[Jesus continued,] “What is the price of five sparrows — two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” —Luke 12:6-7 NLT Key Thought Jesus’ …
‘Beyond the Harsh Words, to Graciousness!’ – Luke 12:6-7 Read More »
[Jesus continued,] “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.” —Luke 12:4-5 NLT …
Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees — their hypocrisy. The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known …
As Jesus was leaving [after his accusations against the religious leaders], the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees became hostile and tried to provoke him with many questions. They wanted to trap him into saying something they could use against him. —Luke 11:53-54 NLT Key Thought We can have any one of at least …
‘Fury, Disinterest, Rationalization, or Obedience?’ – Luke 11:53-54 Read More »
[Jesus continued,] “What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don’t enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering.” —Luke 11:52 NLT Key Thought Unfortunately, some who are new to Christianity have the genuineness of their faith squelched by a group desire …
‘Religious Superiority Before Spiritual Encouragement?’ – Luke 11:52 Read More »
[Jesus continued,] “As a result [of honoring their ancestors who killed the prophets], this generation will be held responsible for the murder of all God’s prophets from the creation of the world — from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will …
“Teacher,” said an expert in religious law [after Jesus’ accusations against the Pharisees], “you have insulted us, too, in what you just said.” “Yes,” said Jesus, “what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. What sorrow …
‘The Problem of Religious Pretense’ – Luke 11:45-49 Read More »
[Jesus continued his accusations against the Pharisees:] “Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on.” —Luke 11:44 NLT Key Thought All of us have a tendency to look at our sins and shortcomings and dismiss them as …
[Jesus continued his accusations against the Pharisees:] “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces.” —Luke 11:43 NLT Key Thought What drives you? Whose approval matters most to you? The praise of our peers often …
‘The Fleeting Value of the Praise of our Peers’ – Luke 11:43 Read More »
[Jesus continued,] “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” —Luke 11:42 NLT Key Thought Jesus reminded the Pharisees, and us, that giving …