S – Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger. ²⁴ They came and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to die!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, asking one another, “Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him!” 

Luke 8:23–25 CSB

O – I know this is a lesson on the growing faith of the disciples but let me point out a different principle. Vs. 24, the word “rebuke” jumps out at me.  That word means “to censure, an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism.”  Jesus didn’t command them to stop…He told them how disappointed he was in them.  He didn’t just stop the waves and wind.  He demonstrated that he had authority over them like one who has control and approval over them.  He was a Creator or an owner. Only God would have that type of relationship with a natural force.

A – My desire to stay in control of things is challenging.  I must continue to yield control to God.  He created all things, controls all things and has unique purposes for me today.  I can trust in Him.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. ⁷ That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.^{, 8} For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” ⁹ Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel

Luke 7:6–9 CSB

O – Lot to unpack here but I will hone in on one principle.  Vs. 9 – “Jesus heard this and was amazed.” Here is my simple question – What does it take to amaze (astonish, bewilder, astonish) Jesus?  Jesus is ministering at full capacity and under the clear direction of the Holy Spirit.  This expression of faith blows him away.  A couple of things stick out.  The centurion came from a place of humility.  (not the norm for a Roman leader) He sent others in his place allowing Jesus to be in total control.  He submitted himself to Jesus’ authority.

A – What would our faith look like if we did those three things?  We approached God with humility, released control and trusted God’s will and purpose in the situation.  That would be genuine faith.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – “During those days he went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. ¹³ When daylight came, he summoned his disciples, and he chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles…”

Luke 6:12–13 CSB

O – So much in this chapter and I chose this simple verse – Jesus spent time in prayer with God.  At this point in Luke, he is full of the Holy Spirit, a revered teacher and healer and he is on the religious leaders’ radar as “one to watch.”  And, he knows he is God’s son.  Yet, he spent time in prayer.  Not a quick, check-in.  All night he talked with God before making a monumental decision.  

A – Jesus lived a human life.  He knows the weight of big decisions and the need to spend time with God.  I need to embrace those longer times of prayer.  Prayer is a two-way conversation, not a check-in.  I can go to God seeking wisdom, discernment and insight and then, walk in confidence and peace in my decisions.

R – Lord, help me to do this!

S – While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴ Then he ordered him to tell no one

 Lk 5:12–14 CSB

O – There is a lot going on in this story.  Jesus now has disciples.  They encounter a man in full-bloom leprosy.  Leprosy is a skin disease that is highly infectious.  This would make this man “unclean” according to Jewish law.  The man could not be close to people, go into the temple to worship and had to announce his “uncleanliness” as he walked. 

    He recognizes Jesus as Lord. (Same word for Lord as the one Peter used when he caught all the fish earlier.) The leper asks the question – are you willing?  This is a question many of us ask today of God. Are you willing to do this for me?  It makes sense from the leper because he has been an outcast from the moment his leprosy appears.  If culture told this man he is unworthy, would Jesus do the same?

    Secondly, Jesus touched him.  You can imagine the sheer surprise for the man, the disciples and the onlookers when Jesus did that.  Jesus made himself ceremoniously unclean by touching the man.  Yet, he was instantly healed. Jesus demonstrated that He was the one who made someone ceremoniously clean.  (Only two other recordings of healing from leprosy – Miriam and Namaan). Jesus broke the norm to meet the man where he was and took his affliction from him…see the theme?

A – In making Jesus our savior, we must continue to make him the Lord of our life.  In the times of asking about his willingness to do something, He is still Lord and faithful.  We must keep our faith strong. He continues to take our sins and afflictions upon Himself when we ask Him to take them.

R – Lord, help me to walk in these principles daily.

