Podcasts about reading luke

August 24, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 22:24-30 or John 1:43-51Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 5:1-18; 1 Kings 6:1-7:50; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.'” (Luke 22:24–28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Is it greater to serve or to be served? Throughout the world, the answer is obvious: it is better to be served. Kings exercise lordship, and it's good to be the king. But the King of Kings has a different answer. He is the King who says, “the first shall be last” and “Blessed are the Poor.” He is the one who came down from the heavens to serve. The eternal Son took on flesh and dwelt among us, not as a conqueror but as a servant. This continues to be a comfort to us because our God is the one who gave his life on the cross to cleanse us from our sins and did not stop there. Our God continues to sanctify his people, and He has created Good Works for us to do as fellow servants and Children of God. However, God has not stopped serving us. He continues to serve us every Sunday when the saints on earth gather together to receive the Word and Sacrament from our pastors. God's work began for us and continues to be for us as our generous King gives freely to his people for all eternity. Jesus shows that the greater one is the one who serves. If God Himself serves us, we, as His people, continue to serve our neighbor.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, chose Bartholomew to be an apostle to preach the blessed Gospel. Grant that Your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 16, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 18:9-14Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 6:1-19; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.One of the many problems with being a sinner is that we are turned in on ourselves, or self-centered. We tend to talk too much about ourselves and only think of our own problems and desires. As religiously serious people, we may even become impressed with ourselves and compare ourselves to others. The Pharisee in our text is an example of this. Even when he “prays” in the temple, all he really does is talk about himself to God. If you can believe it, he lets the Almighty know how great he is! And if you are honest, I bet you can believe it because you've probably done the same thing. We all have. If we aren't careful, our prayers can also become self-centered attempts to justify ourselves, rather than humbly thanking and praising our Maker and our Savior. The main underlying problem with the Pharisee is the sin of pride. He is so proud that he cannot do anything but brag about how great he is and condemn those whom he thinks are beneath him. He thanks God that he is not like them! Contrast this with the tax collector. That man cannot even raise his head. He has sinned terribly, and he knows it. When praying to God, he is full of anguish and shame. He beats his chest. He doesn't brag about how good he is. Instead, he goes before the Lord and barely spits out the only prayer appropriate: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” What a contrast: a pious, upstanding religious Pharisee, and a filthy, broken tax collector. If we had seen them that day, we would have certainly thought the one who had it all together, the polished, conservative religious man, was the kind of man God would approve of. But Jesus tells us otherwise. That man was too proud to receive God's grace or mercy. He thought those things unnecessary since he was so convinced of his own goodness. But not so the Tax Collector. Although his sin was great, Jesus tells us that the one who is truly humble, broken, and relies on God was the one who went home justified. Learn from this man whom our Lord praises and learn from him to look to God to have mercy on you and forgive you all your sins for Jesus' sake.Further, ask yourself: How do I pray? With humility or pride? In your conversations with others, how often do you talk about yourself versus listening and learning from others? How might you, as a fellow broken and humble sinner, let others know about the mercy of God in Jesus?In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus, To wash my crimson stains Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains. (LSB 606:1)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 15, 2026. Today's Reading: Luke 1:(39-45) 46-55Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 5:1-25; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lutherans honor Mary—not because she rules in heaven or manages our prayers—but because of what God did through her. Jesus' humanity is real—He took flesh from Mary. Second, all but two recorded humans die. If Mary had been taken bodily, assumed into heaven, Scripture would clearly say that — as it does about Enoch in Genesis 5:24 and Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11. Scripture is silent on what happened with Mary later in her life; what we do know is that the Bible never implies that Mary was sinless or deserving of our worship. Instead, Holy Scripture presents her as a faithful servant, uniquely chosen, and consistently points to God's saving work in Christ.We honor Mary because she herself said, and Scripture records, “All generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). She's the Mother of our Lord, the one who heard the word of God from Gabriel and believed it. We honor Mary because God honored her—but we do so in the way she teaches us: not by magnifying her, but by magnifying the Lord.God chose an ordinary, humble woman to bear His Son. Jesus grew like we do, lived in the world we live in, suffered in all the ways we do, was tempted as we are, yet without sin, and He did so as a man. This perfect and sinless body He offered on the cross for our salvation. This is the “great thing” God did to Mary—and the great thing He did to and for us. Mary's greatness is not in or of herself. Her greatness is that she received everything from her Savior. She says she's “lowly,” not special or powerful, and so, her humility is part of the miracle. (Luke 1:29)This is our story. God has done great things to and for us. In Baptism, He claimed us as His children. In the Lord's Supper, He feeds us with His Body and Blood, giving forgiveness, life, and salvation. He puts Himself into us—just as He once put Himself into Mary (Luke 1:35). Our response, like Mary's, is awe: “He has done great things to me.” (v.49)We rejoice with Mary—not in Mary. We rejoice in the Lord who became flesh for us, who poured out His blood to forgive us, who keeps His promises, and who loves us by His death that gives us life.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We pray: Almighty God, You chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Your only Son. Grant that we, who are redeemed by His blood, may share with her in the glory of Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 9, 2026 Today's Reading: Luke 19:41-48Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:1-22; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23“Would that you… had known on this day the things that make for peace!” (Luke 19:42)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus sees His beloved city and her people carrying on in great busyness and happiness in preparation for the Passover celebration… so why does Jesus weep? Why the turning over of the money changers' tables? Because the people thought that maintaining longstanding traditions since the first Passover and making money was what made for peace. Was Jesus there just to kill the vibe of Passover, or to dampen the mood of the millions gathered in Jerusalem? Not in the least… although it kinda sounds like it when he drops the hammer of foretelling them that in 70 AD, His whole city would be leveled. Jesus is fully God, He is fully man; This God/man shows sorrow (His weeping), and He exhibits controlled wrath (casting the merchants out by His word), but it is His mercy that should not be overlooked. Martin Luther writes: “He who is true God weeps with true tears. He laments not for Himself but for those who would not have Him.” (AE 75:417) Jesus weeps for His people… His beloved… because of their unbelief, hardness of heart, and their spiritual blindness. They, and all sinners, believed that their riches, their busy lives, and their works made for peace. Jesus, in great love and mercy, enters the temple, made with hands, and kicks the ones who bought and sold out with His word, showing us that He'd come to us… how the strong man would be bound and cast out. Jesus is the ‘thing' that makes for peace… the time for peace was then, and peace would be won in the most terrible and wonderful manner, and still He came to dwell with His people through His Word. Even as He weeps, His cross is fully in view where He will be the true temple that will be torn down and built up again after three days… and that cleansing He provides will involve more than the turning over of tables and the casting out of merchants… it will be the event that overturns the world and casts out the enemies of sin, death and the Devil forever; the ‘thing' that makes for peace with God and our neighbor right here on earth. Jesus laments over unbelief and dies for unbelievers, making His dwelling among us in the Church, the bride, He died to save.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“O Christ, cleanse the temple of our hearts. Let Your Word dwell richly within us. And grant that we may know, even now, the things that make for our peace — You, our Savior and our God.”Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

