Tag Archives: the book of Luke

April 13
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“[Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” (Luke 19:3-4, NIV)

Our circumstances will often conspire to keep us from seeing Jesus — which includes doing the thing we know in our heart that we ought to do.

Zacchaeus was short in stature. The crowd was large — and most of the persons in the crowd were taller than Zacchaeus.  But Zacchaeus didn’t curse the crowd.  He didn’t blame God.  He didn’t shrug his shoulders and surrender his desire to see Jesus.

Although short in stature, Zacchaeus’ mind was as good as anyone’s.  His will was as strong as anyone’s.  So, he didn’t focus on what he lacked; instead, he used what he had. The scripture says that Zacchaeus “ran ahead. . .”

Today, your circumstances may conspire to keep you from following Jesus; but don’t give-in.  Do not focus on what you lack; seize and employ the things you have, as Zacchaeus did — and you will not only see Jesus, but Jesus will see you!  – Luther

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April 7
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Resurrection Day +2

“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast.” (Luke 24:17, NIV)

The evidence of the Resurrection was not accepted by Jesus’ closest disciples. In light of the empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, the testimony of the women, the ancient prophecies come true, and even Jesus’ own words about His death and resurrection, one might think the disposition of the two disciples en route to Emmaus in today’s scripture would have been anything but “downcast,” but they were very distressed.

I am the first to admit that had I been there, I also would not have believed.  All of the disciples — except, to their eternal credit, the women — refused to accept the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.  What they were seeing was unprecedented, and denial of the evidence is always the surest way to avoid facing the hard questions that inevitably follow revelation or Revelation.

Today, we still have the empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, the testimony of the women, the ancient prophecies come true, Jesus’ own words about His death and resurrection, and — unlike the two disciples on Resurrection Day — more than 2,000 additional years of testimony that all of it is still true!

Does your countenance reflect this compelling evidence?

He is risen!  The Lord is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!  – Luther

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April 6
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Easter Monday

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:50-53, NIV)

For the disciples of Jesus, Jerusalem had been the site of many tragic events over the previous days. In fact, with the death of Jesus, it seemed that all of their dreams had been dashed; and that all of their plans had been trashed.

In the light of the Resurrection, however, they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” We can only imagine what the outsiders must have thought about the disciples of Jesus as they saw them in the temple; joyful and praising and blessing God. Perhaps they thought: “Aren’t these the disciples of the man who was crucified on Friday? Why is it that they are now so bright and optimistic?”

The answer, then as now, is this: He lives!

The Resurrection of our Lord trumps every sorrow and redeems every failure. The Resurrection enables us to return to the scene of our greatest humiliation with great joy and confidence. To live in the light of the Resurrection is to truly live!  – Luther

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