In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” 
(Luke 10:30-37; NIV. Please read Luke 10-11.)

I think I know why the robbers stripped and beat him, leaving him half-dead. They wanted to take something … and they did not care what happened to him.

I think I know why the Samaritan bound up his wounds and took him to the inn, taking pity on him. He wanted to give something … and he did care what happened to him.

But I have no idea why the priest and Levite passed by on the other side. Unless … unless they just did not care.

I am glad the Samaritan did what he did … glad that Jesus told us the story … glad that He reminded us to “go and do likewise”.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: I do not know why this man was on the way to Jericho. Do not know what kind of man he was, or if he was the kind of man that took unnecessary risks or deserved divine retribution. I do not know the what or the why the priest and the Levite would show such callousness. But I do know that a despised Samaritan knew the meaning of “love your neighbor”. I want to be love like that …

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village.

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 

59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 

61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.”

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” 
(Luke 9:51-62; NIV. Please read Luke 9 … at least a couple of times.)

He knows what is coming …

He knows that they will strip Him - whip Him … mock, shock, and shame Him … rail at Him and nail Him to that stake. He knows it … but He does not turn from it.

He “sets His face” (ASV) toward Jerusalem … toward the cross and all the suffering and shame therin. He did not let His lack of personal comforts distract Him … He did not let His friends distract Him … He did not let His family distract Him … He did not look back.

May such be my resolve - when I pick up my cross to follow Him.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: What keeps us from following Jesus … all the way? Is it some personal issue? Our friends? Family? Or are we too distracted by looking at other paths - other options? Trying to find ways to “pick up our cross” without any pain or shame? If we are so distracted … so fearful of a disciple’s communion with the suffering of Jesus … we are not “fit for service in the Kingdom”.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is-that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41 “two men owed money to a certain moneylender. one owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.   46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 
(Luke 7:39-48; NIV. Please read Luke 7-8.)

The Pharisee: Looked at Jesus and questioned His spirituality. Looked at the sinful woman and considered her unworthy of any attention from Jesus or himself. Looked at himself and counted himself superior.

The Sinner: Looked at herself as broken and unworthy of love and forgiveness. Looked at Jesus as her only hope - the lover of her soul. Ignored the Pharisee.

The Savior: Looked at the Pharisee as just another sinner needed His love and forgiveness. Looked at the sinful woman and offered acceptance, love, and forgiveness. Looked at Himself as the teacher of the Pharisee and the Savior of the sinner.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: If I sit where the sinful woman sat - behind Jesus, weeping in shame … I receive forgiveness - and I go in peace. If I sit where Jesus sat - with the Pharisee and in reach of the sinful woman … I accept all sinners and offer grace to the broken and contrite. God forbid that I ever sit in that other chair.

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”  11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5:1-11; NIV. Please read Luke 5-6.)

The first step of discipleship is willingness.

Are you willing to do whatever the Master commands … even when you are tired, frustrated, and ready to quit? (They were washing their nets, because they were through for the day/night.)

Are you willing do whatever the Master commands … even when you have already tried and failed? (They had fished all night - caught nothing.)

Are you willing to do whatever the Master commands … when you already “know” that it is not going to work … not going to do any good?

Are you willing to do whatever the Master commands … when the nets start breaking and the boats start sinking?

Are you willing to do whatever the Master commands … when your heart confesses that you are unworthy of His presence?

Are you willing to do whatever the Master commands … when your boat is loaded?

Are you willing to do whatever the Master commands … when He calls you to follow Him wherever He goes?

Are you willing? Then you have taken your first steps in following Jesus.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: At the heart of every true disciple - these five words - “but because you say so”. They are the answer to every test of discipleship. May God write these words on my heart … I want to be a disciple of Jesus.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
  19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”   

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 
(Luke 4:16-21; NIV. Please read Luke 4 … at least a couple of times.)

He went back home … and at His “home church” He revealed the purpose and glory of His life.

And that is how He lived … preaching “good news to the poor”. Let us tell everyone in debt to the wages of sin … that in Jesus there is ”good news”. (He paid the ransom.)

