Category Archives: NT260

Click here for Luke 19 audio:

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In Luke 19, Jesus reveals Himself as Savior, King, and Judge. Zacchaeus, a wealthy and sinful tax collector, encounters Jesus in Jericho. To everyone’s surprise, Jesus calls him by name, stays at his house, and declares that salvation has come when Zacchaeus repents and makes restitution (vv. 1–10). Jesus then tells the parable of the ten minas, teaching that His kingdom will not appear immediately and emphasizing the call to faithful stewardship while we await His return (vv. 11–27).

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He fulfills prophecy by riding on a colt. The crowds praise Him as King, though the Pharisees protest. Jesus declares that even the stones would cry out if His disciples were silent (vv. 28–40). Yet as He nears the city, Jesus weeps, grieving its blindness to the peace He offers and foretelling its coming judgment (vv. 41–44). Finally, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who turned God’s house of prayer into a marketplace, as the leaders begin plotting His death while the people continue to cling to His teaching (vv. 45–48).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 19 reminds us that Jesus seeks us in our sin and calls us to repentance, just as He did with Zacchaeus. He also calls us to faithfulness while we wait for His return, to welcome Him as King, and to worship Him with sincerity. I invite us to open our hearts to Christ’s presence, rejoice in His salvation, and prepare for His coming again.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Like Jesus with Zacchaeus, reach out this week to someone others might overlook or avoid. Share a meal, a conversation, or an act of kindness that points them to the Savior who came to seek and save the lost.

Click here for Luke 18 audio:

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In Luke 18, Jesus teaches about persistence, humility, and faith. He tells the parable of the persistent widow, showing that if even an unjust judge responds to perseverance, how much more will God answer the cries of His people who pray in faith (vv. 1–8). He then contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector, reminding us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who repent and cry for mercy will be justified (vv. 9–14).

Jesus welcomes children and teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to those who come with simple trust and dependence (vv. 15–17). A rich ruler, however, walks away sorrowful because he cannot let go of his wealth. Jesus warns of the dangers of riches but assures that what is impossible with man is possible with God, and those who follow Him will gain eternal life (vv. 18–30). Jesus again foretells His death and resurrection, though His disciples do not yet grasp it (vv. 31–34). Near Jericho, a blind beggar cries out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus heals him, commending his faith, and the man immediately glorifies God (vv. 35–43).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 18 reminds us that true discipleship is marked by prayer, humility, and trust in Jesus above all else. We are called to pray persistently, to humble ourselves before God, and to treasure Christ more than anything this world can offer. Where is God calling you to trust Him more deeply today?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for someone in your life who feels overlooked—perhaps a child, a neighbor, or a coworker—and show them Christlike attention and care this week. Use that moment as an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel with them.

Click here for Luke 17 audio:

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In Luke 17, Jesus teaches His disciples about forgiveness, faith, and humility. He warns against leading others into sin and calls His followers to forgive repeatedly when there is repentance. When the disciples ask for more faith, Jesus explains that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things, reminding them that their obedience is a matter of duty, not grounds for boasting (vv. 1–10). On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Him. Jesus praises this man’s faith, showing the importance of gratitude and the recognition of God’s work (vv. 11–19).

Later, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ question about the coming of the kingdom of God. He explains that the kingdom is already in their midst through His presence, but He also points to His future return, which will come suddenly and bring judgment, like in the days of Noah and Lot. His disciples must not cling to worldly things but be ready for His coming (vv. 20–37).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 17 calls us to live with faith, gratitude, and readiness. We are to forgive as God forgives us, thank Him for His blessings, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ rather than the world. Are you living in such a way that reflects trust in God’s promises and eagerness for His return?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take time this week to express gratitude by writing a note, sending a message, or calling someone who has been a blessing in your life. Use the opportunity not only to thank them but also to point them to God as the ultimate source of every good gift.

Click here for Luke 16 audio:

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Luke 16 contains two striking parables that call us to examine how we handle money and eternity. In the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus points out that even though the man acted unrighteously, he was commended for his shrewdness. Believers should learn from this—using worldly wealth to invest in eternal purposes, helping others, and advancing God’s kingdom (vv. 1–9). Jesus then warns that we cannot serve both God and money, for devotion to one will come at the expense of the other (vv. 10–13).

