Luke 5:21–23

Luke 5:21-23 

English Standard Version 

  This is a very helpful reminder to us.  Note -- the Son of God, perfect in every way, walked this earth and healed people, doing dramatic miracles in public for all to see.  Others stood around and criticized him.  So why do we get so discouraged when people criticize us?  Of course we'll be criticized... Jesus wasn't immune from it.  

  So do not be alarmed when you find opposition in this world.  There are plenty of people willing and able to try and tear others down.  Focus on your ministry, on sharing the love of Christ in word and deed, and let Christ console you on the days when it's tough to keep moving forward.  He knows what it's like to suffer and find resistance in the community.

Luke 5:17–20

Luke 5:17-20

English Standard Version 

  I always wonder what obstacles I let stand in the way of me spending more time with Jesus.  I have plenty of reasons why I find other things to do.  None of them are better, but they seem more pressing, more urgent.  I get so tied up, so focused, and I suddenly grow aware that far more time has passed than I thought.  

  These men don't let anything stand in the way of getting their friend in front of Jesus.  They tear up a stranger's roof, lowering him down in front of Jesus, because they're focused on their goal.  Jesus looks up and sees their faith, and offers forgiveness, reminding us about the power of community.  We don't find our way to Jesus on our own, but others help us find the way, and in their determination, may we be inspired and energized to pursue Jesus with passion and devotion.

Luke 5:14–16

Luke 5:14-16 

English Standard Version 

  Jesus' ministry continues to grow, but Jesus refuses to budge off this commitment to a robust prayer life.  Even as he grew more popular and people demanded more of him, he found a time and place to pray on his own.  He had to go to desolate places, but he was willing to do so, because that fed his soul.

  It's a reminder to us -- if Jesus, the most popular person in the 1st century, wasn't too busy to make time to pray, then we ought to ensure we do likewise.  

Luke 5:12-13

Luke 5:12-13 

English Standard Version 

  I wonder how much of society has moved from the front porch to the back patio.  We certainly have more space behind our house... but we're more isolated as well.  It was true when we lived in the suburbs, too -- we rarely sat out front and talked to our neighbors.  

  We're isolated in different ways.  It's strange how often you can be surrounded with people and still be isolated.  In Jesus' time, this leper would have been very isolated, and so it's remarkable that Jesus reaches out and touches him.  It violates all the social norms... and yet Jesus longs to break down the barriers that isolate us, to build a community of broken people.  So may we join the effort -- giving thanks at the ways Jesus includes us, and looking for ways to include others.