We learned at the end of Chapter 6 that Jesus had to once again use His divine power to escape the mob of Jews that wanted to take Him and kill Him. Once He escaped, He went into Perea which is “beyond Jordan.” He went to the area where His cousin, John (the Baptist), had first started baptizing. There He abode.
Verse 41 of John 10 states that many came to Him. Their statement was that John did not do any miracles, but everything he said about Jesus, they found was true.
As a result, many believed on Him.
Still in Perea
(Luke 12:1-12)
Luke 12:1-12 1In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
10And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be
forgiven. 11And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Luke records much concerning the ministry of Jesus in the region of Perea. In the beginning of this chapter, Luke records that the multitude of people was so great that they were walking all over each other. Luke goes on to write that Jesus, before He ever began to address this unruly crowd, began to give some warnings and some encouragements to the disciples. In verses two and three, He warns them that anything done in secret would be revealed publicly, that nothing would remain hidden.
In verses four and five He tells them not to fear anyone who might kill the body, but rather fear Him Who have the power to cast them into hell.
In verses six and seven, He tells them that they are more valuable than the sparrows and the very hairs on their heads were numbered.
In verses eight and nine He tells them that whoever confesses Him before men, He would confess them before the angels. However, He tells them that whoever denies Him, He will deny them before the angels. The word “confess” in verse eight means “to profess one's self the worshipper of one.” There is no doubt of the connotation of the word. Another meaning is “not to deny.” It is noticeably clear.
Verse ten reveals to us that anyone can speak against Jesus the Son and be forgiven. However, if a person blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it cannot be forgiven. The Holy Spirit is the One that convicts of sin and wrongdoing, so if there is no conviction, there is no forgiveness.
Verses eleven and twelve shows that the disciples would be brought before synagogues, magistrates, and powers, but they were not to be concerned about what to say because the Holy Spirit would give them what they should say.
(Luke 12:13-21)
Luke 12:13-21 13And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow
my fruits? 18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
A man approaches Jesus and asks Him to force his brother to share an inheritance with him. Jesus rebukes him asking him what made him think that He should be a judge or divider over him. Jesus then tells the parable of the rich farmer whose harvests cause him to tear down his barns and build new one so that he can live out his life in ease. Jesus’ conclusion is this: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
(Luke 12:22-31)
Luke 12:22-31 22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In these verses Jesus illustrates that the disciples should not worry about all the things that are necessary for them to live. Many things are named in these verses, but Jesus concludes by saying that they should seek the kingdom of God first, and then all the things that are necessary will be added to them.
(Luke 12:32-34)
Luke 12:32-34 32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief
approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
In these verses Jesus tells the disciples that only the treasures that are laid up in heaven are the ones that will last. He then concludes by telling them that where their treasure is, there will their heart be also.
(Luke 12:35-48)
Luke 12:35-48 35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Jesus exhorts the disciples, in these verses, the all-important principle of being watchful.
(Luke 12:49-53)
Luke 12:49-53 49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I
straitened till it be accomplished! 51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Jesus continues His discourse in these verses that attempting to live for Him will cause division in the disciples’ lives. There would be no peace but rather division.
(Luke 12:54-59)
Luke 12:54-59 54And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? 57Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 59I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
In these passages Jesus states that the people—He is talking to more than just the disciples here—are able to interpret the signs of nature, such as weather, etc., but are not able to discern what their adversary might do to them.
(Luke 13:1-9)
Luke 13:1-9 1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it,
and dung it: 9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
In this time that Jesus was teaching, someone approached Him with the news of the Galileans that Pilate had slain while they were offering their sacrifices, mixing their blood with that of their sacrifices. Again, that old falsehood rises its ugly head, the wrong consequences concerning committed sin. Jesus asks the question of whether or not those slain Galileans were greater sinners than others because of the suffering they underwent. He tells them that unless they, the ones listening to Him at that time, would repent, they also would perish.
He also refers to an accident that happened where eighteen men were killed when the tower of Siloam, in Jerusalem, collapsed. Jesus again, poses the question whether or not those men who were killed in the accident were greater sinners than anyone else in Jerusalem. He again, states that if they, the crowd, did not repent, they would also perish. He then tells a parable concerning the baren fig tree.
