Luke 24:25  

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Jesus approached the two disciples: Cleopas Lk 24:17,34; whose wife was Mary Jn 19:25,  and probably Luke, since Luke is the only one to record this story in the Gospels and thus must have been there to know all the details. Simon is mentioned Lk 24:34 to have seen the Lord also, which was confirmed to be Peter 1 Co 15:5. When the two returned to Jerusalem they found the Eleven Mk 24:33. They, then explained that they had been walking to Emmaus when a man approached them and inquired about what they were discussing. They informed him about Jesus of Nazareth and His crucifixion Lk 24:19,20. Jesus then rebuked them for being slow to believe what the prophets had spoken. Jesus then used the Scriptures to reveal to them the truth. He may have used Gen 3:15; Dt 18:15; Isa 7:14; Isa 53:3,7; Zec 12:10. After Jesus revealed Himself to them, they were filled with joy and a desire to reveal the truth to others.

Application: God places trust in His Word above seeing the physical Jesus. After sharing the truth with these two disciples, Jesus disappeared leaving their hearts burning from the truth of the Scriptures. Let us not be called foolish or be slow to believe the Bible. Seek truth daily and trust and meditate on God’s Word to give insight and passion Ps 119:15,16.

Luke 23:43

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The criminal that asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom wasn’t expecting this event to be immediate Lk 23:42 (the word “remember,” to recall, infers a prolonged time frame, as opposed to the criminal asking urgently, “can I now be a part of Your kingdom?”). But, Jesus’ answer was shocking: today you will be with Me. Firstly, most crucifixions lasted longer than a day, with the purpose of punishing the criminals to the fullest extent, however because of Jewish laws, Pilate granted their request and had the thieves’ legs broken causing them to die sooner Jn 19:31,32,33. Secondly, His body would be in the tomb for three days, however His spirit was not 1 Pe 3:18,19. It would be re-united with a resurrected body on Resurrection Day Jn 20:9,26,27. The same is true for all Christians—our bodies go into the grave but our spirits are with the Lord Php 1:23; 2 Co 5:8. At the rapture, our spirits will be re-united with our resurrected bodies, as Jesus will bring with Him, Christians that had previously died 1 Th 4:14; 1 Co 15:51,52,53 from Paradise. The word “paradise” means garden, a place where God dwells 2 Co 12:2,4; Rev 2:7. It originated in Eden Gen 2:8,9 (tree of life) and will conclude in New Jerusalem Rev 21:2,3; Rev 22:2,3 (tree of life).

Application: Salvation is by faith alone, as this repented criminal demonstrated. He believed that Jesus, who was dying on a cross could somehow be resurrected and bring about the kingdom. He wasn’t baptized and he didn’t do any good works, yet Jesus promised Him, Paradise! The best part of Paradise is that Jesus will be with us Heb 13:5. If you haven’t given your life to Christ it isn’t too late, but don’t wait another minute, for today is the day of salvation 2 Co 6:2 as no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.

Luke 22:1 

Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching: God gave the Jewish people seven feasts to practice each year as a rehearsal of future events. The first four represented the first coming of Christ, while the last three, the second coming. The Passover represented the crucifixion of Jesus, dying in our place to deliver us from sins 1 Co 5:7. The Unleavened Bread 1 Co 5:8, His burial in which His body would not undergo decay because Jesus was sinless Ac 2:31. The Firstfruits, was a picture of His resurrection from the dead 1 Co 15:20 and Pentecost, Jesus sending the Holy Spirit to birth the Church Ac 2:38. The last three feasts represent happenings in the last days beginning with Trumpets, the rapture of the Church 1 Co 15:51,52 and marriage of the Bride of Christ to the Lamb Rev 19:7,8. This is followed by Atonement, the wakening and repentance Zec 12:10 of the Jewish people, as Jesus returns  Rev 1:7 for them Ro 11:25,26,27. The feasts culminate with Tabernacles where God dwells with His people for a thousand years  Rev 20:4 and then in eternity Rev 21:3.

