Acts of the Apostles, Day 1 Readings

Pentecost & The First Christian Martyr 

Today's first reading tells the history-changing events on the day of Pentecost.  On that day, a few weeks after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit infused the disciples.  They began telling the Gospel in words that were understood in a variety of languages.  Then Peter preached a powerful sermon, explaining how this sign (people hearing in their own languages simultaneously) was a fulfillment of prophecy, as was Jesus of Nazareth.

The experience was so powerful that some 3000 people were baptized and became Christians that day.  These people lived together, shared what they had with one another, and worshiped Jesus.  Because of this, Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the church.

Read Acts 2:1-47  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is the story of the first Christian martyr, Stephen.  He was one of the people appointed by the twelve disciples to a leadership position in the church, and he came into conflict with certain people in the synagogue.  These people protested and asked the high council -- under the leadership of the Jewish high priest -- to place Stephen under arrest for blasphemy.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Stephen offered an impassioned defense (though one can see how it was incendiary).  Eventually, the crowd cut him off and stoned him while, in the background, a young Jewish leader named Saul (more on him later) plotted for how to arrest more of these Christian rabble rousers. 

Read Acts 6:8-8:3  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Acts 1-5 today.

Acts of the Apostles, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 44 - Acts of the Apostles 

Acts of the Apostles, often simply called Acts, is a history of the early church. It was written as the companion book to the gospel of Luke.  Like Luke, it emphasizes the role and power of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christians and spreading the teaching of Jesus throughout the world.  The Holy Spirit even allows the disciples to offer miraculous cures, exorcisms, and even resurrections to others in Jesus' name.

While there are many important Christian leaders mentioned in Acts, two men stand out from the others.  The first is Simon Peter, who had been one of Jesus' first disciples.  Peter became the Christian leader in Jerusalem, often speaking for the other disciples (as on the day of Pentecost) or acting on their behalf.  The second is Paul (also called Saul in Acts).  While he never met Jesus before his crucifixion, after a dramatic vision of Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul became the most passionate teacher of Jesus.  Through his tireless travels, he planted and nurtured Christian communities throughout the Roman empire.  At the end of his life, Paul even preached in Rome.

Acts recognizes that many early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs; some of them even became martyrs.  Despite this opposition, though, the church grew exponentially in the early years, especially after the church affirmed that Christians did not have to convert to Judaism in order to become Christian.  This decision, at a council in Jerusalem, opened the door for Gentiles to more easily become Christians.  In a relatively short period of time, due to the faithful efforts of many, there were Christian communities throughout the known world, even in the Roman capital.

Bonus Reading, Mark

Exorcism and Healing        

Today's reading offers two more examples of Jesus working to heal others.  The first is an interesting broadening of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jews.  Here a Syrophoenician woman asks for an evil spirit to be removed from her daughter, but Jesus is frustrated, saying that he already has plenty of Jews to heal.  The woman then uses a pitiful example of dogs eating crumbs dropped by humans; this softens Jesus' heart and he fulfills the mother's request.

Similarly, Jesus encounters a deaf man, whom he takes aside to cure.  However, the crowd learns of yet another miraculous healing and asks who this man Jesus is, who can make the deaf hear and the mute speak.

Read Mark 7:24-37  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Mark

What Is Unclean       

Today's reading is a challenging teaching from Jesus, at least in the eyes of traditional Jews of the time.  They had been carefully taught during their entire lives that certain actions made them "unclean" -- which means unfit to be near God.  However, Jesus said that it is not things outside of a person that makes one unclean, but rather unclean things inside of a person.  Various evil and selfish intentions are the bigger problem in God's eyes.

Read Mark 7:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Mark

Walking on Water      

Today's reading is the famous night where Jesus walked across the sea, while his disciples were taking a boat from one side to the other.  During the night, as the disciples struggled to make progress against a strong wind, Jesus caught up with them and they spotted him.  With no other explanation, they worried that it was a ghost, which led Jesus to reveal himself and get into the boat.  From there, they continued their journey to Gennesaret, where Jesus continued healing the sick.

Read Mark 6:45-56  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Mark

The Scope of Jesus' Teaching      

Today's reading offers a glimpse of the popularity of Jesus' teaching.  At the beginning, Jesus is rejected by people from his hometown; the people cannot believe that a prophet has grown up in their midst.  Still, Jesus had a few disciples -- 12 -- whom he sent out to teach and act in his name.

