was more than gracious. He was overwhelmingly receptive and planned a huge welcoming meal for his son.

            Skipping to the end of that story, the prodigal’s brother was pretty upset that his dad would do up this big dinner for such an undeserving louse as his brother. It was preposterous to him, just as it was absurd to the Pharisees and scribes that Jesus would eat with sinners.

            In both of these cases, the question was, why? Aren’t there enough righteous people to socialize and celebrate with? Why go out of the way to be so welcoming to the riffraff?

            It’s because the prodigal’s father, and Jesus, could look into the soul and see the transforming heart. Christ’s mission wasn’t to come and have a good time with like-minded friends. He came to change lives, and when he saw sinners who genuinely realized their need of him, he was all theirs.

            Another Gospel writer said:  “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)

            That’s good news to all of us, because even if we have come to know him, there may be times when we make an unwise choice and walk away from him. Guilt and the scorn of others could hinder us from fully returning to him as we realize how undeserving we are.

            But the Christ who demands that we follow, love and serve him is equally as passionate about forgiving and receiving back without condemnation the failing soul that returns humble and broken.

            We can rejoice with the prophet Jeremiah who said, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:22-23)

            Lord, your love is so freeing. Thank you that I don’t have to live in guilt over things I’ve done in the past. I don’t want to let anything stand in the way of pure fellowship with you. Please cleanse my heart of any secret sin, and may I enjoy sweet fellowship with you today.

For further meditation

Seek God and find relief: 1 Chron. 28:9; Ps. 22:24; Ps. 34:4; Isa. 12:2; Isa. 55:6-7

He receives us back when we return to him: Ex. 34:6-7; Ps. 106:43-45; Isa. 30:15; Jer. 3:22; Luke 22:31-32

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Chapter Twenty-one

Truth supreme

Read: Luke 16:19-31

Key verse: “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31

            As Jesus finished a teaching session with his disciples, the eavesdropping Pharisees piped up and criticized him for what he said.

            This time his response was not gracious as he noted how they justified themselves before men, but God knew their hearts. Then he defended the truth that he taught. “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” (vs. 17)

            He put an exclamation on the end of that with a graphic comparison of the rich man and the poor beggar named Lazarus.

            During his days on earth, the rich man lived an extravagant life while poor Lazarus barely eked out an existence eating crumbs from the rich man’s table. They both died, and Lazarus ended up in heaven while the rich man was in hell burning in an unquenchable fire.

            It’s not that the poor automatically go to heaven and rich people go to hell, but Jesus often taught that the humble and broken are the ones more receptive to the truth. The affluent are less likely to sense a need to turn from themselves to Christ for salvation. “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 19:24)

            As the story continued, the rich man who was not even allowed to have a drop of water to relieve his burning tongue, came to his spiritual senses. He didn’t want his five brothers to end up in this anguish, so he requested that Lazarus be allowed to go and warn them before it was too late.

            The answer was no. And the reason then is still the reason today. If people won’t read and heed the truth written in the Bible, they won’t take seriously a fanatical person returned from the dead preaching to them.

            There’s a reason why the Lord is merciful, gracious and full of kindness to us each day. The apostle Paul asked his unrepentant listeners, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4)

            The Lord draws us with honey, not with flypaper. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps 119:103 )

            Jesus referred to the law and the prophets with the rich man. It was the prophet Jeremiah who wrote, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jer. 31:3)

            As we observe the kindnesses of God in our lives every day, let’s respond with gratitude and a desire to walk more closely with him – first making sure that we have applied that love by accepting his gift of salvation.

            His word is true, and in the end his truth will prevail. Though he came with love and forgiveness the first time, which he still extends to us today, there will come a day when that is over like it was with the rich man, and we will face the consequences of what we did with the truth he taught.

            Lord, your word is sobering. I thank you so much for the love and kindness you have shown to me. But even more important than that, I recognize the importance of the truth you teach in the Bible. Help me to pay close attention to it and show me what you want me to see from it each day.

