Martha Martha: Luke 10:38-42

Martha Martha
Luke 10:38-42

1. The hospitality of Martha
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. Luke 10:38 (ESV)

9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:9-10 (ESV)

2. The devotion of Mary
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. Luke 10:39 (ESV)

3. The distraction of Martha
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Luke 10:40 (ESV)

4. The priority of Jesus
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)

3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV)

33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”  . . . 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:33-35 (ESV)

4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

13 . . .  one thing I do: .  . .  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

Charles Wesley:
Oh, that I could forever sit
With Mary at the Master's feet!
Be this my happy choice.
My only care, delight, and bliss,
My joy, my heaven on earth, be this,
To hear the Bridegroom's voice.

16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (ESV)

27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:27 (ESV)

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table . . . 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. John 12:1-7 (ESV)

The Good Samaritan: The Neighbor Parable: Luke 10:25-37

The Good Samaritan: The Neighbor Parable
Luke 10:25-37

1. The initial dialogue that precedes the good Samaritan parable
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29 (ESV)

20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 (ESV)

31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 (ESV)

2. The good Samaritan parable
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luke 10:30-35 (ESV)

3. The final question that explains the good Samaritan parable
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (ESV)

31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 (ESV)

Joy in Serving Jesus: Luke 10:17-24

Joy in Serving Jesus
Luke 10:17-24

1. The great joy of service
17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:17-19 (ESV)

9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:9-11 (ESV)

2. The greater joy of salvation
20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 (ESV)

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24 (ESV)

3. The greatest joy of sovereignty
21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Luke 10:21-24 (ESV)

13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)

The Seventy: Luke 10:1-16

The Seventy
Luke 10:1-16

1. The Sending of the Seventy
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Luke 10:1-4 (ESV)

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8 (ESV)

2. The Ministry from the Seventy
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ Luke 10:5-11 (ESV)

3. The Judgment after the Seventy
12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. 16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:12-16 (ESV)

Two People, One Need: Luke 8:40-56

Two People, One Need
Luke 8:40-56

1. The impartiality of Jesus’ power
40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. Luke 8:40-43 (ESV)

2. The healing touch of Jesus’ power
44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 8:44-48 (ESV)

3. The incomprehensible faith in Jesus’ power
49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:49-56 (ESV)

Legion!: Luke 8:26-37

Legion!
Luke 8:26-37

1. The destructive power of demons
26  Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27  When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28  When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” . . . (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Luke 8:26-29 (ESV)

8  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

2. The delivering power of Jesus
29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man . . . 30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. Luke 8:29-35 (ESV)

1  The fifth angel blew, and I saw a Star which had dropped from heaven to earth; he was given the key of the pit of the abyss, 2  and he opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke poured out of the pit, like the smoke of a huge furnace, till the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit . . . 11  they had a king over them, the angel of the abyss—his Hebrew name is Abaddon, but in Greek he is called Apollyon, Revelation 9:1-2, 11 (MOFF)

38  The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39  “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:38-39 (ESV)

3. The deceptive power of sin
36  And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37  Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. Luke 8:36-37 (ESV)

4  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

Jesus Calms the Storm(s): Luke 8:22-25

Jesus Calms the Storm(s)
Luke 8:22-25

1. The Ride with the Savior
22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. Luke 8:22-23 (ESV)

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)

2. The Rousing of the Savior
24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:24 (ESV)

38 . . . And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”Mark 4:38 (ESV)

3. The Rebuke of the Savior
25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Luke 8:25 (ESV)

24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. 25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; 27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:24-30 (ESV)

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)

Heeding the Word: Luke 8:16-21

Heeding the Word
Luke 8:16-21

11 “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. 13 Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! Psalm 81:11-13 (ESV)

1. The illumination for one who heeds God’s Word
16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Luke 8:16 (ESV)

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

2. The exposure of one who heeds God’s Word
17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17 (ESV)

26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26 (ESV)

36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, Matthew 12:36 (ESV)

God “will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. . .” 1 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV)

3. The responsibility for one who heeds God’s Word
18 Take care then how you hear . . . Luke 8:18 (ESV)

4. The growth of one who heeds God’s Word
18  . . .  for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. Luke 8:18 (ESV)

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9 (ESV)

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:5-7 (ESV)

