Day 119: Luke 24:13-53

“They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”' - Luke 24:32 ESV

These two on the road to Emmaus had a unique post-resurrection experience with Jesus. Not only were they allowed to spend a considerable amount of time with Him, but they also didn't realize who He was until the end of the conversation.

We don't really know why they didn't recognize Jesus. Could it be that his resurrected body had a different appearance? Did God prevent their eyes from seeing who He really was? At any rate, the tell was in the way He broke the bread. Perhaps they noticed the scars on his wrists.

Have you ever heard someone talking about the Bible in such a way that you became sleepy? No passion. No deep belief. No conviction. Perhaps it seems tired in a way.

Then there are those who, after speaking with them about the Bible, we are immediately motivated to run and feast upon the Word of God with more attentiveness.

Hearing Jesus speak about the Hebrew Bible caused their hearts to burn (literally to ignite). This is the kind of encounter that leaves us permanently changed.

May we extend the flame of passion for God's word today.

"The recognition that it was the Lord with whom they had walked explained to them what had happened on the journey. They remembered how their hearts had burnt within them. Clearly Jesus’ exposition had stirred them deeply. They speak of him as ‘opening’ the scriptures: when he spoke the meaning hidden in the words of the Bible became clear.” - Morris, L. (1988). Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 3, p. 359)

Day 118: Luke 23:44-56, 24:1-12

"He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee." - Luke 24:6 ESV

What is most striking in our reading today is the fact that Jesus' most faithful followers seemingly had no clue that He was going to raise from the dead. They thought that the movement was over. Perhaps they said, "Well, we had a good run. I guess He really wasn't the Messiah. Wow, He had us fooled."

This was even after Jesus had repeatedly laid out the plan for them.

So when the women came bursting in with news of an empty tomb and their angelic encounter, you can see why it sounded like an "idle tale" to them. They really weren't in the mood to get their hopes up.

Yet Peter rose and ran (along with John) to see for himself. He hadn't had the closure he desired. He didn't want his last eye contact with Jesus to be after he had just denied Him three times. If there was even a chance of these women telling the truth, he had to see for himself.

How about you? Is this the kind of redemption you seek? Do you wake up every day with a renewed sense that God's kingdom work is going to be even more realized in your life, even though you've failed before?

Jesus is alive and waiting.

"This is the last chapter in the gospel of Luke, and is the culmination of the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth. This is the resurrection chapter, the record of an event that turned the world upside down. The earliest creed of the Christian Church was simply ‘He is Risen,’ and there is a sense in which the entire impact of Christianity stands or falls with the truth of this message." - Sproul, R. C. (1999). A Walk with God: An Exposition of Luke (p. 417)

Day 117: Luke 23:13-43

“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” - Luke 23:42-43 ESV

In the five hours that Jesus spent on the cross, He somehow had the presence of mind to utter seven statements:

1. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

2. Today you will be with me in paradise.

3. Woman, behold, your son! Behold, your mother!

4. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)

5. I thirst. (Psalm 69:21)

6. It is finished. (Psalm 22:16-31)

7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Psalm 31:5)

As someone who appreciates music, it is wild for me to see this laid out and to see how much Jesus was simultaneously singing and fulfilling Messianic prophecy as He was in His final moments. These were some of the Psalms he would have sung His entire life.

His second saying is the one that stands out in our reading today. In the midst of agonizing suffering, Jesus was still focused on serving others, and in the case of this criminal, leading him to eternal life.

Aren't you glad that Jesus is still saving people by his blood today? I am also certain that He is still singing (see Zephaniah 3:17).

Day 116: Luke 22:54-71, 23:1-12

“When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.” - Luke‬ ‭23:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Again, we may be confused by which Herod this is, but this is Antipas whom we mentioned earlier that the Pharisees said wanted to kill Jesus (13:31) and whom our Savior had called a fox. He also was responsible for killing John the Baptist.

Now Herod wants (like before, 9:9) to see Jesus perform a miracle. The reputation of our Lord in Galilee preceded Him. As we’ve seen before, Jesus doesn’t respond well to those who are wanting to use Him for a spectacle. He is not a product to be used but a Savior to be worshiped.

Leon Morris' words describing this passage are helpful: "The interview must have disappointed Herod. He got no answer to his many questions. What could Jesus say to this trifler who wanted nothing more than a mild sensation? He never refused a sincere questioner, but Herod was not in that class. He is the only person to whom Jesus said nothing at all." - Morris, L. (1988). Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 3, p. 339)

It is interesting to note, though, that both of these pagan rulers (in our reading today) acknowledge Jesus’ innocence.