For further meditation

He draws us with love: Deut. 7:7-9; Eph. 2:4-5; 2 Thes. 2:16-17; Tit. 3:3-5; 1 John 4:19

He draws us with his word: Job 23:12; Jer. 15:16; John 6:63; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23

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Chapter Twenty-two

Compassion deserves praise

Read: Luke 17:11-19

Key verse: “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.” Luke 17:15

            It seems like there was always a lesson on compassion for everyone to learn where the Samaritans were concerned. This geographical group differed from the Jews in culture and religion, yet they were neighbors to Jerusalem, so the Samaritans and Jews frequently came in contact.

            When Jesus passed through Samaria before on his way to Jerusalem, he sent messengers ahead to one of its villages to find a hotel for them to stay in. But the people rejected him and didn’t allow him to come. Christ’s disciples were so angry with that village that they asked Jesus if they could call fire down from heaven on them. Jesus showed no ill-will toward these unfriendly neighbors and simply chose another route to Jerusalem.

            The next time a Samaritan was in the limelight was when Jesus told the story of the Jewish man who was robbed and beaten and left laying in the street. While two religious fellow Jews saw him and passed by on the other side, it was a Samaritan who had compassion on him and graciously took care of him until he recovered. The point then was that an unlikely Samaritan showed genuine love and neighborliness.

            Now Jesus passed through Samaria again where compassion and neighborliness would become a lesson once again. As he entered one of the villages of Samaria, he wasn’t met with hostility as before. He met ten men with leprosy who kept their distance so as not to give their disease to anyone else.

            They cried out to Jesus for mercy, for they knew that he could heal them. We don’t know what those traveling with Jesus must have thought as they remembered the disastrous previous trip through the land and as they saw the pathetic condition of these men. But what they saw was what one could expect of Christ. He never rejected anyone who sought him for healing, and this case was no different.

            After he healed them, one of them turned back in genuine gratitude and worshipped him for what he had done for him.

            Jesus didn’t say, “Ah, it was nothing.” He was amazed that none of the others even acknowledged the compassion and healing he gave them. They went on their merry way with their bodies transformed and a new lease on life, and they didn’t even think to thank their healer.

            Probably in no one’s eyes did these ten lepers deserve the compassion and mercy that they were given. But the nine who disappeared must have thought they deserved it. Or they just took it for granted that they would get what they wanted from this known healer.

            It’s a sad thought that Jesus stood there and experienced in his heart a lack of even the slightest acknowledgement for what he had done – except for this one. To him he declared, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” (vs. 19b)

            The others may have been made whole physically, but Jesus made the thankful man whole completely. When we experience his touch of mercy, let’s not take it for granted, but return to worship, adore and acknowledge what he has done. Let’s finish the work that needs to be done in our hearts and the work that needs to be done in giving him the glory he deserves and desires.

            Forgive me, Lord, for the times you’ve rescued me and I failed to thank you. You deserve every ounce of worship the whole world could give you. May I never fail to crown you king with my praise.

For further meditation

Acknowledge his goodness: Ps. 33:5; Ps. 89:1; Ps. 92:1-2; Ps. 100:5; Rom. 2:4

Give him praise: Ps. 107:8; Ps. 147:1; Isa. 63:7; Heb. 13:15; Rev. 19:5-6

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Chapter Twenty-three

Help for the broken

Read: Luke 18:9-14

Key verse: “For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14b

            In his parables, Jesus liked to compare people. Sometimes he compared a rich man with a poor man. In the case of the Good Samaritan, he compared a couple of unmerciful religious men with a despised Samaritan who showed compassion.

            Here, Jesus compares the prayers of a religious Pharisee, whom he never had good things to say about, with a publican or tax gatherer. His goal was to point out the conditions of both of their hearts revealed in their prayers. In fact, he spoke the parable “unto certain, which trusted in themselves, that they were righteous, and despised others.” (vs. 9)

            If prayer is the key to obtaining the favor and mercy of God, does he bestow that grace to everyone every time they pray? No, as merciful as God is, which we see lived out in the life of Christ, there are limits. He is limited by proud, self-righteous attitudes.

            Both the Pharisee and publican stood in the temple as they prayed. On one side was the Pharisee, who actually wasn’t praying to God, although he probably thought he was. In his prayer to himself, he focused on how good he was compared to the other guy.  He pointed out the probable sins of the other guy and thanked God he was not like him. Then he rehearsed his own good points: He fasted twice a week and tithed regularly. He thought his personal goodness would fare well with God.

