Author: Scott Lane

Re:Verse reading–Luke 24:1-12, 33-49 (day five) 

There are several times mentioned that the disciples were scared, troubled, afraid, and confused. However, the most terrifying thought comes at the end of this passage in verse 45 (Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures). These were not new converts or people mildly interested in Jesus and His teaching. These were the close followers, the ones who didn’t drift away, the ones who left their nets. Yet, they still had not understood the scriptures and words of Jesus, even after three years of watching, listening, and walking with Jesus.

If their understanding was lacking and needed supernatural help and encouragement, then our own faith and understanding probably does too. Each and every time we read the scriptures, hear a sermon, or pray, we must ask and beg the Lord through the Holy Spirit to help us understand and apply the truth(s) God would have us realize and practice. “A humble and prayerful spirit will find a thousand things in the Bible which the proud self-conceited student will utterly fail to discern”- J.C Ryle

Re:Verse reading–Luke 23:1-27, 32-49 (day five) There is an interesting similarity and a dramatic contrast between Herod and the second thief on the cross. Both had heard the stories and testimonies of who Jesus was. Vs. 8 Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. Vs. 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” The words about Jesus had differing effects on their hearts. One’s heart was hardened and prideful, while the other’s was open and humbled. Jesus’ response to each of these men was drastically different. Silence to Herod. Salvation and promise to the thief.

As we engage and interact with our friends, neighbors, and others, we must look for hearts ready to respond to the testimony and gospel of Jesus. When we encounter those ready to respond, may we point them to the power and promises of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Re: Verse reading–Luke 16:19-31 (day five)

‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

The message God has given us through the scriptures is enough for the human heart to hear and believe the saving call of our Heavenly Father.  “From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Jesus would interact with people preaching/teaching the scriptures.  Not all would “hear” or even be interested.  But there were some.  He would then begin a more personal interaction with them.

Great strategy for us. Speak and share the message of the scriptures (Gospel, Biblical Truths).  There will be some who are interested and want to know more.  Continue the conversation. Invite them to trust and follow Christ.  “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Will you share so people can “hear”?

Re:Verse reading–Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 (day five)

The effects of sin are clearly portrayed in the heart and life of the younger son. His sin separates him (by his own choosing) from his father.

The older brother has sin he must deal with as well. The effects are more subtle, yet just as damaging. He was unable to see and sense the grace and kindness of his father. He perceived obstacles rather than opportunities. He demonstrated worry rather than worship. Without ever changing locations, he was just as “far away” from his father as the younger brother.

It’s time to examine our hearts (believers/older brothers)!! Do we still sense and see the grace and kindness of God at work in the world? Do we rejoice and worship when God saves and restores human hearts?

Re:Verse reading–Luke 7:36-50 (day five) The story of the Pharisee in Luke 7 starts off on a high note. He invites Jesus to eat at his house. This is gonna be a good night. Time with the savior, teaching from the Master, and the potential for life changing encounter. Yet, the great start quickly turns into a train wreck for the Pharisee. He has clearly missed it. Look at verse 39. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”
So, what happened? First and foremost, He didn’t understand who Jesus was. And in turn he couldn’t see the woman thru Jesus’ eyes. Interesting how one affects the other.

Before we have any hope or potential to see and love others as Jesus would want, we must acknowledge and understand at the deepest personal level who Jesus is and His love for the human race (begins with a sinner like me finding salvation and love- then translates into love for others that sees the potential power and change finding Christ can make).

Re:Verse reading—Luke 6:17-45 (day five)

It’s a hard lesson to learn,  children and teens experience it too- the rejection and tension that living like Christ in the world causes. We often times believe that living with purity, integrity, and holiness will guarantee a life that is stress free, applauded, and encouraged. Scripture says that God will reward these, but not necessarily man. Jesus teaches/warns that this kind of life on earth is often painful and filled with hardship. “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.” As parents we must encourage our children to “keep the faith”, because we know that the real reward, the greater reward is an eternal one. As adults, we too desire the approval and applause of people. We must tell the truth and live and share the gospel, no matter what the consequences. We must keep an eternal perspective. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Re:Verse reading–Luke 5:1-11 (day five)

The world has it wrong…  It says “Meekness = Weakness”.  Our current culture has distorted humility to mean that “I am lowly, insignificant, and incapable of being productive in any facet of life”.  What Jesus does with Peter after the miraculous catch is to define what biblical humility, true humility looks like.  Jesus immediately speaks hope, mission, and confidence to Peter. Verse 10- And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”  Note, Jesus removes only the fear out of his humility, and replaces fear with courage, trust, and boldness.  An encounter with the power and grace of God makes the human heart humble- reverent, submissive, hope-filled, and obedient.  Identity and opportunity become clearer.  Look at these first disciples’ response.  Verse 11- When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

In their humility, they trusted and followed their new Master.

Does your life reflect that kind of humility?

Re:Verse reading–Luke 4:14-30 (day five)  vs. 16 “and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.”

The first week in January is when many of us will make resolutions.  Changes, course corrections, and new patterns are all possibilities-  diet, exercise, Bible reading plans.

“Everything Jesus said and did was to make us trust him and imitate him.”- John Piper Jesus’ place on the Sabbath was the synagogue.  It was where reverence and recognition were given to the Lord’s day and His Word.  He was faithful and consistent.  Will we trust and imitate Jesus pattern of attendance?

Will you resolve this year to be in your place on Sunday mornings-  giving reverence to the Lord’s Day and Word?  Will you resolve to be a constantly engaged in the growth and life of a New Testament Church?  Will it be said of you…”As was your custom”

Re:Verse passage – Luke 4:1-13 (day five)  ³ And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

There is striking similarity in the strategy of Satan in the temptation of Jesus and the temptation and fall of man.  Satan calls into question the truthfulness of God in order to create confusion and uncertainty about the nature and character of God.  “Is His Word true?”  At stake in these temptations and responses is the character of God. Can we really believe Him?  Can we really trust Him?  Can we count on Him to keep His promises?  Scripture says “Yes!” ” A thousand times Yes!!”  The temptation was more about the trustworthiness of God than the identity of Jesus.  Jesus models the correct perspective.  Is our faith and trust in God and His Word bigger than our self-image and self-esteem?

Re:Verse reading–Luke 3:1-20  (day five) What is an indicator of a repentant and forgiven heart?  What evidence is there for a soul and life that claims to follow Christ and His Word?  It has been the same throughout scripture.  FRUIT.  Look at John the Baptist’s words, “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance“.   In the Old Testament, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Jesus’ teaches later, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit”.

John the Baptist gives a good description (evidence) of what fruit looks like: love and kindness (vs. 11),  honesty and integrity (vs. 13),  respect/regard for authority, and contentment (vs. 14).  Can we point to fruit in our lives of repentance and forgiveness?