Kingdom Mission
The Greater Gift
April 28, 2024 • Mike Greiner • Luke 5:12–26
Jesus heals a leper and a paralytic man, demonstrating his divine power and willingness to show compassion. However, the greater gift highlighted is Jesus' authority to forgive sins. When the paralytic's friends lowered him through the roof, Jesus stunned the crowd by first declaring the man's sins forgiven before healing his body. This enraged the religious leaders present, as only God can forgive sins. But Jesus proved his deity by then healing the paralytic, showing his power over physical and spiritual realms. This teaches that while physical healing is temporary, forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ provides eternal restoration. Christians are called to rejoice more in the greater gift of salvation than even miraculous healings.
Holy Mackerel, or Just Fish
April 21, 2024 • Mike Greiner • Luke 5:1–11
Jesus demonstrates his divine power by miraculously filling the nets of fishermen like Peter with an astonishing catch of fish after a fruitless night. This encounter with Christ's holiness leaves Peter falling at Jesus' feet, confessing his sinfulness. However, Jesus calms Peter's fears and calls him to follow as a "fisher of men." This passage parallels the calling of Isaiah, who also had a vision of God's holiness prompting confession before being commissioned to prophetic ministry. The miraculous catch reveals two glorious truths: God desires all people to encounter Christ's holiness, be humbled, and receive forgiveness; and God calls those who experience his holiness to co-labor with him in this redemptive work.
Word, Authority, Power
April 14, 2024 • Mike Greiner • Luke 4:31–44
Jesus preaches with divine authority and power in Luke 4:31-44, casting out demons and healing the sick through his authoritative words as the Son of God. Preaching God's truth was the heart of his ministry, and simply declaring Scripture with confidence unleashes profound power over the spiritual and physical realms. Live boldly without fear by the authority behind Jesus' life-changing teachings that conquered sin and death.
Truth, Conflict, and the Messiah
April 7, 2024 • Mike Greiner • Luke 4:14–30
Jesus preaches with bold truth in his hometown synagogue, declaring himself the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah. His words proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom to captives, and the Lord's favor initially amaze the listeners. However, conflict erupts when they dismiss Jesus as merely "Joseph's son," leading him to rebuke their unbelief by citing instances where prophets were rejected in Israel. Enraged, the crowd tries to kill Jesus for his provocative teaching. This passage demonstrates Jesus uncompromisingly speaking God's truth despite opposition, challenging listeners then and now to decide if they will humbly receive or shamefully reject the truth he boldly declares.