            What he didn’t know was that his self praise for his personal goodness was a stench in God’s nostrils.

            Because we have the whole counsel of God, we know, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isa. 64:6)

            The publican knew he wasn’t so good. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up as he addressed the God of heaven. All we know that he said was, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (vs. 13) And that was enough. The contriteness of his heart matched his pleading words, and that got God’s attention.

            We make a mistake when we trust our choice words to speak our volumes. They are only part of our story in God’s eyes. “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” (Ps. 51:6 )

            God doesn’t listen to our words as much as he looks at and listens to our heart. “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Prov. 20:27)

            To obtain God’s mercy, not just for our salvation, but for our daily lives, our hearts and words must match - showing dependence on him and not on ourselves. “For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (vs. 14b)

            God doesn’t respond to people when they pray with pride. Instead, he extends his grace to those who are humble. We have his promise that if we humble ourselves before him, he will lift us up.

Lord, I bow before you admitting that I have no natural goodness in myself. Only you are good and worthy of praise. Help me to step out of the way and allow you to do your work in my life.

For further meditation

Pride comes before a fall: Prov. 11:2; Prov. 16:18; Prov. 29:23; Dan. 4:37; Ob. 1:4; 1 Tim. 3:6

Humble yourself before God: Job 22:29; Ps. 138:6; Prov. 3:34; Isa. 57:15; James 4:6&10; 1 Pet. 5:5

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Chapter Twenty-four

Follow hard

Read: Luke 18:35-43

Key verse: “And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” Luke 18:43

            What started out as an ordinary day for an oppressed, downtrodden blind man turned out to be the best day of his life.

            No doubt he was used to his lot in life. Since he couldn’t see, he couldn’t practice a trade to support himself and perhaps a family. He lived on the meager handouts he could coax out of people as he sat along the street each day begging.

            This day he could tell something was up. The air was filled with excitement and commotion. He heard more people than usual and asked what was going on.

            They told him that Jesus was passing by.

            Jesus was near? The man he had heard so much about who healed people? Others may have just been curious to see this controversial religious healing performer.

            But this blind man’s interest in Jesus was different than the others. He wasn’t just an observer. He had a need and he knew Jesus was the answer.

            So he cried out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” (vs. 38) That wasn’t such an unlikely request. After all, Jesus was God and he fit the description God gave of himself back in the Old Testament… “Merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands…” (Exodus 34:6-7a)

            But the blind man’s anguished outburst irritated those around him, and they reprimanded him telling him to keep quiet.

            He didn’t listen to them because he had a reason other than curiosity to get Christ’s attention, and this could be his only chance. He cried out even louder, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (vs. 39b)

            Now he was getting somewhere. Jesus heard him and commanded that they bring this man to him. Then Christ asked him what he wanted him to do for him.

He’d already asked for mercy, it was pretty obvious that he was blind, and Christ knows everything. So why did he press the point?

The man finally went beyond his request for mercy and asked to receive his sight. “And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee.” (vs. 42)

The point was and is that Jesus responds to specific need requests. The man first asked Jesus for mercy like we ask for him to bless us and others. That’s too nebulous to be easily recognized when it’s answered.

Perhaps the Lord thinks ahead to the kind of recognition and praise he will receive when he comes through for us. If our request is general, he’ll get general praise. But if we’re specific, when he answers, he’ll get specific praise, as this man gave him.

After the man received his sight from the Lord, he followed him and glorified him, which caused others to also praise God.

It is said that a sorrow shared with others is half a sorrow, and a joy shared with others is a double joy.

When we come to Christ, let’s come with more than curious hearts. Let’s come to him with specific needs and desires and ask him for help with those. Then, let’s spread the joy of his specific answers. He deserves the praise.

Thanks for the reminder, Lord, that you readily respond to those who follow hard after you. Please forgive me for the long periods of time I go without recognizing and petitioning you for a specific need. I don’t want to grow cold toward you thinking I can handle everything myself. I don’t want to just observe you casually. 

