Luke 2:1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
 
THESE words seem fairly simple. Orders are given; it’s time to go pay the tax. But when you read these words, do you see the very bad news here? More taxes are certainly bad news for such poor Jews as Joseph and Mary. But the bad news goes deeper than money. It goes to the very soul of a nation. Rome rules Israel is as bad as news can be. Caesar Augustus and Quirinius are Romans. Rome controlled Israel. Israel’s people were subject to Rome’s intention to move as much wealth out of the country as possible to help fund Rome’s domination.
   Another aspect of this passage represents a point in history. Luke wants to give evidence of the timeframe, day and month (actually October) when Jesus was born. The more deliberate he can be of the circumstances around that time, the more we can trust Jesus truly was born in Bethlehem. This also helps historically define Jesus’ ministry time, his death, his resurrection and his ascension. One fact helps lead to another. True steps lead to the true God.
   The truth is, God sent his Son into the midst of political oppression at just the right time and into the right circumstances. It may seem odd our Lord would come when Rome ruled. But God turned the bad news into good news. He used Rome’s bondage over Israel as a means to spread the gospel into the world and to begin his church. The Roman Empire would be tolerant for a time of this new religion. Many of the new churches were founded within its borders. The Roman government would be a refuge to the early apostles as they escaped from the hatred of the Jews, who were the first persecutors of Christ’s church. In addition, Rome’s good roads and effective mail system would help transmit the gospel. too.
   Consider, also, that the oppressive nation Rome would later become one of the first nations to proclaim Christianity as an acceptable religion. In these ways, the “bad news nation” became a “good news nation”.
God is sovereign. He raises governments and deposes governments for his purposes. Certainly we can see much bad news in our nations. Let’s keep our eyes focused, though, on God. He will use all things for the good of his Kingdom come one day to earth.
  
Prayer: Lord, use our governments as a means of spreading the good news. Amen.

Luke 10:5-8 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.”
 
OUR Lord has instructed the 72 new gospel ministers regarding their journey to appointed villages in Judea. Now he instructs them on what to do on their arrival. Jesus is a good shepherd, isn’t he? He gives us instructions on where to go, how to go there and what we do on our arrival.
   The missionaries are to find “a man of peace”. This term comes from the Jewish customs to welcome people into one’s home. It was then and still is today a strong custom among Middle Eastern people (and many others worldwide) to welcome people into their homes and offer them a meal. These are homes of peace – of people receiving visitors, respecting their presence and obeying the customs.
   Such homes are good places to tell the gospel. It would make no sense to speak to someone who rejects you and keeps you from his home. There are homes and people prepared to hear. These are the places the disciples should stay to begin their ministry. A man of peace is one who would say, “You are welcome.” He would receive their message. Then even more, he would be willing to invite his neighbors and family into his home to also hear. In this way, the good news would be spoken, received and believed in God’s good ways.
   This has been the way of evangelism since that time. Many give testimony to believing in Jesus because the Word was spoken in someone’s home. Some became Christians, and in peace, they took the message to others.
   We see this example in Acts 10 as God called Peter to Cornelius’ home. He was a Roman centurion. But more importantly, the Holy Spirit had stirred in Cornelius to desire the gospel message. In the Holy Spirit’s grace, Cornelius was a man of peace who invited, then welcomed Peter into his household. Many there confessed Christ and were baptized. A similar “man of peace” relationship is recorded in Acts 16 when Paul and his missionary team met Lydia. She received the message and invited Paul and his fellow workers into her home. It is believed the church at Philippi was in Lydia’s home for some time.
   Many, many churches have begun in “homes of peace”. Some remain there to minister the gospel in a neighborhood. God’s Spirit uses other churches to grow and spread Jesus’ peace to many nearby and worldwide.
   The very personal good news of salvation begins in very personal ways. Look for those who are willing to receive the gospel. In turn, receive their hospitality. Allow the Spirit to anoint his peace upon those who believe. Pray for Jesus’ church on earth to be a place of peace to welcome the Lord’s good news and those in need of salvation.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I receive your peace in faith. In faith I offer it to others. Amen.
 
