Post #15 – As Reported From The Book Of Luke
BREAKING — Today Jesus again reveals His upcoming death to His disciples (for the third time, as reported by Dr. Luke). In His own words, our Savior of the world took the twelve men closest to Him here on earth and proclaimed to them the imminent demise of His earthly body.
However, still following there blank pattern of understanding, the Twelve do not know what Jesus is talking about when He offers them this prophecy,
Jesus Heals A Blind Man.
It has been confirmed Jesus and His crowd of followers, on the way to Jericho, came upon a blind beggar man sitting by the roadside. Critics reveal the man was persistent towards Jesus in his desire to see.
A crucial bit of information regarding the situation is the blind man addresses Jesus as “Son of David.” Locals know the awaited Messiah is prophesied to come from the line of king David. At this point it is noted – no one else seemed concerned about this direct greeting.
Jesus, after the blind man made his fervent request to see, granted him the miracle of sight. Bystanders reveal they all praised God after the incident. The healed man then joined Jesus’ pursuing group.
Short Man Becomes Tall For Jesus.
Upon Jesus’ arrival in Jericho, a wealthy tax collector climbed a sycamore tree in order to gain a better view of Jesus. Documentation discloses the man is named Zacchaeus, and he is short in stature.
Jesus appreciated the gesture, in fact stated to Zacchaeus He would be staying at his house today! The crowd, displaying annoyance since tax collectors are known to unlawfully take peoples’ money, called Zacchaeus a sinner.
Zacchaeus proceeded to announce to Jesus he will make amends for any ill-gotten-gains. Because of this faith-filled proclamation of repentance to Jesus, Jesus lifted up Zacchaeus by acknowledging his salvation:
Traveling Up From Jericho to Jerusalem.
GPS data indicates Jericho to Jerusalem is approximately an eighteen mile journey southward. However, since Jericho lies eight hundred twenty-five feet below sea level, and Jerusalem ascends twenty-five hundred feet above sea level, Jericho residents are known to say they are traveling “up” to Jerusalem, though in reality they are heading down south.
It was during this trek “up” to Jerusalem from Jericho that Jesus offers the parable regarding a king’s ten servants. In a story exclusive to Dr. Luke, Jesus offers insight as to how we are to behave while we wait for His return.
The story involves a nobel man about to go to another country to be appointed king; after which he will return to His own kingdom. Before departure, he entrusts each of his ten servants with ten minas (approximately 600 shekels).
After the new king returns, he confronts the servants regarding how they treated his money. The first two earned additional monies from their trust, which greatly pleased the king. It is notable how the story twists once the third servant confides he placed his trust in a piece of cloth, which gained his master nothing.
Jesus, always the unparalleled Teacher, likened his story to the kingdom of God. Evidence revealed the first two servants used their gifts to expand and benefit the kingdom, thus, their trust multiplied. This relates to the fact that sharing God’s Word with others benefits everyone.
The third servant knew of the goodness of his trust, but chose to hide it from others, which does not benefit anyone. Upon hearing the third servant’s report, the king orders those standing by to take the third servant’s minas and give them to the servant who earned the most from his trust.
It remains to be seen what the remaining servants did with the master’s holy trust.
Updated briefings of Jesus’ situation in Jerusalem will continue April 6. Stay informed!
Lift Him Up 