How are you viewing Jesus today? Perhaps someone to give you what you want? Or is He someone who is desperately desiring to give you what you really need?

Unfortunately, Antipas wasn’t interested in life transformation, but I pray that we will come to Jesus differently. May we come expecting to be changed, better prepared for heaven.

Day 115: Luke 22:35-53

“And they said, ‘Look, Lord, here are two swords.’ And he said to them, ‘It is enough.”’ - Luke‬ ‭22:38‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus is working hard to prepare His disciples for what is to come. The days of them leisurely strolling into Jewish communities and being accepted with open arms are going to be coming to an end. All of these men would suffer incredible amounts of torture for the sake of their faith in Jesus’ resurrection, and Jesus saw it coming.

The odd thing about our reading today is that Jesus tells them to bring a sword but then later tells Peter to stop trying to exact justice with the sword.

Was Jesus conflicted?

No. Jesus was trying to help the disciples realize that resistance to their calling would be severe. When He says, “that is enough,” He isn’t saying that they would be armed adequately with two swords to fend off the Romans or the Jews. He’s instead frustrated that they don’t understand what He’s trying to communicate.

What is the application for us?

Let’s not be shocked if and when we are called to suffer or be excluded for the sake of our allegiance to Jesus. It is an identifier of those who are following Jesus the right way.

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” - 2 Timothy 3:12 ESV

"The disciples quietly took inventory: two swords among twelve (eleven) disciples. Jesus told them that would do; they need not go and buy others. Jesus’ answer had an ironic twist. The two swords were obviously not enough to resist those who came to arrest Jesus. He used this irony to close the conversation." - Butler, T. C. (2000). Luke (Vol. 3, p. 372)

Day 114: Luke 22:14-34

“And he said to them, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."' - Luke 22:15 ESV

What was it about this Passover meal that had Jesus "earnestly desiring" to eat it with his disciples? I mean, if this were me, I would be dreading it a little bit. It would remind me of the fact that I'm about to suffer an incalculable amount of anguish, both physically and emotionally. Also, the fact that one of my top twelve is about to betray me would also cause me to not desire to eat this meal.

I believe there were two reasons that Jesus "earnestly desired" to eat this meal:

1) It reminded Him of His mission: As we'll see very soon in Gethsemane, Jesus was fighting resistance in His flesh to avoid the pain of the cross. Being reminded of the why behind the suffering would ensure follow-through. The Israelites' Passover was a perfect setting.

2) It provided space for Him to lay out the future mission of His disciples: Jesus shared His deepest desires for the disciples and for the entire world. Reading John 14-17 in one sitting gives us insight into what He communicated to them.

Do you need Jesus to remind you of your mission?

Do you need Him to give you a greater measure of endurance during this season of life?

We still see Jesus offering these truths each time we take Communion together.

"Jesus’ statement about his 'eager desire' to eat this Passover suggests the great significance of the event. It is not simply that he wanted one last meal. He wanted to be in Jerusalem at this time to eat this meal, because the meaning of his suffering (before I suffer) is bound up in this event." - Black, M. C. (1995). Luke (Lk 22:15–16)

Day 113: Luke 21:29-38, 22:1-13

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” - Luke‬ ‭21:34‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our hearts are always in danger of being “weighed down,” and they also seem to be the key to us living the life God intends: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” - Proverbs 4:23 ESV

It is very helpful to consider the three things that Jesus calls attention to that weigh down the heart:

Dissipation: The way people act without moral constraint when they are drunk, losing control.

Drunkenness: To become drunk on alcohol.

Cares of this life : Worry. A feeling of apprehension or distress in view of possible danger or misfortune.

These three aren’t just weighing down hearts. They are also heavy on our entire culture. Numbing our hearts with alcohol or incessant worry won’t fix what’s broken inside us.

1 Peter 5:7 is a great reminder. This verse encourages us to cast all our cares on Jesus because he cares for us. He is the only one who can truly heal our broken hearts.

“The prayer he urges involves an attitude of life, an attitude that seeks to flee worldly sins as the believer concentrates on the service of God. To stand before the Son of man is to possess the ultimate salvation." - Morris, L. (1988). Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 3, p. 319)

Day 112: Luke 21:1-28

"For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” - Luke 21:4 ESV

Have you ever wondered what kind of generosity impresses God? I think when we are younger, it is something we dismiss as irrelevant. We say things like, "I only make 72 dollars a week. Can my $7.20 really make a difference to the church?"