 

Luke 10:4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
 
JESUS continues his urgent instructions to the 72 “missionaries” he is sending out ahead of him. Remember, our Lord is walking to Jerusalem and to the cross. His time is short to prepare many more than the 12 disciples to continue the salvation message after he returns to Heaven.
   Yes, a mark of discipleship is our urgency to speak of Christ. It is, though, natural for us to get caught up in conversations about many things that have nothing to do with Jesus and his salvation. Sometimes these discussions are very superficial. Many times these conversations are good opportunities to learn from others, and possibly others may learn from us. Good talks have many good traits.
   Jewish customs – as in many cultures – are built on personal relationships and friendly conversation. But Jesus instructed the disciples to specific speech. He commanded the 72 gospel missionaries to forego the casual and urgently speak only of the gospel.
   At what level do you rate your gospel urgency? Are you willing to speak of God at any moment? The other day I was talking with the woman who was cutting my hair. The conversation was general. We had not met prior, so we shared some family information regarding our children. She has a three-year-old. And she related how she was teaching him about “Elf on the Shelf” and Santa Claus, so he would “be good” for Christmas. Immediately, I thought, “I should ask her, ‘Is she teaching her son of Jesus?’” As you can imagine, it doesn’t take long for someone to cut my hair, so I knew I had to be an urgent gospel missionary.
   I asked her, “Are you teaching your son about Jesus?” She responded she didn’t think her son was old enough to know the real meaning of Christmas. Think of it. She could “teach” of Santa Claus, elves and the principle of “being good”. But she couldn’t teach of Jesus. I encouraged her to consider taking that step as her son is capable of understanding Jesus born in a manger. I pray the Spirit has changed her mind and opened her mouth to eagerly speak of Jesus to her son.
   There are two “urgent” lessons here. One:  When God opens the door – or instructs you – to put aside casual conversation and become urgent to talk of him, do it. I am distressed to consider the number of times I’ve let those gospel-talking-times pass to a “more convenient” time. Lesson Two: Children need to know early and often of Jesus. Time is urgent in a child’s life. They are quickly flooded with the culture to point them away from Jesus. Before they look elsewhere, it is a disciple’s task to focus their eyes on the Lord.
   Disturbing statistic: The average age of exposure to pornography is 5 years old!
   What do you want on your child’s, your friend’s, your cousin’s, your spouse’s mind: Casual, Culture or Christ? Yes, your conversations can and should be relational, uplifting and informative. But please be intentional for Jesus. Again, if you know Jesus, it is because someone was intentional to tell you. Time is short. As I write this, someone we know is lamenting lost opportunities to speak of Jesus to a friend who suddenly died. We don’t know when we will die or when Jesus will come. Remember, you get to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ! What a privilege and joy for you.  
 
Prayer: Lord God, open the conversations and open my mouth to be urgent for you. In Jesus’ name and the joy of his salvation, I pray. Amen.

Luke 10:2-3 He told them (the 72), “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
 
WE are so far removed from understanding Christianity in this way, aren’t we?  “Lambs among wolves”  is a frightening picture we seldom, if ever, consider in our faith.  In urgent language, Jesus defines discipleship as a very vulnerable calling. You are open to attack and destruction from people who are eager to destroy you. We know this is true. The early church experienced many martyrs. Men and women, who also spoke the true gospel of God in the Middle Ages were persecuted and destroyed by the “church” of that day. Generation upon generation has seen Jesus’ disciples devoured by evil’s wolves. Certainly, this is true and in the news today. The harvest is plentiful. The risk is enormous. The journey is dangerous. What do we do?
   The only thing we can do, aa we have learned from Jesus, is to devoutly become and be his disciple. Is this not how you are a  Christian? You can testify to earlier martyrs’ discipleship as being the reason you know the Bible and confess Christ today. Christians around the can point to people who put aside their own will and lived resolutely into God’s will to bring in the harvest. Each populated continent on earth has received the gospel because a few disciples braved the natural elements, bigotry and animosity to establish the cornerstone of Christ in the land.
   Out of such faith, revivals occurred. True understandings of Scripture were taught. People then realized their sin and came to faith in the Savior. The Holy Spirit harvested the souls of God’s own as his disciples went into the fields ripe for soul harvest.
   Regardless of where we go, the way is difficult. Still, we must continue to move the gospel forward as it has been moved to us. Paul reminds us of faithful discipleship through hardship in Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
   Often, we use these rich words of encouragement to help ourselves or others walk through some dark valleys. Let’s be mindful, too, to consider these words for our walk with the “wolves” waiting for us, be encouraged the Lord’s strength is with you.
 
Prayer: Lord God, in you I rejoice for the faithful workers of the past. Urge me to be a faithful worker for the future harvest. Amen.

Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
 
OUR Lord appointed 72 gospel ministers for a “short-term mission” into Judean villages Jesus would pass through on his way to Jerusalem. The Twelve are not included here because their task is to walk with their Lord in his final weeks on earth. But let’s see three ways Jesus and the 72 demonstrate a succinct picture of discipleship. 1) The Lord appoints certain people to minister. 2) Jesus sends them to specific places. 3) They respond his appointing and direction to go “to every town and place where he was about to go”.
   Do you call Jesus, “Lord”? Rejoice then; he has appointed you: John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit –  fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Live in awe he has counted you worthy to be a good news messenger. 
   Do you enter each day seeking to know where the Lord is sending you? Be assured, the Spirit empowers you: Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”  A listening disciple can be sure where to walk with the Lord.
   Do you respond to his direction? Acts 8:30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. Be eager to “run” when the Lord says, “Go.”
   Do you desire to prepare each person you know for the day Jesus will stand before them? Be constant; your work is eternal: Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. True disciples prepare God’s own to stand before the Lord: Luke 21:33-36 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
   As Jesus has graciously appointed you, he has sent you to appoint and prepare others for his Kingdom to come. Give praise to God for his love, grace and life in you. Honor the Lord Jesus with your Spirit-empowered life and love for his people to whom he sends you.
 
