Touching Powerfully

Luke 8:46 - But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”

Lots of people were touching Jesus that day, but only one was healed. The Gospels are clear that a large crowd was pressing in on him, but there was one woman who had a different kind of touch. She had suffered from a flow of blood for years. When she touched Jesus, he knew it. He stopped. He asked “Who touched me?” twice. There was something different about her touch that set it apart from all the others.

First, she had the right object. Doctor Luke ironically notes that she had spent all her money on doctors, but she got no help from them. (Luke 8:43) In spite of her efforts, only Jesus could help. Sometimes we reach out to those who cannot help us. Other times we reach out to those who will not help us. With Jesus, we have one who can and will help us in our time of need.

Second, she had the right kind of touch. When she finally got the courage to identify herself and tell Jesus her story, he said to her, “Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 8:48) Over and over in the gospels, faith is the key to answered prayers and miracles. The account of this story in the Gospel of Mark shows what that faith was. It says that the woman said to herself, “If I touch his garment, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28) She visualized it before it happened, she was convinced it would happen, and she took action to make it happen. That is real faith.

Whatever you may be growing through in your life, please know Jesus both can and wants to help you. Reach out to touch him in faith.

When Jesus Says No

Luke 8:38-39 - The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

In this incredible story of the deliverance of a demonized man on the Gentile side of the Sea of Galilee, lots of people beg Jesus for things. Most of them get what they ask. The demon possessed man initially begged Jesus, “Do not torment me!” (vs 28). Jesus did not torment him. He freed him. Yet, the man was under the demons’ control at the time he made the request. The next two requests came from the demons: “Do not send us into the Abyss (vs 31). Send us into the pigs (vs 32).” Jesus gave the demons what they asked for.

The next request came from the people of the area who saw the now freed man. They begged Jesus to leave the region, and he did. Everyone got what they asked for, except the recently delivered man. He begged Jesus to take him with him in the boat to the other side, but Jesus refused. Why did Jesus give all his antagonists what they asked for and not give the only one in the story on his side what he wanted? Wasn’t his a noble and good request to go with the Master, spend time with him, learn from him, and experience his power firsthand on a daily basis?

Jesus denied him because he had a bigger purpose for his life. Jesus was not welcome in that region, but this man was. During his earthly ministry Jesus was limited to being at one place at a time, but those impacted by his power could spread it and his good news wherever they went. The delivered man multiplied the spreading of Jesus’ Good News. Sometimes Jesus says no to our requests because he wants to use us for something more than we can imagine. 

The Good News of Christmas

Luke 2:10-11 - And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Merry Christmas! In spite of all the cultural upheaval of the last several decades, Christmas is still the most celebrated holiday of the year in the Western World. There is a good reason for that. Like the angel said to the shepherds: this is “good news of great joy… for all the people.” It is just as true today as it was over 2,000 years ago at the first Christmas.

That good news is that a savior – the Savior – has come. You may feel like you do not need a savior. Your life is going fine. Your bills are paid. You are healthy. You have everything you need. You do not think you need to be “saved” by anyone else. Yet, imagine a bad car accident when you are pinned under crushed metal or a near drowning or a car breakdown on a lonely road. Suddenly you are helpless. Suddenly you need someone with skills, tools, and abilities you do not have. You need a savior.

Something that may be hard for us to grasp in our technologically advanced society is that we - each and all - still desperately need a Savior. Sin may not be a popular word, but its damaging effects are seen everywhere: violence, abuse, and even divorce, broken families, and estranged friendships. If you have ever been hurt by someone, you know the pain of sin. Just as others have failed and hurt you, though, you have hurt others. Each of us has failed to be relationally, ethically, and morally perfect. That does not only mean that we deal with the temporary pain of those actions attitudes. They ultimately cut us off from God – forever. The only way the consequences and the ultimate cause of sin could be completely cured was by the offering of a perfect sacrifice – one completely like us in his humanity, yet one completely unlike us in his divine perfection. So, we celebrate with good reason: the Incarnation of the Christ who became one of us and offered himself on our place on the cross so that “whoever believes in him may have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The greatest Christmas gift of all time is yours for the asking: believe and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior today.

Afraid of Jesus?

Luke 8:35,37 -Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.

We do not know this man’s name, but we know some of his story. He probably had a normal childhood until demons entered him. We do not know why they came, but we know their effect. He was a public nuisance. He was apparently violent and probably hurt others and caused property damage. He was enough of a problem that the Gerasene people tried everything they could to keep him suppressed, but nothing could hold him back. He broke every chain placed on him. There seemed to be no hope for him or limiting the pain he caused his community until Jesus came, cast the demons out, and set him free.

The people he had formerly tormented came to see him. He had been transformed. What they people had not been able to do – even in a temporary, partial way – Jesus did completely and fully. The man’s life was restored to normal. He regained self-control. He was ready to reenter society and make a positive contribution.

If you were a Gerasene, wouldn't you have celebrated this man’s life change? If not for his sake, at least you would have been grateful to not have to deal with his moaning and violence, right? Yet, the people were afraid. They even asked Jesus to leave, which he did without question. It seems these people preferred to live with problems they were not able to solve on their own rather than invite Jesus to make miraculous life change, and Jesus does not force himself on anyone. I wonder how many of us today have that same heart. Are you afraid of inviting Jesus in? Are you afraid of the transformation he might bring?

