Post #14 – As Reported From The Book Of Luke
BREAKING — Today, Jesus the Son of God shared two notable instructions of wisdom exclusive only to the book of Luke, pertaining to the importance of constant communications (prayer) with the Father and regarding how this action should properly be carried out.
The former involves a persistent widow who incessantly came before an unjust judge, pleading with him to grant her justice before her adversary.
Pray. Pray. Pray.
At first this judge who has no fear of God, waved her away. However, after a period of insistent urging from the woman, he chose to give her justice because of her constant pressure.
The point the Teacher made here is the loving judge responded to the woman’s unyielding request. So, in Jesus’ own words: “will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?”
In regards to the latter instruction of properly praying, the Teacher spoke of two characters who pray at the temple; one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The parable explains the Pharisee parades about with the hope of drawing attention to himself so that others might witness his grandiose display of prayer. Quite the opposite, the tax collector kept his distance, humbled himself to God, beat his breast and asked God for mercy as a sinner.
Exclusive only to Dr. Luke, Jesus is quoted as “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus Loves The Little Ones.
Amid Jesus and His disciples were parents with babies. Following the custom of children being blessed by a rabbi, these parents were trying to have Jesus place His hands on their offspring.
Though a known tradition, the disciples were seen rebuking the group, no doubt determining the children unworthy of their Master’s time. Jesus, however, then rebuked His disciples.
Give It Up For Jesus.
Persistent with His teaching of the necessity for commitment by His followers (read more at Jesus’ Parables Are Unparalleled!), Jesus addressed a certain young man.
Onlookers reveal a young ruler approached Jesus, questioning what parameters he must follow to inherit eternal life. Upon receiving Jesus’ response to follow the commandments, the man proudly professed he has kept those laws since he was a child.
Jesus, being all-knowing, offered this reply, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Critics note the young man walks away very sad, because he was very wealthy.
Upon hearing Jesus’ statement, Peter, a known disciple of the Christ, flatly stated, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
A critical bit of information was then found in Jesus’ reaction to Peter’s declaration as He proclaimed the riches believers will inherit.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
It remains to be seen how the rich young ruler reacts to Jesus’ instruction.
Updated briefings of Jesus’ travels to Jerusalem will continue March 30. Stay informed!
Lift Him Up 