Prayer: Gracious God, you have appointed me out of your own good desire. I am so thankful to be your disciple. I pray my love for others honors you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
 

Luke 9:57-62 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
 
“BUT” is often a very impactful word, isn’t it? Do you notice it is spoken in each of Jesus’ three short conversations here?
   The first “but” comes from Jesus. In effect, a man said he is eager to follow Jesus “wherever”. That sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Jesus, though, warns him. Our Lord, who offers free grace, makes it clear to the eager new follower that there is a great cost to follow him. Discipleship is often lonely work. It saps your emotional and physical energy. Discipleship can cost you financially. When you say, “I want to follow you, Jesus.” be aware you will sacrifice much. Even the King of Kings experienced these things in his earthly ministry.
   The second “but” is one we all can understand. This one comes from a man Jesus specifically invites, “Follow me.” It seems this man’s, “Let me go and bury my father.” is a valid reason to tell the Lord, “Wait.”  It is likely, though, that the father is still alive. In the very rigid customs of the day, if the father had already died, the man would not have been out listening to Jesus. Thus, he was asking for an indefinite delay. Jesus called the man to minister to the living in the moment – now – while there was still time. When you say, “I follow Jesus.” you must be urgent to do so in the moment. The time for telling is short. Yes, you can attend to family matters at the appropriate time. Those matters should not, though, be so overwhelming it keeps you from Jesus’ call.
   Family is the focus, too, of the third man who said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” Again, this may seem to be valid. Surely Jesus can wait for a bit – even a day or so – while the man bids his family goodbye. But again, this, too, could take time. In contrast, Jesus is urgent with good reason. Remember he is on the way to the cross. He knows his time is short. Thus, when he says, “Follow me.” he means, “Be attentive. Be purposeful. Let’s go.”
   Following Jesus requires an urgent heart. We all have limited time on earth. The Lord of Life calls us to minister his gospel of life while we can for as long as we can.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I say, “Lord.” I pray my heart submits to following you with an urgent passion to minister your gospel. In your name I pray, amen.

Luke 9:51-56 As the time approached for him to be taken up to Heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”  55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village.
 
DO you notice how nearly every gospel passage is Jesus in conflict with someone? Many times the conflict comes from government and religious authorities. Often, too, our Lord must resolve differences with his disciples. Let’s see four different ways Jesus confronts conflict in this passage.
   First, Jesus confronts death. Note how Jesus’ divinity gives him a courage and firmness put his mission over his impending death – “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Other Bible versions say “received up to heaven”.
   Think of Jesus’ conflicting emotions here. He was certainly joyful the Father would receive him back to Heaven. But the Savior would also be grieving the torture he faced. Even more, he felt the great burden of mankind’s sin that made such a sacrifice necessary. I believe, too, he mourned the impending separation from his friends. Remember, he was fully man. These human emotions conflicted with his divine character.
   Second, there was the cultural conflict with the Samaritans – “but the people there (in the Samaritan village) did not welcome him.” As discussed in our previous lesson, we can become biased even hatefully against those who are different than we are. Here is the hatred of centuries-old differences and prejudices. The Samaritan-Jew division separated God’s people from God. This was a stumbling block for Jesus’ advance to Jerusalem. Still, Jesus moved through the cultural conflict.
   Jesus’ third conflict here is with his disciple John - “John asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’”  John was very confident of his Lord’s power now, wasn’t he? But he again demonstrated an intolerance for those opposing God. He will come to express very loving, forgiving emotions for unbelievers through his gospel and epistles when he writes such unifying and loving words as John 14:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.  
   Fourth, Jesus confronted Satan. Jesus knew Jerusalem’s suffering awaited. He heard the Samaritans’ rejection. He experienced the disciples’ misguided sense of importance and power. No, we do not see Satan mentioned here, but he is at work. Remember how Scripture declared at the end of Jesus’ battle with Satan in Luke 4:13 “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” This is one of those “opportune times”. Jesus firmly moved out of Satan’s grasp here just as he had done earlier.  
   Jesus knew it was his time to move to the cross. He also knew his mission would open the way for the Holy Spirit to expand the Kingdom of God on earth. He walked in the Father’s purpose, so the gospel would go into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria (Yes, it is likely some of those Samaritans who rejected him that day would come to confess him.) and throughout the earth.
   Once again, learn Jesus’ resolute lessons on discipleship: Reject evil’s temptaions. Follow the Father’s will. Be focused on the gospel to be preached to the world.
 