Growing Faith

 Luke 8:24-25a - And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

In most essential skills of life and work, we learn best by first watching an expert and listening to his or her instructions. Next, we help the expert, ask questions and receive feedback. Step three involves us doing the task alone with the expert watching and providing some correction and encouragement. For most of us, step four is the scary one: we do it alone. I can be more confident if the expert is right next to me to get me out of the jam if I mess up, but we can never grow or achieve our full potential until we can do it alone so the expert is free to train another. Hopefully, we, too, will continue to grow in our skills so we can train others. This applies in learning to cook, to drive, job skills, leadership, and even spiritual growth. This is the key to multiplication in any endeavor.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is developing critical faith and leadership skills in a ragtag bunch of guys who will one day lay the ground work for the greatest organization in the history of the world: The Church. It has outlasted thousands of governmental regimes and spans the globe. Up to this point in the story, Jesus has done all of the teaching and miracles, yet he knows the day will come when he will physically leave planet earth and leave the ministry in the hands of his disciples. They will need to be ready to take over.

Today’s story is the beginning of the second step in the process. In the next two chapters of Luke we will see Jesus sending the disciples out on their own for short ministry trips with feedback sessions, but at this point he is with them, yet he is asleep when their first challenge comes: a storm on the lake that threatens to sink their ship. They wake Jesus, he calms the sea, and then he asks them this question: “Where is your faith?” It is like he is asking, “Is your faith in me doing the work for you? Is your faith in my faith? For you to accomplish what I am calling you to, you will need to have a faith of your own.”

This principle can be applied in so many ways. I encourage you to reflect on your own life. Is there a way in which you need to step out and no longer lean on another’s faith or action?

Special Privileges

Luke 8:20-21 - He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus was obviously busy. Crowds of people flocked to him demanding his time and personal attention. Some sought special privileges, including his mother and brothers. Somehow that does not surprise me. If my parents came to see me while I was busy with a large group, I would at least take time to greet them personally because of the special relationship we have. Throughout human history, cultures have placed familial relationships ahead of other relationships in priority, so Jesus’ words strike us as both rude and odd. Why would he not grant special visitation privileges to his parents?

Jesus makes a very strong point here, and it is not that we should not love our family members. Instead, Jesus is driving home that hearing and doing what God says is more important than anything. The privileges that come with a special relationship with Jesus are not limited to a select few who had the good fortune to be born into his family. You would have a tough time scheduling a visit with the U.S. President or even a CEO of a medium-sized company, but anyone can have special access rights with the greatest king in the universe. The question is: do you hear what he says and then live it?

What Do You Think You Have?

Luke 8:9-10 - Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

When the American settlers and adventurers moved west, their biggest barrier besides the huge mountains and vast spaces was the large Native American population. The Anglo Americans wanted property and all it could bring: minerals, farming, power, etc. As we know from history, many battles were fought for the land, but the Anglos also used a different approach that was completely mysterious to the Natives: the treaty. Many chiefs had no idea what they were doing as they signed over property rights to land on which their ancestors had traveled, hunted, and lived for centuries. This treaty process was so mysterious to them because they had no understanding of the European concept of property rights. In the Native American perspective, land was not something that could be owned. How then could it be sold or transferred?

We now function in a world that does acknowledge ownership rights for real estate, vehicles, corporate shares, and everything else imaginable. We see the haves and the have nots. It becomes very easy to measure each other by those possessions. Before long, our possessions can become our identity. Yet, do we really consist of what we possess? In a real sense, the Native Americans may have had a better understanding than we do.

There is nothing we own that cannot be taken away from us, but who we are stays with us forever. The old cliché is so true: We cannot take it with us. In spite of the Pharaoh’s best efforts, what they thought they owned and buried in their tombs with them did not accompany them in the afterlife. Jesus warns us that how we hear will determine what we really have. Our faith, our character, and how we live will determine what we do take with us beyond the grave far more than what we own. Make eternal investments.

When You Do Not See Fruit

Luke 8:9-10 - And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God…”

Jesus was known for using stories to teach important truths. We know these stories as parables, and the Parable of the Soils takes center stage in three of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  It opens a series of parables and contains more of an explanation from Jesus than all of the others. This is obviously an important parable, but I think we have missed its point too often.

You may be familiar with the story. A sower (planter) drops seed (representing spreading the word) on four types of soil: road, rocky, thorny, and good. Only the good soil bears fruit.

Most sermons and teaching on this parable have been directed to the listeners as different types of the soils. The message is usually, “Work hard to become good soil!” Yet, when has a soil ever changed itself?

Note Jesus' words above. Only the disciples get the real meaning of the parable. Who was the parable for - the people as soils or the disciples as those who sow the seed? Rather than attempting to motivate soils to change, I believe Jesus’ objective is to let his seed-sowing disciples know what to expect as they share the good news. He wanted them to understand why not all of their efforts would bear fruit.

We should not be surprised when some people reject our message or others receive it gladly for a time then fall away. It should not shock us when some who start on the journey of faith get distracted by cares and concerns. There have been times I have wanted to quit because of a lack of response by some or even many, yet Jesus tells us there is good soil. It will yield a harvest a hundred times what we put in. Maybe only one in four bears good fruit, but at a hundred-fold yield, that is a 2,500% return on investment. Any wise investor will take that any day of the year. So, do not get discouraged when not everyone responds. Keep spreading that seed.

Provide

Luke 8:1-3 He went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities… who provided for them out of their means.

Have you taken a trip lately? If so, you know it costs to travel: gas, lodging, food, tolls, unexpected repairs. It is no wonder “staycations” – where people stay at home and visit local sites during extended times off work – are getting more and more popular. Sometimes, though, we need to travel. Sometimes the mission requires it. How many business deals would fall through without face to face negotiations? Could multinational companies exists without business travel?