Guest Pastor Bill Pols (Minister emeritus Cornerstone URC)Reading: Luke 9:37-56Text: Luke 9:37-56Theme: Jesus makes clear what it means to follow Him1. No assumptions of an easy, comfortable life2. No conflicting priorities3. No looking backIf you have comments, questions, or need prayer, please email youtube@stalbertcanrc.com Music used by permission CCLI License #11589791, Streaming License #CSPL144862Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Time:MorningMinister:Rev. Bill PolsTexts:Luke 9:57–62Luke 9:37–56

August 2, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 16:1-9 (10-13)Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:20-47; Acts 26:24-27:8“[Jesus said,] ‘The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.'” (Luke 16:8a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We want to make this parable about us— about us being the actor, about us being the active player; we want the Law to be the lens through which we view it. But, goodness, that is what we want to do with every parable. The problem is that that is the worst way to go about reading the parables. And this one is no exception…For when the Law is the lens, then we have an almost impossible task of figuring out what to do in this parable. The man isn't very ethical; he isn't very upright. Go ahead and live your life according to the rules that this man was following, and I dare say that you would be left out on the street with no friends in sight.The strange thing is, after the manager found out that he was going to get canned, he went out and started rewriting the ledgers. Now, some might want to argue that this man was being magnanimous, but you can only be magnanimous when you are giving away your own money. But that isn't what the dishonest manager was doing; he was giving away his boss's money.Well, the time for the books to be reviewed arrives, and wouldn't you know it, surprise of surprise, the rich man is happy! So much so that he commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. This makes absolutely no sense at all because it would appear as if at the beginning of the parable this man had been cooking the books, and here at the end he was doing the same…But what if we have that wrong? What if the man wasn't cooking the books at the beginning, but was playing fair, was making everyone pay exactly what they owed by the letter of the Law? And what if the rich man hated that? Could it be, could it maybe just be that the rich guy wanted to pay for the debts of his debtors all along? Could it be that in this parable, as in all parables, the Gospel must prevail, and where you find someone forgiving/canceling/rewriting ledgers from red to black, then you have finally found Jesus?Could it be that this whole strange and crazy parable and everything that Jesus says surrounding it is said for the purpose of turning us to the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins, no matter how strange and confusing it might be, so that we can rest assured that at the end of the day, Jesus has turned our dead debts to live ones once again? Yeah, let's go with that…In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let Your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Reading: Luke 5:16, Acts 9:10-18 Road Trip # 3: Worth Stopping For