Application: we are to be alert, watching for Jesus’ return as we see more and more prophecies fulfilled. We also should be giving hope to the hopeless, sharing God’s feasts which reveal His glorious plan for those that believe.

Luke 20:36  

And they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection: the primary purpose of marriage was to procreate God’s creation Gen 1:28. When death came through Adam’s sin Ro 5:12 the population would experience a continual reduction unless marriage counteracted this process. However, those worthy to be children of the resurrection will have obtained eternal life, becoming like the angels, who cannot die, making marriage/procreation unnecessary.

Application: we get to enjoy the gift of marriage and the opportunity to raise children in this world, but in New Jerusalem, we as the bride of Christ will be the helpmate of Jesus Rev 19:7,8 and experience a deeper intimacy than we had with our spouses. Without a sin nature, relationships in heaven will be much more satisfying and fulfilling. Our family relationships will continue to be enjoyed, only expanded to include all who live in New Jerusalem.

Luke 19:40 

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  The Pharisees felt that Jesus was blaspheming God by allowing the people to worship Him so they told Him to rebuke the crowd. He responded that if the people kept quiet, even the stones would praise Him. The Bible is filled with poetic imagery of inanimate objects which praised the Lord Isa 55:12; Ps 148:3,4,9. Stones were also used figuratively to represent Jesus followers—the church 1 Pe 2:5. Nature (the stones) would cry out because Jesus was about to liberate mankind and creation from its bondage caused when Adam sinned Ro 8:20,21. All of creation has been groaning because of the curse Ro 8:22 and therefore, if mankind kept quiet, the stones would show their appreciation to Jesus for His coming deliverance.

Application: All of God’s creation recognizes Jesus’ wondrous gift of salvation, so how could we ignore this gracious act? Let us praise the Lord for His kindness, and serve Him with all of our hearts.

Luke 18:34  

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about: Jesus plainly stated for the third time Lk 9:22; Lk 9:44,45; Lk 18:33 that he would be killed by His enemies. However, even though He used plain language, the disciples didn’t comprehend His words. Jesus rebuked Peter the first time, declaring Satan was putting these thoughts in his mind Mk 8:33. Here it is asserted that the meaning was hidden from them. The disciples believed that Jesus would be ushering in the kingdom at this time Lk 19:11 and therefore rationalized that His words couldn’t mean what He had said.

Application: with the plandemic and the Great Reset in progress, many don’t want to believe this is happening. Bill Gates publicly has admitted a need to depopulate the world and yet he is the one behind the vaccine that is supposed to save millions of lives. Does this make sense?

Luke 17:37  

“Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” Jesus described the destruction of sinful mankind from three different eras. Firstly, in the days of Noah the righteous were saved in the ark, but the wicked were destroyed in the flood Lk 17:27. Then in the days of Lot, the righteous escaped judgment, but the sinners were obliterated Lk 17:28,29. In the end, Jesus will rapture the righteous Lk 17:34,35 while the spiritual dead will be left for the final judgment of God, just as a dead body (spiritual dead) will attract vultures (judgment of God/destruction) Rev 20:11,12.

Application: Jesus warns people to watch and be diligent in these days for He could return at anytime—when we lest expect Him. It will be too late for those that refuse to heed Jesus’ words, just as the five foolish virgins discovered Mt 25:11,12,13.

Luke 16:13 

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money:” the Pharisees had chosen to rely on outer appearances to win the world’s acceptance  Lk 16:15 whereas Jesus taught that it was the heart that won the love of God 1 Sa 16:7. Jesus employed the corrupt manager as an example of the world’s way of using money to benefit themselves and not others Lk 16:4. This story attested to the Pharisees lifestyle, who had placed money before God to meet their own needs of acceptance Lk 16:14; Mt 23:5,6.