Although they did not have to worry about gasoline, Jesus and his disciples had expenses as they fulfilled his mission of taking the good news of the kingdom of God through all of Galilee and Judea. Thirteen mouths to feed daily can be quite costly. However, their expenses were covered for them by people who received the benefit of their ministry. Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and the “many others” who were healed and delivered by the power of Jesus responded by providing for Jesus’ ministry team “out of their own means.” They were helped, so they helped, and their help enabled others to be helped. That is how the kingdom of God has expanded practically for centuries: Those who have been helped by the good news help provide so others can be helped. The kingdom multiplies. The mission is accomplished. Let us do our part of providing from our own means so that the mission can continue.

Accepted

Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Perhaps you know the pain of rejection. I remember the disappointment of hearing “No” from more than one girl I asked out as a teen, but I do not pretend to know deep rejection.

I find it easy to identify with the struggles of most of the people we find in the New Testament. Whether it is James and John’s competitiveness, Peter’s foot-in-mouth syndrome, or Mary Magdalene’s grief at Jesus’ tomb so deep she did not recognize him, culture and human nature has not changed all that much in 2,000 years.

However, in Luke 7:36-50, we meet a woman whose struggles are hard to comprehend in 21st Century America. She was known by everyone in a very religious small town to be a “sinner” at a time when one’s religious standing was her full identity. We do not know what drove her to that life or what it fully entailed. We do know what others thought of her. The Pharisee Simon was appalled she had come into his house (vs 39).  In a culture driven by honor and shame, she must have been ostracized with a deep pain beyond anything I have ever experienced. Her life had been torn from her. She was no doubt racked with real guilt over her sin, and she probably saw no real way out except for the grace of Jesus. In one last effort that would have maximized her shame, she took the bold move of entering Simon’s house uninvited and falling at the feet of Jesus. Instead of encountering rejection one more time, she found acceptance. She heard these priceless words, “Your faith has saved you.”

If you have ever been rejected by another person, know that Jesus welcomes you. The saving this woman experienced – forgiveness from her sins, eternal life, hope, acceptance, love from the God who created her and the only one who can love her perfectly – is available to you, as well. Come to him.

Always a Critic?

Luke 7:33-34 - “For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”

We can always find faults in others. Every one of us is an imperfect person. Many of us are allowing God to shape us, grow us, and improve us, but that is a lifelong process. Along the way, each of us will manifest our faults at times. We can be real targets for others’ criticism.

Sometimes flaws need to be pointed out by others if we are ever to correct them. Some criticism is necessary to keep families, organizations, and churches healthy. When others criticize us, we need to carefully evaluate the merits of the criticism and change what validly needs to be changed.

Yet, far too often the critic’s motive is to not to improve the one they critique. If I find fault in another, it can give me a feeling of superiority. It is this kind of self-righteousness Jesus attacks in Luke 7:31-35. The cultural and religious leaders of Jesus’ world criticized John the Baptist for his asceticism and Jesus for his indulgence. The implication is that no one would have been good enough. The Pharisees’ position depended on them being better than others, so they criticized everyone who was not like them. My guess is they criticized one another just as harshly. The day they stopped criticizing was the day they were no longer “preeminent” – at least in their own minds.

I am sure you know the pain of the self-promoting critics’ unwarranted attacks. You may still be dealing with the effects of a parent, teacher, coach, or other influential person who was never willing to give you full approval. Today, though, let us each evaluate our own hearts, words, and actions. Why do we criticize? Do we want to help others or just ourselves feel superior?

Even Great People Doubt Sometimes

Luke 7:20 - And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ”

Have you ever struggled in your faith? Perhaps you made a strong start as a Christian but some disappointment or unanswered prayer along the way led you to question Jesus’ reality and power. Maybe you have been recently considering trusting in Christ but a question or two still holds you back. If so, you are not alone.

Luke 7:18-28 shows John the Baptist, whom Jesus calls here the “greatest born among women,” uncertain about Jesus. John was Jesus’ first endorser (see Luke 3). He put his whole life on the line to be the Forerunner, whose role was to prepare people for the coming of the Christ (Luke 7:27). Yet, after being thrown into prison and facing a death sentence, he naturally wonders, “Did I get it right? Is this Jesus really THE one?”

It is so tempting to measure God’s reality by our circumstances. We want God to fit our expectations. When things do not go our way, we begin to question him.

Yet, notice that Jesus does not rebuke John for his doubt. He sends John’s disciples back with both an encouragement (“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.”- Luke 7:22) and a warning (“Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” – Luke 7:23).

Doubts do not disqualify us, but we must not remain in them. John did the right thing with his doubts. He took them to Jesus. He got the evidence and the reminder that he had been right all along. Take any doubts you have to Jesus today.

Give Thanks

Luke 17:15-16 - Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan

Ten men had been suffering both physical disability and a rejection from society I am not sure any of us can fully appreciate. The disease of leprosy had ruined their lives. They were forever marked as “unclean,” unable to have jobs, families, or anything close to a normal life. The day Jesus came to their town, though, all of that changed.

They even had to “stand at a distance” (vs 12) when they called to Jesus, but he heard and responded. Rather than healing them immediately, he sent them on their way to follow the Old Testament law’s instructions to “show themselves to the priests” (vs 14). The healing occurred as they obeyed. All ten got it right so far: They asked. They obeyed. They were healed. Their lives were changed. The dreaded diseased that cut them off from society and all hope was gone. Life began anew for each them that day.

However, one of the ten did something else. He came back to Jesus and said, “Thanks.” Jesus honored him, even though as a Samaritan he had been a double outcast. Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?” Jesus presented this man’s response as a model we should all follow.

We have all received so much. Whether it is family, friends, food, a home, a job, wonderful experiences, or even just life itself, we all have many reasons to be thankful. It is an extra step to acknowledge the Source of all that we have, but it is a vital step. Not just today, but always, let us all be thankful.