The Pharisees, who loved money, scoffed at Jesus, but He exposed their self-righteousness and reminded them that God sees the heart (vv. 14–18). Jesus then told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived in luxury while Lazarus, a poor beggar, suffered outside his gate. After death, Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s side, while the rich man faced torment in Hades. The rich man begged for relief and a warning for his family, but Abraham explained that those who ignore God’s Word will not be convinced, even by someone rising from the dead (vv. 19–31).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 16 reminds us that everything we have is entrusted to us by God and will one day be gone. Wealth cannot secure eternal life, but faithful stewardship can reflect where our hearts truly are. How are you using your time, possessions, and influence to honor God and point others to Him?

💬 Mission Challenge:
This week, intentionally bless someone in need—whether by providing a meal, giving generously, or offering your time. Use what God has entrusted to you as an opportunity to show His love and invite someone to consider eternal treasures in Christ.

Click here for Luke 15 audio:

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Luke 15 contains three parables that reveal God’s heart for the lost. In the first, a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is missing. When he finds it, he rejoices, and Jesus explains that heaven celebrates more over one sinner who repents than over many who think they need no repentance (vv. 1–7).

Next, a woman loses a silver coin and searches her house diligently until she finds it. When she does, she calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. Jesus teaches that the angels of God rejoice in the same way whenever one sinner repents (vv. 8–10).

Finally, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son. The younger son demands his inheritance, wastes it on reckless living, and is reduced to misery. When he returns in repentance, the father runs to embrace him and celebrates with a feast. Yet the older son resents this grace, forgetting that he has always had the father’s presence and inheritance. The father gently reminds him that it is right to rejoice, for “this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found” (vv. 11–32).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 15 invites us to see ourselves in these parables—whether as the lost who need to return, or as those who must rejoice when others do. God’s mercy is lavish and His pursuit relentless, and He delights in forgiving and restoring. Where do you need to experience His grace today, and where do you need to reflect His joy over another’s repentance?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Reach out this week to someone who may feel far from God—whether a friend, family member, or neighbor. Share the hope of Christ with them or simply extend a word of grace and welcome, showing the same joy God has over the lost being found.

Click here for Luke 14 audio:

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Luke 14 begins with Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath at the home of a Pharisee, exposing the hypocrisy of those who prized rules over mercy (vv. 1–6). He then teaches about humility through the parable of a wedding feast, warning that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted (vv. 7–11). In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus reveals God’s generous invitation to all—especially the poor, broken, and outcast—while warning that those who make excuses will miss His Kingdom (vv. 12–24).

Jesus also teaches about the cost of discipleship, calling His followers to love Him above all else, take up their cross, and count the cost of commitment (vv. 25–33). He ends with the image of salt that has lost its taste, stressing that disciples must live faithfully or risk becoming useless (vv. 34–35).

🌀 Reflection:
Am I walking in humility and counting the cost of following Jesus, or am I tempted to make excuses that keep me from wholehearted devotion?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Invite someone who might feel overlooked or left out—whether a neighbor, coworker, or classmate—to share a meal or attend church with you this week, reflecting the open invitation of God’s Kingdom.

Click here for Luke 13 audio:

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Luke 13 begins with Jesus’ urgent call to repentance, reminding His hearers that all people must turn from sin or face judgment. Through the parable of the barren fig tree, He shows God’s patience but also warns that unfruitfulness cannot continue forever (vv. 1–9). Jesus then heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath, exposing the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and revealing His heart for mercy and freedom (vv. 10–17). He compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and leaven—both small in appearance but mighty in impact—showing how His reign will spread and transform the world (vv. 18–21).

As He journeys toward Jerusalem, Jesus teaches that entering His Kingdom is like passing through a narrow door—not everyone will enter, and many who assumed they belonged will find themselves outside (vv. 22–30). His lament over Jerusalem captures His compassion for God’s people who have repeatedly rejected His messengers, yet He continues to extend mercy and longs for them to turn to Him (vv. 31–35).