People were coming to know the name of Jesus.  This did not escape the attention of King Herod, partially because some wondered if John the Baptist had somehow been reborn as Jesus.  (He had not.  John had been killed on Herod's order.)  In fact, Jesus' popularity had grown so much that when he miraculously fed a crowd that had listened to his teaching one day, there were 5000 people.  Quite a change for the person whose teaching was ignored in his own hometown.

Read Mark 6:1-44  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Mark

Jesus Teaches Through Parables     

Today's reading is a series of related parables that Jesus told, along with an explanation of why he often taught others through the symbolism and metaphor of parables.  In these, Jesus relies on a single image -- the seed -- to connect with people who were well acquainted with growing food.  In these stories are glimpses of the Kingdom of God, especially through teaching itself.  Some will hear the story of Jesus and become immediately excited at the latest fad, some will dismiss it out of hand, but some will take heart and pay attention.  For these people, great growth and opportunities await.

Read Mark 4:1-34  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Sermon - "Why Should We Believe You?" (John)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on the Gospel of John.  John is concerned with helping people to understand how and why some people can see Jesus for who he really is -- God on earth -- and why some people can't.

Most often, John presents this as a difference between spiritual sight and physical sight.  Those who rely only on physical eyesight cannot begin to appreciate who Jesus is and what he is doing in the world.  However, those blessed with spiritual sight eventually -- if imperfectly -- come to appreciate Jesus' promises and teachings more fully.  In this sense, they are like the man born blind who is healed by Jesus; "I once was blind, but now I see."

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and benediction.

Sermon - "Faithful Influence" (Luke)

Last week, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on the Gospel of Luke.  Luke, which along with Acts is a two-volume history of the early church, is focused on showing how the Holy Spirit inspires and empowers Jesus and his disciples.

The Holy Spirit consistently confounds expectations, especially those of religious leaders.  Sometimes, despite their closeness to it, it even surprises the disciples.  This is most obvious when the issue of status arises among people of faith.  Frequently, Jews and Christians try to do things that make God favor them even more than other people of faith.   Consistently, Jesus teaches that this is not how it works -- all of the faithful are equal in God's eyes.

Even today, this can be a challenge for us to understand.  Sometimes we also want to be seen by God as better than our neighbors.  The message of Luke is clear and consistent, though: this is not how God looks at us.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and benediction.

Bonus Reading, Mark

What Does God's House Look Like?    

Today's reading is a series of stories about the order of things, probably as a metaphor for the nature of heaven.  Even though a crowd follows after Jesus seeking miracles, Jesus leaves the crowd behind.  Instead, he appoints twelve disciples who will become not only his followers, but in their faithfulness, his family.  Because whether it is an individual, a family, or a kingdom, division is destructive and will cause it to fail.  For the kingdom of God to never fail, it will have to be unified and undivided -- everyone there will need to become people whom Jesus recognizes as brothers and sisters.

Read Mark 3:7-35  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Mark

Disagreements about the Sabbath    

Today's reading is one of the recurring themes of Jesus' ministry.  He heals people, even on the Sabbath.  This confounds the Jewish authorities, who question how Jesus could possibly be a man of faith because of these actions (and certainly not the Messiah).  Jesus justifies his actions on the day of rest by telling a story about David.  Then he heals a man with a deformed hand.

Read Mark 2:23-3:6  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Mark

Desperate for Healing      

Today's reading is a series of brief vignettes that talk about Jesus' efforts to heal those who want to be healed.  The first is a famous miracle, where people are so desperate to get a paralyzed man to Jesus that they lower him through a roof.  The second, though, is a unique story of Jesus calling a disciple -- Levi, who is a tax collector.  Tax collectors were despised, but Jesus explains that he came to reach sinners who needed him, not spend time with righteous people.  The third is a justification for Jesus' disciples not to fast -- because people should feast -- celebrate -- when they are in Jesus' presence.

Read Mark 2:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Thanksgiving Rest Stop

Godsway 66 is on a break now through the Thanksgiving weekend.  Having completed our study of the four Gospels, the overview for the next book, Acts, will be posted on Sunday, November 29.