Why Jesus Does Miracles

Luke 7:12-13 -  As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

Miracles were a big part of Jesus’ ministry. This story, unique to Luke, gives us insight into the various reasons why Jesus did these miracles. The first is his compassion for the hurting. I love the Greek word for compassion, esplagxnisthe, in part because it is sounds so funny, but more because it has “guts” in its core. The idea is the person feels compassion for another’s suffering so strongly it affects them physically – in the gut. A widow in first century Palestine was completely dependent on her sons for support. This widow only had one son, and he was dead. Her physical situation was dire. As any mother can imagine, seeing your only son dead makes your emotional situation even more dire. Jesus had compassion on her. Jesus cares deeply for the hurting. He was able to change her circumstances because of that compassion.

However, Jesus also did this miracle to build the faith of those who saw it. Note that “a considerable crowd” was there. After Jesus raised the young man from the dead, the people said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” (7:16) Around the world today, miracles are more frequent in places where the good news of Jesus is being spread for the first time and/or making significant new inroads plus places where people have no other option, such as a lack of immediate or affordable healthcare (see Craig Keener’s well-researched comprehensive study, Miracles).

There is a third reason. The people who saw the miracle “glorified God.” (7:16) God showed his power. The God who created the world and its scientific processes can suspend those when he chooses, giving irrefutable evidence of his truth and power.

God still answers prayer today for those same three reasons, so do not hesitate to ask.

Introductions

Luke 7:2-3 - Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.

I love the story of Jesus healing this centurion’s servant for many reasons. It is one of the few times Jesus commends someone for his faith, as the centurion tells Jesus, “Just say the word…” It is an example of Jesus compassionately reaching out beyond the boundaries of Judaism as he helps an officer of the occupying Roman Army. It is an excellent explanation of authority and how it works. It is also a surprising example of the compassion a mighty army officer had for a lowly slave.

In today’s reading, though, I was struck by another observation: the number of introductions and intermediaries. The centurion speaks on behalf of his servant to the Jewish leaders of his village who make an earnest appeal to Jesus on the centurion’s behalf. Later the centurion sends friends to Jesus. The Gospel writer Luke never mentions Jesus even meeting the centurion or his servant face to face, yet the miracle happens and real connection is made.

There are two concepts we can put into practice for this. The first is spiritual. It is another reminder of the power of intercessory prayer. As we pray to Jesus for each other, he works. As we invite others to pray with us, things happen.

The second application is natural but important: Introductions matter. I think Jesus would have gladly healed the servant if he had made the request directly, but the lessons would have been lost for us and all those there. There is a power in making connections through the credibility of others. Relationships are more and more the real currency of our age. We can be ambassadors for each other as we intentionally introduce others to those in our networks.

Do

Luke 6:46 - “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? “

There seems to be an anti-doing campaign in our country. I think it started with good intentions as a reaction to elitism. In past decades, the same uber-athletes always took home the trophies, and most kids went home from their sports tournaments empty handed. Sometime in the 80s, sporting club directors organizers decided every child athlete should receive a trophy, and now as adults many of them still expect to be rewarded just for showing up.

Throughout the Gospels Jesus hammers against the spiritual elitism demonstrated by the Pharisees and Sadducees who always set the rules to ensure they and their ilk always won. Yet, Jesus does not swing the pendulum to the other extreme. It is not just enough to show up and listen. We must do what we hear.

Jesus follows the verse above with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Note that what determines which one you are is not whether or not you show up and listen. The difference is whether or not you do what you heard. Doing is not usually easy. Jesus makes the point that wise builder “dug and dug deep and erected the foundation on the rock,” emphasizing the effort it took.

I think one of the biggest reasons there are not more Christians in the world is that those of us who call Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” fail to do what he said. Let’s change that. 

Bad Acting

Luke 6: 40 - How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Verse after verse of Luke 6 is still as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke these words. Jesus attacks the double standard again with this familiar metaphor: take the log out of your own eye before you try to take the speck out of someone else’s. In other words, judge yourself before you judge someone else. Criticize yourself before you criticize someone else.

The word used to describe the person who fails to judge themselves before judging others is called a hypocrite. It originated in the Greek theater to describe an actor who effectively pretended to be someone he was not. Although it was used to praise actors when used in the heyday of Greek tragedy and comedy in the sixth century BC, by the second century BC it was used by Greek speaking Jews to describe people who pretended to be righteous but were truly evil inside. This is the sense in which Jesus uses it. The Jewish religious leaders of his day knew how to put on a good show and appear to be good while really having bad hearts.

We are still vulnerable to the bad acting of hypocrisy today. In fact, the kind of judging that Jesus condemns is usually done in an effort to put others down in order to make the critic look better. Isn’t that the tactic of most political campaigns? Let’s be careful when and how we judge and criticize others. Sometimes it is necessary (see I Corinthians 5), but let’s always check our hearts. 

Choose Your Influences

Luke 6: 40 - A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

So much of who we are has been shaped by those who have influenced us. One of my mother’s favorite pictures is of my two year old self standing inside my father’s boots. Of course, the appearance of a small boy inside large boots is comical. Yet, seeing my father take those boots off every day after working the farm presented a compelling image to me at that age: This is what it means to be a man.

Jesus’ words remind us that we become like those we learn from. My views and values were shaped early on by my parents and teachers. When I became a leader of my own team in the Air Force, I found myself leading much like my first team leader. When I became a youth pastor, I followed many of the patterns and examples of my own youth pastors. As a lead pastor, I did many of the same things I had seen in my lead pastors. As a professor I adopted the methods of my favorite teachers. Now as a dean, I continually fall back on the pattern I saw in the two deans I served.

