Unworthy or Ungrateful Recipients? (Luke 7:36-52)

Jesus dines at Pharisee Simon's house. A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with perfume. Jesus responds to the shock of this woman’s attention with a parable about forgiveness and love. Jesus contrasts woman's love with Simon's judgment. Jesus emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and humility. The pharisees respond by judging Jesus rather than submitting to his kingdom.

Legitimate Question or Illegitimate Prophet? (Luke 7:18-35)

John the Baptist, in jail, asks if Jesus is the promised Savior. Jesus performs and calls attention to His miracles, like healing the sick and resurrecting the dead. He also praises John as a top prophet but says even the humblest in God’s realm is special. This shows how God's realm brings unexpected changes to society and religion, fulfilling His word. The text closes by comparing those who believe in Jesus and those who don’t, stressing the need for faith and embracing God’s radical kingdom.

Unlikely Miracles (Luke 7:1-17)

A Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant in Capernaum. Despite being a Gentile, he shows strong faith. Jesus praises his faith, healing the servant from afar. In Nain, Jesus sees a widow mourning her only son. He comforts her and resurrects her son. These events reveal Jesus' compassion, power, and ability to confer true life to his citizens. They show that Jesus' kingdom redeems all nations as they respond by faith in the Spirit, breaking barriers of society and distance.

Why is Christ only Begotten Son? (John 1:1-18; 3:16; BC 18)

John introduces Jesus as the eternal Word of God, emphasizing His role in creation, bringing light and life to humanity. Jesus takes on the flesh and tabernacles among us. It is God walking in the midst of the human race. However, Jesus does not become the Son of God at that moment, but is Son from eternity. We are assured that as we receive him by faith we are children of God. Yet, there is the language of being born again before we accept Christ. How can Christ be Son of God, and we can also be sons of God by new birth and faith?

Why Go and Baptize in the Trinity? (Matthew 28:16-20; BC 8)

Jesus commanded his Apostles to spread His message worldwide, baptize people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach disciples to obey His teachings. Christ also gives the remarkable promise that he will be with them always until the end of their age.

Exhorted from Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)

Revelation 3:14-22 speaks to the church in Laodicea, highlighting their useless faith and encouraging them to repent turning unto Christ. Jesus cautions them about their lack of spiritual awareness and advises them to acquire genuine faith, purity, and spiritual understanding. He waits for them to welcome Him into their congregation. Now, he patiently waits, but when he returns his patience will run out. The call is for the church to turn to Christ, consciously wanting Christ in their midst, and changing their course which lead to Christ being excommunicated from their communion.

How Much Authority Does Christ Have? (Luke 6:1-11)

In Luke 6:1-11, Jesus faces criticism for not following Sabbath rules when he picks grain and heals a man on the Sabbath. He explains that the Sabbath is meant for true restorative life, and not to celebrate death. Jesus challenges the religious customs, and shows the deeper meaning of resting in God’s glory. This incident demonstrates Jesus's authority over traditional beliefs and demonstrates his mission to bring God’s people into the full victory rest that Adam forfeited.

Sinning Fraud or Messiah (Luke 5:27-39)

In Luke 5:27-39, Jesus asks Levi (Matthew) to follow him, eats with tax collectors and sinners. He tells the Pharisees he came for sinners, not the righteous. Jesus talks about fasting, using parables to say new wine goes in new wineskins and people don't fast with the groom around. This is a passage that is making clear why Christ has to come to redeem. We are left with the question: is Christ the Messiah or a fraud?

Otherwise Your Children Would Be Unclean (1 Cor. 7:14)

Paul refers to some children as clean, rather than unclean. Is baptism the cleansing bath? Does baptism make the child clean, or does Paul refer to something more fundamental and traditional? Why does Paul use Old Testament terms like clean and unclean?

Exhorted from Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)

We might fall into a routine and forget about Christ, losing sight of His importance. Sardis trusted in their fortress. They assumed they were safe because of their fortress. However, the city fell two times because they were too complacent to check their fortress. The church in Sardis is urged to wake up and pursue Christ.

Exhorted from Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)

The Church in Tyatira struggles to balance faith and daily life, torn between its Christian values and worldly temptations. They are compromising their beliefs, and losing focus on their spiritual goal. they are exhorted to cling and live for the conquering Christ who forced Balaam, the great prophet, to speak his words.

Approaching the Lord of Healing (Luke 5:12-26)

Two men go to Jesus Christ for healing. One understands Jesus' power despite his mental barrier, while the other realizes his paralysis is not his real problem as his friends cut through the barrier. Jesus demonstrates the genuine healing in the kingdom.

Exhorted from Smyrna (Revelation 2:1-7)

The church in Smyrna is encouraged to stay strong despite challenges. They will endure hardships, but should know they are spiritually wealthy in Jesus Christ, even if they lack material wealth.

Calling the Fishers of Men (Luke 5:1-11)

Christ came to liberate the imprisoned. We expect the demon-possessed and the sick to turn to Christ. Peter was chosen as a disciple. Peter's response challenges the idea that the healthy are self-sufficient.

Exhorted from Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)

John brings a message from the angel to the church in Ephesus, praising their convictions but urging them to live according to it. The church is encouraged to see the resurrection power that they possess in Christ Jesus.

Lord Over All (Luke 4:31-44)

Christ enters a synagogue in Capernaum to preach the gospel. There is a man possessed by a demon. Christ commands the demon to leave and even the demon obeys. Christ not only drives out demons but also cures illnesses. He has authority over everything and aims to not only free us from sin but also bring healing.

Christ’s Divided Success (Luke 4:14-30)

Christ travels to different synagogues preaching the gospel. He is praised in Galilee but faces danger in his hometown of Nazareth. Christ escapes a near-death situation by slipping away from the crowd. We might think that this is an act of cowardice, but it testifies to the reality that Christ is simply following his father's plan.

Who is Good? (BC 1; Luke 19:17)

We finish studying Belgic Confession Article 1: The Nature of God. We are created good but we fall short of God's perfect goodness since we are sinners. Christ points out that only God is truly good, highlighting our need to live more in line with His kingdom.