“As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable…”—Luke 19 That introduction matters. It grounds Jesus’ teaching in real life. Zacchaeus becomes the lens through which the parable of the minas is meant to be understood. In other words, “these things” give us context. What Were “These Things”? Moments before the parable, Jesus had a … Continue reading These Things – Luke 19
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a series of short parables centered on prayer. Together, they form a striking contrast between those who ask for help and those who rely on themselves. A widow begs for justice. A religious man thanks God for his righteousness A sinner pleads for mercy. A rich man asks how to enter eternal life. A blind beggar asks to see. The … Continue reading The Widow, the Pharasee, the Rich man, and the Beggar- Luke 18
The Pharisees ask a question that prompts Jesus’ teaching about his return: “When is the kingdom of God coming?” Without extensive study, it is difficult to know precisely how the Pharisees processed the kingdom of God. While we often think of the “kingdom” as a New Testament concept, its roots are deeply embedded in the … Continue reading Kingdom Coming – Luke 17:20-37
Jesus is walking the borderlands—the space between Samaria and Galilee—when ten men appear. They do not approach. They cannot. They stand at a distance, bodies marked, voices raised, shouting the only prayer they have left:“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” The village is unnamed, but it does not need a name. It may have been … Continue reading Go Your Way – Luke 17:11-19
I think most of us are drawn to what resonates with our own lives—what helps us, moves us, encourages us, or asks something of us today. That isn’t evil; it’s human. And not everything human is evil. We gravitate toward what we can relate to. That’s why Scripture can sometimes sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher—noise … Continue reading The Stones – Luke 19
Jesus begins with a severe warning: “Woe to the one who causes others to stumble. It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be thrown into the sea.” He immediately follows with a demanding command: “If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.” At first … Continue reading The Mulberry Tree Parable- Luke 17
The parable of the prodigal son has been retold countless times, often as a story about wayward sinners returning to God. But in its original context, it is primarily a message to the Pharisees and religious leaders—a challenge to their understanding of devotion, righteousness, and compassion. Jesus tells a series of parables in succession, building … Continue reading The Prodigal: A Story for the Religious (Luke 13-15)
A man in the crowd asks Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Instead of arbitrating, Jesus uses the moment to expose a deeper issue: not merely greed, but a profound lack of trust in God’s provision. Jesus warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life … Continue reading A Call to Trust (Luke 12:15)
It’s no secret that the Bible instructs us to love one another. This may be one of the most quoted and well-known teachings in all of Scripture. Perhaps that’s why Luke 12:1 caught my attention: “Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, … Continue reading Stepping on One Another (Luke 12:1)
My Faith Place 