Tag Archives: the book of Luke

March 25
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“‘For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'” (Luke 22: 27, NIV)
 
To be a disciple of Jesus is to identify oneself as a servant.
 
It is difficult identity oneself as the servant when every component of our being hungers for recognition and adulation; and Jesus acknowledges as much in today’s scripture when He says that the “one who is at the table” is greater than “the one who serves”.
 
Yet, to be as Jesus is be a servant. Do not eschew servitude and humility. It is in these states we shall find the company of our Lord.  – Luther
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March 19
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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. 

On the other hand, 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, as a result of his unbelief — 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

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March 14
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“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27, NIV)

A disciple is a follower. A disciple aspires to be exactly like his or her teacher.  As Jesus is Truth, we must be scrupulously truthful — and everything else He is, including a cross-bearer. Anything less is not true discipleship.  Anything else is not obedience.

A disciple is holy.  The disciple’s holiness is measured in the points of similarity to his or her teacher; and in the degree of difference from the “common way” in his or her way of thinking (e. g. love for enemies, blessings for curses, concern for the poor, readiness to reconcile, etc. . .). 

Today’s scripture takes us to the bedrock of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus: Holiness, obedience, and cross-bearing.  – Luther

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