Notes on the Gospel readings from Luke
Notes on the Gospel readings from Luke
Notes on Luke 15.1-10 September 15
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Notes on Luke 15.1-10 September 15
Luke 15 has three parables on the same subject. All of them are told in response to the complaints of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (v2).
The first two parables are similar to each other. In both stories something is lost. In both stories the owner searches with much effort for what was lost. In both stories there is celebration and rejoicing with friends and neighbours when it is found. In both stories there is also joy in heaven. In both stories the joy in heaven is because a sinner has repented.
So the two parables are about what Jesus is doing: he is searching for tax collectors and sinners so that they will repent.
The two parables are also about what the Pharisees and teachers of the law are not doing: they are not rejoicing that sinners are being welcomed.
The two parables are also about what God is doing: heaven is rejoicing when sinners repent.
So these two parables are meant to encourage the people who complain to change their mind – to repent and join Jesus in his search for the lost.
Luke 14.25-35 8 September 13
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Notes on Luke 14.25-35 8 September 13
This is a parable spoken to the crowds. Many people were travelling with Jesus. Jesus is interested in whether they will be his disciples. Being a disciple is not the same as travelling with Jesus.
Three times Jesus uses the phrase, “...cannot be my disciple”: verse 26, 27, 33.
A person must work out in advance whether they are willing to do what is required to be a disciple, v28-32. Two examples are given: a builder and a king.
If a person decides to be a disciple and then finds they do not want to continue, it is like salt that has lost its saltiness – it is no good and has to be thrown out v34-35.
What is involved in a person being a disciple of Jesus?
1. Hating near relatives, and one’s own life v26.
2. Taking up one’s cross v27
3. Giving up everything one has v33
Taking up one’s cross means dying. It is a similar idea to giving up everything one has. One has nothing left. This helps us understand the first idea. Jesus doesn’t mean we should have feelings of hatred to our relatives, any more than that we should have feelings of hatred towards our own life. He means we must not hang on to them, try to keep hold of them, possess them and depend on them. He wants us to be completely free to learn from him. Only then will we be able to love our relatives, and only then will we be able to live our own life in the best way.
Being a disciple of Jesus means he must have complete and total control of our lives. He is not looking for fans or spectators, he is looking for 24/7 apprentices.
Dale
These notes are provided for the benefit of the preachers in our Dinka speaking congregation.