Good News From Dr Luke, Part 2
Summer 2022
The Invitation... In Three Parts (11AM)
September 11, 2022 • Curt McFarland, Alex Rule, Dennis Whitcher • Luke 14:7–24
Today is a day those of a certain age will not forget. We remember the tears, the lost lives, the shock. And we remember that buildings will fall, and life itself will end, but Jesus remains our only hope. Part I (14:7-11): In Jesus’ day, as today, there were “status symbols” that helped people enhance their high standing in society. If you were invited to the “right homes” and if you were seated in the “right places,” then people would know how important you were. The emphasis was on reputation, not character. And so, in the first parable, Jesus counsels us to take the lowest seat, to forget our public image, because the Kingdom of God is about finding our identity in the One who knows us best. Part II (14:12-15): When we are invited to a dinner or banquet, we enjoy time with family and friends. We want to return the favor. That's the way we often live, it’s our comfort zone. But Jesus teaches that we should invite those who are in need, and those who need Him. Jesus wants us to invite those who cannot repay us. We follow Christ when we do just that. Our reward, we are told, will come later. Part III (14:16-24): The third part of Jesus’ dining etiquette reveals the heart of the host, and the hearts of each invited guest. Each makes an excuse, and each excuse seems, at first hearing, reasonable. But they reject the generosity of the host, the door is shut, they are forever outside. Oh, may we stop with our excuses!
The Invitation... In Three Parts (9AM)
September 11, 2022 • Curt McFarland, Alex Rule, Dennis Whitcher • Luke 14:7–24
Today is a day those of a certain age will not forget. We remember the tears, the lost lives, the shock. And we remember that buildings will fall, and life itself will end, but Jesus remains our only hope. Part I (14:7-11): In Jesus’ day, as today, there were “status symbols” that helped people enhance their high standing in society. If you were invited to the “right homes” and if you were seated in the “right places,” then people would know how important you were. The emphasis was on reputation, not character. And so, in the first parable, Jesus counsels us to take the lowest seat, to forget our public image, because the Kingdom of God is about finding our identity in the One who knows us best. Part II (14:12-15): When we are invited to a dinner or banquet, we enjoy time with family and friends. We want to return the favor. That's the way we often live, it’s our comfort zone. But Jesus teaches that we should invite those who are in need, and those who need Him. Jesus wants us to invite those who cannot repay us. We follow Christ when we do just that. Our reward, we are told, will come later. Part III (14:16-24): The third part of Jesus’ dining etiquette reveals the heart of the host, and the hearts of each invited guest. Each makes an excuse, and each excuse seems, at first hearing, reasonable. But they reject the generosity of the host, the door is shut, they are forever outside. Oh, may we stop with our excuses!
When Our Rules Get in The Way of His Rules (11AM)
September 4, 2022 • Luke 14:1–6
Today, the world population is approximately 8 billion and growing. The needs for work, food, medicine, and hospitals, etc. are also increasing. People are moving at a very high speed in this fast-changing world. Today the number of sick people in the world is much higher than in Jesus’ time but this is not a reason for Him to stop hearing and answering our prayers. His power of healing is the same today as it was in the past and will be in the future. In these times of constant needs and desperation we should use our wisdom and be on our knees praying. We must always look for the One who can do everything and make the impossible possible, our Creator and Ruler of the universe, our Maker and Provider. In this passage a leader of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner on the Sabbath. The house was full of many people. The leader’s intention was evil - the idea was to catch Jesus breaking the rules and laws on the Sabbath. They were watching Jesus, waiting for an opportunity to get Him into trouble, but Jesus knew the leader’s intentions and malicious thoughts. Jesus took advantage of the moment to use His healing power to heal a man and teach the Pharisees a great lesson. Here our Lord Jesus healed the man with dropsy, and many witnessed the miracle of healing on the Sabbath day. Jesus asked them if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, but they remained silent and surprised. This reminds us of what Jesus said in Mark 2:17 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.”