5. The allegiance of one who heeds God’s Word
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 (ESV)

A Parable of the Soils: A Parable about Parables: Luke 8:5-15

A Parable of the Soils:
A Parable about Parables
Luke 8:5-15

1. The Parable about Parables
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 8:4-8 (ESV)

2. The Purpose of Parables
8 … As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 9  And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10  he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’” Luke 8:8-10 (ESV)

9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ 10 Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Isaiah 6:9-10 (ESV)

12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Matthew 13:12-13 (ESV)

3. The Principles in the Parable (Four kinds of hearts)
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:11-15 (ESV)

4 kinds of hearts:
1.      Hard hearts = hard soil
2.      Shallow hearts = rock soil
3.      Infested hearts = thorn soil
4.      Good hearts = good soil

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

An Evaluation of Jesus' Ministry: Luke 8:1-3

An Evaluation of Jesus’ Ministry
Luke 8:1-3

1. A geographical evaluation of Jesus’ ministry
1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages . . . Luke 8:1 (ESV)

2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. John 7:2-5 (ESV)

2. A theological evaluation of Jesus’ ministry
1 . . . proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God . . ., Luke 8:1 (ESV)

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15 (ESV)

3. A discipleship evaluation of Jesus’ ministry
1 . . .  And the twelve were with him, Luke 8:1 (ESV)

2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

4. A social evaluation of Jesus’ ministry
2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others . . . Luke 8:2-3 (ESV)

5. A material evaluation of Jesus’ ministry
3   . . .  who provided for them out of their means. Luke 8:3 (ESV)

14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14 (ESV)

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:6 (ESV)

A Tale of Two Sinners: Luke 7:36-50

A Tale of Two Sinners
Luke 7:36-50

1. The setting: A Pharisee’s reception
36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. Luke 7:36 (ESV)

2. The plot: A sinful woman’s affection
37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:37-38 (ESV)

3. The twist: Jesus’ parabolic question
39  Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40  And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41  “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42  When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Luke 7:39-42 (ESV)

4. The answer: The Pharisee’s hesitant recognition
43  Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” . . .  Luke 7:43 (ESV)

5. The moral: Love’s forgiven disposition
43   . . .  And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44  Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45  You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47  Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:43-47 (ESV)

19  We love because he first loved us. 20  If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21  And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21 (ESV)

6. The message: the woman’s declared salvation
48  And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49  Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50  And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:48-50 (ESV)

A Childish Parable: Luke 7:31-35

A Childish Parable
Luke 7:31-35

1. An introductory question
31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? Luke 7:31 (ESV)

29    . . . This generation is an evil generation . . . Luke 11:29 (ESV)

50  so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, Luke 11:50 (ESV)

2. An illuminating illustration
32  They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ Luke 7:32 (ESV)

3. An indicting application
33  For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34  The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:33-34 (ESV)

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. Proverbs 29:1 (ESV)

8  do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, Psalm 95:8 (ESV)

14  Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)

2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)

4. An inspiring conclusion
35  Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:35 (ESV)

15  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)

None Greater...John: Luke 7:24-30

None Greater . . . John
Luke 7:24-30

Outline by John Macarthur

1. John’s Personal Character
24  When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25  What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. Luke 7:24-25 (ESV)

2. John’s Privileged Calling
26  What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27  This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28  I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:26-28 (ESV)

1  “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1 (ESV)

3  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (ESV)

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:16-17 (ESV)

25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25-27 (ESV)

3. John’s Powerful Contribution
29  (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30  but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.) Luke 7:29-30 (ESV)

3  And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3 (ESV)

7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:7-8 (ESV)

Doubting John?: Luke 7:18

Doubting John?
Luke 7:18

1. The question from John’s doubt
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” Luke 7:18-20 (ESV)

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (ESV)

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 (ESV)

2. The answer to John’s doubt
21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. Luke 7:21-22 (ESV)

3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; Isaiah 35:3-6 (ESV)

3. The warning in John’s doubt
23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me. Luke 7:23 (ESV)

14  And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15  And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” Isaiah 8:14-15 (ESV)

The Dead Speak: Luke 7:11-17

The Dead Speak
Luke 7:11-17

1. A Dead Man
11  Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12  As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out . . . Luke 7:11-12 (ESV)

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— Romans 5:12 (ESV)

2. A Devastated Mourner
12   . . . a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. Luke 7:11-12 (ESV)

3. A Discerning Master
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13 (ESV)

5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4  who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)

22  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

4. A Divine Miracle
14  Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15  And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Luke 7:14-15 (ESV)

The term for bier refers to an open coffin or a plank upon which the shrouded corpse would lie.