I have really enjoyed teaching and serving in Christian colleges, and I have really seen this principle played out: Education is as much about the educators as it is the content taught. One thing I love to see here at Southeastern University is so many of our faculty eating, drinking coffee, or just sitting and talking with students. Doing life together like this is shaping the future.

The first question of application for all of us, then, is who is influencing us? Who do we learn from? We will become like them. The second is: who are we influencing? Are we presenting good models for them to follow?

The Single Standard

Luke 6:37-38 - “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

We have a common expression in America called “the double standard.” We see it all the time. Person A gets cut off by Person B in traffic. Person A gets furious at this violation of his rights and hurls verbal abuse at Person B. Two minutes later, Person A is flying down the left of three lanes and realizes he needs to take the next exit. Person A cuts off both Person C and Person D to make the exit with as little inconvenience as possible. Of course, Persons C and D are offended and lay into their horns as loud and long as possible to let Person A know of their offense. In response to this Person A is filled with indignant rage shouting, “How could you possibly be mad at me?  I needed to take that exit!”

I am sure you can think of a hundred other scenarios where you witnessed someone hold a double standard to their own advantage. I am sure you have been the victim of such unfair double standard treatment.

In this passage, Jesus attacks the double standard head on: Do not judge. Do not condemn. Forgive. Give. He concludes with the clear, powerful statement that there is one standard: The measure you use in your actions to and with others will be used to determine what you will receive.

Go back in your mind to the times you have been victimized by a double standard. Now, do what Jesus really want you to do: Consider your own practice of the double standard. Make a commitment today to switch to a single standard: the standard of grace.

The Golden Rule is Still Golden

Luke 6:31 - And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. (ESV)  

I must have been no more than three years old when my mother first used these words to curb my frustrated abuse of my one year old sister: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I don’t think a toddler was much of a threat to my massive three year old self, but I remember the message clearly. It was repeated over and over at home, at Sunday school, throughout life. I learned it as the Golden Rule: How would I like to be treated by others? Treat others the same way.

It is amazing how this principle still applies in adulthood. It is so much more than a means of conning obedience out of children. It is life lived at its best. What adult does not want respect from others? What adult does not appreciate being treated fairly? Who among us does not value being spoken well of by others?

The tragedy is that we often we forget to live out these words. We can easily fall into the trap of only viewing our own best interest and pursuing what we want. Without this attitude, other people are either responsible to make us happy or barriers that keep us from getting what we want. Yet, how happy are you really when you get your way at the cost of offending another? Unless we stop and remember to live by the Golden Rule, we are likely to miss the joy of real community and living life like Jesus.

Deferred Gratification

Luke 6:23 - Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. 

The American Way of Life is wonderful in many ways. Our reward–centered work ethic and opportunities for all led to the greatest economy in history. Our market-based economic approach has spread throughout the world. It has spurred technological advances in every field. People are better off than at any time in history. However, the American Way of Life has also led to a greater compulsion to place our desires and passions on the things that this world’s economy can provide for us. This “now” focus has distracted the minds and hearts of many of us American Christians.

Luke 6:20-26 sounds similar to the more well-known Beatitudes of Matthew 5:1-10. 

However, there are some distinctive differences. The two sermons were given at different locations. Matthew 5 is part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1), while Luke 6 is known as the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17). Another significant difference in this section is the contrast between the situations of people “now” and the heavenly reward that waits for the faithful. The rich, the powerful, the famous all get their rewards in this life and miss the real rewards God has for those without now. These rewards never end.

When we have a selfish and materialistic “now” focus, we miss opportunities to serve others, to give, to worship. Our hearts become full with things that will not last. When we put our hearts on God and do things that will last forever, then we have reason to leap for joy. 

Transfer of Power

Luke 6:19- And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

The Bible talks a lot about spiritual power can be given through the laying on of hands. People were healed. The Holy Spirit and his gifts were imparted. Several people were healed by touching Jesus on their own initiative (See Mark 5:27, for instance). As this verse describes what happened in Jesus’ ministry, there is something about physical contact that allows for the flow of spiritual power.

Early Pentecostals adopted the Bible’s pattern and began the practice of laying hands on people when praying for them. I have had the privilege many times of a real sense of both giving and receiving God’s power through touch and prayer. Like the difference between looking at a light socket and twisting the bulb in, there is a power transfer that can happen with that contact.

Science is now beginning to recognize the power of touch. A recent article in Psychology Today (“The Power of Touch,” by Rick Chilliot, March 11, 2013) cites many studies and researchers who are finding the power of touch to express and change emotion, to change relationships, and even increase sales. These researchers have found that a single touch can express more emotion than voice, face, or other means of expression. The power described in this week’s verse takes things to another level when Christian faith is involved.

Although the wrong kinds of touches can cause great harm, may we never lose the privilege of sharing the power of God through positive touch.

Big Decisions

Luke 6:12-13 - In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles.

Some decisions are not worth much time or any agony. I have wasted a lot of time trying to decide what groceries to buy, what to order from the menu, and what shirt to wear. These decisions did not make much difference in the long run. However, there are some decisions that are critical to our futures and those of the people around us. None are more important than people decisions. Like the old cliché says, “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.”

By this point, Jesus had a huge group of followers. I imagine all of them would have loved personal mentoring and lots of face time, but Jesus could not effectively train a multitude like he could a small group. Twelve was the number he needed to have to properly invest in to ensure the infant church would have strong leadership after he left. This was one of the most important decisions Jesus made on earth.

Notice, he, the Son of God, took a whole night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles. He got away from distractions, and he prayed. We do not get to know if God the Father identified each disciple by name or if the time in prayer helped Jesus to clarify his thoughts about his needs, his followers, and who would be the best apostles. What we do know is that he spent time in focused prayer then he made his decision. We each need to discern the decisions that we face that are truly important and follow Jesus’ example: Pray, pray hard, and then decide.