July 5, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 5:1-11Daily Lectionary: Joshua 23:1-16; Acts 12:1-25“And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets'” (Luke 5:5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus blesses these unsuccessful fishermen with the greatest catch of all time, and through His blessing assures them and us that he will never let the godly grow hungry. He will give us bread and fish and will satisfy us with his provisions. He will feed us physically and give us daily bread. Yet he, the Bread of Life, will also satisfy us with living bread from heaven. He will feed us spiritually. Whoever feeds on him in faith will never hunger, thirst, or die. He will never let us perish spiritually. How does he comfort despairing, sinful Simon? “Do not be afraid,” he says.Look at how this story began. The crowds were pressing in on Jesus. Like a celebrity that gets swarmed by a crowd, Jesus is trying to get away as the crowds press in on him all the way up to the shore—and this, to “hear the word of God.” Wouldn't your Pastor love to have that happen every Sunday morning, with crowds of people swarming to get into church and hear God's Word? So, what will Jesus do? He will feed his people. He will teach his people. He will call his people.This story begins and ends with the Word of God. The crowds are drawn in to hear God's Word, and the disciples are sent out to proclaim God's Word. Jesus blesses his disciples with physical provision, spiritual healing, and finally, a spiritual office. He calls them to be fishers of men. He gives these despairing men a hopeful calling. He gives these sinful men an office of forgiveness. He gives these poor fishermen the treasures of heaven. He gives these frightened men courage to follow.When we toil all night and catch nothing but discouragement and despair, we should follow Peter's example in handing over our lament to God and obeying his Word. We should let God do the worrying—if it doesn't work out, he knows why; and if it does, all glory, honor, and praise belong to him. In everything we do as Christians, we trust God's Word. We throw out his net and let him worry about how full it will be. If God blesses our bodies and souls, he will surely bless our work and gifts. He will not let us labor in vain. His blessing will always accompany us in our work.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, You have prepared for those who love You good things that surpass all understanding. Pour into our hearts such love towards You that we, loving You above all things, may obtain Your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

July 2, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)Daily Lectionary: Joshua 7:1-26; Acts 10:34-48“‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Saint Elizabeth was blessed. Her young relative from Nazareth had arrived at her home, and she was happy to see her. You can just see her in your mind, coming to the doorway, seeing Mary, and shrieking with excitement! The crazy thing is, the Blessed Virgin would not even be one month into pregnancy yet. She's not showing. But St. Elizabeth knows! And she knows Who is in the womb of her relative, since God has revealed that to her.Saint John the Baptizer was blessed. Today's world might dismiss him as merely a six-month-developed fetus. But that precious baby in his mother's womb was gifted by God also to know! St. John wasn't just kicking like babies normally do inside their mothers; he was leaping for joy at the presence of God! He was not able to use his voice yet to preach and point others to Christ, so he used movement to do the preaching. “Mom! Look! God is here!”The Virgin Mary is blessed. God, in His wisdom and grace, chose this girl to be the Mother of God-with-us. She was blessed to hear the Word of God through the Angel Gabriel, and through faith to believe it. Then she was blessed to actually carry God in her womb! Nine precious months with the Creator inside a creature, the Nourisher and Sustainer of all being nourished and sustained by His mother.All of these saints are blessed not from themselves, but from their connection to THE Blessed One. Take some time to go through the Psalms. Did you ever notice how many times it talks about the Blessed Man? It's not David bragging about how good he is. It's not even praising some prophet or other man. It's all about Jesus! Christ is THE Blessed One. And through His holy life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection, He gives that blessedness to you and all His Church.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. For He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden. For behold from this day all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things to me, and holy is His name; and His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His seed forever. (LSB 248)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