Jesus shows us that it isn't about the amount we can drop into a plate or donate online.

Psalm 24:1 sings that the "earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." So, when we give, we aren't handing God something that He doesn't already own. This woman wasn't giving to please, pacify, or manipulate God; she gave as an act of surrendering worship.

The challenge for us today isn't to focus on the number we're giving but to instead take a long look at our hearts as we give. The percentage usually tells the story. Have you decided what percentage you believe God wants you to give to your local Church and other faithful Christian nonprofits?

The Apostle Paul saw this as vital to the act of generosity:  "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

I dare say that some of the happiest people I know are the most generous. Money doesn't control them. They would much rather worship the One who owns it all.

"The mite (λεπτόν) was the smallest current coin. Two of these little pieces were the smallest legal offerings which could be dropped into the 'trumpet.' But this sum, as the Heart-reader, who knew all things, tells us (ver. 4), was every particle of money she had in the world; and it was this splendid generosity on the part of the poor solitary widow which won the Lord’s praise, which has touched the hearts of so many generations since, which has stirred up in so many hearts an admiration of an act so strangely beautiful, but well-nigh inimitable." - Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. (1909). St. Luke (Vol. 2, pp. 182–183)

Day 111: Luke 20:27-47

“Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” - Luke 20:38 ESV

No matter who you are, there is so much mystery and conversation around what we will experience after we die. Some believe, like the Sadducees, that this life is all there is. Once you take your final breath here, you cease to exist. Even in typing those words, I felt a wave of depression come over me. If that were true, the extent of our hope would be an upcoming vacation or ordering a large Coke from McDonald's.

Jesus taught that there is life after death. In fact, He believed that Moses taught the same thing (Exodus 3:1-4:17).

Following Jesus isn't just something to make us feel better about this life until we one day die. Being a disciple of Jesus means that we will, no matter how negative the circumstances, always have so much to look forward to.

Here is an even greater angle on that truth: We have no adjectives to adequately describe or help us fully comprehend what is waiting for us one day in heaven (1 Corinthians 2:9).

It won't be the activities or the temperature or the coffee that will overwhelm us in heaven. What will make us so content and joyful will be the constant, tangible presence of God (Revelation 21:3).

I know today just started, but will you join me in begging Jesus (along with the Apostle John) to come quickly (Revelation 22:20)?

The following quote is long, but it does a great job describing our passage for today:  "Jesus went further. As we have said, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or the body. They declared they could not believe in it because there was no information about it, still less any proof of it, in the books of the law which Moses was held to have written. So far no Rabbi had been able to meet them on that ground; but Jesus did. He pointed out that Moses himself had heard God say, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’ (Exodus 3:1–6), and that it was impossible that God should be the God of the dead. Therefore Abraham and Isaac and Jacob must be still alive. Therefore there was such a thing as the resurrection of the body. No wonder the scribes declared it to be a good answer, for Jesus had met the Sadducees on their own ground and defeated them." - Barclay, W. (2001). The Gospel of Luke (pp. 297–298)

Day 110: Luke 20:1-26

“But he looked directly at them and said, ‘What then is this that is written: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?' Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”' - Luke 20:17-18 ESV

There is hardly a human to be found that deals well with rejection. Even if we are told that the decision isn't personal, it always feels that way. If someone doesn't want to have anything to do with us, it stings.

Yet again, Jesus quotes a hit Jewish worship song to get their attention. This would be a song they were very familiar with. The parable that Jesus told before he quotes this Psalm shows us that He knows these religious leaders aren't just going to continue in their verbal dispute. This thing is going to turn violent. They are setting their eyes on killing the "beloved son" (see verse 13).

Jesus ends this teaching with a quote from Isaiah 8:14-15. When the people of this world reject the Son of God, they are actually refusing God's protective power in a time of judgment.

This still holds fast for today. Jesus is the only way for us to be saved. Rejecting Him will be the greatest mistake anyone will ever make.

"Jesus, we invite you to be the Lord of our lives. With you in charge, we know that this life will be lived to its potential until you return to set all things right."

"Jesus is saying that, though people might reject him, he is accepted by God whose acceptance is what counts. Even though the Jews make the same kind of mistake as the builders and reject him, God’s purposes will be fulfilled." - Morris, L. (1988). Luke: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 3, p. 304)