The Curse and Communion: Galatians 3:10-14

1. The Problem with the Law
10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Galatians 3:10 (ESV)

26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ Deuteronomy 27:26 (ESV)

10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. James 2:10 (ESV)

2. The Principle of the Law
11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
Galatians 3:11-12 (ESV)

4   . . .  but the righteous shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV)

4 You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God. 5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD. Leviticus 18:4-5 (ESV)

3. The Penalty of the Law
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— Galatians 3:13 (ESV)

28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (ESV)

22 “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (ESV)

4. The Promise of the Gospel
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14 (ESV)

By Who's Authority: Luke 20:1-8

1. The context of the challenge to Jesus’ authority
One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up Luke 20:1 (ESV)

2. The content of the challenge to Jesus’ authority
2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” Luke 20:2 (ESV)

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28–29 (ESV)

3. The counter in the challenge to Jesus’ authority
He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” Luke 20:3-4 (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)

26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:26–27 (ESV)

4. The contemplation after the challenge to Jesus’ authority
And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’  But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” Luke 20:5-6 (ESV)

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)

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)

5. The corruption in the challenge to Jesus’ authority
So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke 20:7-8 (ESV)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (ESV)

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
1 Chronicles 29:11–12 (ESV)

Cleansing the Temple: Luke 19:45-58

1. Jesus’ Act of Cleansing the Temple
45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, Luke 19:45 (ESV)

Instead of praying for the people, the religious leaders were preying on the people.

14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. John 2:14 (ESV)

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

2. Jesus’ Argument for Cleansing the Temple
46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” Luke 19:46 (ESV)

7 these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7 (ESV)

41 “Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name’s sake 42  (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 43  hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name. 1 Kings 8:41-43 (ESV)

2 “Stand in the gate of the LORD’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ Jeremiah 7:2-4 (ESV)

9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—only to go on doing all these abominations? 11 Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 7:9-11 (ESV)

3. Jesus’ Appropriation after Cleansing the Temple
47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, 48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. Luke 19:47-48 (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)

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19 (ESV)

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (ESV)

The Triumphal Coronation: Luke 19:28-44

1. The King’s Preparation
28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” Luke 19:28-34 (ESV)

9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)

2. The King’s Adoration
35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:35-40 (ESV)

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)

25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. Psalm 118:25-26 (ESV)

8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Matthew 21:8 (ESV)

19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God . . . 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:19; 21 (ESV)

48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” John 11:48 (ESV)

3. The King’s Proclamation
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:41-44 (ESV)

Parable of the Ten Minas: Luke 19:11-27

11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
Luke 19:11-13 (ESV)

40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Luke 12:40 (ESV)

 1. The description of the faithful
15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ Luke 19:15-17 (ESV)

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; 2 Timothy 2:12 (ESV)

2. The description of the less faithful
18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Luke 19:18-19 (ESV)

3. The description of the unfaithful
20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Luke 19:20-26 (ESV)

18 Take care then how you hear, 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)

10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10–11 (ESV)

4. The description of the faithless
14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ . . . 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’” Luke 19:14; 27 (ESV)

14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. John 19:14–16 (ESV)

The Story of Zacchaeus: Seeking and Saving the Lost: Luke 19:1-10

1. The sinner who is lost
1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. Luke 19:1-4 (ESV)

2. The Savior who seeks the lost
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” Luke 19:5-7 (ESV)

3. The salvation of the lost
8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:8-10 (ESV)

3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Luke 17:3–4 (ESV)

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Hosea 14:1 (ESV)

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Exodus 22:1 (ESV)

20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. Acts 26:20 (ESV)

7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. Galatians 3:7 (ESV)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, Luke 4:18 (ESV)

11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness . . . 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice. Ezekiel 34:11–12; 16 (ESV)

Blindness and Sight: Luke 18:31-43

1. The blindness of the disciples
31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. Luke 18:31-34 (ESV)

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:1–2 (ESV)

18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)

 2. The blindness of the blind man
35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging Luke 18:35 (ESV).

3. The sight of the blind man
36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:36-38 (ESV)

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 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 4:3-4 (ESV)

4. The persistence of the blind man
39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:39 (ESV)

5. The faith of the blind man
40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” Luke 18:40-42 (ESV)

6. The praise of the sight man.
43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:43 (ESV)

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV)

Worth It? Luke 18:28-34

2 questions (outline Philip Rykin)
Is Jesus worth it?
Were we worth it?

Is Jesus worth it?

The Cost
28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” Luke 18:28 (ESV)

10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10–11 (ESV)

27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Matthew 19:27 (ESV)

The Reward
29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30 (ESV)

Were we worth it?

