Jesus is willing and able to… (Ch 5)

 Luke Chapter 5

INTRODUCTION -  What is the most important thing in our lives?
Having success?
- In v1-11 we see four fishermen catch a great number of fish and leave it all to fish for men.
The Sensational?
– In v12-16 we see a man healed of leprosy but Jesus encouraged him to keep it quiet.
Physical Health?
– In v17-26 yes Jesus heals a man who is paralysed but speaks to him first about forgiveness.
Feeling right?
– In v27-32 Jesus is found with sinners and says he can not help those who are [self] righteous.
Religious routines?
- In v33-38 Jesus points us away from rituals to living in relationship with Him.

REFLECTION: I love the words of the man to Jesus in v12 “Lord if you are willing you can …”,  and the reply of Jesus v13 “I am willing”.
Yes, Jesus heals that man and the paralytic in 25. However, there is no doubt that what is more important than success, or health is repentance v32 and forgiveness v20. What is more significant than rituals and success is a relationship with Jesus v34 and telling others about him v10.
If this chapter was just a story about a great catch of fish, restored health, and religious people fasting then we would have missed why Jesus was there.
We need Jesus to show us today the ways that we settle for less than the most important things. Things that Jesus is willing and able to do in us and through us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father we thank you for your many blessings. The times of success and health. Thank you for your answers when we pray. As we give thanks, forgive us for the times we settle for less than what you are willing and able to do. Teach us to pray for the most important things. Thank you that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance – Lord today call many to yourself. Thank you that you have authority on earth to forgive sins because you died on the cross – lord may we know your forgiveness again today. Thank you that we can know your presence each day and that you call us to ‘catch men’ for you. Help us to live and speak in a way that draws people to Jesus.  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Repentance, forgiveness, and signs (Ch 3)

Luke Chapter 3

INTRODUCTION:  So much here about Jesus (i) Jesus is announced from heaven as the son who God loves and is pleased with (v22). (ii) Jesus is more powerful than John, who is not worthy to untie his sandals (v16). (iii) Jesus is pictured as the one who will gather the wheat but burn up the chaff (v17). (iv) Jesus the one who is God’s salvation (v6)  announced by John (v4).
So how will I respond to this Powerful Son of God who came to save but one day will Judge? It must be by repentance which leads to forgiveness v3, and transformation v8.

REFLECTION: Key in the preaching of John is repentance (v3) which leads to forgiveness (v3) and a changed life (v8). To rely on religious heritage is not sufficient (v8b) when judgement comes (v9). A heart change is needed (v8a). Yes, we all know others who need to repent, but John had a message about repentance for everyone he spoke to. For the crowd “be generous” (v10-11), for the tax collectors “be ethical” (v12-13), for the soldiers “be honest” (v14), and for Herod “be pure” (v19-20). I need to remember that repentance is not patting myself on the back that I have not sinned like others. Repentance is asking God to show me my sin, turning from it and allowing God to change my life so that I can “produce fruit worthy of repentance” (v8)

PRAYER Heavenly Father thank you that you sent Jesus your Son who you loved into this world for my salvation. Thank you that Jesus came to gather the wheat into your barn. I confess that too often I look at the sins of others instead of asking what repentance means for me. Lord open my eyes to see my life as you see it. Teach me to stop judging myself by the standards of others or my ideas, or by comparing myself to those around me. Lord help me to listen to your voice challenging my thoughts and my words and my deeds. Show me the ways I have been selfish, unethical, dishonest or immoral. Lord grant me a humble and repentant heart that I might know your forgiveness. Work in my life and my church family by the power of your spirit, so those signs worthy of repentance will be seen in generosity, uprightness, honesty and purity. I ask this tor Your good and Your glory. In Jesus hame. Amen