For further meditation

We need our eyes opened: Ps. 119:18; Isa. 42:18; Jer. 5:21; Mark 8:17-18; Acts 26:16-18; Acts 28:27

Cry after God: 2 Chron. 15:15; Ps. 26:8-9; Ps. 42:1; Ps. 63:1-2; Ps. 84:2; Ps. 119:10

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Chapter Twenty-five

Just one look

Read: Luke 19:1-10

Key verse: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

            Usually the ones Jesus paid special attention to were the ones we would hardly notice: the weak, poor and sick. He knew that they knew they had a need.

            So on this day when Jesus passed through Jericho and a parade of people lined the streets to catch a glimpse, who would have thought that he would zero in on someone who was no more than curious like the rest.

            All Zacchaeus wanted to do was see this famous man. He didn’t have a felt need. In fact, he was the town’s head tax collector, so he was rich. The only physical condition he suffered was shortness. He couldn’t see over the crowd, so he climbed up into a tree to watch Jesus as he passed by. He didn’t even plan to say anything to him.

            Excitement grew. Jesus really was coming down the street. Just as he passed under the tree, he looked up and saw Zacchaeus standing on a limb. And then the most amazing thing happened. Jesus called him by name and told him to come down out of the tree because he was going to stay at his house!

            Some in the crowd thought this was preposterous and muttered in disbelief that this religious leader wanted to be a guest in the house of a sinner.

            But Zacchaeus, if stunned, was at least quick. He jumped down out of the tree and excitedly accepted his offer.

            Jesus’ gaze into his eyes as he was still up in the tree touched Zacchaeus to the core. Before he led Christ to his house, he felt he had to mend his ways. So right there in front of God and everyone, he volunteered to give away half of his goods to the poor. Then he promised to repay four-fold any money he may have collected unfairly, which tax collectors in his day often did.

            In this display of his heart, Zacchaeus showed that he was repentant. His heart turned easily with one long look from the Lord. As a result, Jesus told him he would be saved.

Then Jesus answered the question on the minds of all the murmuring bystanders who wondered why he would choose to visit an obvious sinner and not spend time with those who loved and knew him.  “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (vs. 10) He stuck with his mission in spite of what others thought, and wasn’t Zacchaeus glad for that!

Jesus can look into the face of any individual and know what is going on in the heart. He sees if it will beat for him. In Zacchaeus, Jesus saw a willing heart, and he demonstrated his desire to save all who are lost regardless of their lot in life.

That’s a lesson for us. We may look at others who appear to have everything they could want and seem to be living a happy life and assume that they would never trust Christ. Others may be so far lost in sin, we would give up hope.

Remember Saul who became the great Apostle Paul persecuted Christians, but one touch from the Lord and he turned around. There’s hope for everyone.

Thank you for seeing in me, Lord, a heart that would respond to you. You graciously reached down and saved me. Now please help me look at others the way you do and lead me to share you with those whose hearts are ready.

For further meditation

No one is too sinful for the Lord: Isa. 55:7; Luke 23:33-34; Rom. 5:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:13-16

God looks at the heart: Deut. 8:2; Ps. 19:14; Ps. 26:1-2; Ps. 139:23-24; Prov. 17:3

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Chapter Twenty-six

He never gives up

Read: Luke 22:24-34

Key verse: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32

            It was the end of Christ’s life. He knew his days on earth were numbered, although his disciples didn’t realize it. They had grown used to being in the Lord’s inner circle, watching and participating in miracles and receiving exclusive training. They had already given up their personal lives to live in the spiritual realm with Christ.

            Now they were clustered together arguing among themselves which of them would be considered the greatest. If that discussion wasn’t the result of too much testosterone in one place, maybe it was a whispered topic from Satan, for greatness was something he aspired to, which caused his great fall.

            But Jesus calmly taught them the great paradox that the greatest is the least, the youngest and the one who serves – reminding them that he came to serve. Then he assured them that they would have a prime position with him in the kingdom.

            While he was discussing their future, he threw in a shocking word to Simon Peter. He told him that Satan had targeted him and wanted at him, but Christ had already prayed for Peter that his faith wouldn’t fail. He knew Peter would falter, so he advised him in advance that when he returned to the Lord after Satan’s attack, he should get back to work and strengthen others.