When Our Rules Get in The Way of His Rules (9AM)
September 4, 2022 • Luke 14:1–6
Today, the world population is approximately 8 billion and growing. The needs for work, food, medicine, and hospitals, etc. are also increasing. People are moving at a very high speed in this fast-changing world. Today the number of sick people in the world is much higher than in Jesus’ time but this is not a reason for Him to stop hearing and answering our prayers. His power of healing is the same today as it was in the past and will be in the future. In these times of constant needs and desperation we should use our wisdom and be on our knees praying. We must always look for the One who can do everything and make the impossible possible, our Creator and Ruler of the universe, our Maker and Provider. In this passage a leader of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner on the Sabbath. The house was full of many people. The leader’s intention was evil - the idea was to catch Jesus breaking the rules and laws on the Sabbath. They were watching Jesus, waiting for an opportunity to get Him into trouble, but Jesus knew the leader’s intentions and malicious thoughts. Jesus took advantage of the moment to use His healing power to heal a man and teach the Pharisees a great lesson. Here our Lord Jesus healed the man with dropsy, and many witnessed the miracle of healing on the Sabbath day. Jesus asked them if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, but they remained silent and surprised. This reminds us of what Jesus said in Mark 2:17 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.”
God's Patience, Compassion & Kingdom (11AM)
August 28, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 13:6–21
One of the many things I absolutely love about Yakima is the volume and variety of trees. Pine trees, Cedars, Firs, Oaks, Aspen, Flowering, and yes … fruit trees. During our time at Ghormley our family fell in love with the tall trees we lived among. And when the wind came, and those trees swayed and groaned, even better. In our former home in Cowiche the soil was so rich (it was a former pig farm) that we could dig by hand and what we planted flourished. My favorite fruit tree (don’t tell the others) was a beautiful and very productive Peach tree near the front of our driveway. Delicious! In our current home the soil is not so easy to dig and the trees and plants have to work harder to survive. We do have three growing Peach trees. Last year they produced a few peaches, this year’s crop is thin, but next year (the third for the peach trees) should be glorious! There are several seemingly separate teachings in this morning’s passage. Luke weaves them here, together, for a reason. First, Jesus offers a parable about a fig tree planted in a vineyard. Second, Jesus teaches about priorities and compassion as it relates to Sabbath rules. Third, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God. Our focus today is the first and the third. Alex will return to the second of the three (controversy surrounding what is acceptable to do on the Sabbath) next week (Luke 14:1-6). How patient are you with trees, plants, vacuum cleaners, toasters, slow drivers, the person paying in pennies and nickels? How patient are you with the people growing around you? How is your “fruit” (Galatians 5:22-23) growing? Are you patient with yourself? In our passage about the fig tree Jesus reminds us of the love and patience of our heavenly Father! And so we Love God! Love others!
God's Patience, Compassion & Kingdom (9AM)
August 28, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 13:6–21
One of the many things I absolutely love about Yakima is the volume and variety of trees. Pine trees, Cedars, Firs, Oaks, Aspen, Flowering, and yes … fruit trees. During our time at Ghormley our family fell in love with the tall trees we lived among. And when the wind came, and those trees swayed and groaned, even better. In our former home in Cowiche the soil was so rich (it was a former pig farm) that we could dig by hand and what we planted flourished. My favorite fruit tree (don’t tell the others) was a beautiful and very productive Peach tree near the front of our driveway. Delicious! In our current home the soil is not so easy to dig and the trees and plants have to work harder to survive. We do have three growing Peach trees. Last year they produced a few peaches, this year’s crop is thin, but next year (the third for the peach trees) should be glorious! There are several seemingly separate teachings in this morning’s passage. Luke weaves them here, together, for a reason. First, Jesus offers a parable about a fig tree planted in a vineyard. Second, Jesus teaches about priorities and compassion as it relates to Sabbath rules. Third, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God. Our focus today is the first and the third. Alex will return to the second of the three (controversy surrounding what is acceptable to do on the Sabbath) next week (Luke 14:1-6). How patient are you with trees, plants, vacuum cleaners, toasters, slow drivers, the person paying in pennies and nickels? How patient are you with the people growing around you? How is your “fruit” (Galatians 5:22-23) growing? Are you patient with yourself? In our passage about the fig tree Jesus reminds us of the love and patience of our heavenly Father! And so we Love God! Love others!