The prophetic fulfillment
31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. Luke 18:31 (ESV)

The predicted suffering
32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”
Luke 18:32-33 (ESV)

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)

The unrecognized truth
34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. Luke 18:34 (ESV)

Attaining Eternal Life: Luke 18:18-27

1. The question for attaining eternal life
18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 18:18 (ESV)

 2. The measure to attaining eternal life
19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Luke 18:19-23 (ESV)

12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Galatians 3:12 (ESV)

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! . . .  Psalm 34:8 (ESV)

7   . . . For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. Romans 7:7-9(ESV)

3. The impossibility of attaining eternal life
24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:24-25 (ESV)

 4. The possibility of attaining eternal life
26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27 (ESV)

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches . . . . 1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)

 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17 (ESV)

Taking the Lord's Supper in a Worthy Manner: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

1. The selfishness of their observance
17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 1 Corinthians 11:17–22 (ESV)

2. The symbolism of the ordinance
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (ESV)

3. The seriousness of their offence
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. 1 Corinthians 11:27–34 (ESV)

First, Christians should examine themselves, not to find reasons they are unworthy, but to find evidence of a repentant heart—evidence that grace is at work. (S.T. Um)

Second, partaking of the Lord’s Supper is to discern the Lord’s body in the process (11:29). It means we recognize that the elements symbolize the body and blood of Christ and salvation comes only from his death on the cross (Roger Ellsworth

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

Third, a person must “judge the body rightly” (1 Cor. 11:29) . . . the context suggests that Paul is referring to treating the corporate “body of Christ,” the church, in a respectful and dignified manner.

 Fourth, the observers must “wait for one another” (11:33). Each member of the church must look out for the interests of others.

 Fifth, in closing, Paul accompanies his strong warning with a comforting promise. Instead of becoming weak and sick or dying, they will experience the blessing of the cup as they fellowship with God and one another around this sacred Table (10:16). (Chuck Swindoll)

The Kingdom and Childlikeness: Luke 18:15-17

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

1. Blessings for the children
15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Luke 18:15 (ESV)

This word "rebuke" is the word epitimao {ep-ee-tee-mah'-o} which means "to threaten, to harshly admonish or rebuke

2. Being like the children
16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16 (ESV)

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14 (ESV)

The Greek word translated “indignant’ occurs only here in the New Testament and is a combination of two words: “much” and “to grieve.” He was much grieved (Kent Hughes)

Warren Wiersbe: Jesus wants us to be childlike not childish (Luke 7:32)

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. Receiving like the children
17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Luke 18:17 (ESV)

These little ones are the opposite of the skeptical theologians whom Christ battled.

21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Luke 5:21 (ESV)

2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” Luke 20:2 (ESV)

A Tale of Two Prayers: Luke 18:9-14

(outline by John Macarthur)

1. The comprehensive audience
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Luke 18:9 (ESV)

 2. The contrasting analogy
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Luke 18:10-13 (ESV)

15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1 (ESV)

3. The confounding answer
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other . . . Luke 18:14 (ESV)

 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16 (ESV)

 4. The central axiom
14  . . . For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 (ESV)

One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23 (ESV)

11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (ESV)

The Parable for Praying: Luke 18:1-8

(Outline by John Butler)
1. The Precept Before the Parable (Luke 18:1)
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 (ESV)

2. The Persons in the Parable (Luke 18:2,3)
2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ Luke 18:2-3 (ESV)

6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. 7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”
2 Chronicles 19:6–7 (ESV)

3. The Plea in the Parable (Luke 18:3)
3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ Luke 18:3 (ESV)

4. The Procrastination in the Parable (Luke 18:4)
4 For a while he refused. . .  her continual coming.’” Luke 18:4-5 (ESV)

5. The Performing in the Parable (Luke 18:4,5)
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” Luke 18:4-5 (ESV)

6. The Promises from the Parable (Luke 18:6–8)
6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:6-8 (ESV)

16   . . . . The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16 (ESV)

25 . . . .  Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25 (ESV)

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (ESV)

3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness . . .
2 Peter 3:8–9 (ESV)

The Future Kingdom (Part 2): Luke 17:31-37

1. The timing of the coming of the kingdom
2. The nature of the coming of the kingdom

3. The response to the coming of the kingdom
31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.” Luke 17:31–35 (ESV)

26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26 (ESV)

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV)

4. The judgment accompanying the coming of the kingdom
37 And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.” Luke 17:37 (ESV) (Mounce: could be vulture or eagle)

