Scripture:
Luke 7:31-35 (English Standard Version)
31"To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.'
33For John the Baptist has come(A) eating no bread and(B) drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34The Son of Man has come(C) eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard,(D) a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35Yet(E) wisdom is justified by all her children."
Cross references:
Luke 7:33 : Matt 3:4; Mark 1:6
Luke 7:33 : Luke 1:15
Luke 7:34 : Luke 7:36; Luke 14:1; Matt 9:10; John 2:1; 12:2
Luke 7:34 : Luke 15:2; 19:7; Matt 9:11
Luke 7:35 : Luke 11:49; Prov 8:1-36
Reflection:
What do childrens' games have to do with the kingdom of God? The children in Jesus' parable react with disappoint because they cannot induce anyone to join in their musical medley. They complain that if they play their music at weddings, no one will dance or sing; and if they play at funerals, it is the same. This refrain echoes the words of Ecclesiastes 3:4 -- there is a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. Jesus' message of the kingdom of God is a proclamation of good news and of great joy for those who will listen; but it is also a warning for those who refuse. Why did the message of John the Baptist and the message of Jesus meet with resistance and deaf ears? It was out of jealously and spiritual blindness that the scribes and Pharisees attributed John the Baptist's austerities to the devil and they attributed Jesus' table fellowship as evidence for messianic pretense. They succeeded in frustrating God's plan for their lives because they had closed their hearts to the message of John the Baptist and now to Jesus. What can make us spiritually dull and slow to hear God's voice? Like the generation of Jesus' time, our age is marked by indifference and contempt, especially in regards to the things of heaven. Indifference dulls our ears to God's voice and to the good news of the gospel. Only the humble of heart can find joy in God's grace and favor. Do you know the joy of the gospel?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, open my ears to hear the good news of your kingdom and set my heart free to love and serve you joyfully. May nothing keep me from following you wholeheartedly.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Daily Word - Do You Need To Ask? - Luke 7:18-30
Scripture:
Luke 7:18-30 (English Standard Version)
Messengers from John the Baptist
18(A) (B) The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you the one(C) who is to come, or(D) shall we look for another?" 20And when the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the one(E) who is to come, or(F) shall we look for another?'" 21In that hour(G) he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and(H) on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:(I) the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,(J) lepers[a] are cleansed, and(K) the deaf hear,(L) the dead are raised up,(M) the poor have good news preached to them. 23And blessed is the one who is(N) not offended by me."
24When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus[b] began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out(O) into the wilderness to see?(P) A reed shaken by the wind? 25What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26What then did you go out to see?(Q) A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is he of whom it is written, (R) "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
28I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29((S) When all the people heard this, and(T) the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c](U) having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30(V) but the Pharisees and(W) the lawyers(X) rejected(Y) the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
Footnotes:
Luke 7:22 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
Luke 7:24 Greek he
Luke 7:29 Greek they justified God
Cross references:
Luke 7:18 : For Luke 7:18-35, Matt 11:2-19
Luke 7:18 : Matt 9:14
Luke 7:19 : John 4:25; 6:14; 11:27
Luke 7:19 : Luke 3:15
Luke 7:20 : Luke 7:19
Luke 7:20 : Luke 7:19
Luke 7:21 : Mark 1:34
Luke 7:21 : Luke 18:42; Matt 9:30; 12:22; 15:31; 20:34; 21:14; Mark 8:25; John 9:7
Luke 7:22 : Isa 29:18; 35:5, 6; Matt 15:30
Luke 7:22 : Luke 17:14
Luke 7:22 : Mark 7:35
Luke 7:22 : Luke 7:14
Luke 7:22 : Luke 4:18; Matt 5:3; James 2:5
Luke 7:23 : Isa 8:14, 15; John 6:61
Luke 7:24 : Luke 1:80; 3:2
Luke 7:24 : Eph 4:14; James 1:6
Luke 7:26 : Luke 1:76; 20:6; Matt 14:5
Luke 7:27 : Mark 1:2; Mal 3:1; Luke 1:17, 76
Luke 7:29 : Luke 20:6
Luke 7:29 : Luke 3:12; Matt 21:32
Luke 7:29 : Acts 18:25; 19:3
Luke 7:30 : Matt 21:25, 32; 23:13
Luke 7:30 : Luke 10:25; 11:45, 46, 52; 14:3; Matt 22:35
Luke 7:30 : Mark 7:9
Luke 7:30 : Acts 2:23; 13:36
Reflection:
How do we know that Jesus is who he claims to be, the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of the world? Is our faith a blind leap we must take without certainty or proof? John the Baptist sends his disciples to question Jesus about his claim to be God's anointed Messiah. Did John have doubts about Jesus and his claim to divinity? Not likely, since John revealed Jesus' mission at the River Jordan when he exclaimed, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). John saw from a distance what Jesus would accomplish through his death on the cross -- our redemption from bondage to sin and death and our adoption as sons and daughers of God and citizens of the kingdom of heaven. John very likely sent his disciples to Jesus because he wanted them to hear and see firsthand for themselves the signs and proof that the Messiah had indeed come in the person of Jesus Christ. The miracles which Jesus performed and his message about the kingdom or reign of God directly fulfilled what the prophets had foretold (see Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1). Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free from the worst tyranny possible -- the tyranny of slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from the fear of death and hopelessness. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your will
Luke 7:18-30 (English Standard Version)
Messengers from John the Baptist
18(A) (B) The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you the one(C) who is to come, or(D) shall we look for another?" 20And when the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the one(E) who is to come, or(F) shall we look for another?'" 21In that hour(G) he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and(H) on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:(I) the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,(J) lepers[a] are cleansed, and(K) the deaf hear,(L) the dead are raised up,(M) the poor have good news preached to them. 23And blessed is the one who is(N) not offended by me."