June 28, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 6:36-42Daily Lectionary: Joshua 3:1-17; Acts 9:1-22“…first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.” (Luke 6:36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If you have flown, you have heard the spiel. In the event that the oxygen masks are activated, put your own mask on first, then assist others. What?! For a Christian, that seems so backwards. Think of others first. Parents want to think of their children first. You want to care for your friend or loved one traveling with you.Why do the airlines give this instruction? Time is crucial. If you pass out from a lack of oxygen while helping someone else first, you both are in danger. However, if you secured your own mask, you can then continue to help them, and more may be rescued.Jesus' words in today's reading are addressing a less noble moment, though. You know how it is—the urge to roll your eyes and tell everyone when that really annoying kid in class messed up. A certain lady at church is gossiping, and you SO want to call her out on it. You visit a different church on vacation, and you spend the whole service mentally judging every movement and choice that the pastor did wrong.Now, in this passage, Jesus isn't saying to avoid calling sin “sin.” He doesn't mean that you look the other way and pretend everything is great. But He IS saying to look at yourself first. Be convicted of your own sin, and repent. You are not superior to your fellow sinners. You are no better than those who annoy you; you are a fellow poor, miserable sinner.When you do speak God's Word to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye, it is done with compassion and out of your own repentance. Words of Law are spoken with authentic love for them as children of God who are to be made aware of their sins, and encouraged and loved as fellow forgiven saints.Our Lord gives His Law to peaceably order society, make us all aware of our sin, and lead us to repentance. And He governs His Church by His saving Gospel, which rescues us from all the logs in our eyes and specks in our neighbors'.So put on that oxygen mask of God's Word, receiving that Gospel that rescued you from sin and death. He may place others to then be helped by you. Or He may simply use the silent witness of your life, like the quiet gestures of the flight attendant, giving you that “spiel.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, grant that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by Your governance that Your Church may joyfully serve You in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

June 24, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 1:57-80Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 30:1-9, 18-33; John 20:19-31“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Everything John the Baptist did pointed to the Messiah. His father, Zechariah, prophesied John “would go before the Lord, to prepare His way to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” John preached in the wilderness, calling the people to repentance. He prepared them for the Gospel. He directly pointed to Jesus as “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” when Christ came to be baptized. John, even in his doubts, when he sent his disciples to Jesus, bore witness to Christ. Jesus tells John's disciples to tell him, “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). John did not point perfectly, but he pointed to Jesus. And finally, in his martyrdom, John pointed to Christ as he preached the truth to unlistening ears. John the Baptist pointed to Christ - that's the job of a hypeman.What's worth hyping up that much, though? Zechariah's words at his son's birth say it clearly: God visited His people and redeemed them. The Second Person of the Trinity took on human flesh (even at John's birth, Jesus was already in Mary's womb) and not only visited God's people but dwelt among them. And while He dwelt among us as Immanuel, he suffered and died that He might purchase, or redeem, us with His precious blood. This was the promise God made first to Adam and Eve in the Garden and reminded His people over and over again. The Messiah is coming. God even added that one would come to prepare the way for the Messiah to clue in the people that their Redeemer was coming soon. John gave a Baptism of water only, prefiguring the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to come. He, as a faithful way pointer, directed the hurting towards their Redeemer and Lord.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord, to do His Father's pleasure; Baptized by John, the Father's Word was given us to treasure. This heav'nly washing now shall be a cleansing from transgression and by His blood and agony release from death's oppression. A new life now awaits us. (LSB 406:1)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

June 21, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 15:1-10 or Luke 15:11-32Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 24:1-22; John 19:1-22“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You would expect a father to be furious with his son. First, this son asks for his inheritance while his father is still living - implying that his father is better to him dead than alive. Then, he wastes all of his father's possessions and has the audacity to come home to his father. It's worth noting that the son wants to beg to be his father's servant rather than demanding his place as a son, but it is still insulting. You would expect the father to be angry with his son. But this is a parable told by Christ Jesus, and so it should be no surprise that things go differently than expected. Notice what has happened. “While he was still a long way off,” —the father kept an eye out for his son, waiting for him to return as if he knew the man would come back. The father looks for his son. We might think he'd be waiting to give his son a piece of his mind for trashing the good things he gave him. That's what we expect. But when the father sees his son, he feels compassion for him, not anger. He looks upon this starving, hurting son with mercy and love. And then the father runs to him. He does not wait for the wayward son to reach the house but meets him with love, hence the hugging and kissing. That's not the expectation. No self-respecting landowner would run, especially to a disgraceful son. But to the father, this is a joyous reunion and one of celebration. The father sends for fine clothes and a feast and for merriment because his dead son is alive again; he was lost and now is found. Our Lord tells a parable full of unexpected actions to show how God is. God sees a sinful world full of sinners who take His good gifts and abuse them. He sees a world so broken it would kill His Son. But even while we were far off, not even seeking Him, He ran to us and sent for fine clothes, reinstating us as His children. You are made a son of the Father because He has compassion on you. You are clothed with righteousness won by Christ Jesus on the cross. In your Baptism, you were made His child. You were dead in your sins, and He has made you alive. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord God, heavenly Father, we all like sheep have gone astray and have allowed ourselves to be led from the right path by Satan and our sinful flesh. We implore You, graciously forgive us our sins for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Enliven our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that we may abide in Your Word in true repentance and steadfast faith, and so continue in Your Church to the end and obtain eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

