Archive for August 2025

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 Luke 19:39-40, when the Pharisees object to the praise that Jesus is receiving, we sense the growing opposition and antipathy. But…

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” (Luke 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…

Nehemiah 12, Proverbs 14:1-18, Luke 18:31-43, Titus 1:1-9  Luke 18:31-43: (Luke 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…

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 to…

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 thinking…

Nehemiah 9, Proverbs 12:15-28, Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:10-17  Luke 18:1-8: There are motivations for prayer, but here in this parable Jesus pulls upon two less commonly considered motivations. The aim of Jesus teaching in these eight verses is, as Luke says, to teach us to “always pray and not give up.” Both those lessons need to be…

Nehemiah 8, Proverbs 12:1-14, Luke 17:20-37, 2 Timothy 3:1-9  Luke 17:20-37: The Pharisees ask the question that many people still ask: “When will the kingdom of God come?” Or, to put it another way, if everything you are saying is true, Jesus, when will we see this “kingdom of God” that you spend so much time talking about?…

Nehemiah 7, Proverbs 11:16-31, Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:14-26  Luke 17:11-19: Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. As he enters a village, he is met by ten lepers. Leprosy, a skin disease, led not only to physical pain, sickness, and mortality—it also meant the sufferers were social outcasts. They are in a desperate situation. So they cry…

Nehemiah 6, Proverbs 11:1-15, Luke 17:1-10, 2 Timothy 2:1-13  Luke 17:1-10: (Luke 17:1-4) Jesus’ series of very practical instruction begins with a warning that while temptations to sin are bound to come, it would be by all means better if such temptations did not come through you. When we cause someone else to stumble or sin, we are…