When Towers Fall & Blood Is Spilled (11AM)
August 21, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 13:1–5
There may be no greater question people have about Christian faith, no bigger problem they have to believing in God, than that raised by the passage this morning, “why do bad things happen?” More specifically, if God exists, and if God cares about us, and if God has the power to prevent bad things, why doesn’t He? It’s understandable when bad things happen to people who are evil, mean, abusive, vile. They deserve what they get. But why do bad things happen to decent and good people, people I care about, to me? This is a tough question, an important question, one that should not be dismissed or ignored. If we take those we meet seriously, we need to take this question seriously too. Let’s admit right off that there is no easy, simple, obvious, answer. Christian faith affirms that 1) God absolutely loves us (the Bible is full of this assurance, and full of examples of this too), 2) God has absolute power and control (the Bible asserts this truth from the first page to the last), 3) bad things happen (the Bible is brutally honest about this … ask Job, ask David, ask Joseph, ask Hannah or Mary). So, what do we do? How should we respond to this real and difficult question? Let’s begin by seeing how Jesus responded when informed of the tragic deaths of those who had been sacrificing to God (Pilate killed them). Jesus added to that the unfortunate deaths of those who had a tower fall on them. He addressed the question of why bad things happen, but not in a way that would satisfy many. He didn’t pretend bad things don’t happen. He didn’t offer three simple reasons why bad things happen. He didn’t because the problem is complex, and the answer is too. Ultimately the only answer that holds up is Jesus Himself. And so, we continue to live with the tension. We proclaim the goodness and power of God, and we live with trouble and pain. In the face of horrible things that happen, we point to, keep our focus on, hold on to, Jesus.
When Towers Fall & Blood Is Spilled (9AM)
August 21, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 13:1–5
There may be no greater question people have about Christian faith, no bigger problem they have to believing in God, than that raised by the passage this morning, “why do bad things happen?” More specifically, if God exists, and if God cares about us, and if God has the power to prevent bad things, why doesn’t He? It’s understandable when bad things happen to people who are evil, mean, abusive, vile. They deserve what they get. But why do bad things happen to decent and good people, people I care about, to me? This is a tough question, an important question, one that should not be dismissed or ignored. If we take those we meet seriously, we need to take this question seriously too. Let’s admit right off that there is no easy, simple, obvious, answer. Christian faith affirms that 1) God absolutely loves us (the Bible is full of this assurance, and full of examples of this too), 2) God has absolute power and control (the Bible asserts this truth from the first page to the last), 3) bad things happen (the Bible is brutally honest about this … ask Job, ask David, ask Joseph, ask Hannah or Mary). So, what do we do? How should we respond to this real and difficult question? Let’s begin by seeing how Jesus responded when informed of the tragic deaths of those who had been sacrificing to God (Pilate killed them). Jesus added to that the unfortunate deaths of those who had a tower fall on them. He addressed the question of why bad things happen, but not in a way that would satisfy many. He didn’t pretend bad things don’t happen. He didn’t offer three simple reasons why bad things happen. He didn’t because the problem is complex, and the answer is too. Ultimately the only answer that holds up is Jesus Himself. And so, we continue to live with the tension. We proclaim the goodness and power of God, and we live with trouble and pain. In the face of horrible things that happen, we point to, keep our focus on, hold on to, Jesus.
The Narrow Door (11AM)
August 14, 2022 • Dennis Whitcher • Luke 13:22–35
The narrow door, is referred to by the Lord Jesus and Luke 13:23-24 (and in Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus compares the narrow gate to the “broad road” which leads to destruction (hell) and says that “many” will be on that road. By contrast, Jesus says that “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” What exactly is meant by this? First, we need to understand that Jesus is the Door through which all must enter eternal life. There is no other way because He alone is “the way, the truth and the life.” Entering through the narrow gate is not easy. Jesus made this clear when He instructed His followers to “strive” to do so. But we must be clear here. No amount of effort saves us; salvation is by the grace of God through the gift of faith. Many will seek to enter that narrow door, the door of salvation, but “will not be able.” They are unwilling to trust/rely on Jesus alone. They are unwilling to pay the price. It costs too much for them to give up the world. God’s gate is a gate through which one cannot carry the baggage of sin and self-will, nor can one carry the accoutrements of materialism. The way of Christ is the way of the cross, and the way of the cross is the way of self-denial.