            What an emotional bombshell for Peter. Of course he had no intention of failing the Lord. He assured Jesus that he was ready to go with him to prison and to death, to which Jesus calmly responded that within 24 hours Peter would deny three times that he even knew him.

            The amazing thing isn’t that Jesus knew Peter would deny him, but that he applied mercy to Peter in advance. He had already prayed for Peter that his faith wouldn’t fail. And he had already looked past that and anticipated the great man that Peter would eventually be.

            If we suspected certain others would deny the Lord, we probably would look down our noses at them and criticize and condemn them. We would be judgmental. But not Christ. He didn’t use the opportunity to preach to Peter about the importance of faithfulness. He didn’t whip him emotionally. He extended grace in advance.

            And that’s just what he did for us. Before we were even born or had committed one sin, God knew all about us and how we would fail. Rather than take that knowledge and reject us, he turned it around. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)

            Christ’s actions were God in the flesh. The most-quoted verse in the Bible says it all: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

            In return, we are to reflect the same grace and mercy to others:  “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)

            We are not to be critics as Christ was not a critic of those who failed. He was compassionate and still worked in their lives and used them for his glory. If it weren’t for that aspect of his character, we wouldn’t be here.

            Lord, thank you so much for never giving up on me. I know I’ve been weak in areas and I’ve failed at times. But each day you’ve shown compassion to me. I just want to love and serve you all the more.

For further meditation

Greatness is measured in service: Matt. 20:28; John 13:12-16; Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 3:23-24

God searches us: Ps. 139:1-6; Prov. 17:3; Jer. 17:10; John 21:17; Heb. 4:13

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Chapter Twenty-seven

Love through pain

Read: Luke 22:41-53

Key verse: “And he touched his ear, and healed him.” Luke 22:51b

            By now, Jesus was finished trying to prove to everyone who he was. His hour had come and it was time for him to be betrayed, as he knew he would be. He took his disciples with him to the garden, but moved away from them a little so he could have some privacy with God. He had a serious prayer request. If it was possible, he wanted to avoid going through what he knew he had to.

            It might appear that God didn’t answer that prayer favorably, except that Jesus ended his petition with, “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (vs. 42b) He wasn’t living for himself and he wasn’t dying for himself. It was for God and it was for the salvation of everyone who would trust what he was about to do for them.

            Yet the anticipation of pain and death was unbearable. He prayed in agony, and even though an angel was dispatched to strengthen him, he sweat drops of blood.

            When he was finished with his prayer, he returned to find his disciples sleeping when they should have been praying – if not for him, for themselves that they wouldn’t enter into temptation.

            Now it was the end of the road for the Lord. Judas appeared with a large group, including the high priest, to take Jesus captive. When the disciples realized that they planned to take Jesus away from them, they asked him if they should take out their swords and deal with these enemies.

            But Peter wasn’t waiting for an answer. He whipped out his sword and lopped off an enemy ear.

            This could have been the beginning of bloodshed and devastation as the factions advanced and defeated. But it wasn’t to be. Jesus immediately told Peter to allow what was about to happen and in a stunning reversal that probably took everyone off guard; Jesus reached out and restored the ear.

            Why did he do that? It wasn’t to prove anything, and the individual didn’t ask or deserve to be healed. Here Jesus was about to be killed, and he reached out to heal an enemy. His mercy wasn’t thwarted by personal crisis.

In that hour, Jesus demonstrated what he taught his disciples earlier, and perhaps they had an “ah-ha” moment: “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you., Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Jesus was true. He didn’t just speak pleasant-sounding words to appear religious. He lived what he taught and was an example to us.

Peter, who defended the Lord by cutting off that ear, learned something from Christ that day. He later wrote about Christ, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23)

That’s how Christ could do what he did. He looked over the shoulder of the enemy and saw God, the ultimate judge, who would sort it all out in the end. And that’s how we can get through the times when we suffer unjustly. We can trust that God will take care of us and the enemy as he sees fit – and we can keep going.

Lord, the idea of loving my enemy is a lot for me to digest. Help me to see what it means to commit myself to you when I’m suffering unjustly. Help me to experience the same victory you did in that awful hour.