Jesus also noted that the Old Covenant had given way to the Kingdom of God, where sins would be forgiven through the Gospel Lk 16:16. The Pharisees however, wanted to hold on to the outer appearances of the Law and thereby be blessed physically Dt 28:1,2, whereas the Prophets had taught that a change of heart must occur Jnh 3:10; Mic 6:8 if they wanted to be accepted by God Ro 3:20. Jesus revealed the true motives of the Pharisees, who desired man’s approval rather than God’s, with the issue of divorce. Pressure from the world had led them to change divorce laws to accommodate and please sinful man’s desires Lk 16:18.

Finally, Jesus told a story to convict the Pharisees of their false belief that being rich was a sign of God’s favour while being poor was the Lord’s punishment for sinful living. The Pharisees expected the rich man to be comforted in Abraham’s bosom (a cherished place Jn 21:20 NASB), but he was found in Hades being tormented. The rich man also called Abraham, “Father Abraham” Lk 16:24, denoting that he was physically from the Jewish genealogy, however that did not save him Jn 8:39,40,41. This fact disturbed the religious leaders because they believed that their birth certificate gave them eternal life Lk 3:8. The two requests of the rich man were refused: that Lazarus would comfort him Lk 16:24 and that Abraham would send Lazarus to warn his family of the reality of punishment Lk 16:27. This demonstrates that judgment is final without appeals, and it’s the Word of God, not miraculous power Rev 6:16  that awakens faith Ro 10:17.

Application: Jesus taught that no one can serve two masters—desiring the approval of the world based on outer appearances would forfeit God’s approval which comes from a sincere heart. The Pharisees had also exchanged God’s righteous standard, given through the Prophets, for a human standard based on Satan’s philosophy Col 2:8.

If one serves money rather than God, the action proves a lack of interest in desiring to spend eternity with the Lord, and these individuals will be granted their request—separation from God, which is the second death Rev 20:14; Rev 21:8.

Luke 15:22 

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet: What fine symbolism the Lord has revealed in this parable. Putting on the best robe was a picture of God granting forgiveness and righteousness, as He did for Adam and Eve in the Garden after their sin Gen 3:7,21. All who repent and receive the Lord are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Isa 61:10; Ro 13:14. In Jesus’ wedding parable, a man entered the feast without the proper attire Mt 22:11 and was thrown outside Mt 22:13. Jesus’ righteousness is required to attend the heavenly banquet, not self-righteousness.

Having a ring placed on our finger from the Father denotes honour and authority, as Joseph received from Pharoah Gen 41:42. But even more, in marriage, a ring signifies a permanent love bond, which God promised to all who received Him Jn 1:12—an eternal love relationship Jn 14:16; Heb 13:5; Ro 8:38,39.

The sandals represented Believers future purpose of sharing the Good News with all Ro 10:15—to be Christ’s ambassadors 2 Co 5:20. Sandals also protected the feet from cuts, bruises and blisters. The Lord is our protection from all dangers Ps 91:2,4.

Finally, there was a feast. When God forgives, not only are we restored, but are rewarded. Even though this son’s motive for returning was a hunger one, not a love for his Father, God accepted his repentance with unconditional love.

Application: we have been forgiven, called to serve the King, and given the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us with an eternal bliss in our future. Let us strive to please God in all we do.

Luke 14:33  Adobe Color: d47057

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples: everything we have is from God—our life, intelligence, skills, career, possessions, family. It would be ungrateful to withhold anything from God, if He asked us to give it up. This would demonstrate that we don’t appreciate what we have been given and ultimately, our lack of love for the Lord. Therefore, Jesus requires full commitment to be His disciple.

Application: placing spouse, family or anything before God is a lack of gratitude for Jesus, who gave Himself for us Gal 1:4.

Luke 13:30  

Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last: the religious leaders believed God had given them a place of honour in this life that they would continue to have distinction in eternity. However, Jesus taught that rewards were earned through faithfulness and trust in God, not on one’s current position in this life.

Application: You may have been poor or not been given any outstanding abilities but it will be your faithfulness and love for the Lord that will grant you a place of honour in eternity, not your status or accomplishments Mt 7:21-23.