In the meantime, enjoy some bonus readings from Mark, the oldest of the gospels.  This week, these readings broaden the description of Jesus -- the miracle-worker, the one who ate with tax collectors and did questionable things on the Sabbath, the one who spoke of a different kind of family, and the one who is a great teacher.  

John, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of John you might have missed.
 Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on John tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

John, Day 5 Readings

Jesus' Crucifixion & Resurrection  

Today's first reading tells of Jesus' final questioning by Pilate and his crucifixion.  In many ways, it is very similar to the accounts in the other gospels.  Perhaps the most notable difference is that Jesus speaks directly to a few of his disciples from the cross -- encouraging the one he loved to take care of his mother, Mary.  In this, Jesus is again pointing to the close relationships, rooted in love, between all of Jesus' followers.

Read John 19:1-42  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is the climactic lesson in John, drawn from Jesus' resurrection.  On that morning, Jesus appears outside of the tomb to Mary Magdalene.  Soon thereafter, he appears to the disciples and lastly to Thomas, who wants to place his fingers in the marks of Jesus' crucifixion.  While Jesus accommodates Thomas' request, he blesses all those who will believe in his resurrection without seeing his scarred body -- which is to say, Jesus blesses all those who will become disciples in the years to come, including us.  In fact, for John, the purpose of this gospel is to give spiritual sight to people, allowing them to truly see Jesus and believe in him.

Read John 20:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read John 18-21 today.

John, Day 4 Readings

Jesus' Final Teachings  

Today's first reading is the beginning of Jesus' final teaching for his disciples on the night of his betrayal and arrest.  Knowing that the time had come, Jesus offered a final important lesson before explaining what was to happen that night.  Like a servant, he washed their feet as an example to serve each other.  Then, he gave them a final commandment: to love one another.

Read John 13:1-38  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is another of Jesus' final lessons for his disciples.  Here Jesus emphasizes how close his relationship with the disciples is meant to be.  Like a growing plant, they are meant to be branches off of Jesus, the true vine.  If they are attached, they should grow healthy and bear fruit. If they are not attached to Jesus, they will be pruned.

After this, Jesus again encourages his disciples to persevere through oppression and persecution.  Referring to the closeness of the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, he reminds them that the world hated him before it hated them for following his example and teaching.

Read John 15:1-27  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read John 13-17 today.

John, Day 3 Readings

The Gift of Sight & The Resurrection of Lazarus  

Today's first reading is an extended consideration of Jesus' healing of a blind man.  In this story we find the great line, immortalized in "Amazing Grace": "I once was blind but now I see."  The Pharisees investigate this miracle, unable to understand (again) why Jesus would heal on the Sabbath.  They insist on questioning Jesus' sinfulness (as opposed to faithfulness), but the healed man repeatedly talks about the difference between blindness and sight.  The implication seems to be that only those who have spiritual sight -- to appreciate who Jesus is -- can be faithful to God.

Read John 9:1-41  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading tells of Jesus' greatest sign in John -- the resurrection of Lazarus, one of his disciples.  Hearing that Lazarus has died, Jesus travels to his home and meets with his sisters and friends.  While these people are distraught, they believe that Lazarus will have eternal life in heaven, but Jesus plans to restore him to life on earth.  However, Jesus is moved by their sadness and when they tell him to "come and see" where Lazarus is buried (an invitation that Jesus makes to his disciples repeatedly), he weeps.  Then he calls the dead man from the tomb, and Lazarus emerges.

According to John, this dramatic miracle is the final straw for the Pharisees.  From this point, they seek to have Jesus killed.

Read John 11:1-57  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read John 9-12 today.

John, Day 2 Readings

Jesus' Authority & The Gift of Bread from Heaven  

Today's first reading is an exploration of the basis for Jesus' authority.  At the outset, Jesus heals a lame man, but he performs the miracle on the Sabbath, which raises questions in the minds of religious leaders.  In response, Jesus defends his authority by describing the power that he has been given by God the Father to act and judge in the world.  After this is one of several discussions of eyewitness testimony, in which Jesus admits that he cannot testify to his actions -- because such firsthand testimony is recognized as inherently biased.  Instead, Jesus argues that the power he has been given by God is God's testimony on his behalf -- a validation greater than any human can provide.  In Jesus' eyes, anyone who is truly a seeker of God will eventually recognize him for who he is, and will recognize his God-given authority.