At a Synagogue on a Sabbath Day Somewhere in Perea
(Luke 13:10-17)
Luke 13:10-17 10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
11And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. 15The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? 16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? 17And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
Jesus is teaching at a synagogue located somewhere in Perea. A woman that had a terrible condition which caused her to be constantly doubled over, came to Him for healing. Jesus healed her, and she was able to stand straight. Because of her healing, she glorified God. The ruler of the synagogue became extremely upset
over this situation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath Day. His conclusion that was that there were six other days in the week in which Jesus could heal but not on the Sabbath Day. Jesus calls him a hypocrite because there was not one of them present who would not get an ox out of its stall and water it on the Sabbath Day. By the time Jesus finished with them, they were all ashamed.
(Luke 13:18-21)
Luke 13:18-21 18Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? 19It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. 20And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Jesus is apparently still in the referenced synagogue in Perea. He asks the question about how He should compare the kingdom of God. He then tells the parable of the muster seed. He continued in the same train of thought by telling the parable of the yeast.
In Towns and Villages in Perea, Traveling Toward Jerusalem (Luke 13:22)
Luke 13:22 22And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
Jesus has left the region in Perea where John the Baptist had first started his ministry. Jesus is now traveling to Jerusalem. This would be His next to last journey before His crucifixion. This journey is not without events and teaching, as we will see further on.
(Luke 13:23-30)
Luke 13:23-30 23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of
iniquity. 28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
When someone observes that there are few that are being saved, Jesus responds by telling of the narrow door by which those who want to be saved must enter.
Many would refer to their works that they have supposedly done for Jesus, pleading entry into the kingdom of God. Jesus tells them to depart, He does not know them. He calls them workers of iniquity.
(Luke 13:31-33)
Luke 13:31-33 31The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. 32And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. 33Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
On the same day that Jesus was teaching concerning the straight gate (see above), some Pharisees warned Him that Herod will kill Him if He remains in Perea.
Jesus responds by calling Herod a fox. I believe it can be said that Jesus has a sense of humor! Jesus states to the Pharisees that He is going to continue His journey toward Jerusalem regardless of what Herod intends to do.
Sabbath Day at a Chief Pharisee’s House, Somewhere in Perea (Luke 14:1-14)
Luke 14:1-14 1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6And they could not answer him again to these things. 7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, 8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the
highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. 13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Luke begins this chapter by informing us that Jesus is at the house of one of the Chief Pharisees, and it is a Sabbath Day. The Pharisees and the lawyers are closely watching Jesus. Somehow, there is there a man with a condition called “dropsy.”
There is not a clear understanding of just what this condition actually is. Even the Greek language is vague concerning this. Regardless, they are watching to see if Jesus will heal him. I would suspect that the man might have been a “plant” for them to try and catch Jesus in something with which they could accuse Him.
Apparently sensing their questions, Jesus, Himself, verbally asks the question, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? Receiving no answer, Jesus proceeds to heal the man and let him go. Jesus again asks a question of them. He asks which one of them would not get his donkey out of a pit on the Sabbath Day if the animal had fallen into one. They could not answer Him.
He proceeds to tell a parable about the chief rooms and the way the Pharisees would chose them. Jesus concludes with the truism of he that exalts himself shall be brought low but he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
Jesus then turns His attention to the man who had organized the dinner. He instructs him that when he makes a dinner, he should not invite his family and friends because they would probably give a dinner in return. Rather, Jesus says, he should invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. It would not be possible for them to give a dinner in return. He states that the host would be blessed if he would do that.
(Luke 14:15-21)
Luke 14:15-21 15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse.
The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
When Jesus had finished speaking to the host, someone at the table makes the comment that a person would be blessed to eat bread in the kingdom of God.
Jesus responds to the comment by telling the parable of the great supper. The host of the great supper, when it was ready, instructed his servants to tell the invited guests that it is ready and that they should come. One by one they gave excuses of why they could not come to the supper. When the servant informed the host, the host was terribly angry and instructed the servant to go out and invite the poor, the halt, the maimed, and the blind. The servant explained that had already been done but there was still room for more. The host then instructed the servant to go out in the highways and hedges and invite all to come in that his table might be filled. In his anger, he vowed that those that had been invited and made excuse to not come, would never eat any of his supper.
