The Parable of the Sower is the first parable in Luke’s Gospel, and includes a handy teaching on the very nature of parables and what we can expect from them in v. 10. Richard Rohr compares parables to Zen koans. They’re meant to split apart our normal ways of thinking about things and help us … Continue reading Luke 8:1-25 Being the Good Soil
Author: KPB Stevens
Luke 7:36-50 Forgiveness and Gratitude
Jesus doesn’t condemn people for their sins because everyone has flaws. Only God is perfect, and while we strive to imitate God (and sometimes even succeed) we remain flawed, temporal beings. The secret to peace and joy is not getting too upset about it, not punishing ourselves or others for not being perfect, while, obviously, … Continue reading Luke 7:36-50 Forgiveness and Gratitude
Luke 7:1-35 Faith and Repentance
The centurion is a man of faith. He is able to trust, and trust blindly. He hasn’t even met Jesus, but he trusts that this new figure, this new healer and preacher, can help his beloved servant. And he trusts in his own actions, that they will get results, even though he describes himself as … Continue reading Luke 7:1-35 Faith and Repentance
Luke 6:27-49 Give to Everyone Who Begs From You
Jesus is still talking directly to the disciples, although he’s also surrounded by a crowd of people who have come for miracles and healings. But his words are about discipleship, about what it means to truly follow him, and more, what it means to imitate him in the hopes of being able to heal and … Continue reading Luke 6:27-49 Give to Everyone Who Begs From You
Luke 6:1-26 Blessings and Woes
Jesus upends the lives and thoughts of the Pharisees, and they respond with anger. He sees that they’re angry, but instead of trying to assuage their anger, he ignores it and continues in his world-altering actions and teaching. He chooses disciples, and although he’s surrounded by a crowd of people, he begins his Sermon on … Continue reading Luke 6:1-26 Blessings and Woes
KPB Stevens 