Hello and welcome to Christchurch Xscape's Sunday Service. Today we continue with our series 'Up: The Path Between Dust and Glory'. Please feel free to get in touch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@xchurch.org.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading: Luke 9:51; 18:31-34Our podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/xchurch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our blog for thought-provoking articles ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://xchurch.medium.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to our fortnightly email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://xchurch.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ef1fcfe581f6926a1507b6e0&id=ff02df616e

Today's Reading: Luke 14:15-24Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 14:1-27; John 15:1-11“And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:17-18a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever really looked forward to a celebration or a meal? Perhaps it's your birthday - you just KNOW that your mom is going to make your favorite foods and you will get an awesome cake; you cannot contain your excited anticipation for that day. Or maybe it's Thanksgiving - you can't wait to enjoy your grandma's homemade pie and your uncle's stuffing! Look again at the reading for today; a banquet has been prepared. There is literally nothing to do except come! And yet EVERYONE who was invited made excuses. That seems ridiculous. Surely they know a good thing when they are given it - a free banquet! Who says no to that? Well, let's be honest with ourselves. How many Sunday mornings have you wished to just keep sleeping? How many times have you sat in church and thought, “Why is this taking so long?” How often have you skipped Bible study because the teacher is really boring? Repent, dear invited one. You are making excuses. Our Lord prepares a banquet for us - a feast for us - every time we are in the Divine Service. He has equipped and called men to be our pastors; they stand in the stead of Jesus and pronounce our sins forgiven. Our Lord has given us His Word to hear, read, speak, and sing; the Word that points to His mercy and our rescue. He pours out His Blood and sacrifices His Body for our eating and drinking. Indeed, every time we attend church, we are at a banquet! We receive the most perfect, holy, beautiful Gifts from God: we are reminded of His adoption of us in Baptism, we are forgiven of our sins, and we literally feast on Jesus' Body and Blood for our salvation. Maybe you are still going to drag yourself to church, hurt, broken, and tired from the week. God's Gifts don't depend on how you feel about them - they are real and they are yours. Attend the banquet. Receive the feast that has been prepared for you. Rest where you are safe, holy, and loved. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, since You never fail to help and govern those whom You nurture in Your steadfast fear and love, work in us a perpetual fear and love of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. A. Andrew Das, author of Dinner with the Doctor: Luke's Gospel for the Hungry. Dr. Das brings his scholarly expertise to a broader audience, guiding readers through the unique voice, motifs, and theology of Luke's gospel. He explores Luke's distinctive emphasis on food, women, and possessions; the meaning of “today” in Luke's theology of salvation; the importance of reading scripture in its first-century context; and how the book serves both pastors and laypeople hungry for deeper engagement with God's Word.Episode Timestamps0:49 — Introduction1:42 — Each Gospel Writer's Unique Voice5:11 — Luke's "Today" — A Different Theology of Salvation7:25 — Luke's Unique Motifs: Food, Women & Possessions9:58 — Reading Luke in His First-Century Context13:36 — The Rich Man and Lazarus: Wealth & the Possessions Motif16:23 — Dr. Das's Favorite Lucan Passages17:52 — How to Use This Book: Pastors & Lay Readers20:05 — The Art of Good Biblical Interpretation23:02 — What's Next: A Preview of Mark's Gospel25:08 — Closing & Where to Find the BookAbout the GuestDr. A. Andrew Das is the Niebuhr Distinguished Chair and professor of religious studies at Elmhurst University. He has authored several books with leading publishers in biblical studies, including Paul and the Stories of Israel (Fortress, 2016); Galatians, Concordia Commentary (CPH, 2014); Solving the Romans Debate (Fortress, 2007); Paul and the Jews (Hendrickson, 2001); and Paul, the Law, and the Covenant (Hendrickson, 2001). Dr. Das is also researching key women and their leadership in the Pauline communities and writings. Dr. Das received graduate degrees from Yale University and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also did doctoral work at Duke University. He teaches in biblical studies, early Christianity, and Second Temple Judaism. Resources MentionedDinner with the Doctor: Luke's Gospel for the Hungry by Dr. A. Andrew Das — cph.orgConcordia Publishing House: Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.