Jesus commanded the corpse to arise and ironically the dead man sat up, which emphasizes the lack of effort in Jesus’ resuscitations as compared to that of the prophets.

5. A Devotional Moment
16  Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” Luke 7:16 (ESV)

“Fear” expresses the emotional reaction of awe and respect from the onlookers toward God’s work.

The language of God visiting His people echoed the promises that were made by Zechariah before Christ was born (see Luke 1:68, 78).

Zechariah:
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people Luke 1:68 (ESV)

6. A Distributed Message
17  And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:17 (ESV)

28  Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29  and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29 (ESV)

Amazing Faith: Luke 7:1-10

Amazing Faith
Luke 7:1-10

1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. Luke 7:1-2 (ESV)

1. Kindness overcame hatred
3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” Luke 7:3-5 (ESV)

8  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

2. Humility overcame pride
6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 
7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. . . Luke 7:6-7 (ESV)

6  We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6 (ESV)

3. Faith overcame doubt
7  . . . But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:7-9 (ESV)

All they had to do was say the word and things happened.

4. Grace overcame need
10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. Luke 7:10 (ESV)

Building and Behavior: Luke 6:46-49

Building and Behavior
Luke 6:46-49

1. A problem with fickle behavior
46 Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46 (ESV)

Submission to Jesus’ Lordship is evidenced by genuine obedience.

9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, Hebrews 5:9 (ESV)

18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, Romans 15:18 (ESV)

26 . . . through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—Romans 16:26 (ESV)

2 . . . for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood . . . 1 Peter 1:2 (ESV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 (ESV)

2. A promise for faithful behavior
47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:47-48 (ESV)

2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2(ESV)

4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)

Faithful disciples are those who keep coming, hearing, and doing Jesus' words.

3. A prediction for faithless behavior
49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:49 (ESV)

The appearance of what one has built with “faithless behavior” may appear identical to that which was built by the one with “faithful behavior,” but in essence the foundations are different.

11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)

Ordained for Service: Exodus 29:1-21

Ordained for Service
Exodus 29:1-21

Getting things ready:
1 “Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, 2 and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. 3 You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. Exodus 29:1-3 (ESV)

1. Washed for service:
4 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 5  Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. Exodus 29:4-5 (ESV); Titus 3:5

2. Robed for service:
6 And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. Exodus 29:6 (ESV); Galatians 3:27

3. Anointed for service:
7  You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. Exodus 29:7 (ESV); 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

4. Atoned for service:

The sin offering was a substitute that atoned for the guilt of sin:
10  “Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull. 11  Then you shall kill the bull before the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting, 12  and shall take part of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar. 13  And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. 14  But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering. Exodus 29:10-14 (ESV)

The burnt offering signified dedication to the Lord:
15 “Then you shall take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, 16 and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar. 17 Then you shall cut the ram into pieces, and wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and its head, 18 and burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. Exodus 29:15-18 (ESV)

The last offering, the ram of ordination, sanctified the priests for their sacred duty:
19  “You shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, 20  and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. 21  Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons’ garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him. Exodus 29:19-21 (ESV); Hebrews 9:12

Heart Fruit: Luke 6:43-45

Heart Fruit
Luke 6:43-45

1. The metaphor of heart fruit
43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, Luke 6:43 (ESV)

The fruit tree produces a proof positive indicator of health, its fruit.

2. The recognition of heart fruit
44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. Luke 6:44 (ESV)

The fruit tree produces fruit in accordance with its nature.

3. The source of heart fruit
45  The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil . . . Luke 6:45 (ESV)

The source of change must come from the heart, and only God can change a heart.

26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)

4. The application of heart fruit
45   . . . for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (ESV)

What people speak about most clearly reveals their heart.

2  and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

Wrong Vision: Luke 6:39-42

Wrong Vision
Luke 6:39-42

1. The vision of false teachers is blind
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39 (ESV)

21 “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not. Jeremiah 5:21 (ESV)

16  “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17  You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? Matthew 23:16-17 (ESV)

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

2. The vision of false teachers is reproduced
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40 (ESV)

3. The vision of false teachers can be hypocritical
41  Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. Luke 6:41-42 (ESV)

19  and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20  an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— Romans 2:19-20 (ESV)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

2  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)