Parable of the Lost Coin: Luke 15:8-10

Have you ever reached into your pocket and found cash you weren't expecting?

The most I ever found was a $20 bill in a winter coat. It had been in there since the previous winter. I was so excited!

Jesus teaches, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (v. 10).

The Lost Sheep: Luke 15:3-7

"[T]here will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7b, NIV).

Jesus simply destroys the thought that I might be able to do enough good things and avoid sin completely enough to get right with God.

Mutterers: Luke 15:1-2

Do you hang with people that make other folks mutter about your taste in friends and acquaintances?

Great! So did Jesus.

The Danger of Self-Righteousness

I'm a big fan of the daily Bible discussion Discover the Word.

For the last several weeks, Haddon and Alice and Mart have been discussing the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

One thing that they observed is that Christians love the first part of the story, where the younger son returns to the love of the father.

But many people, particularly the devout, have a hard time reflecting upon the older son's sins.

This contemporary discomfort with Jesus' story is closely related to His strong condemnation of self-righteous religious leaders of the day.

What a Relief!

At least, in verse 12, we read that God gives Jesus the props he deserves for his selfless sacrifice.

Glad that Jesus did this for the "many."

Isaiah 53:9-11

Verse 10 highlights just how intentional Jesus' sacrifice was.

God actively allowed Jesus to suffer so that he could be a guilt offering.

Jesus' Descendants?

This verse suggests that the Messiah wouldn't have any children.

Why would this even be mentioned?

Weird considering the possibility that Jesus might have had a family.

Isaiah 53:7

In this verse, Jesus models wise behavior in the face of opposition.

It's a lesson I almost never apply.

I rarely keep my mouth shut when I'm frustrated.

Isaiah 53:1-6

The opening question of this passage implies that without divine revelation, it would be impossible to understand Jesus accurately.

The next four verses describe Jesus' low status.

The last two verses explain the theological significance of his sacrifice.

Between the Lord's Supper and Arrest

1. Right after singing a song, the disciples left the room where they celebrated Passover
2. Jesus quotes scripture
3. He anticipates his betrayal and abandonment
4. Peter argues with Jesus
5. Jesus attempts to correct Peter
6. Peter still argues
7. How often do we argue with God?
8. All the other disciples agreed with Peter. I've never noticed this detail before.
9. Jesus went to a private garden to prepare in prayer
10. Where and when do I pray? What are my habits?
11. Jesus admits to James and John and Peter that he's depressed
12. He asks his friends to stay near him
13. Even Jesus desired companionship when his life was nearing its end
14. Jesus was not a loner, even though he appears introverted on occasion
15. Jesus catches his friends sleeping
16. Jesus tells them to pray to "stay out of temptation"
17. When's the last time I prayed to "stay out of temptation?"
18. Jesus acknowledges his willingness to do anything God expects
19. What am I unwilling to do?
20. Jesus' friends fall asleep a second and third time
21. Jesus announces the arrivalof his betrayer to his followers

The Lord's Prayer

My favorite analysis of Jesus' prayer is ACTS:

Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

First New Testament Prayer

In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he fixes a misconception.

Prayer is for our enemies, too, not only our friends.

Aw, Mom

It's not Jesus' time, but he turns the water into wine anyway.

That's funny. And a pretty cool miracle.

Andrew

It's so cool that the first thing Andrew did after meeting Jesus was go tell his brother, Peter.

Lamb of God

I'm reminded of the scene in The Miracle Maker where Jesus goes to his cousin, John, to be baptized.

Jesus reminds John of their childhood memories playing in the Jordan river.

It's an intriguing thought.

Impact

Jesus didn't fill his days with busyness.

He filled his days with purpose, following his Father's plans.

One of my favorite verses...

...is John 21:25.

Second Chance

Sure, Peter's feelings were hurt.

But Jesus gave him a second chance after an epic fall.

Peter made his second chance count.

Stick with the Boat?

Do you stick with the boat when the unexpected arrives?

Or do you jump out?

I don't think one approach is better than the other.  It's more a function of personality.

I stay in the boat.

Peter dives out, then climbs back aboard.

Either way, people get to share in the bountiful catch of fish.

Life Goes On

It's been a roller coaster for Jesus' followers.

Jesus was crucified and buried.

Then his body went missing.

Then he appeared to many of his followers.

What would you do in this position?

Peter goes fishing. And has no success. It's like when the crews in "Deadliest Catch" have a bad day.