🌀 Reflection:
Am I living with urgency, bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, or am I presuming upon God’s patience?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share Jesus’ call to repentance and hope with someone in your life who may be delaying faith in Him. Encourage them with the good news that today is still the day of salvation.

Click here for Luke 12 audio:

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Jesus warned His disciples against the danger of hypocrisy, reminding them that all things hidden will be revealed. Instead of fearing people, He called them to fear God, who has authority over eternal judgment, while also reassuring them of the Father’s intimate care for His children (vv. 1–12). He then told the parable of the rich fool, showing the folly of hoarding earthly treasures instead of being “rich toward God” (vv. 13–21). Turning to His disciples, Jesus urged them not to worry about daily needs, for God provides for birds and flowers and will all the more care for His people. Instead, they are to seek His Kingdom and store up eternal treasures (vv. 22–34).

He also called His followers to live in readiness for His return, likening it to servants awaiting their master. Faithful servants will be rewarded, while those who abuse their trust will face judgment, for “everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (v. 48). Jesus declared that His coming would bring fire and division, forcing people to choose whether to follow Him—even when that choice brings conflict within families. He finished by rebuking the crowds for failing to recognize the significance of His ministry, urging them to be reconciled before it is too late (vv. 35–59).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 12 presses us to ask: What do we treasure most, earthly security or eternal life in Christ? True disciples live in faith, not fear, trusting God’s care, rejecting hypocrisy, and remaining watchful for Jesus’s return.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take time today to evaluate your priorities. Write down one way you can loosen your grip on earthly possessions and invest more intentionally in God’s Kingdom this week.

Click here for Luke 11 audio:

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Jesus taught His disciples to pray, giving them a model that honors God’s name, seeks His Kingdom, and depends on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance (vv. 1–4). Through the parable of the persistent neighbor, He emphasized bold and expectant prayer, assuring that God, as a loving Father, gives good gifts—above all the Holy Spirit—to those who ask (vv. 5–13). Later, when accused of working by Beelzebul, Jesus showed that His authority over demons proves the arrival of God’s Kingdom. He warned that neutrality is impossible—whoever is not with Him is against Him—and called for vigilance, as a cleansed but empty heart is vulnerable to evil (vv. 14–26).

He pointed to the sign of Jonah as the ultimate sign of His resurrection and explained that spiritual sight determines whether we are filled with light or darkness (vv. 27–36). At a Pharisee’s home, He exposed the hypocrisy of focusing on outward appearance while neglecting the heart. He denounced their legalism and warned the lawyers for burdening others and hindering access to God’s truth, which only deepened their hostility (vv. 37–54).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 11 challenges us to examine whether our lives are filled with God’s light or clouded by empty religion. Do we seek God’s presence in prayer with persistence and trust? Or do we, like the Pharisees, focus on outward appearances while neglecting inward transformation?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Commit to a week of persistent prayer for one person who does not know Christ. Ask boldly, trust God’s timing, and look for opportunities to reflect His light to them.

Click here for Luke 10 audio:

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Jesus appointed seventy disciples and sent them out in pairs to proclaim the Kingdom, urging them to depend on God’s provision and announcing peace to receptive households (vv. 1–12). When they returned rejoicing in their authority over demons, Jesus reminded them that their greater joy should be found in salvation—that their names are written in heaven (vv. 17–20). He praised the Father for revealing truth to the humble and declared the blessedness of those who see and hear the good news (vv. 21–24).

Jesus then answered a lawyer’s question about eternal life with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Unlike the priest and Levite who ignored a wounded man, the Samaritan showed mercy, teaching that love for one’s neighbor crosses all barriers of race, status, or prejudice (vv. 25–37). Later, in the home of Mary and Martha, Jesus affirmed that Mary had chosen the “better portion” by sitting at His feet, showing that worship and devotion must take priority over busyness (vv. 38–42).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 10 calls us to balance active obedience with quiet devotion. Do you tend to be more like Martha—distracted by service—or Mary—focused on Jesus’ presence? What would it look like for you to love both God and neighbor this week with your whole self?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for someone in your community who is overlooked or in need, and show them Christlike mercy in action. Be intentional in loving your “neighbor” as the Good Samaritan did.