Somewhere in Perea
(Luke 14:25-33)
Luke 14:25-33 25And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33So
likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Jesus has left the Pharisee’s house and has probably resumed His journey. A great multitude of people has gathered around Him. He begins to address them about the cost of becoming His disciple. His disciples would have to love their families less that they would Him. Those who would not bear their cross would not be able to be one of His disciples. He then illustrates this truth by telling of a builder sitting down and calculating the cost of building a tower before he ever begins to construct it. He tells of a king planning a war against another king that carefully calculates how many men he needs to conduct the battle. Or should he send an ambassador to seek terms of peace because he is outnumbered. Jesus concludes by stating, So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
(Luke 14:34, 35)
Luke 14:34, 35 34Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Jesus gives the illustration concerning the salt. If the salt has lost its savor, it is of no good and no value. It would be thrown out onto the waste heap.
(Luke 15:1-10)
Luke 15:1-10 1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
When He had finished speaking the words concerning the salt, the publicans and sinners came closer to Him so that they could hear Him better. This caused the Pharisees and scribes to murmur about His receiving sinners and eating with them.
Jesus, after probably hearing what they said, launched into the parable of the lost sheep. (Note: The hymn The Ninety and Nine is based on this parable.) He then tells of the parable of the lost coin. He reveals to them the point is that the angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner repents.
(Luke 15:11-32)
Luke 15:11-32 11And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.
And he divided unto them his living. 13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20And he arose, and came to his father.
But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I
have is thine. 32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Jesus continues on to tell the parable of the Prodigal Son. Many lessons can be drawn from this parable, but since our intent is not to examine in detail the parables, we will pass on comments and the teachings of this parable for another time.
(Luke 16:1-15)
Luke 16:1-15 1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. 2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee?
give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. 3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. 4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. 5So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? 6And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? 13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
In these passages, Jesus tells the disciples about the wise and shrewd steward who, when he was commanded to give an account of his stewardship, went to each of the lord’s debtors and collected one half of what they owed. He was commended
by the lord. Jesus illustrates that those who are faithful in little would be faithful in much but those who would not be faithful in little would not be faithful in much.
He closes by stating that they cannot serve two masters. They will serve God, or they will serve material wealth. The Pharisees began to sneer and scoff at what Jesus had said. Jesus replies that they justify themselves before men, but God knows their hearts. The one that is highly esteemed among them is abomination in God’s sight.
(Luke 16:16-18)
Luke 16:16-18 16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. 17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. 18Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Jesus, in these verses, says the Law and Prophets were until John and since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it. He states that it would be easier for heaven and earth to pass away than one tittle of the law to fail. We know that the tittle is one of the smallest characters of the Hebrew letters. He then makes a statement concerning divorce and remarriage.
(Luke 16:19-31)
Luke 16:19-31 19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29Abraham saith unto him, They have
Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
This is the well-known story of the rich man and Lazarus. Many might want to call this a parable, but it is not. Jesus does not say it is a parable, and He also never used a proper name when He told a parable. The examination of the truths revealed in this story are more than can be considered here for our study.
(Luke 17:1-18:14)
Luke 17:1-18:14 1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. 5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 11And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. 20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees,
when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here!
or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. 23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. 24For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. 25But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. 26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32Remember Lot's wife.
33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers,
or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Jesus continues to teach His disciples. There are many different things that He touches on in this chapter. Rather than examine them, I want to just list them.
*Causing little ones to sin
*Forgiveness
*Faith as small as a mustard seed
*Unworthy servants
*Coming of the kingdom of God
*As in the days of Noah
*As in the days of Lot
*Whoever loses his life will keep it
*Some taken, some left
*The corpse and the vultures
*Parable of the persistent widow
*Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Conclusion to Chapter 7
Each of the above are lessons within themselves. Jesus is still in Perea. Soon, He will hear of the death of His friend, Lazarus. That will be our starting point for Chapter 8.