For further meditation

Choose God’s will over your own: 1 Sam. 15:22; Ps. 40:8; John 4:34; John 6:38; John 18:11

Don’t try to get even: Prov. 24:17-18; Prov. 24:29; Luke 23:33-34; Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Pet. 3:8-9

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Chapter Twenty-eight

The final act of love

Read: Luke 23:32-46

Key verse: “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34

Christ’s worst and greatest hour was here. All of the truth he taught combined with all the mercy he showed culminated in the scene that unfolded before the accusing crowd.

Though Jesus had done nothing wrong, let alone deserving of death, the crowd revolted and shouted to crucify him. He didn’t resist. It was for this hour that he was placed on the earth.

We could understand if he turned inward with groaning and grief, but he only did that before God in prayer when he was in the garden. Now he was going to accomplish his mission to die on the cross. He wasn’t alone. Two thieves mounted the hill with him to face their own deaths on the cross.

The entourage finally arrived at Calvary where Jesus and the others were to be nailed to their crosses. And there he modeled, once again, the teachings he had given to his disciples. “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:28)

There, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” (vs. 34) while they gambled for his garments and mocked him who saved others but didn’t appear to be able to save himself.

Once the nails were in and the three hung in agony above the crowd, one of the thieves snarled his own scorn. If Jesus was really the Christ, why didn’t he save himself and them while he was at it?

The other thief thought the comment was uncalled for and defended Jesus. “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly: for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.” (vs. 40-41) Then he asked Jesus to remember him when he entered into his kingdom.

Once again, Jesus looked into the heart of an unlikely soul and saw brokenness and repentance. And one final time, he received someone who sought mercy from him. He said, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (vs. 43)

A few hours later, Jesus used his last breath to say, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” and then he died. (vs. 46)

Wow. How did he do it? He made it clear to the end with no guile, deceit or bitterness. He never sinned. He never threatened anyone. He simply committed himself to God and let it go.

If we could only grasp that. First, he did it for us. He knew what we would be like and he still died for us. All we need to do is admit how undeserving we are and have that broken, repentant heart that seeks his mercy.

And once we’ve experienced that life transformed by the grace and mercy of God, we can have the inner presence of mind to remember how he handled unjust treatment and respond the same way he did.

Lord, you are so awesome. Thank you so much for the bitter cup you drank to save my undeserving soul. Help me to live a life even a little more worthy of what you did to save it. The little unfairness I endure is nothing compared to what you went through. You are king.

For further meditation

Christ’s death was for us: Isa. 53:6; Rom. 4:25; Rom. 5:6-8; Eph. 2:4-5; 1 Pet. 3:18

He values and responds to repentance: Luke 15:7; Luke 17:3-4; Acts 3:19; Rom. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 3:19

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Chapter Twenty-nine

Taught and caught

Read: 1 Pet. 3:8-18

Key verse: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” 1 Peter 3:8

            Peter. How would he turn out? He listened to everything Christ said and watched everything he did, but sometimes he was impulsive and seemed to cause more harm than good – like the time he cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear and the day he denied three times even knowing who Christ was.

            But Jesus was merciful and gave him room to grow up. He even prayed for Peter before he denied him - that when he turned back to him, Peter would strengthen the brethren. (Luke 22:32)

            We easily can see that his prayer was answered when we read Peter’s insights recorded in his namesake books 1 and 2 Peter. We see how that between his contemplation of the Lord’s life and the Spirit of God working in his heart, he totally got what the Lord taught, and he passed it on to us.

            Every day they were together, Peter saw in Christ empathy and compassion for lowly people. He noticed the love and courtesy he extended, and he asks us to be the same way toward others.

            He noticed that there never was any evil or bitterness in Christ’s words, even though he was surrounded by deceitful people who wanted to catch him in an error so they would have a reason to accuse and eliminate him. He asks us to demonstrate the same restraint.

            Peter knew from experience what it was like to renounce his connection with Christ when he himself might be rejected for his beliefs. If he had it to do all over again, he would handle his denial differently – the way he told us to handle it: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (vs. 14-15)

            He concluded that it’s far better to suffer for doing what’s right than for doing what’s wrong. Christ was the ultimate example of this. He never committed a single sin, yet he suffered for us, taking the punishment we deserve for our sins. His goal was to accomplish the ultimate mercy. He wanted to bring us to God. So he died for us.