27 Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? 28 On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold. 29 From there he spies out the prey; his eyes behold it from far away. 30 His young ones suck up blood, and where the slain are, there is he.” Job 39:27-30 (ESV)

The Future Kingdom (Part 1): Luke 17:22-30

1. The timing of the coming of the kingdom
22 And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Luke 17:22–25 (ESV)

5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. Malachi 4:5 (ESV

10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, Philippians 1:10 (ESV)

18 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” 20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” Luke 13:18-21 (ESV) (hidden, grows, transforms)

7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:7 (ESV)

30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30 (ESV)

3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3 (ESV)

2. The nature of the coming of the kingdom
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all— 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. Luke 17:26–30 (ESV)

3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3–4 (ESV)

3. The response to the coming of the kingdom

4. The judgment accompanying the coming of the kingdom

The Present Kingdom: Luke 17:20-24

(Outline by Darrel Bock)

1. When the kingdom comes
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them . . . Luke 17:20 (ESV)

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3 (ESV)

13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
2 Samuel 7:13 (ESV)

43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” Luke 4:43 (ESV)

18 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” 20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” Luke 13:18-21 (ESV)

2. How the kingdom does not come
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ . . .  Luke 17:20-21 (ESV)

54 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? Luke 12:54-56 (ESV)

7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. Luke 6:7 (ESV)

Jesus here underlines two of the facts concerning his return: that it will be unmistakable, and that it will be sudden. (Michael Wilcock)

23 And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. Luke 17:23-24 (ESV)

3. Where the kingdom is
21   . . .  for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-21 (ESV)

43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” Luke 4:43 (ESV)

Participation and the Lord's Supper: 1 Cor. 10:14-22

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:14–22 (ESV)

4 principles about the illustration of the Lord’s Supper that help the Corinthians to flee from idolatry.

Participating in the eating of the bread and the drinking of the cup is a type of fellowship with Christ. (v. 16)

Participating in the eating of the bread and the drinking of the cup in the Lord’s supper generates a type of fellowship/partnership/communion with fellow believers.  

13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV)

The emphasis on Christ’s blood infers the gravity of our covenant relationship to Christ.
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:25 (ESV)

Fellowship with Christ and fellowship with the entities of the world do not mix.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Proverbs 4:14 (ESV)

We should be careful about individuals with whom we associate and how this could affect our mindset and our reputation as children of God.

 We should be very careful about groups and associations with which we fellowship as a church, asking, do they represent the same gospel as we do.

The Magnitude of Gratitude: Luke 17:11-19

1. The encounter with the lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Luke 17:11–13 (ESV)

45 “The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ 46 He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.
Leviticus 13:45-46 (ESV)

2. The explicit command
14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Luke 17:14 (ESV)

3. The expression of gratitude
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15–16 (ESV)

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, Psalm 103:2-3 (ESV)

8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Psalm 107:8 (ESV)

4. The enquiry of the Lord
17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17–18 (ESV)

21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 (ESV)

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

5. The exclamation of salvation
19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:19 (ESV)

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV)

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

The Parable of the Obedient Servant: Luke 17:7-10

1. The duty of the servant
7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Luke 17:7 (ESV)

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus . . .  Philippians 1:1 (ESV)

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV)

2. The deferring of the servant
7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Luke 17:7–8 (ESV)

35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. Luke 12:35–37 (ESV)

3. The due of the servant
9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? Luke 17:9 (ESV)

Martin Luther:
Even though we are in faith … the heart is always ready to boast of itself before God and say: “After all, I have preached so long and lived so well and done so much, surely he will take this into account.” … But when you come before God, leave all that boasting at home and remember to appeal from justice to grace.… I myself have been preaching [grace] for almost twenty years and still I feel the old clinging dirt of wanting to deal so with God that I may contribute something, so that he will have to give his grace in exchange for my holiness. Still I cannot get it into my head that I should surrender myself completely to sheer grace; yet this is what I should and must do.

4. The disposition of the servant
10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ” Luke 17:10 (ESV)

Unworthy/ unprofitable (NKJV): could mean useless or miserable (but the servant is useful) . . .  Akhreios literaly means without need. It is an idiom for the idea that nothing is owed to him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:2–3 (ESV)

The Faith Principle: Connecting Faith and Forgiveness: Luke 17-5-6

1. The enthusiasm about faith
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5 (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)

24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (ESV)

2. The encouragement for faith
6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Luke 17:6 (ESV)

22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Mark 11:22-23 (ESV)

3. The enlargement of faith
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Luke 17:5–6 (ESV)

5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5 (ESV)

20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 (ES

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (ESV)