Advent Readings: Luke 24

Luke 24

Here is the last chapter of the Gospel of Luke, here is the last advent devotion. This is the chapter of resurrection – Jesus overcame the sin, death, and the devil! The glory proclaimed by the angels to shepherds in the very beginning now is fully realized, comes to fruition. The scene of the open tomb could’ve been the last one. Yet, Luke, just like he wrote an introduction to the story (chapter 1), wants us to know the “epilogue.”

Two guys are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. This is a very common name for Near Eastern village, it should be translated along the lines of “Hot Spring(s).” Think about Springfield – almost every state in the United States has one. Even the Simpsons live in one (which led to whole geographical debate on their context). Luke points out that the distance was 60 stadia (ESV immediately translates it into 7 miles, Luke 24:13; and I am not going to start commenting on “seven as a perfect number”). What is important is the fact that they reached their destination, verse 28. Accompanied by Jesus, Whom they did not recognize, having fun in theological discussion, they came where they wanted to be. They even invite Jesus to stay, that’s where one of the phases from our Evening Prayer setting comes from:

“Stay with us Lord, for it is evening    

And the Day is almost over” (Luke 24:29, LSB )

And then He took the bread, blessed it (or gave thanks), broke it and gave to them. Just like He did before! Then their eyes were opened… Then they remembered that their hearts were burning while they discussed the Scriptures with Him (Luke 24:32). And then something even more interesting happens. Instead of focusing on their reflection, they rise and walk back all the way to Jerusalem – through the night (remember, stay with us Lord, for it is evening…). They want to share the news of resurrection with other disciples (Luke 24:35). Again, as the shepherds seeing with their own eyes the Messiah in the manger went to share the news, the disciples of Jesus could not stop teaching, preaching. And breaking the bread in His memorial. 

Advent Readings: Luke 22

Luke 22

This is a famous chapter for the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus sits with His disciples; He knows it is the last night they can spend together before His “hour.” Most likely, they prepared a Passover seder and within the ceremony He takes the bread and redirects the attention from the past into the future. Exodus is still important for Him, apostles, and all believers, but Jesus builds up on the past and commands them to do it in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19).

The volumes and countless papers were written on the Holy Communion: the Words of Institution, the historical setting, Passover roots etc. What I want to point out is the fact that taking part in the Last Supper did not magically preserve the disciples from the fall. First, they begin to argue who is the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). Just think about it – Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave to them, everyone of them (Judas included, cp. John 13:12-30). Yet, devil trod the path into their hearts… I don’t know, did they compare the pieces or what… Somehow, they did not accept Godly equality, they wanted to build the structural pyramid.

It gets even better – Jesus warns Peter, whom He calls Simon, like in the very beginning of their relationships. And one would hope that Simon would be cautious and thankful. No way: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). And we know how it ends for him (Luke 22:54-62).

That’s why we do not believe in magic of Holy Communion – we confess the mystery of His presence in our life in, with, and under the Bread and the Wine. It’s not our acceptance makes it great, His forgiving presence leads to transformation. Being forgiven and restored after the Resurrection (John 21:15-19), St. Peter did endure both the prison and the death. Focusing on Jesus, and not on himself, the apostle was able to make great miracles, preach great sermons, and turn many to the Lord. 

Advent Readings: Luke 15

Luke 15

This chapter is something I’ve been pondering for many years, as many of the Bible readers. Who have not heard about Prodigal Son, or a Lost Sheep for which a shepherd leaves his 99 “good” ones… These are fascinating parables to think about, to dive into, to meditate upon over and over again.

The fact that these parables are one unit can be seen from the fact that the intended audience is the same throughout the whole speech. Luke begins the chapter mentioning that tax collectors and sinners were drawing near Jesus (cp. Leviticus 1:1-2 and 16:1, 27-29), while Pharisees and scribes are grumbling (cp. Exodus 16:2). Then he records three parables: the Lost Sheep (Lk. 15:3-7), the Lost Coin (Lk. 15:8-10), and the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15:11-32). And only after the end of the third parable we have a change is scenery – in 16:1 Jesus addresses His disciples…

With this in mind, I was wondering about the order of the parables. Why doesn’t Jesus start with a thing (the coin), then continue with an animal (sheep), and conclude with a man (prodigal son, whoever you think it is, younger or older)? I found one answer in the mathematical progression: Jesus goes from 1/100 to 1/10 to 1/2. Stakes get higher and higher. But still, why a coin over an animal?