Prayer: Father in Heaven, keep my heart resolute to your will on earth. I only desire to walk in your footsteps. Amen.

Luke 9:49-50 “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
 
ONE reason many people ridicule the church is because there are so many denominations. Differences in understanding baptism, communion, salvation, worship and church government are a few reasons Jesus’ “one body” (Eph 4:4) has become multiple bodies.
   To some extent, that is good. There is a strength in like-minded people joining together in worship, study and ministry. In other ways, though, these many denominations are a detriment to God’s church. When Jesus was accused of ministering in Satan’s power he replied, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” (Luke 11:17) Certainly this standard is true of God’s Kingdom. Too many divisions weaken the whole as churches criticize, demean or reject each other.
   Yes, there are good reasons to reject some “churches”. Many do not preach the gospel. Many do not even teach the Bible but prefer to rely on cultural issues as discussion topics. “Sin” does not find its way into church language because we are fearful of offending someone (but not have no concerns of offending God).
   The apostle John’s concern here was that someone was doing God’s work apart from them. The “outsider” could have been one who was John the Baptist’s disciple. He might have heard and witnessed Jesus’ ministry. The Holy Spirit then gifted him to heal and exorcise demons. Perhaps the man was one of the 72 Jesus sent out as recorded in Luke 10. Although he was not personally with Jesus and the disciples after that ministry, the man was “with” the Lord through his Spirit-empowered works. You could say the empowered man was of Jesus’ “one body”.
   Jesus then encouraged John to let the man minister. Our Lord pointedly proclaimed there are two clear sides in the spiritual warfare. One is against God, or one is for God. Those against God cannot truly do the things of God. Those with God are empowered to do his will on earth.
   This is a good test to know if a (your) church is with God. God’s will is that the gospel is the center of the church. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (communion) must be administered. Do people pray for the Spirit-led miracle of salvation for all who enter? Is the church engaged in Spirit-empowered evangelism and kingdom work? There is no middle ground in Jesus’ church. You are either for the entire Word of God, or you are not.
   Be discerning in your comments regarding other churches. Do not automatically “try to stop them” with demeaning, separating comments. Be willing to learn who they are. Understand their relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. Keep in mind Jesus’ words “whoever is not against you is for you.” If you learn they are with Jesus, perhaps your church can join the other in ministry, unified and empowered as Jesus’ “one body.”
   The apostle Paul wrote of being one with God in Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit –  just as you were called to one hope when you were called – 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 
   Let’s consider ways we can drop denominational differences to be focused on Christ-like oneness. Be the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of our preferences, a theology or your location.
 
Prayer: Bring your true church to one body under your authority, Father. Heal our churches, Lord. May we be quick to speak unifying words to “love one another”. Amen.
 

Luke 9:46-48 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all –  he is the greatest.” 
 
THE disciples had a listening problem. A short time before this, the Father had told Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” (Luke 9:35b) Think of it. From that moment, would you listen closely and take notes on all Jesus would say?
   Soon after the Father’s instruction, the Son said to his disciples, “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44) The Father told the three, “Listen to him.” The Son told the Twelve, “Listen carefully.” The Lord of Heaven then spoke of his servant humility to die.  
   That brings us to the above conversations. First, each disciple apparently wanted the others to serve him. Debating which one “would be the greatest” is a sure sign they had not listened to the Father nor the Son but to their sinful pride.  
   Surely Jesus was saddened and perhaps frustrated with their prideful hearts. The Teacher then used a living illustration to teach his disciples a third listening lesson. He put before them a child and said, “Welcome this little child.”
   Children are vulnerable. They need care. What happens when you welcome a child into your home – whether a newborn baby or a child who needs a home? Your welcoming heart is prepared to meet the child’s needs. You become servant-like to respond to unexpected needs. In a like manner, to welcome one into a relationship, your life or your church is to say, “I am honored to be with you. I am eager to get to know you. I want to care for you as I am able.” A welcoming person is of a servant’s mind, ready to respond.
   Listen to Jesus’ illustration here. Know a welcoming spirit is the pathway to true greatness in God’s Kingdom. Live in joy to know that by his bloody death on the cross, the Son has opened the door for the Father to welcome you into his house.
   John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
   Then listen to this second “child-like” illustration. A child-like faith is required to enter the Father’s house. Luke 18:17 “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  
   Listen to Jesus, the Living Word. Be as a child to receive his truth. Welcome Christ into your life. Then be prepared to welcome others into your life to serve them as you are able. In this welcoming way, you will show the Son. Then people will see the Father.   
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, Son and Spirit for speaking to me. Open my heart to listen closely to each word you give to me. Amen.