Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Luke 13:31–35

Luke 13:31-35 

  If the Pharisees warned me that the Roman ruler of the area were seeking to kill me, I'd probably think of what I needed to do to save my own skin.
  That's not what Jesus does.  Jesus isn't deterred by threats of violence -- he's on a mission, and he will not be deterred.  This is his dedication to saving you -- whatever cost is necessary, he will pay it so that you might be saved.
  What's also impressive is that Jesus' spirit isn't dimmed.  He mourns for the city of Jerusalem, and his intent is to gather the children under his protective wings, just as a mother hen would gather her brood.  There is a desire to protect, to shield, so that we might be safe.  That is the focus of Jesus, even in a time of trial -- the instinct is to save.  We see the fullness of Christ's love and the wonder of the invitation in this passage -- as the world is descending into chaos around him, he stands tall and invites others to come to him and find shelter.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Roadside Attractions and the Gospel

Luke 13:26–30

Luke 13:26-30 

  Social status matters deeply in this world.  The headlines are filled with important people.  There are magazines dedicated to tracking what celebrities wear, and restaurants hope that notable people will choose to eat there as an endorsement of the food.  Companies often give free branded material to famous people in the hopes they'll be seen wearing it and inspire others to acquire the products to imitate them.
  Jesus is telling us that the Kingdom of God operates on a somewhat different scale.  What truly matters is openness to the mercy and grace of God.  People from all around the globe will be gathered in the kingdom of God -- maybe that's not what the listener would've expected, but Jesus is reminding us that the Kingdom is more expansive than what we might imagine.  
  When you feel pressure to fit in, to follow along, ask yourself why.  What scoreboard are you tracking?  With whom are you trying to keep up?  Is this drawing you closer to Christ?