Recently, I came up with an elegant answer. It is by no means the ultimate interpretation, but I kind of like it. I think the progression follows up the pattern of the Divine service. In the parable of the Lost Sheep we end up with the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Lk. 15:7).

Even thou the second parable also ends with the statement about repentance, the image of a coin leads me to compare it to the Word (cp. Ps. 19:10). The Word is both the Law and the Gospel, and while the Law pushes us to repent, evaluating our own sinful state, it is the Gospel that brings joy to our hearts and to the hearts of God’s “angels” or messengers – the preachers of His Word. It is a true joy to see someone turning his ways from sin to godliness.

Then the final parable ends with the Feast, leading me to compare it to the Sacrament of the Altar. Like a prodigal son we do not deserve to be at the Table, we are invited. He is the One who orders the food and who sets the Table. For sure, it brings us back to the first parable and reminds us of repentance – as the Small Catechism says: “for where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation” (SC VI:3). At the same time, it relates to the Word, for the bread and the wine do not turn into the Body and the Blood of Christ magically. Pastor can wave his hands as many times as he pleases, but it’s not going to do the trick. Because it is not a magic trick, it’s a mystery. We proclaim the Word of Institution (Verba) over the elements, and by the power of the Word in, with, and under the Bread and Wine we receive the Body and Blood of Christ.      

By no means I intent to say that Jesus followed the order of the service the Lutheran churches ended up with in XVI century. I think it’s vice versa – even if they didn’t read the chapter of Luke as a reflection of the liturgy, they intuitively understood the proper flow: from repentance, through the Word/instruction, to the Lord’s Supper. The feast is the ultimate place for the fellowship with the Lord, as He intends for us to meet Him at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6-10; 22:16-17). 

Advent Reading: Luke 6

Luke 6

There are many things that can or should be said about chapter 6. Sabbath “controversy,” another version of beatitudes, followed by the “woes,” closing the chapter with the building house on the rock. What I want to point out is something that involves counting skills.

To those who pays attention (the basic meaning of “to you who hear”) Jesus lays out 16 imperative verbs (v. 27-38):

1. love your enemies

2. do good to those who hate you

3. bless those who curse you

4. pray for those who abuse you

5. to the one who strikes in on the cheek, offer the other also

6. do not withhold your tunic from one who takes away your cloak

7. give to everyone who begs from you

8. do not demand back

9. do so to them as you wish that others do to you

10. do good [to your enemies]

11. lend, expecting nothing in return

12. be merciful

13. Judge not

14. condemn not

15. forgive

16. give

 

This sets a moral and evangelism bar so high. When an adequate reality assessment kicks in, we realize that it is impossible for man to measure up to this list. Jesus did it all, He is the one who took upon Himself an obligation to tread the path of righteousness. The path we are invited, being justified, as we set the foot on the way of sanctification.

There is a need for a numerical comment. Somewhere in the middle of the list (between 9 and 10), Jesus repeats “love your enemies.” This turns a list into 17 consecutive verbs. That’s makes the list way more interesting. A sign of fulness is developed further in John 21. Remember, Jesus makes breakfast for the tired disciples who fished all night long and couldn’t catch anything. John notices that Jesus brought 153 large fish (John 21:11). 153 is triangular 17. Putting these two passages, we see that Jesus invites His disciples to consume the list of 17 imperatives of godliness, same as the LORD invited Jeremiah and Ezekiel eat the Word of God (Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 2:8-3:3). When disciples are fed with the fish, Jesus tells St. Peter: “feed My lambs” (John 21:15,16,17).

Jesus first feeds us, with the Word and the Sacrament of the Altar. That brings us to the path of responsibility to feed the others, sharing the Word, our testimonies, our lives… 

The WHOLE ARMOR of God: The SWORD of the SPIRIT

The Whole Armor of God: Sword of the Spirit

I. Intro. A short reminder:

1. Belt of Truth 2. Breastplate of Righteousness 3. Shoes of readiness of the Gospel of Peace

4. Shield of Faith 5. Helmet of Salvation

 

II. Sword of the Spirit – Word of God.