24When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus[b] began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out(O) into the wilderness to see?(P) A reed shaken by the wind? 25What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26What then did you go out to see?(Q) A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is he of whom it is written, (R) "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
28I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29((S) When all the people heard this, and(T) the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c](U) having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30(V) but the Pharisees and(W) the lawyers(X) rejected(Y) the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
Footnotes:
Luke 7:22 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
Luke 7:24 Greek he
Luke 7:29 Greek they justified God
Cross references:
Luke 7:18 : For Luke 7:18-35, Matt 11:2-19
Luke 7:18 : Matt 9:14
Luke 7:19 : John 4:25; 6:14; 11:27
Luke 7:19 : Luke 3:15
Luke 7:20 : Luke 7:19
Luke 7:20 : Luke 7:19
Luke 7:21 : Mark 1:34
Luke 7:21 : Luke 18:42; Matt 9:30; 12:22; 15:31; 20:34; 21:14; Mark 8:25; John 9:7
Luke 7:22 : Isa 29:18; 35:5, 6; Matt 15:30
Luke 7:22 : Luke 17:14
Luke 7:22 : Mark 7:35
Luke 7:22 : Luke 7:14
Luke 7:22 : Luke 4:18; Matt 5:3; James 2:5
Luke 7:23 : Isa 8:14, 15; John 6:61
Luke 7:24 : Luke 1:80; 3:2
Luke 7:24 : Eph 4:14; James 1:6
Luke 7:26 : Luke 1:76; 20:6; Matt 14:5
Luke 7:27 : Mark 1:2; Mal 3:1; Luke 1:17, 76
Luke 7:29 : Luke 20:6
Luke 7:29 : Luke 3:12; Matt 21:32
Luke 7:29 : Acts 18:25; 19:3
Luke 7:30 : Matt 21:25, 32; 23:13
Luke 7:30 : Luke 10:25; 11:45, 46, 52; 14:3; Matt 22:35
Luke 7:30 : Mark 7:9
Luke 7:30 : Acts 2:23; 13:36
Reflection:
How do we know that Jesus is who he claims to be, the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of the world? Is our faith a blind leap we must take without certainty or proof? John the Baptist sends his disciples to question Jesus about his claim to be God's anointed Messiah. Did John have doubts about Jesus and his claim to divinity? Not likely, since John revealed Jesus' mission at the River Jordan when he exclaimed, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). John saw from a distance what Jesus would accomplish through his death on the cross -- our redemption from bondage to sin and death and our adoption as sons and daughers of God and citizens of the kingdom of heaven. John very likely sent his disciples to Jesus because he wanted them to hear and see firsthand for themselves the signs and proof that the Messiah had indeed come in the person of Jesus Christ. The miracles which Jesus performed and his message about the kingdom or reign of God directly fulfilled what the prophets had foretold (see Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1). Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free from the worst tyranny possible -- the tyranny of slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from the fear of death and hopelessness. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your will
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Daily Word - The Widow's Son - Luke 7:11-17
Scripture:
Luke 7:11-17 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son 11Soon afterward[a] he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out,(A) the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13And when the Lord saw her,(B) he had compassion on her and(C) said to her, "Do not weep." 14Then he came up and touched(D) the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you,(E) arise." 15And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus[b](F) gave him to his mother. 16Fear seized them all, and(G) they glorified God, saying,(H) "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and(I) "God has visited his people!" 17And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Footnotes:
Luke 7:11 Some manuscripts The next day
Luke 7:15 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 7:12 : Luke 8:42; 9:38; Judg 11:34; Heb 11:17
Luke 7:13 : Matt 20:34
Luke 7:13 : Luke 8:52
Luke 7:14 : 2 Sam 3:31
Luke 7:14 : Luke 8:54; Mark 5:41; Luke 7:22; Matt 11:5; John 11:43; Acts 9:40
Luke 7:15 : 1 Kgs 17:23; 2 Kgs 4:36; Heb 11:35
Luke 7:16 : Luke 2:20; Matt 9:8; 15:31; Acts 11:18; 21:20; Matt 5:16; Luke 13:13
Luke 7:16 : Luke 7:39; Deut 18:15; Matt 21:11
Luke 7:16 : Luke 1:68
Reflection:
