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
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
Let’s pause for a moment and take stock of just how radical things are about to get. Jesus is beginning to articulate the overthrow of systems - both outer systems of oppression, and inner systems of spiritual complacency and false allegiance. From the beginning of Luke’s Gospel, we’ve heard about the mighty being brought down … Continue reading Luke 5:17-39 New Wine Skins
What needs to happen in our lives before we can hear and respond to a sense of call? As Luke introduces characters, he often hints at their backstories. Zechariah and Elizabeth are given a fairly elaborate backstory, and their lives provide the backstory to John the Baptist. The Annunciation and the Visitation give backstory to … Continue reading Luke 5:1-16 – The Call of the Deep
There are many ways of thinking about demons, and they all have seeds of wisdom in them. Skepticism is our default reaction when we hear about demons, and often we lace our skepticism with a trace of contempt for the past. But skepticism itself has some spiritual value. We don’t want to make too much … Continue reading Luke 4:14-44 Casting Out Demons
KPB Stevens 