Read John 5:1-47  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers a lengthy discussion of the relationship between Jesus and bread -- an important matter given the sacrament of Communion.  It begins with Jesus feeding the 5000, blessing small loaves to become sufficient for the crowd.  Then, when people come to him the next day, hoping that he will feed them again, Jesus teaches about the difference between earthly bread and spiritual bread.  God has given both types of bread -- there was manna in the wilderness that sustained the Hebrews.  Now, Jesus is a spiritual bread which sustains the believers through eternity.  Again, though, if the people cannot see the existence of spiritual bread, they cannot believe the promise of eternal life.

Read John 6:1-71  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read John 5-8 today.

John, Day 1 Readings

Jesus' Beginnings & The Promise of Spiritual Sight 

Today's first reading is the lengthy introduction to Jesus.  It takes three forms.  The first is a cosmological introduction of Jesus, which echoes the creation account of Genesis 1.  This ties the life and meaning of Jesus to the creation and the Creator, God.

The second is a theological introduction through the eyes of John the Baptist.  Here Jesus is the sacrificial lamb of God, who will atone for the sins of humankind.  This third is practical introduction where Jesus calls the first disciples.  Through the experience of the disciples, and following their example, readers are also expected to come to recognize Jesus as the source of their (our) salvation.

Read John 1:1-51  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers what is perhaps the most famous single verse in the Bible, John 3:16.  This is part of a discussion between Jesus and a Jewish leader named Nicodemus.  In it, Jesus tries to teach how people need a new way of seeing reality -- encouraged by the Holy Spirit.  This spiritual eyesight allows them to recognize Jesus for who he truly is and to be prepared for eternal life in the kingdom of God.

Read John 3:1-36  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read John 1-4 today.

John, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 43 - John  

John is the fourth gospel in the New Testament.  From the outset, it seems that this book is part of a "one of these is not like the others" exercise.  The previous gospels are story collections where the stories are placed in chronological order.  John, however, is much more thematic.  The stories are not necessarily in order -- the cleansing of the Temple occurs near the beginning of John, rather than after Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  Instead, the stories are meant to help people understand the true meaning of Jesus.

This begins with the philosophical introduction, where John emphasizes that Jesus existed from the beginning of God's creation; in fact, somehow Jesus was part of God.  This emphasis on Jesus' divinity occurs repeatedly in John, usually through "I AM" statements, such as "I am the bread of life" or "I am the resurrection and the life."  With the words "I am" Jesus is speaking the exact words (at least as they are translated into Greek) as God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush --usually translated "I am that I am."

John encourages people to see that Jesus is really God on earth.  In fact, Jesus himself gives this invitation several times, telling people to "come and see."  If people can see Jesus as someone doing great things, and offering great teaching, with God's authority, then they can believe in the promise of Jesus to be "the resurrection and the life."  In some ways, seeing is believing.  If people can gain this spiritual sight, they can become faithful disciples; if not, they will remain blind to the promise of Jesus.

Luke, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Luke you might have missed.
 Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Luke tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Luke, Day 5 Readings

Signs of the End & Jesus' Resurrection 

Today's first reading is a brief presentation of Jesus' apocalyptic teaching -- that is, his teaching about the end times.  Shortly before his arrest, Jesus again offers warnings about the bad things that will happen before God sets everything right.  There will be false prophets; those who are faithful to God will be persecuted (but the Holy Spirit will guide them -- this is a central theme the book of Acts, which was also written by the author of Luke).  Even Jerusalem will be captured.  But pay attention, Jesus insists; after all of these signs and omens, the Son of Man will return and offer salvation.

Read Luke 21:7-38  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides a series of events that occurred after Jesus' was resurrected.  After the empty tomb is discovered by the women, followed by Peter, Jesus does not immediately appear to anyone.  Instead, there is a long story of two unnamed disciples walking away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus, joined by a stranger (who turns out to be Jesus).  They enjoy a long conversation with him about the Bible and invite him to join them for supper.  At the table, Jesus took bread, prayed, and gave it to them.  Through the act of communion, they suddenly recognize that it's Jesus; but suddenly he disappears.  Only then does Jesus appear to the main twelve disciples, who witness his ascension into heaven.

Read Luke 24:1-53  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Luke 20-24 today.

