Archive for August 2021

Esther 9-10, Proverbs 17:15-28, Luke 20:20-26, Philemon 12-25 Luke 20:20-26: Once more trying to trap Jesus, they send spies (20:20), pretending to be sincere, and ask him a cunning question. First of all, they start with flattery. Flattery is normally a trap (Proverbs 29:5), but here their flattery has a particular aim. They are encouraging him to be…

Esther 7-8, Proverbs 17:1-14, Luke 20:9-19, Philemon 1-11 Luke 20:9-19: In response to the religious leaders’ unwillingness to be authentic in their response to Jesus and accept him as the Son of God, Jesus tells the people a parable. Note: when someone refuses the gospel, it is right to offer a warning, even if it is couched in…

Esther 5-6, Proverbs 16:17-33, Luke 20:1-8, Titus 3:9-15 Luke 20:1-8: When people do not like what someone is saying or doing, they rarely actually change the words or the deeds themselves. It is easier, and often more effective, to instead challenge the right that the person has to do those things. If you can caricature that person as…

Esther 3-4, Proverbs 16:1-16, Luke 19:39-48, Titus 3:1-8  Luke 19:39-48: (19:39-40) The Pharisees long for the people to stop praising Jesus. So it ever was thus: false religions and false religious leaders will strongly advocate against the praising of the name of Jesus. The word “God” or “providence” they may have less objection to. But the name of…

Esther 2, Proverbs 15:18-33, Luke 19:28-38, Titus 2:11-15    Luke 19:28-38: The triumphal entry—famous for its celebration and praise—has a different flavor for those of us who know the opposition that is in wait for Jesus. Even in verses 39 and 40, when the Pharisees object to the praise that Jesus is receiving, we sense the growing opposition…

Esther 1, Proverbs 15:1-17, Luke 19:11-27, Titus 2:1-10 Luke 19:11-27: Jesus tells this parable for those who suppose that the kingdom of God is to appear immediately. How we need this reminder often today. Too many times, well-meaning Christian people are confused by claims that the end times are about to come to an end, and Christ will…

Nehemiah 13, Proverbs 14:19-35, Luke 19:1-10, Titus 1:10-16 Luke 19:1-10: The famous story of Zacchaeus, a rich man, but also a “chief tax collector” (19:2). The story is not simply about a rich man who is saved and becomes generous. It is a story about a rich man who is a collaborator with the occupying Roman officials who…

Nehemiah 12, Proverbs 14:1-18, Luke 18:31-43, Titus 1:1-9  Luke 18:31-43: (18:31-34) Jesus again predicts his death and resurrection. This is the very center of what he came to do, the highpoint, and focus of all. He wants those around him to understand the significance of the event, that it is planned and deliberate, and that it is the…

Nehemiah 11, Proverbs 13:13-25, Luke 18:18-30, 2 Timothy 4:9-22   Luke 18:18-30: Someone of privilege, high status, probably wealth, and standing, approaches Jesus. The question is to the point, with little time to waste, and appropriately polite as if the “ruler” knew how to address people with deference and politeness. “Good Teacher,” he says, “what must I do…

Nehemiah 10, Proverbs 13:1-12, Luke 18:9-17, 2 Timothy 4:1-8    Luke 18:9-17: (18:9-14) Jesus tells a parable for those who trust in themselves and treat others with contempt. How common is this disease! Note the necessary result of trusting in yourself: treating others with contempt. If you are confident in your own righteousness, then it necessarily leads to…