And that is how He lived … proclaiming “release for the prisoners”. Let us tell everyone captive to the bondage of sin or the fear of death … that in Jesus there is freedom. (He has the keys to death and hades.)

And that is how He lived … proclaiming “recovery of sight to the blind”. Let us tell everyone lost in the darkness of their own reasoning or unrighteousness … that in Jesus there is light. (He is the light of the world.)

And that is how He lived … proclaiming “release the oppressed”. Let us tell everyone broken and bruised by their own sin or the sin of others … that in Jesus there is relief. (He is the God of all comfort.)

And that is how He lived … proclaiming “the year of the Lord’s favor”. Let us tell everyone dreading their death or His return … that in Jesus there is hope. (Today is the day and now is the time.)

ON SECOND THOUGHT: If a church claims to be “of Christ” … should it not seek to be “like Christ”? If so … let us look for the poor - the captives - the blind - and the oppressed … and introduce them to Jesus.

Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”  50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
(Luke 2:41-52; NIV. Please read Luke 2-3 … at least a couple of times.)

I do not know why He missed His ride home - but He did. In fact - His mom and dad got a day’s journey away before they missed Him. A hurried trip back … frantic searching here and there - fear - dread - despair. But they found Him … in the temple - no fear - no dread - no despair.

And Mary let Him “have it”!!! She scolded Him - like He was a 12 year old boy, who had just scared His mother to the point of despair - in front of all of the “men of the church” (who just so happened to be impressed with Him).

I love Jesus. Even at 12 years old, He showed the wisdom of God and favor with men … when He explained that He thought she would know where to find Him. After all … she had taught Him all of His life that the temple was the house of God … so where else would a son of God go?

In spite of the obvious over-reaction … in spite of the potential embarrassment and hurt feelings … Jesus went home with them … and was obedient.

I want to learn that lesson … want to be like Jesus.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: Read verse 52, again. Such is my prayer for my children’s children … Brooke (14) … William (11) … Titus (8) … Lily (6) … that they grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” … to become just like Jesus.

p.s. By the way … the reason we do not see Jesus again in Luke from 12 years old to 30 years old (when He was baptized) … HE WAS GROUNDED!

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
(Luke 1:26-38; NIV. Please read Luke 1 … at least a couple of times.)

This moment in time … changed the world … and ultimately significantly contributed to saving the world. What if she had yeilded to her passions - not been a virgin? What if she had ignored the laws of God and her people - not remained apart from Joseph? What if she had rejected this costly mission from the Lord? What if she had chosen the “normal” life of all the girls and guys her age? What if she had denied the will of God - refused to pick up her cross?

But, of course, she did not refuse … she stood before Almighty God and pledged herself - as her son will one day do in the garden - “not my will, but your will be done”.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: I stand before the Lord - today - having to make a similiar decision. Will I surrender to the will of God … will I sacrifice my comforts … will I accept my eternal mission? Will I … can I … with the same heart of devotion say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”?

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul-an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus- 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
(Philemon 8-11; NIV. Please read Philemon … at least a couple of times.)

A runaway (useless) slave becomes a son to his Creator … a brother to his master … and a heart-mate to his teacher. The useless one … becomes useful. (They tell me that this is a play on words with the slave’s name.)

Such is the mercy of the Lord …

Such is the power of the gospel …

Such is the fellowship of the brothers …

ON SECOND THOUGHT: Do you have such a friend(s) - such a “my very heart” brother or sister? Who are they? And what about them makes them “useful” to you?

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished …
(Titus 1:5; NIV. Please read Titus 1-3 … at least a couple of times.)

A young preacher is sent to a difficult place to “straighten out” the Church, i.e., “set in order the things that are lacking”  (NKJV); “complete our work” (NLT); “amend what was defective” (RSV); “do whatever was needed” (LBP); “finish what you started” (TTV - Tim Trotter version from the OPEN).