How do you respond when you meet misfortune? In a number of places the gospel records that Jesus was "moved to the depths of his heart." Our English word "compassion" is a weak translation of the Hebrew word for "sympathy". Why was Jesus so moved on this occasion? Jesus not only grieved the untimely death of a youth, but he showed the depth of his concern for a woman who lost not only a husband, but an only child as well. The scriptures make clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone (see Ezekiel 33:11); he desires life, not death. Jesus not only had compassion, he also had power -- the ability to restore life and make whole again. Jesus, however, incurred grave risk by approaching the bier, since contact with a dead body made one ritually impure. His touch not only restored life but brought freedom and wholeness to soul as well as body. This miracle took place near the spot where the prophet Elisha raised another mother's son (see 2 Kings 4:18-37). Jesus claimed as his own one whom death had seized as its prey. By his word of power he restored life for a lad marked for death. Jesus is Lord not only of the living but of the dead as well. Jesus triumphed over the grave and he promises that because he lives, we also shall live in him (John 14:19). Do you trust in the Lord's power to give life and hope in the face of misfortune and despair?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your presence brings life and restores us to wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Speak your word to me and give me renewed hope, strength and courage to follow you in all things and to eagerly serve others with a glad and generous heart.
Luke 7:11-17 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son 11Soon afterward[a] he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out,(A) the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13And when the Lord saw her,(B) he had compassion on her and(C) said to her, "Do not weep." 14Then he came up and touched(D) the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you,(E) arise." 15And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus[b](F) gave him to his mother. 16Fear seized them all, and(G) they glorified God, saying,(H) "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and(I) "God has visited his people!" 17And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Footnotes:
Luke 7:11 Some manuscripts The next day
Luke 7:15 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 7:12 : Luke 8:42; 9:38; Judg 11:34; Heb 11:17
Luke 7:13 : Matt 20:34
Luke 7:13 : Luke 8:52
Luke 7:14 : 2 Sam 3:31
Luke 7:14 : Luke 8:54; Mark 5:41; Luke 7:22; Matt 11:5; John 11:43; Acts 9:40
Luke 7:15 : 1 Kgs 17:23; 2 Kgs 4:36; Heb 11:35
Luke 7:16 : Luke 2:20; Matt 9:8; 15:31; Acts 11:18; 21:20; Matt 5:16; Luke 13:13
Luke 7:16 : Luke 7:39; Deut 18:15; Matt 21:11
Luke 7:16 : Luke 1:68
Reflection:
How do you respond when you meet misfortune? In a number of places the gospel records that Jesus was "moved to the depths of his heart." Our English word "compassion" is a weak translation of the Hebrew word for "sympathy". Why was Jesus so moved on this occasion? Jesus not only grieved the untimely death of a youth, but he showed the depth of his concern for a woman who lost not only a husband, but an only child as well. The scriptures make clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone (see Ezekiel 33:11); he desires life, not death. Jesus not only had compassion, he also had power -- the ability to restore life and make whole again. Jesus, however, incurred grave risk by approaching the bier, since contact with a dead body made one ritually impure. His touch not only restored life but brought freedom and wholeness to soul as well as body. This miracle took place near the spot where the prophet Elisha raised another mother's son (see 2 Kings 4:18-37). Jesus claimed as his own one whom death had seized as its prey. By his word of power he restored life for a lad marked for death. Jesus is Lord not only of the living but of the dead as well. Jesus triumphed over the grave and he promises that because he lives, we also shall live in him (John 14:19). Do you trust in the Lord's power to give life and hope in the face of misfortune and despair?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your presence brings life and restores us to wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Speak your word to me and give me renewed hope, strength and courage to follow you in all things and to eagerly serve others with a glad and generous heart.
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