S – He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. ²¹ He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” They were all speaking well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that came from his mouth; yet they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Luke 4:20–22 CSB

O – Jesus comes out of the wilderness and the devil’s temptations to begin teaching.  He is widely accepted and enjoyed.  Even here, people are amazed (marveled) at his words (words of grace.)  Then, he crosses the line from teacher to Messiah.  In reading those words, Jesus makes the definitive point that the scripture is being fulfilled through Him.  And the reaction is the same as you and I today.  Some are upset, confused and questioned while others accept, rejoice and see it.  Jesus continues to be the most polarizing person even today.  The big question is “What are you doing with Jesus?”

A – Following Jesus comes with a price tag.  Some are going to love you, while others don’t.  Be resolved in your relationship with Christ to love both sides genuinely.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing shovel is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.” ¹⁸ Then, along with many other exhortations, he proclaimed good news to the people

 Luke 3:16–18 CSB

 O – John is assuring people that he is not the promised Messiah.  Only slaves unstrapped the sandals of their master and John is saying he is not even that worthy.  He distinguishes his role even more with the baptisms.  John distinguishes the Savior’s baptism as one of God’s Spirit, as spoken about in the OT.  He shares there is a separation coming for those who believe and don’t believe.  This is important because Jewish people believed they were God’s chosen people.  The message of repentance and relationship would be challenging.  Finally, John shared “good news” before Jesus did. All of this was truly preparation for Jesus’ message and ministry.

A – God is detailed enough to send a “forerunner” for the Messiah.  What is He doing today in my life to prepare me for my next step of growth or action?  Instead of shying away from the process, I need to trust the things He is doing in my life as preparation for things to come.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”

  Luke 2:52 CSB

O – I love the description of Jesus as he matured from childhood to adulthood.  He grew in applied intellect, physically, in his relationship with God and relationship with people.  Growth in all these areas is challenging.  A few verses earlier it says that he was obedient to his parents.  He was submitted to the authority in his life – God and his parents.  

A – This is such a great template for us today individually and if you are a parent.  If we use these four areas as a measuring stick, it will allow us to gauge areas of growth that we need and already achieved.  Noticing these verses don’t come with ages or timeframes, it is worth noting, it takes a time to develop and grow in all four areas.

R – Lord, help me to grow in wisdom, physically, in relationship with You and people today.

S – And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 

 Lk 1:76–79 CSB

O – In this song of praise describing John, you get tremendous insights into the Messiah, Jesus.  Jesus came to establish the salvation and forgiveness of sins.  Many at that time were looking for physical relief from the Romans, religious injustice, leaders’ rules and a hard life.  It establishes God’s compassion and future victory over darkness and death itself.  Finally, it offers peace where there was no hope before.

A – Come back to a place of gratitude for my salvation and forgiveness of sins only made possible by the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I can walk in victory and peace today through Him.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – “Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will certainly come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land he swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Genesis  50:24 CSB

O – Joseph demonstrates amazing forgiveness for his brothers at the end of his life.  As he prepared for death, he gives them words of hope.  “Come to aid” is based on the Hebrew word “pâqad, paw-kad.”   God would deliver the Israelites out of Egypt.  Ironically, it also means “to visit with friendly or hostile intent.”  Could this be a prophetic word along with Israel’s word of a messiah that was to come?  How I live determines whether the relationship is friendly or hostile.

A – Early in history, God established the role of Jesus as our messiah.  Jesus said he would come back to earth a second time.  I want to live each day so that I am honoring Him when he returns.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – “The scepter will not depart from Judah or the staff from between his feet 

until he whose right it is comes and the obedience of the peoples belongs to him. 

Genesis 49:10 CSB

O – Amazing that prophetic words about the Savior are spoken over 1,000 years prior to his arrival.  It validates the title “Lion of the Judah.”  Interesting that Israel would prophesy over each of his sons and it came true.  

A – God had a plan for Jesus’ arrival a long time ago.  He knew that sin had to be dealt with and a savior was needed.  It makes me grateful and confident that his plan is real and works in dealing with my own sin.  I can trust in Him.

R – Lord, help me to do this.