Luke 12:56  

Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Jesus told His disciples whatever was hidden would be made known Lk 12:2. Then He rebuked the crowd for being very astute in predicting the fore coming weather but not knowing how to interpret the present time.

Application: we are quickly approaching the end times, yet many Christians are fast asleep. They are not able to interpret the coming storm: one-world government, one one-world currency, food shortages, economic collapse and the mark of the beast. Jesus warned us of these things and told us not to fear the one who could kill the body (Satan and his disciples) but God, who alone has the power to throw one into hell Lk 12:5. We are to continue to seek His kingdom and let God take care of the rest Lk 12:31.

Luke 11:20  

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you: The Pharisees had accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul Mt 12:24. He demonstrated that their thinking was faulty as a kingdom fighting against itself would not stand. He rightly explained that if His power came from the finger of God—the Holy Spirit Mt 12:28, then the kingdom of God had arrived.

Application: Jesus revealed His identity as a member of the Triune God by using the title “Finger of God.” The Pharisees would have made this connection with the giving of the Law, as  it was  re-written by the finger of God Dt 9:10. Jesus also used His finger to acquit the woman caught in adultery by writing on the ground Jn 8:11 demonstrating once again to the Pharisees that He was the Law Maker and that men would be judged by the measure they judged others Jn 8:7; Mt 7:2.

Luke 10:1  

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Why did Jesus send out His workers in groups of two rather than individually? The advantages of a twosome are as follows: 1. More efficiency and therefore better results- we have the saying “two heads are better than one” meaning two minds have a better chance of solving a problem than one; or two hands can do much more than one hand (try tying your shoelaces with one hand). Solomon reasoned that two, aids in both physical and mental ways—advice and abilities lead to more and better production Ecc 4:9.  Pr 27:17 states that iron sharpens iron, meaning two people can increase each other’s knowledge and can encourage one another when one is discouraged. Two people, also addresses the problem of loneliness Gen 2:18. The Israelites were victorious because Aaron and Hur held up Moses arms when fatigue had set in Ex 17:12.  2. Having two witnesses adds credibility to your message Dt 19:15 and has the benefit of accountability to each other.  3. Working in a group of two, gives each an opportunity to share their thoughts and joy in their victory.

Luke 9:41  

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Jesus was frustrated with the crowd, His disciples and the father of the demonic possessed child for their lack of faith Lk 9:40. He rebuked the crowd for always wanting signs Jn 4:48. He rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith and prayer Mk 9:29, and the father for his unbelief Mk 9:23. Jesus also addressed the issue of the people following the perverseness of the world. They lived in unbelief, opposed God and His commands, resulting in evil and wickedness.

Application: Presently, the world governments are under Satan’s control and are deceiving undiscerning people into becoming their allies. The Bible warns readers that in the end times there will be a one world government Rev 13:7, and a one world economy and currency Rev 13:16,17. It also heeds us not to take the mark of the beast Rev 14:11. Paul exhorts Christians to believe and use Scripture to correct and rebuke false narratives 2 Ti 3:16. A person who refuses to receive God’s rebuke has a proud heart Pr 16:18. Humble oneself and pray for discernment Jas 1:5. Understand why you are here—your primary purpose in living Eph 1:17,18 is to do God’s will Mt 6:10.                                   

Luke 8:17  

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open: Satan is the father of all lies Jn 8:44 and may win battles through these tactics but the war will be won by truth. Jesus stated that nothing hidden or concealed will not be exposed to the light and one day  judgment will be administered.

Application: many politicians, actors, athletes, doctors, nurses and businessmen have allowed Satan to blind them into lying about the motives concerning the pandemic and the economy. Jesus warned the people to be careful how they listen Lk 8:18 for lack of discernment could result in forfeiting one’s physical health or life Mt 24:22. Only seeking the truth will set one free Jn 8:32.