Something Good

Luke 6:9 - And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?”

Do you ever wonder why some laws exist? Most make sense. Laws protect the majority from the excesses of a minority. It is against the law to steal something that belongs to someone else. However, some laws wind up fighting the real purpose for which they were created. In August 2013, Florida lawmakers passed a law that was supposed to eliminate the use of Internet cafes for illegal gambling. Former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll had been accused of running a charity as a front for gambling, and state lawmakers responded with a hastily worded law that inadvertently required the shutdown of all Internet cafes in the state and ultimately any computer or smartphone connected to the Internet. What should have been a good law became a very bad one that was quickly repealed.

Luke Chapter Six starts with two incidents of Jesus and his disciples breaking Jewish Sabbath laws in force in their day. Remembering the Sabbath day and keeping it holy was one of the original Ten Commandments. Jesus makes clear throughout the Gospels that its purpose was to help human beings, not keep them from good things. Our bodies and minds work most efficiently when we have a day of rest each week. Taking a day to worship and focus on God helps us keep everything in perspective.

We get into trouble with two extremes: The first is when we view a law as existing for its own sake. That’s what the Pharisees had done. They had defined Sabbath keeping so narrowly it was virtually impossible to keep the law, and it became a means of controlling others. It prevented good from being done. However, the other extreme is also dangerous. If we ignore the benefit of a legitimate law because of a fear of “legalism,” we can harm ourselves and others. We need to get to the heart of the law. Is keeping the Sabbath a good thing? Yes, because it is a law with a purpose. It is good for us. Should we focus on keeping the law so that we feel we are better than those who do not or so that we keep others from experiencing the good the law was intended to protect? Absolutely not.

Something New

Luke 5:36 - He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.”

In my role as a professor and now a dean, I often have the privilege of spending time with church planters and visiting their churches. As a former pastor, I used to envy those brave souls who boldly went out in faith to start new churches from nothing and saw them thrive and reach hundreds where established pastors struggled to grow by one or two. It hardly seems fair, yet Jesus gives us a hint in the well-known parables of the patch and the wineskin: The new can adapt and adjust to dramatic change.

Cotton cloth that has not been pre-soaked will stretch a great deal in those early washings. I have destroyed many otherwise beautiful garments in my attempts to do laundry without reading labels. A new patch will shrink where an old garment will not. Likewise a new leather skin will stretch in response to the gases from fermentation when a skin that has already been stretched will break.

Notice that Jesus is not saying the old is bad here. In fact, he says just the opposite: “The old is good enough [for those who have tasted it].” (Luke 5:39) Those children of God who have faithfully served, prayed, loved, and given need to be honored and have a place where they can worship together authentically. That church just may not be as adaptable to reach the unchurched and younger generations. Much of the debate between church planters and established church leaders stems from a misunderstanding: Flexible or durable, we each have a critical role to play in the Kingdom of God.

Need

Luke 5:31-32 - And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

 

There is a reason guys notoriously hate to ask directions: It can be hard to ask for help. We have to acknowledge a lack on our part. We have to recognize we have a need. If (I think) I have no lack, I can see myself as better than those who do have needs. I am complete. They are incomplete. Nowhere is this attitude more common than among religious people.

Jesus had such issues with the Jewish religious leaders of his day, like the Pharisees and Sadducees, because they refused to acknowledge their own limitations while criticizing and ostracizing others whose weaknesses were obvious.  Here, the Pharisees were wondering why a “holy” man like Jesus would eat dinner with a group of sinful tax collectors.  Jesus points out their faulty reasoning by explaining that only those who admit their “sickness” can be healed. Like Jesus said to the Pharisees who attacked the man born blind that Jesus healed in John 9, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.”

It can be tough to enter the vulnerable position of admitting that we have problems and that we need Jesus’ help, but only then can we receive his healing. When we admit our mistakes to him, he forgives, and the greatest of all relationships is eternally restored.

Leave It Behind

Luke 5:27-28 - After this he [Jesus] went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

There was a pattern with those who followed Jesus of leaving something of significance behind. For Peter, John, and their brothers it was their nets (and the miraculous catch of fish inside). For Levi, it was his lucrative tax collecting business. The rich young ruler was unwilling to leave his wealth behind and chose not to follow Jesus although he wanted to. Throughout history, truly following Jesus has meant leaving something else.

It is hard to let go of something of value. For some, it is wealth. For others, it may be a significant relationship, a prestigious position, or a familiar landscape. The willingness to leave these things behind in order to follow Jesus is one of the biggest barriers to real fruit in our relationships with Jesus, especially in America. We have so much. We would like it if Jesus said, “Follow me and bring all your stuff with you.” But as the old cliché says, “If Jesus is not Lord of all he is not Lord at all.” Give him your life. Give him your everything.

Proof of the Invisible

Luke 5:23-24 -  "Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

It is understandably hard to believe in a God we cannot see. There are many ways to explain the existence of the complex, yet highly structured, creation that envelops us. Some people have developed some creative theories that do not involve an all-powerful creator. Yet, many of us believe a purposeful Designer provides a much more realistic explanation.

God often gives even more direct evidence of his reality and the truth of the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this story, Jesus deals with an audience of skeptical Jewish leaders by using the physical evidence of miraculous healing to prove his divine authority to forgive sins.