June 7, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 4:1-27; John 12:1-19“He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'” (Luke 16:31) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.At first glance, today's reading seems to suggest that life is the luck of the draw. The rich guy had it good during his earthly life, while Lazarus had it rough. And, because it is only fair then, the rich guy has to suffer in eternity, but Lazarus gets to be in comfort. It seems to make sense, right? It's only fair.And yet, this isn't about being poor or rich. This isn't a ‘fair picture' of who gets to have what. Instead, this teaches about the lie of independence and the idolatry of wanting to be your own god. This speaks to the heart of every sinner. The rich man had nice clothes and plenty of food; he lived lavishly. To us sinners who love control,  comfort, and excess, this sounds great! Lazarus, by contrast, suffers continuously. He wishes for crumbs. And yet, all he has are the dogs. When death comes, Lazarus is brought to heaven, and the rich man suffers in torment. Ephesians 2 teaches us that it is, “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God.” We learn that Lazarus had faith. He trusted in His Savior, even in suffering. In Hades, the rich man still wants to control his destiny. He wants a drop of water - he wants some relief; he is told no. He begs that Lazarus be raised from the dead to give his brothers a warning about this eternity of torment. But, his brothers already have the Law - they have the words of Moses and the Prophets. If they will not repent when the Law is taught, they will have no use for someone being risen from the dead. Repent, dear sinner. Do not be deceived by independence, control, or the ability to chase your desires. God's Word of Law is for your good. It reminds you that you are a sinner. Remember that in your Baptism, your Old Adam daily drowns and dies; the New Man daily rises and celebrates the boundaries given by God. The New Man daily rejoices, even in suffering, because even in trials there is hope. Cling to the promises of Jesus, who has risen from the dead for you. In excess and in suffering, you need God's Law and His Gospel. You need to be reminded of your sin and your dependence on God. Rejoice in that reminder - for you have a God who does not spare His only, perfect Son, but abandons Him on the cross for you. You have a Risen Savior who daily forgives your sins and meets your needs. You are not without hope. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, the strength of all who trust in You, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing, grant us Your grace to keep Your Commandments that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

Join Zoe, Solomon, and Michelle for an incredibly powerful exploration of the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, unpacking what it means to pursue Jesus despite obstacles, how grace calls us by name before we ever make the first move, and why true salvation manifests itself in radical generosity and restored relationships. This episode dives deep into the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, a despised chief tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus passing through Jericho, and discovers what it looks like to move from greed and isolation to humility and wholeness, from being hated by the crowd to being publicly restored by the Messiah, and from climbing up high to being called down low in the presence of the King. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 01:20 Reading Luke 19:1-10: Jesus and Zacchaeus 02:57 Setting the Scene: Jericho and the Wealthy Tax Collector 04:49 Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree: Humility and Desperation to See Jesus 10:11 Jesus Calls Zacchaeus By Name: Divine Grace and Intimacy 13:40 Come Down Immediately: The Urgency of Responding to Jesus 19:24 The Crowd's Judgment vs Zacchaeus' Joy 20:38 Radical Repentance: Zacchaeus' 180-Degree Turn 32:19 Salvation and Restoration: Jesus' Public Vindication 34:30 The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

We tend to imagine that the gospels were written by Christians for other Christians. But this week, Helen and Lloyd take a trip with Dr Daniel Glover, who has argued that the figure we now call Luke was writing for a cadre of well-educated, cultural elites. This in turn shapes the way that he presents Jesus, conforming to a range philosophical and mythological tropes. Daniel B. Glover is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Lee University. His research focuses on early Christianity within its broader Greco-Roman and ancient Mediterranean context, especially Luke–Acts, early Christology, deification, and ancient religion. Glover is the author of Patterns of Deification in the Acts of the Apostles (2022) and Jesus and Other Sons of God ( 2025), where he explores how Luke presents Jesus in dialogue with ancient Mediterranean ideas about divinity. In this's week bonus episode, Dr Glover discusses the dating of Luke-Acts. Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson. 

Join Zoe, Zach, and Michelle as they kick off a brand new four-part bible study series exploring the encounters Jesus had with people throughout the New Testament, beginning with the Call of Peter in Luke 5:1-11, unpacking what it means to move from reluctant obedience to radical surrender, why Jesus invites us out into the deep water to meet with him, and how God wants to use what you already do for his kingdom while calling you to leave behind what holds you back. This episode dives deep into the powerful story of Simon Peter, a fisherman who had just worked all night and caught nothing, only to have Jesus tell him to put out into deep water and let down his nets for a catch that was so miraculous their nets began to break and their boats began to sink. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 01:38 Reading Luke 5:1-11: The Call of Peter 03:43 Setting the Scene: Jesus Teaches From the Boat 08:32 The Ridiculous Request: A Carpenter Tells a Fisherman How to Fish 11:18 Jesus' Approach to Evangelism: Invitation Not Imposition 15:00 The Miraculous Catch: Nets Breaking and Boats Sinking 17:45 Peter's Response: From 'Chief' to 'Lord' 24:57 From Fishers of Fish to Fishers of Men 30:51 They Left Everything and Followed Him 36:41 Closing Reflections: What Will You Use and What Will You Leave? What other bible studies would you like to see on The Way UK Podcast? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