The Narrow Door (9AM)
August 14, 2022 • Dennis Whitcher • Luke 13:22–35
The narrow door, is referred to by the Lord Jesus and Luke 13:23-24 (and in Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus compares the narrow gate to the “broad road” which leads to destruction (hell) and says that “many” will be on that road. By contrast, Jesus says that “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” What exactly is meant by this? First, we need to understand that Jesus is the Door through which all must enter eternal life. There is no other way because He alone is “the way, the truth and the life.” Entering through the narrow gate is not easy. Jesus made this clear when He instructed His followers to “strive” to do so. But we must be clear here. No amount of effort saves us; salvation is by the grace of God through the gift of faith. Many will seek to enter that narrow door, the door of salvation, but “will not be able.” They are unwilling to trust/rely on Jesus alone. They are unwilling to pay the price. It costs too much for them to give up the world. God’s gate is a gate through which one cannot carry the baggage of sin and self-will, nor can one carry the accoutrements of materialism. The way of Christ is the way of the cross, and the way of the cross is the way of self-denial.
Depth Of Grace - Edge Of Unforgiveness (11AM)
August 7, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 12:4–12
My dear Mother-in-Law was not a fan of edges. When you combined edges with speed, height, or both, things got interesting. When Kathaleen and I were first married we lived in New Jersey. I was in graduate school. Kathaleen’s mom, from Las Vegas, flew out to take a training course at Harvard and she extended her visit to stop by and see us. Kathaleen was working and so I drove the hour south to Philly International to pick her up. It was summer, the sun was out, and so before I left for the airport, I took the doors and the top off the Jeep. It was a glorious drive down I-95. I arrived at the terminal, found her, loaded her stuff into the back of the Jeep, she climbed in. We were 15 minutes into our return journey, driving 65 on the freeway, my left leg dangling out the driver’s side door, when I realized, she had stopped talking. I looked over and it was clear she was petrified. Both of her hands were clamped onto the grab bar in front of her. She was not enjoying the wind through her hair, or the sun on her face. For the next 30 minutes she didn’t say much, did not laugh at my jokes, her expression did not change. Things got better when I slowed down and turned onto surface roads. But honestly, it wasn’t until we stopped, she pried her fingers from the grab bar, and she exited the Jeep, that she began to breathe again. I learned then and there that she was no fan of edges. I’m pretty sure, being the good and loving Son-in-Law I am, that I put the doors and top back on before our return trip to the airport (actually I’m hoping that’s what I did … not completely sure). Our passage from Luke this morning is terrifying. It is the one place where we come right to the edge of unforgiveness. We are warned here not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. How horrible to be eternally beyond the forgiveness of God. That is a place no one who understands what lies on the other side of death wants to be. Is this something that I could do by accident, one moment unintentionally saying something, doing something, blaspheming, and falling off the edge into eternal unforgiveness? Much better to put the doors back on and stay well clear of the edge. But then again, even with this dire warning, we need to hear the expanse of God’s grace and mercy. He is warning us here because He loves us. Stand clear of the edge!
