October 26 - Luke 10-12
As you read these three chapters of the book of Luke, ask yourself if Jesus toned down His message to make it easier for people to believe in Him. Today, it seems that we hear many people who are saying that or at least they are saying that in an effort to be relevant we must not talk about certain things at first, because unbelievers might object. Is that how Jesus conducted His ministry? I don't think you will find that to be the case as you read this account of Jesus' ministry or any Gospel account of His ministry, for that matter.
In chapter 10 Jesus sends out the 70 disciples to preach in the cities to which He will go later. He explains to them about shaking off the dust when they are not accepted, and He speaks plainly about the severity of the Judgment for those who see these things and fail to repent. Then, when a man asks Jesus to define who is a neighbor, Jesus gives an example using their most hated neighbors, the Samaritans, as the good guy of the story. I think He could have been more gentle in both cases, but He wasn't, was He?
In chapter 11 Jesus is very plain spoken about what it takes to be His disciple. He makes it plain that no one is in the middle, because those not for Him are against Him. (11:23) Jesus warns about the effect of unclean spirits in a person's life, and the danger of seeking a sign before believing in Him. Then, He launches into a long section where He reproaches the Jewish leaders, and He does not pull any punches. Why did He not go easier on them?
In chapter 12 after completing the speech on hypocrisy, Jesus makes it plain that only those who confess Him before men will be saved. (12:8) Then, He chastises those who put their trust in earthly possessions, because our hearts are so important. (12:34) Finally, Jesus speaks about being ready to give an account in the time of Judgment. He points out that His ministry does not result in peace but division. Family members will disagree about Him and be divided. Why did Jesus emphasize that?
I believe that a person must know the severity of sin, and the results of sin, before that person will see the need to be saved. When we make things easier for them, we often leave out the things that show the severity of sin. Therefore, we hurt their chances to receive Christ, instead of helping them. It is not that we need to be angry with them or rude. I simply mean that we must speak the truth in love and allow God to work in their hearts. I believe that is what Jesus did all of His ministry, and our times are not so much different from His times.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 13-15.
In chapter 10 Jesus sends out the 70 disciples to preach in the cities to which He will go later. He explains to them about shaking off the dust when they are not accepted, and He speaks plainly about the severity of the Judgment for those who see these things and fail to repent. Then, when a man asks Jesus to define who is a neighbor, Jesus gives an example using their most hated neighbors, the Samaritans, as the good guy of the story. I think He could have been more gentle in both cases, but He wasn't, was He?
In chapter 11 Jesus is very plain spoken about what it takes to be His disciple. He makes it plain that no one is in the middle, because those not for Him are against Him. (11:23) Jesus warns about the effect of unclean spirits in a person's life, and the danger of seeking a sign before believing in Him. Then, He launches into a long section where He reproaches the Jewish leaders, and He does not pull any punches. Why did He not go easier on them?
In chapter 12 after completing the speech on hypocrisy, Jesus makes it plain that only those who confess Him before men will be saved. (12:8) Then, He chastises those who put their trust in earthly possessions, because our hearts are so important. (12:34) Finally, Jesus speaks about being ready to give an account in the time of Judgment. He points out that His ministry does not result in peace but division. Family members will disagree about Him and be divided. Why did Jesus emphasize that?
I believe that a person must know the severity of sin, and the results of sin, before that person will see the need to be saved. When we make things easier for them, we often leave out the things that show the severity of sin. Therefore, we hurt their chances to receive Christ, instead of helping them. It is not that we need to be angry with them or rude. I simply mean that we must speak the truth in love and allow God to work in their hearts. I believe that is what Jesus did all of His ministry, and our times are not so much different from His times.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 13-15.