Luke, Day 4 Readings

Things Lost and Found & the Virtue of Humility 

Today's first reading relates three of Jesus most famous parables, which only appear in the Gospel of Luke.  The three stories that Jesus tells have the same theme -- rejoicing when something lost is found.  The first is about a lost sheep, 1 out of 100, that demands the shepherds undivided attention.  The second is about a lost coin.  The third is very famous -- it is about a lost son, the prodigal, who returns home to an ecstatic father (whose celebration leads to consternation and jealousy for the older brother, who never left).  For each of these, Jesus encourages people to imagine, or remember, how happy they are when they find things that are lost; how much more so when God reestablishes a relationship with a person who had been lost to sin, but now will be saved.

Read Luke 15:1-32  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides a series of examples where Jesus is teaching his disciples (and through them, us) about the importance of humility.  All sorts of people take pride in a variety of actions and behaviors, but time and again Jesus insists upon basic humility before God.  A widow, who repeatedly asks for mercy, is granted it even by a ruthless judge.  The tax collector who utters a simple and complete humbling prayer reaches God more than the learned Pharisee who goes on and on, eloquently.  A child, who expects nothing, is the model way to approach God's kingdom of heaven.  The faithful and wealthy young ruler, who scrupulously follows the law, must give his wealth away to have complete faith in Jesus.  Then, even Jesus himself must show humility, and he tells his disciples again that he will be arrested, mocked, and crucified.  Stripping away pride, Jesus teaches, allows a true relationship with God can be built.

Read Luke 18:1-43  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Luke 15-19 today.

Sermon - Who Is This Jesus, Anyway? (Mark)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on the Gospel of Mark.  Mark is an evangelistic gospel, which hopes to encourage people to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the Jewish messiah.  However, Mark seems to understand that some people who have never heard of Jesus might come to different conclusions.  So Mark openly encourages consideration of several identities for Jesus, including a prophetic teacher, Elijah reborn, or even a crazy man.

No where is this openness more obvious than when Jesus directly asks his disciples who people say that he is. After giving several options, they are asked who they understand Jesus to be.  Peter boldly declares, "You are the Messiah."

Mark finds the life of Jesus to be overwhelming proof that he is -- as Jesus is identified at three key moments -- the Son of God.  Still, he understands that for Jesus' life and example to transform other lives, people must come to that recognition for themselves.  Even today, we must come to understand Jesus identity -- it matters how we answer the question, "Who is this Jesus, anyway?"

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and benediction.

Luke, Day 3 Readings

Unexpected Models of Faith & Placing Complete Trust in God  

Today's first reading is filled with Jesus' particular view of what exemplars of faith look like.  At the beginning, Jesus sends out 70 people to offer healing and teaching in Jesus' name, fully empowering them, but knowing that many people won't know what to make of them.  Then, after they return (in a passage that some traditions use to justify the practice of snake-handling), Jesus offers the parable about a good Samaritan, who cares for an anonymous injured man when two religious people -- a priest and a Pharisee -- do not.  Lastly, Jesus praises Mary, a woman, for listening to his teaching rather than working in the kitchen, which was where women belonged, according to traditions of the time.  In each of these circumstances, it is the unexpected person or people -- the random 70 empowered by Jesus, a Samaritan, and a woman -- who are models of faith, not normal religious leaders like priests and rabbis.

Read Luke 10:1-42  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers another example of Jesus' teaching against religious hypocrisy.  At the outset of the chapter, warns people about the Pharisees, who worry more about how their behavior looked to others than how it looked to God, especially behind closed doors.  However, Jesus' teaching does not stop there.  Instead, Jesus then points at the people who would be his followers and warned them about the same type of hypocritical behavior.  Jesus encourages people who say they have complete trust in God to actually live with complete trust in God.  Don't be afraid to admit your faith to others, even your enemies; don't be greedy and acquire more possessions than you could ever possibly use; don't worry about your everyday needs; and, most importantly, don't imagine that God doesn't see exactly what you are doing (like the foolish slave who buried the master's money and evidently never considered what the master would say when he found out).

Read Luke 12:1-59  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Luke 11-14 today.

