Sermons and Biblical Studies

LUKE 21:1–4 “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:4). As Jesus was speaking about the oppression of widows by the teachers of the Law, He looked up at the great bronze “trumpets” in the temple courtyard, … Continue reading “THE WIDOW’S SACRIFICE”

LUKE 20:41–47 “They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely” (Luke 20:47). After defeating the Sadducees in the temple, Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the teachers of the Law, because they loved outward show but were guilty of grossly unethical behavior. Jesus was … Continue reading “THE PLIGHT OF THE WIDOW”

LUKE 20:27–40 “But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage” (Luke 20:35). The Sadducees had a long-standing feud with the Pharisees over a number of different issues, among them the resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe … Continue reading “LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION”

LUKE 20:20–26 He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25b). After Jesus’ prediction that the priests and teachers of the Law would kill Him causing God’s wrath to be poured out on them, the officials were so infuriated that they wanted Him arrested immediately. … Continue reading “RENDERING TO CAESAR”

LUKE 20:9–19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people (Luke 20:19). Some parables make a single point, and all the details are simply designed to drive home that … Continue reading “THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS”

LUKE 20:1–8 He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me, John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” (Luke 20:3–4). After He cleansed the temple, Jesus took His place as teacher. One day while He was teaching, a group of priests, teachers, and elders confronted Him. They wanted to know by what … Continue reading “JESUS’ AUTHORITY DISPUTED”

LUKE 19:45–48 Every day he was teaching at the temple (Luke 19:47a). John 2 records that Jesus cleansed the temple when He first began His ministry. Matthew, Mark, and Luke show Jesus cleansing the temple when He arrived in Jerusalem just before His death. Some have tried to say that these are one event, and … Continue reading “CLEANSING THE TEMPLE”

LUKE 19:39–44 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it (Luke 19:41). Yesterday we saw the excited crowd welcome Jesus to Jerusalem as their king. Later they would cry, “Crucify Him!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd called on Jesus to rebuke the acclamations of the people, but Jesus refused. … Continue reading “THE MESSIAH REJECTED”

LUKE 19:28–38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38). We began the Lucan travel narrative in Luke 9:51 with Jesus resolutely setting out for Jerusalem. Ten chapters later, we arrive at Jerusalem. All along the way, Jesus has been teaching, … Continue reading “JESUS’ TRIUMPHAL ENTRY”

LUKE 19:11–27 “So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back’ ” (Luke 19:13). With this passage we return to our consideration of the gospel of Luke. Remember in Luke 19:1–10 we had the story of Zacchaeus. Verse 11 says that during … Continue reading “THE STORY OF THE TEN MINAS”