The monthly Men's Breakfast & Bible Study at OAG shared by our Men's Ministry Director, Gator Fort. ** Edited to remove extended pauses and personal information shared in the study **Title: The Prodigal Son: It's Never Too Late to Come HomeSummary: No matter how far someone has strayed, God's love is unconditional and His arms are always open to welcome them back home.Approximate Outline:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction00:38 - Reading Luke 15: The Prodigal Son03:36 - A Personal Testimony Begins04:27 - The Power of a Praying Mama05:57 - God Gets Your Attention07:46 - Living as a Walking Testimony09:59 - It's Never Too Late to Come Home11:18 - Closing Words

May 8, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 13:29-30Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 26:1-20; Luke 13:18-35“...And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”(Luke 13:29-30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus teaches His hearers that in Him salvation is for the world. The mindset of the first-century Jew was that salvation was on account of their lineage. The appeal of the church leadership was to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for their assurance that God would save them. The idea that salvation would be for the Gentile was folly to the Jew. The teaching that the message of salvation was for the world was foreign to the Pharisees and the church leadership. The Messiah was for the Jews to free them from a tyrannical and oppressive foreign government. Jesus flips the narrative that was being taught upside down. A teaching that the first would be last and the last first did not agree with the current leadership. Jesus was chastised for the people He called as His disciples. The individuals who benefited from His miracles were from all walks of life. He sat with sinners and tax collectors. He proclaimed comfort and hope to the destitute. He healed the blind, the deaf, and the mute. The outcast, the beggar, the half-breed Samaritans, He healed and restored them. His message was contrary to the message that the Pharisees had been teaching. He brought a message of forgiveness and mercy.Our world today advocates for self-reliance. We are to seek out our own desires and fulfill those desires regardless of whether they are contrary to the Scriptures. The message of the Scripture is still contrary to what the world would have us believe. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive to the world. The world says to rely on yourself, fulfill your wants, and serve yourself. Christ's message is a message of repentance and forgiveness. The Savior has come into this world and paid the price for your sins. He has fulfilled the law on your behalf. You are set free to live in your Baptism. He did not look at your last name or who your parents are. He did not look at your history or where you are from ethnically. God has called you out of His unfathomable love for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Today Your mercy calls us To wash away our sin However great our trespass, Whatever we have been However long from mercy Our hearts have turned away, Your precious blood can wash us And make us clean today. (LSB 915:1Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.

May 6, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 12:35-53Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 23:23-44; Luke 12:35-53“‘Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Luke 12:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus' words for the disciples were a little concerning for them. They wanted to know if these words were for them or for all the people. The “managers” are in the crosshairs of Christ's admonishment. The ones entrusted with the work of overseeing the administration of the gifts that have been given to them. The local church had abused its power by burdening the consciences of the people. The leadership continually advocated a law of salvation for the people. God's forgiveness was contingent upon the obedience to the laws made by man. The church had grown into apostasy. The leadership failed to see themselves as servants, but rather as those who were in control and “calling the shots.” The life they advocated was not about God's unfailing mercy and forgiveness but rather about obedience to their laws. Christ saw their hardened hearts. Christ came as the suffering servant who dies on the cross and conquers death. His ministry is a ministry of servitude for His people. In His service, His people are made ready for the Master's return. He prepares His people through the Gift of Holy Baptism. In your Baptism, you are made ready for His glorious return. Christ reminds His hearers that they know neither the day nor the hour when the master will return. He merely encourages them to be ready. You are ready in your Baptism. In your Baptism, you received the name of Jesus. In your Baptism, you received the sign of the cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. You are baptized into His death, and you are baptized in His resurrection. You are dressed for the return of Christ as His robe of righteousness has been placed over you. You are ready for His return.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow'r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.

Join Izzy, Zoe, and Zach as they conclude their powerful parable series with the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in Luke 20, unpacking what it means to steward what God has entrusted to you, why the gospel message is both offensive and gracious, and how Jesus directly confronted the religious leaders who rejected God's messengers and ultimately His own Son. This episode dives deep into Jesus' challenging story about a vineyard owner who planted a vineyard, leased it to tenants, and sent servants to collect the harvest, only to watch them be beaten, shamed, wounded, and cast out. Discover what happens when the owner finally sends his beloved son, how the tenants respond by killing him to claim the inheritance for themselves, and what Jesus reveals about the danger of pride, duplicity, and hardened hearts in leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 00:59 Context: Jesus Cleanses the Temple 02:12 Reading Luke 20:9-19: The Parable of the Tenants 04:19 Breaking Down the Symbols: Vineyard, Tenants, and Servants 09:01 The Beloved Son: Jesus in the Story 11:11 The Gospel is Offensive: Exposure and Violence 18:28 God's Grace in Sending His Son 23:59 The Danger of Pride and Entitlement 27:42 The Owner's Judgment and the Cornerstone 34:10 The Pharisees' Response: Immediate Rejection 38:00 Application: Living with Open Hands and Soft Hearts FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