Depth Of Grace - Edge Of Unforgiveness (9AM)
August 7, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 12:4–12
My dear Mother-in-Law was not a fan of edges. When you combined edges with speed, height, or both, things got interesting. When Kathaleen and I were first married we lived in New Jersey. I was in graduate school. Kathaleen’s mom, from Las Vegas, flew out to take a training course at Harvard and she extended her visit to stop by and see us. Kathaleen was working and so I drove the hour south to Philly International to pick her up. It was summer, the sun was out, and so before I left for the airport, I took the doors and the top off the Jeep. It was a glorious drive down I-95. I arrived at the terminal, found her, loaded her stuff into the back of the Jeep, she climbed in. We were 15 minutes into our return journey, driving 65 on the freeway, my left leg dangling out the driver’s side door, when I realized, she had stopped talking. I looked over and it was clear she was petrified. Both of her hands were clamped onto the grab bar in front of her. She was not enjoying the wind through her hair, or the sun on her face. For the next 30 minutes she didn’t say much, did not laugh at my jokes, her expression did not change. Things got better when I slowed down and turned onto surface roads. But honestly, it wasn’t until we stopped, she pried her fingers from the grab bar, and she exited the Jeep, that she began to breathe again. I learned then and there that she was no fan of edges. I’m pretty sure, being the good and loving Son-in-Law I am, that I put the doors and top back on before our return trip to the airport (actually I’m hoping that’s what I did … not completely sure). Our passage from Luke this morning is terrifying. It is the one place where we come right to the edge of unforgiveness. We are warned here not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. How horrible to be eternally beyond the forgiveness of God. That is a place no one who understands what lies on the other side of death wants to be. Is this something that I could do by accident, one moment unintentionally saying something, doing something, blaspheming, and falling off the edge into eternal unforgiveness? Much better to put the doors back on and stay well clear of the edge. But then again, even with this dire warning, we need to hear the expanse of God’s grace and mercy. He is warning us here because He loves us. Stand clear of the edge!
Do Not Be Anxious. Be Ready. (11AM)
July 31, 2022 • Dennis Whitcher • Luke 12:13–48
Jesus tells us not to worry. However, in today's world, life seems a little more complicated than in Jesus days, and most of us don't worry about food and clothing. So, what did fully have in mind when He tells us “not worry about what we will eat or wear? Where we focus our lives and minds when life happens and worries come, can have a huge impact on how well we make it through. Jesus gives us several things to consider when these happen to us. Procrastination is a major problem in the world today. It is putting off what needs to be done or hoping to do tomorrow what should have been done yesterday. It affects everyone of all ages - and can be fatal when it affects our relationship with Christ. We only deceive ourselves when we believe that there will still be enough time before our death or before Christ’s return to come to Christ. We want to think that we are in control of the future, but the reality is that we are not. We do not even know what is going to happen in the next few seconds. The wisest thing to do is to be ready for Christ’s return now since time waits for no man. In today's lesson, Jesus uses the parable of the rich fool to teach about money and possessions, worrying, being ready, and our servant obligations.
Do Not Be Anxious. Be Ready. (9AM)
July 31, 2022 • Dennis Whitcher • Luke 12:13–48
Jesus tells us not to worry. However, in today's world, life seems a little more complicated than in Jesus days, and most of us don't worry about food and clothing. So, what did fully have in mind when He tells us “not worry about what we will eat or wear? Where we focus our lives and minds when life happens and worries come, can have a huge impact on how well we make it through. Jesus gives us several things to consider when these happen to us. Procrastination is a major problem in the world today. It is putting off what needs to be done or hoping to do tomorrow what should have been done yesterday. It affects everyone of all ages - and can be fatal when it affects our relationship with Christ. We only deceive ourselves when we believe that there will still be enough time before our death or before Christ’s return to come to Christ. We want to think that we are in control of the future, but the reality is that we are not. We do not even know what is going to happen in the next few seconds. The wisest thing to do is to be ready for Christ’s return now since time waits for no man. In today's lesson, Jesus uses the parable of the rich fool to teach about money and possessions, worrying, being ready, and our servant obligations.
Warnings & Woes (11AM)
July 24, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 11:37, Luke 12:3
Not many of us like to be “called on the carpet.” That idiom, that phrase, has been used for at least 150 years to indicate a scolding, a call to account, for a defect in our behavior. In the passage this morning Jesus called the religious leaders of His day on the carpet. In rapid succession Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy, their self-centered, self-serving, religious hollow-ness. They looked the part, said the right things, prayed, and went to church, but underneath … no life, no heart, no humility, no genuine love for God. At that point it was decision time … they could humbly admit the truth and ask God for forgiveness, or they could deny the problem and shift the blame. They chose the latter. I’m right there with them. I don’t like having my hypocrisy exposed for all to see. My first response is to get mad, deny, attack. When Jesus calls us on the carpet His intention is to offer us life. Sometimes a hard word is the only way to get through our thick skulls and hard hearts. He knows all our secrets. He cares deeply about us. He is offering us grace, mercy, hope, eternity. May we (may I), with humility and honesty, turn toward Him, not away from Him.