Luke, Day 2 Readings

Jesus Helps the Outcasts & Promises Hardships for the Faithful  

Today's first reading dramatizes the essence of Jesus' teaching, which Luke highlights again and again.  Countering expectations, Jesus goes to the poor, the sick, and others outside of polite society -- in fact, his main focus is on outsiders, not insiders.  In this reading, we see several times when Jesus heals people "from the wrong side of the tracks," so to speak.  He cures the slave of a Roman soldier; he resurrects the son of a widow, and he has compassion on a "woman of the city" -- likely a prostitute -- and forgives her sins.  By such actions, Jesus shows that God's interests are with common people -- even with disreputable common people -- rather than the self-important religious leaders of the day.

Read Luke 7:1-50  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers another component of Jesus' teaching that is unexpected.  Throughout Luke, Jesus continually discredits conventional wisdom -- common people are often more faithful than religious leaders, women and children are as important as me, etc.  In these events, centering upon the Transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah appear alongside Jesus and God's voice echoes from the heavens praising Jesus, the disciples are warned that they will face challenges because they follow Jesus.  Even more, Jesus basically tells the disciples that their faithful discipleship doesn't make them better than anyone else in God's eyes -- it offers a way to salvation, but it will not lead to them being any more important in heaven.  This is a hard teaching for people who think that they can make Jesus proud of them and get special privileges because of it.

Read Luke 9:18-62  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Luke 6-10 today.

Luke, Day 1 Readings

Jesus' Youth & Jesus Begins Teaching and Healing 

Today's first reading includes the famous story of Jesus' birth, how the messiah was laid in a manger and then visited by shepherds who had seen a vision of angels.  It then continues and shares other glimpses of Jesus' youth -- his official presentation at the Temple (followed by two more prophecies about him) and an odd account of Jesus at 12 (just before he reached the Jewish age of adulthood) returning to the Temple and having learned discussions with the rabbis.  All of this, of course, is meant to show how Jesus was different even as a child before he began his ministry of healing and teaching.

Read Luke 2:1-52  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading offers details about the beginning of Jesus' adult ministry, immediately following his baptism.  After staving off temptation by Satan (in the most detailed version of that event), Jesus begins teaching in the Nazareth synagogue.  However, the hometown crowd is unimpressed with Jesus' words, recognizing him only as the local boy rather than as a wise teacher (and certainly not as the messiah).  So Jesus looks to other places where he can teach and, along these travels, he heals and exorcises demons.  (Here again, these three things are the essence of Jesus' ministry -- healing the sick, exorcising demons, and teaching.)

Read Luke 4:1-44  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Luke 1-5 today.

Luke, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 42 - Luke  

Luke is the third gospel in the New Testament.  It includes many of the events recounted in Mark, but often with more detail.  (In this way, it seems similar to Matthew.)  However, Luke has a different approach from the other gospels because it is not a single, stand-alone book.  It is the first of two volumes; the second is Acts (the book after the gospel of John which tells the early history of the church).

You do not need to read Luke and Acts together in order to appreciate them.  However, they share a similar theme and narrative structure.  Both books emphasize the overwhelming and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, first through the healing and teaching of Jesus, and then through his followers spreading his teaching (and sometimes, healing).  And both tell how this spiritual authority is directly challenging earthly authorities: in Luke, Jesus brings the Holy Spirit to Jerusalem, the religious center of the world; in Acts, Paul brings it to Rome, the political center of the world.

In Luke, the Holy Spirit empowers all that Jesus does -- his miracles, his teaching, and his acceptance of crucifixion.  However, this Holy Spirit is not Jesus' alone -- it works through others too.  Through the influence of the Holy Spirit, some people recognize who Jesus is, and the announce this.  And through the power of the Holy Spirit, some people go out in Jesus' name, sharing his teaching and healing others.  And, beginning with Jesus' resurrection appearances and continuing in Acts, even more people have their eyes opened and lives changed by Jesus.

This divine spirit works in mysterious ways, though, as Jesus tries to explain through his parables and ministry.  Everywhere Jesus goes, he completely upends expectations with his words and actions.  Religious leaders are frequently not the best religious teachers.  Men are not more important than women.  Money is not a sign of God's favor or approval.  And, perhaps hardest of all, a lifetime of piety does not make someone more important than a convicted thief who believes in Jesus at the last possible moment -- there aren't extra rewards in heaven for some; heaven is the reward for all who are saved.