Then he rose again and made sure, before he ascended into heaven, that Peter and the other disciples knew that this was just the beginning. What Christ had accomplished wasn’t to end there. They were to spread it to the world and to all generations.

We know of the ultimate mercy of Christ, partly because of what Peter saw, experienced, learned and passed on.

As we know what Christ is like and what he did, we can live in that realization and avoid succumbing to a pattern of defeat. If we’ve failed him in the past, it’s a new day today. We can learn from our mistakes as Peter did, pick ourselves up and carry on with the Lord in front of us – only now we can do it with gratitude, knowing what the Lord has done for us.

Lord, your dying grace for me is awesome. So is the example you showed in Peter’s life. I want to be like you and like Peter – overcoming the obstacles to live the life you meant for me.

For further meditation

Apply what you know: Ps. 119:9; Luke 6:47-48; John 1317; James 1:22-25; James 4:17; 1 John 2:3

Speak pure words: Ps. 34:12-14; Ps. 39:1; Matt. 12:35; 1 Pet. 2:1

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Chapter Thirty

Victory through humility

Read: 1 Peter 5:5-11

Key verse: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b

            Peter saw it all. He was with Jesus from the beginning of his earthly ministry. He was there the day Jesus preached in a crowded building and part of the ceiling collapsed around them as several men lowered their paralyzed buddy on a couch down through the hole they created to be seen and healed by Jesus.

            Peter saw Christ’s compassion on many people sick with infirmities, whom he healed, even on the Sabbath day. That always drew criticism from the Pharisees. It seemed there were always two crowds for Jesus to please: those who had needs and those who watched with a critical eye and record book. Only it was obvious to Peter and the other disciples that Jesus didn’t really care what the condemning religious leaders thought. He always had a comeback for them that they couldn’t argue with – and it often had to do with the value of mercy over rules.

            Then there was the time that Jesus had to put Peter and the other disciples in their place when he heard them talking among themselves about who would be greatest. He told them, “for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.” (Luke 9:48b)

            And then came the day when Peter proved he wasn’t so great anyway. On the same day that he told the Lord he was ready to go to prison and to death with him, he denied even knowing who Jesus was three times.

            How horrible. But Jesus forgave him, and even prayed for him to return to the Lord beforehand.

            Peter learned many lessons, but out of them all, one stood out as he finished writing his first letter, 1 Peter. It was clear to Peter, and should be clear to us after reading Christ’s life in Luke, that the Lord resists proud people and gives grace to the humble. He specializes in helping those who know they need him, and he can’t and won’t do much for those who think they know it all.

            Therefore, the best place to be is humbled before him, “Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.” (vs. 7) There is no need too great or too small that he doesn’t care if we will just come to him expecting his mercy.

            Yes, we will suffer in this life as long as there is a devil nipping at our heels – just as Jesus suffered with the devil dogging him using others to condemn and kill him. But we can resist Satan, knowing that what we are going through isn’t anything unusual.

            One thing we know, we have a gracious loving God who will see us through to the end. If he’s called us, he can keep us.

            In the meantime, Peter tells us to clothe ourselves with humility to experience that preserving grace. We need to submit ourselves to him and to others and give up trying to control our own lives and prove that we are something.

            We are nothing. Christ is everything. He proved it in his life and in his death. We can say with Peter, who went through the ringer and came out the other side, “To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” (vs. 11)

            Lord, thank you so much for choosing to come down from heaven to live an earthly life and show us what it’s all about – even in the face of danger – and then dying for me. And thank you for choosing Peter as one of your 12, and for praying for him that after he failed you, he would return again and strengthen the brethren. He continues to strengthen me today as I read from his experiences with you.

For further meditation

The best place to be is humbled: Job 22:29; Ps. 147:6; Luke 1:52; Luke 18:14; James 4:10

The Lord values compassion: Ps. 86:15; Matt. 18:33; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 12:26; 1 Pet. 3:8; Jude 1:22

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ã Jody Shee, 2007. This study is copyrighted. You are permitted to reproduce it provided you do not do so for monetary gain.