He Came To Stir Division

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

Author's note: the timeliness of "the next Bible event" amazes me. This walk-through-the-Bible started nine years ago. And on this day, during passover week, the next event is this one. Truly amazing.

From Luke's Journal 

Outskirts of Jerusalem- Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

There are times when Jesus spoke with a gentle, kind voice. 

There are times when Jesus spoke with sorrow, a deep heartfelt hurt.

Then there were times like today, when Jesus spoke with fire, rage, and purpose.




Jesus said, "I have come to start a fire on the earth. No, not in the physical way you are thinking. I am talking about a passion to fight evil and focus every minute, every deed, on serving God. I wish the fire blazed right now.

"I have come to change the way you think. To turn everything rightside-up. Oh, how I long for this to be finished.

"Do you believe that I came to bring peace, unity, a calm to the turmoil here in the land? That I would bring an army to change the political situation and return Israel to its own reign?

"I haven't. I came to disrupt the wrong. To confront those who are misleading and those who are walking in the wrong direction... away from God.

"Because of me, you will find five people living in one family divided against each other. Three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father. Mother against daughter and daughter against mother. Mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

Jesus took a short break.

As for me, Luke, disciple of Jesus Christ, I have made my choice. 

I have chosen to follow in the ways of Christ. 



I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

You Never Know When...

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

From Luke's Journal 

Outskirts of Jerusalem- Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

Jesus has been speaking to a crowd about trusting God to provide for our needs and using those provisions to do what he has instructed us to do.

He then illustrated his points with this story:

"You should always be prepared for service. Keep your lamps burning like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet." 

In our day, we did not have electric lights to turn on with a switch as you can. We had to fill lamps with oil. If the oil is burned, more oil must be poured into the lamp. Those without a light will not be able to find their way in the dark and miss an opportunity.

If the servant is prepared, he can open the door when his master comes and knocks.

Jesus said, "Their master will be very pleased to find them watching when he comes, even if it is in the middle of the night.

"I tell you the truth, the master will dress himself to serve, will have his servants sit at the table, and he will wait on them. 

"Understand this, though, if the owner of the house had known at what time the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

"You also much be ready at all times, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Peter, the disciple, then asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us or to everyone?"

Jesus answered, "Well, let's look at the answer this way. Who is the faithful and wise manager the master put in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant if the master finds him doing his work as he was instructed. 

"If he is, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions. But, suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time. I can do what I want. So he beats the menservants and the maidservants then sits down to a wonderful meal and drinks until he is drunk. The more he finds available time to mistreat his duty, the more he will do so. 

"The master then will come home when the servant in charge is not aware. The master will see what all that the servant has done. He will thrash him and demote him to the lowest level, with unbelievers.

"The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it b doing whatever he pleases  will be beaten with many blows. 

"But the servant who does not know what his master wanted him to do and fails to do the job, will be only receive a light punishment. 

"Everyone who has been given a great gift has a great responsibility."



I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Life is So Much More Than Things

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

From Luke's Journal 

Outskirts of Jerusalem- Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

Jesus had just spoken to the crowds about greed. Seems one man wanted his brother to give him more of the family inheritance. When he finished speaking, the crowds left.

Jesus turned to we disciples and said, "Spending your time worrying about what you will eat or what you will wear is not worth your time. Life is so much more than what food you will eat. Your bodies are much more than what clothes you will wear. 

Jesus looked up at some birds. "Consider the ravens. They don't sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn to keep their food. Yet God feeds them. You are much more valuable than birds! Who of you can add a single hour to your life by worrying about anything? Since you can't add even a simple hour to your life this way, why worry?

Lily Photo Courtesy

Think about the lily and how it grows. It does not work yet it grows freely and is beautiful in the fields. Not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these flowers. If God clothes the grass of the field with such beautiful flowers which is only here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, how much more with God clothe you who trust Him? If only you had faith.

"Don't set your heart on what you will eat or drink. Don't worry about which cut of meat, or the finest cheese, or the best vegetables. Those who worship idols run after these things. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Choose to seek his kingdom. When you do, all these things will be given to you as well.

"So, don't be afraid. Your Father wants to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make purses and wallets for yourselves that will not wear out. A treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted and is kept where no thief will come near and no moth will destroy. 

"Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."


I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

The Inheritance

By Mary Vee
Luke 12 

From Luke's Journal 

Outskirts of Jerusalem- Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus. The other disciples are here with me as well. 

We walked with Jesus along a road where a crowd had gathered. They came to hear what Jesus had to say, to ask Him questions, and to bring their sick for healing. 

One man caught Jesus' attention. He said, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

Of course the man seemed angry. He apparently thought Jesus would take up his cause and help fight for him. Our culture holds that the oldest son receives a given portion of the inheritance and the other sibling receive their portion. 

Jesus answered the man saying, "Why do you think I am a judge or an arbitrator who can help set up new arrangements for your family's inheritance?"

Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Money is not the answer to a good life. You see, life is only so long and it is not dependent up what all a man has earned or gained, or has to spend."

He paused then told this story, "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What should I do with the abundance? I have no place to store the extra crop I have reaped.'

"The man thought to himself and said, 'I know what I'll do. I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, there I will store all my grain and my goods. He felt very pleased with the idea and said to himself, "I have plenty of good things stored up for many years. I can take life easy. I can eat, drink, and be merry.'

"But God said to him, 'You are not as wise as you think. This very night you will die. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself and not shared with those in need?'

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up earthly things for himself, but doesn't store up riches in heaven."


Our goal should be to do the things God teaches in His Word. Those deeds will bring true and lasting riches.




I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.