I enjoyed reading Gifted Hands, by the renowned neurosurgeon Ben Carson (who will speak at Southeastern University’s Forum in March 2014). He tells the story of his freshman year in college when he was at risk of flunking chemistry and thereby losing his scholarship and his opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He needed to get an A on the final exam and studied until late at night, still unsure if understood what he needed to. The exhausted young Christian prayed one last desperate prayer for God’s help.  As he fell asleep, he experienced a vivid dream in which a shadowy figure began to write chemistry equations on the board. Carson began to write notes in his dream then awoke to find he remembered everything. He was shocked to discover every problem on the exam had been in his dream. He earned a 97% and continued to seek God’s very real help throughout his career, finding that guidance leading to many breakthrough, life-saving surgical techniques.

There is proof of the invisible God’s very real power all around us. I have witnessed several cases in my own life the last few days. I encourage you to open your eyes in new ways and embrace the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

Other's Faith

Luke 5:20a -   “When he saw their faith…”

The paralyzed man is this story in Luke 5 could not come to Jesus on his own. He needed help, and a group of other men took him to Jesus. When the crowd was so large that they could not get into the house where Jesus was teaching, they made the arduous effort to climb onto the roof, haul up the paralyzed man, and cut a hole in the roof to drop the man in front of Jesus.

Faith is usually the biggest factor in the Gospel accounts of healing. Usually Jesus or the Gospel writers note the faith of the one asking for healing as the reason he or she is healed. In this passage, though, Luke is clear that Jesus saw their faith – that is the faith of the paralytic’s friends. The intercession of others combined with the “power of the Lord to heal” (vs 17) ultimately led to this man’s healing.

“I will pray for you” must be more than a polite remark to friends in need. Even when those struggling are at the end of their faith, Jesus can see and respond to the faith of others who are working hard to bring their loved ones’ needs to him. Intercession is powerful. Take some time to pray for someone else today.

 

When there is Power for Healing

Luke 5:17b -   …The power of the Lord was with him to heal.

Miraculous healing is one of the greatest evidences of the truth of the message of Jesus Christ and also one of the biggest barriers to faith for some people. Early in 2013 I had the privilege of reviewing Craig Keener’s monumental scholarly study on Miracles that cites literally thousands of cases of real, verifiable healings around the world in response to faith in Christ. Study after study has shown that sick people are far more likely to get better and get better more quickly with Christian prayer than without. Yet, not everyone is healed. Many have prayed with all the faith they could muster only to see a loved one pass away.

So many things about the Christian faith are enigmatic. We want formulas. We want everything to happen the same way every time. We want to be able to say the magic words “Shazam! Abracadabra!” and see the miracles happen, but it does not work that way. In reaction, some Christians have abandoned expecting any supernatural occurrences whatsoever. However, this can be equally destructive. If we cannot expect God to work with us in this life, how can we be sure he will take care of us in the next?

I do not have a simple answer of why God does not always heal. However, I know he often does. The short sentence above from early in Jesus’ ministry is quite telling: “On one of those days… the power of the Lord was with him to heal.” What does that mean? It sounds like on some days healings did not occur. Why else would Luke have noted this? We do not get to know why healings did not happen on the other days. We can obsess over the “not” days. We can avoid seeking healing in case it is a “not” day, but if we do that we miss the possibility that this could be “one of those days” that the power of the Lord is with us to heal. Let’s seek him in faith every day.

What Jesus Wants

Luke 5:12-13 - While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

I was shy as a child. I was often afraid to ask someone else for something I wanted because I was afraid they would not want to give it to me. The other person would need to stop what they were doing, take time and attention away from their own affairs, and do something for my benefit. It might even cost them something. I hated the thought of someone else sacrificing for me. I also hated the risk they might reject my request.

Sometimes that attitude still affects my prayers. Would Jesus really want to do something for me? The leper in Luke 5 seems to have a similar mindset. He does not doubt that Jesus has the power to heal him. The only question is if he wants to.

The Greek word thelo is translated “will” in most Bible versions but encompasses the concept of desire and want. Do you want chocolate or vanilla? The person wanting chooses based on their desires.

Notice Jesus’ response. A good translation is: “I want to.” Jesus wanted to see the leper set free. Just as Jesus wanted to meet the leper’s need and cleanse him of that dreaded skin disease. He wants to help us. Let’s ask in confidence. Answering our requests is not a burden to him. It is what he wants to do.

Jesus Understands You

Luke 5:9-10 - He and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

In so many areas of personal interest, only another “insider” truly understands. If you are not a golfer, have you ever been with a group of golfers talking about their hobby? It probably sounded like gibberish. The same could be said for a non-football fan at a Super Bowl party. Before Keira and I started bike racing we had no appreciation for words like “peloton,” “paceline,” and “drafting.” Watching the Tour de France was mystifying if not a little boring. Now I watch more television in the month of July than the whole rest of the year put together. Many professions are the same way. There is a unique lingo, unique practices, and special outcomes only an expert insider can appreciate.

When Jesus called Peter and his friends, he first did something that a typical Galilean bystander could not fully appreciate. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus, the landlubber carpenter, told the professional angler Simon to put down his nets for a catch. The catch they pulled was more than he and his partners had ever seen. Both of their boats nearly sank. Jesus even used the metaphor of their career and passion to call them to a higher purpose: “From now on you will be catching men.”

Jesus knows you, and he knows your interests. Often he will speak to you in special ways only you can fully appreciate. Be looking for him to do that today.

Purposeful Moves

Luke 4:42-43 - And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

It can be hard to leave when things are going well. I recently left two jobs I loved in Washington State, lots of friends, great opportunities, a fun city, and one of the best seasons of life Keira and I have ever experienced. We were not looking to move. When the invitation came to move to a new position in Florida, I laughed out loud. Why would we leave? Yet, in many specific and unmistakable ways it became clear that this move was God’s plan for us. We gave up a lot and faced many unexpected and painful challenges along the way, but I can truly say I am glad to be here at Southeastern University. Sometimes God’s purpose for us involves changes that do not always make sense at the time.