For the Church (wherever you are) to be the Church that the Lord wants it to be … that the community needs it to be … we must “straighten out” some things. Every Church - no matter where - has some things that need to be “set in order” … or completed.

In order for the Church to be complete - we will need:

1. A God-fearing … Word-holding … Christ-living … leadership.

2. A faith-living … example-setting … gospel-adorning … membership.

3. A grace-receiving … hard-working … fruit-bearing … fellowship.

We have some work to do … don’t we?

ON SECOND THOUGHT:  Years ago … when I was a preacher (a very young preacher), I read this letter - looking for some direction for my ministry. Titus 2:10 (NIV), says, “… so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” I was reading a different translation (not one of the usual), when I came to this verse … but it was translated: “… so that in every way they will show forth the beauty of God’s Word”.  I like the way that said it. I believe that the teachings about Jesus are attractive - and there is nothing I can do to “make” them that way … but I can - by my actions and attitudes - “show forth” just how beautiful they are. This may be the secret to church growth - the secret to fixing the Church - just letting people see how beautiful Jesus is!

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2Timothy 3:14-17; NIV. Please read 2Timothy 3-4 … at least a couple of times.)

Five Good Reasons to Read the Bible:

1. It can save you: “… make you wise for salvation …”

Do you want to know about salvation? The wages of sin and the free gift of eternal life? Redemption by blood or justification by faith? Or do you just want the answer to the question that all sinners ultimately ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Read your Bible. The Word can “make you wise for salvation”. Let Jesus answer your questions. (Let me suggest - that if you already believe in Jesus … that you start in the book of Acts.)

2. It can teach you: “… useful for teaching …”

What do you want to learn? Do you want to learn about salvation or damnation? Heaven or hell? Right or wrong? The creation or the final judgment day? The Ten Commandments or the parables? How to love your mate or how to raise your children? The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus? The Church or the Christian life? Read your Bible. The Word is “useful for teaching“. (Let me suggest that you read the letter to the Ephesians.) 

 3. It can rebuke you: “… useful for … rebuking …”

A rebuke is meant to stop you. And there are some things in my life that need to be stopped! There are times that God speaks in commands … sometimes in promises … but there are also times that He speaks in “rebuke”. He intends to put a STOP to certain actions and attitudes. No discussion - STOP. Do you want to know what kinds of things the Lord might want you to stop? Read the Bible. The Word is “useful for rebuking“. (Let me suggest that you read the wisdom of God in Proverbs.) 

4. It can correct you: “… useful for … correcting …”

There are things that you need to START - other things that you need to STOP. But once in a while you just need a little correction. You know that you are not to kill - but maybe you have an issue with anger. You know that you are not to commit adultery - but maybe you have an issue with lust in the heart. You know that you are not to lie - but maybe you have an issue with not letting your “yea be yea” or your “nay be nay”. Read the Bible. The Word is “useful for correcting”. (Let me suggest Matthew 5-6-7.) 

5. It can train you: “… useful for … training …”

You know what to do - you have read the commands - but you do not know how to do it. You have learned what to do - but still do not know how. Like learning to whistle … to ride a bike … to bake a cake … to throw a curve-ball … to catch a fish … to diaper a baby … to drive a car … to build a house … all of these and more … you cannot learn unless someone shows you what to do. They cannot just teach you … they must show you. Want to learn how to love your neighbor … to teach the gospel … to raise your children … to restore your brother … to praise the Lord … to give with a cheerful heart … to visit the widows and orphans … to pray in the Spirit … to sing with the spirit and understanding … to be like Jesus? Read the Bible. The Word is “useful for training”. (Let me sugget the gospel of Luke - do what you see Jesus do - at least the things that you can do.)   

ON SECOND THOUGHT: When I was a boy, I began trying to read my Bible everyday. My mother was my biggest ally. Even when I became a teenager - started dating - I would come home late - never after curfew - and as I got ready to get in bed, I would find my Bible open … on my pillow … with my lamp turned on. She knew that I wanted to read my Bible … so she helped me. And I have been reading my Bible everyday (for the most part) all of my life. Thank you, Mother.