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“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.'” (Luke 22:24-26, NIV)

We now see the glory of the Resurrection, but before we arrive at Easter we must leave Palm Sunday and endure Good Friday. Our attitude through all of it, according to Jesus, is to be as He was: The least of all. The last of all. The servant of all.

The disciples were acting out of their corrupted nature (which, as people, we all share). This nature aspires to be the greatest of all. This nature desires to be the first of all. This nature expects to be served by all.

Because of what Jesus has done for all of us through His death on the cross, and through His resurrection from the dead; His summons to servitude is validated for all time and for all people. Our corrupted, natural ambitions assure nothing but strife, but our obedience to Jesus assures us life in all of its fullness. – Luther

Tagged Holy Week, humility, servitude, the book of Luke

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“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” (Luke 22:41-43, NIV)

God always answers the prayers of His children.

Sometimes, it is within the plan of God to deliver His child from peril or difficulty. To be sure, it is a gift beyond words to be delivered from illness, injury, and death. More times than we realize, God’s hand has delivered us from difficulties, danger, disease, and from death.

Yet, sometimes it is within the plan of God to deliver His child through the peril or the difficulty looming before us. Even here — perhaps, particularly here — we are not alone in our suffering. As God did for His only begotten Son in the crisis reflected in today’s scripture, God will also do for you when you allow Him to work through you for His purposes. He will give you evidence of His presence; and He will strengthen you with His strength!

Fear not! Whether “from” or “through,” God’s presence and God’s provision are always — always — ours when we confess: “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luther

Tagged deliverance, prayer, the book of Luke

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“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.'” (Luke 1:18, NIV)

“’How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’” (Luke 1:34, NIV)

It is okay for us to wonder how God will deliver us, or how God will provide for us, or how God will work-out an unworkable situation. Such thinking challenges our creativity, and reminds us of God’s greatness. God always arrives; and God is always on time, but He often appears from a direction or in a situation we had not considered.

It is not okay to wonder whether God has the power to deliver us, or the resources to provide for us, or the know-how to ensure success, because this kind of thinking insults our heavenly Father.

Today’s two scriptures are contrasts in these two ways of thinking about apparent impossibilities. In the former, Zechariah (the seasoned religious professional) questioned the promise, and was sidelined by God. In the latter, Mary (the simple, young, religious novice) questioned only the process while affirming her allegiance to the plan and the purposes of God.

To this day, Mary’s faith is heralded, while Zechariah’s insistence on “knowing before going” is a cautionary tale.

The next time God presents you with an opportunity to join Him in a task, will you respond as Mary — or as Zechariah? – Luther

Tagged faith, Mary, the book of Luke, the process, the promise, Zechariah