Luke 7:35  

But wisdom is proved right by all her children: Wisdom’s children are the fruit of wise decisions—success in life. The religious elite didn’t value John or Jesus. They thought John was weird and Jesus had little discernment in whom he befriended Lk 7:33,34. But compare fruit: John led thousands to repentance in preparing the way for Jesus, while Jesus saved multitudes of souls over the centuries.

Application: the Bible is our source of wisdom. It contains the way to eternal life while guiding us into peace, joy and success in this life.

Luke 6:39  

He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? Jesus used a parable rather than directly criticize the Jewish leaders. They were to lead the people into God’s ways of righteousness but instead did the opposite. The result would be that the people would be destroyed along with the religious hypocrites.

Application: today’s governments and politicians are misleading the sheep into destruction and death. They pretend to have concern for their people but it is just a cover up for their greed of money and power with little concern for the welfare of the population.

Luke 5:10  

And so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Peter and his friends recognized that this catch was supernatural and fear overcame them. In who’s presence were they? God’s—causing Peter to fall on his knees and admit his sinfulness Lk 5:8,9. Jesus assured the fishermen that no judgment would come to them, but He would use them to draw others into the kingdom of God. What a wonderful way to teach the spiritual lesson of evangelism to seasoned fishermen by demonstrating a miraculous catch of fish.

Application: believers have been called to preach the Gospel throughout the world Mt 28:19,20. We have been made ambassadors for Christ 2 Co 5:20. This is our foremost mission and to focus on temporary worldly goals is to miss our true purpose in life 2 Ti 2:4.

Luke 4:19 

To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor: Jesus explained to the congregation that God had sent Him to share the good news with the poor Lk 4:18 and to proclaim a time of favor. We are in a period of grace but with Jesus’ second coming this favor will shift to judgment.

Application: the time is short as we near the end of the grace dispensation and for those that have rejected Jesus, judgment is awaiting them. His grace woos us to repent and receive the free gift of eternal life. Do it before time runs out!

Luke 2:49  

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Most parents could relate to Joseph and Mary’s concern for their Son’s welfare and why shaken Mary reproved Jesus Lk 2:48. However, Jesus’ responded not in the form of an apology but as a mild rebuke. His reasoning was that He must obey His heavenly Father, not his human custodians. It was during the time of the Passover Feast Lk 2:48 in which Jesus would become a full member of the synagogue the following year at age thirteen. There were sensitive questions that might upset His parents and theological concepts that were beyond their comprehension, like Jesus’ inquire about the spiritual significance of the Passover as He became aware of His mission as the Lamb of God. He needed to learn all that the Father had prepared for Him and if He would have asked permission to stay an extra three days, His parents would have surely rejected His request. Though they knew His divine nature, they had parented Jesus only from His human nature.

Application: Jesus is sovereign, even as a twelve-year-old as He is God, and we must avoid making the same mistake as Mary and Joseph did. Not knowing Jesus’ whereabouts was very upsetting and led to their frustration with Jesus. Do we get frustrated with God when tribulation upsets our world? Do we then vent our frustrations at God? Remember, God is sovereign—Job finally realized this truth Job 40:4,5.

Luke 1:11 

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense: Zechariah had been praying for Elizabeth a long time to conceive a baby and now the angel Gabriel appeared to tell Zechariah his prayer has been heard. Not only would this child be a delight to his parents, but would be great in God’s sight and would bring back many people to the Lord.

Application: It is interesting that the Holy Spirit included the fact that Gabriel was standing at the right side of the altar of incense. The altar of incense illustrated the sweet aroma of the people’s prayers Ps 141:2 going up to God Rev 8:3,4. The right-side symbolized God’s favor as Jesus is seated at the right hand of God 1 Pe 3:22. The Israelites were cleansed by the guilt offering blood which was placed on their right ear, hand and toe Lev 14:14. This signified that the right side was a spiritual blessing which cleansed them to hear clean things, to handle only clean things and to walk in holiness. May we all receive favor and be separated to the right when Jesus judges His people Mt 25:33.