After a tough time in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus received rave reviews in Capernaum. He performed many miracles, and the people loved him. Yet he knew he needed to move on. The people begged him stay, but he understood God’s purpose for him involved a move. It may be that you are in a place where you will need to make a move that is uncomfortable. That does not mean it is not the right thing to do.

Each

Luke 4:40 At sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.

Jesus had just finished a long day. He had preached. He had taught. He had healed. Yet, people still had problems. More and more people came to Jesus to get help with their problems. If you have served in a helping profession, you know that after a while it is easy to stop seeing individual needs. Soon you stop seeing individuals with needs. Before long all you see is overwhelming need. It is easy to lose compassion for the individual.

In describing what was probably a typical day for Jesus, Luke adds a word he does not need to: ekastoi. This means “each.” The sentence would have read fine if he just wrote, “[Jesus] placed his hands on them…” Yet, he instead says Jesus “placed his hands on each one.” This stresses Jesus’ concern for each individual. The Greek text here says the people were sick with various diseases. Each person had his or her own unique problems, but Jesus cared for each one as an individual.

Whatever you may be going through today, Jesus knows what you are experiencing and wants to meet your unique need. He will deal with you as an individual. He knows, loves, and died for you.

Hop to It!

Luke 4:39 - And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

What is the first thing you do after being sick? Do you take it easy? Do you take that extra day off work? Do you fake it so you can prolong savoring the attention your loved ones sympathetically lavish on you?

Peter’s mother was suffering with a fever until Jesus came and healed her. Notice, though, that she did not continue to laze around. She immediately got up and began to serve Jesus and the disciples. She understood her purpose in life was to serve Jesus and others, and she took that purpose seriously. She did not waste a minute in selfishness. She got up and made a difference.

It is good for all of us to have an attitude check. We all need some rest. Some “me” time is important, but when it becomes our purpose for living we have forgotten why we are really here. Let us not miss an opportunity to serve Jesus and others.

Demons Know. Do You?

Luke 4:34-35 (ESV) “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.

In Western culture today, demons are common characters in horror movies and hard music. Most people, however, consider them to be mythical ideas left over from a pre-scientific age. If you travel outside of the secular West, though, you will find a completely different attitude. Missionaries have often encountered similar situations to Jesus’ ministry described above. Demonic encounters are common in many parts of the world today and occur more often in America than you might think. I have conducted several exorcisms in my ministry. I have had friends who have served overseas for whom casting out demons took a big portion of their ministry time and energy.

Demons are real spiritual beings that chose to side with Satan in the cosmic struggle against God. They will do everything they kind to undermine the ministry of Jesus Christ. However, they must respond to his authority. In fact, power encounters like this are a big reason millions of people overseas have left their traditional religions and come to Christ. I have a friend from India who became a Christian because his Hindu priest and the Muslim Imam he sought could do nothing to help his demonized daughter. When he took her to a Christian pastor who had faith in the authority of Christ, she was delivered.

Like the demon in the Bible passage above, demons know who Jesus is. They know he is completely different from all religious leaders. They respond submissively only to the name of Jesus. They know for sure that Jesus is the Holy One of God. Do you?

An Authoritative Word

Luke 4:32 They were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority

Of course you do not know the feeling of flashing lights in your mirror when you have been speeding, but ask anyone who has experienced that fear. The fear can come from what the driver might lose: money for the fine, driving rights because of the points, or respect because of her friends who recognize her call pulled over. The officer has the authority from the state or city to issue the ticket. In that sense, authority means the legal right to act on behalf of a higher power. However, the officer is also equipped with a gun and a fast, reinforced car with the physical power to run a rebellious lawbreaker off the road. That is real, tangible power.

Change the scenario and imagine your car is broken down on a long, dark, lonely road with wolves howling nearby and strange rough looking men in a beat up pickup truck rolling slowly by. Suddenly you see those same flashing lights. Now, instead of fear you feel relief. That same tangible and legal power now becomes a source of protection and provision.

When Jesus began his publicly ministry one thing the people immediately noticed that set him apart from the other preachers they had heard was that his word possessed authority. The Greek word exousia includes both the tangible and the legal concepts of authority. In the cases of Jesus’ preaching it meant that he unmistakable had the right to teach. He had the authority of a ruler. However, his word also had authority in the sense of real, tangible power. It was not just hot air. Jesus’ message changed lives. The dead were raised. The sick were healed. The oppressed were delivered.

In all the cases when Jesus sent out his followers, he gave them this same authority. He still does it today. When someone preaches with the authority of Jesus, look for the life change.

Breaking Free of Familiar Contempt

Luke 4:24 -And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”
After passing the test of temptation, Jesus returned to Galilee in “the power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:14) He started to teach and do miracles in such a way that his “fame” (in Greek, the word is fame’) went out throughout the region. His ministry was very successful everywhere except in his hometown of Nazareth.

Jesus’ words in the passage above have been quoted many times as evidence of the old adage, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” This is a big part of the reason the military has always frowned on fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel. It can be hard for an officer to order a dear friend into a battle that may cost a life. It can be even tougher to accept such an order from a friend.

Today, though, I encourage you to look at this passage from another perspective. What if Jesus never left Nazareth? Would he have gained the “fame” and influence and impact his ministry had? Sometimes it is up to us to get out of environments in which we will never thrive. I am in no way endorsing violating covenants and commitments, especially marriage, but at some point we have to leave our parents’ home. Some of us may need to leave our region. It can be scary leaving the familiar, but often we need a fresh start where we will not be defined by our past and by previous relationships. Do you need to leave some familiar contempt?