April 22, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 7:36-50Daily Lectionary: Exodus 34:29-35:21; Exodus 35:22-38:20; Luke 7:36-50“He who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Pharisee Simon has invited Jesus to his house for a dinner party. Jesus is perhaps even the honored guest. Usually, in the ancient East, as a guest arrived, he would be given water to wash his feet, a kiss as a warm welcome (an equivalent to our handshake), and, for VIPS, olive oil for personal sprucing up. Shockingly, Jesus receives none of these kind courtesies from Simon. Or to put it this way: Simon shows no love whatsoever to Jesus. Zilch. Zero. Nada.  All of a sudden, a “woman of the city, a sinner, [i.e., prostitute]” shows up. Crashes the affair. What is she doing? Plying her trade? Is she putting the moves on Jesus? It sure looks like it! Get the kids out of the room! It's about to get R-rated at Simon's house. Check it out! Tears flow from her eyes. Behind Jesus and at His feet, she washes His feet with her tears and dries them off with her hair. Then she dares to kiss Jesus' feet and anoint them with ointment from her alabaster flask!  Simon, of course, is appalled. Horrified that Jesus lets this woman, a hardcore sinner, do this to Him or for Him. Simon snarls to himself: “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” Jesus picks up on Simon's thinking and tells a quick parable about two men being forgiven debts that they could not repay. One man had an enormous debt cancelled, whereas the other had a small debt forgiven. Jesus asks Simon: “Now which of them will love him more?” To which Simon begrudgingly answered, “The one that had the bigger debt cancelled.” Get it? Simon has no use for Jesus as Savior for the forgiveness of sins. Simon would certainly say: “I'm not perfect, but I am certainly not like this woman!” So he showed no love for Jesus. That is precisely why Jesus tells him: “He who is forgiven little, loves little.”  The big-time notorious sinner, the woman, had enormous use of Jesus – FORGIVENESS, LIFE, AND SALVATION. That is why she showed and gave Jesus so much love. She wasn't trying to seduce Him. She was there giving her Savior the highest worship any sinner could give: F-A-I-T-H! Her trust in Jesus as Savior begged for His total and complete forgiveness for her sins. She who is forgiven much loves much! Jesus says so: “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven – for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And as she believed she had. Jesus absolved her: “Your sins are forgiven…. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe in You. Forgive me. And may my love for you and for others be abundant. Amen. 

Join Izzy, Michelle, and Zach as they unpack the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18, exploring what it truly means to pray without giving up, why God is nothing like the unjust judge, and how persistence in prayer transforms us rather than persuading a reluctant God. This episode kicks off week two of the parables series, diving into Jesus' powerful story about a widow who relentlessly pursues justice from a judge who neither fears God nor cares about people, and what it reveals about God's heart for us when we cry out to Him. Discover why Jesus tells us the explicit purpose of this parable before He even begins the story, what it means to always pray and not give up when prayer feels like hard work, and why spiritual disciplines like prayer are more like going to the gym than we realise. The conversation tackles the reality of unanswered prayers, the tension between God's power and our experience of waiting, and why delays in answered prayer are often about changing us rather than convincing God. Learn what it means to fall back on love when prayers feel dry, how to reflect on God's faithfulness in the small things, and why no one is disqualified from coming to God in prayer no matter how much hurt, rejection, or distance they've experienced. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 00:54 Reading Luke 18: The Parable of the Persistent Widow 02:02 Jesus Knows We Struggle with Prayer 08:02 The Unjust Judge: Understanding God's Opposite 11:22 God is Not Reluctant: He Wants to Answer Prayer 12:54 What to Do When God Seems Silent 13:31 Prayer is Like Going to the Gym 15:05 Prayer Changes Us, Not God 20:35 Falling Back on Love: Why We Keep Praying 21:58 The Story of the Shoes: God Cares About Small Things 26:32 The Widow: No One is Disqualified from Prayer 31:16 When the Son of Man Comes: Faith and Persistence 33:54 Closing Thoughts and Next Week's Parable STRUGGLING WITH PRAYER? YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS THE POWER OF PERSISTENT PRAYER | LUKE 18 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

April 17, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 6:1-19Daily Lectionary: Exodus 31:1-18; Luke 6:1-19“And Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?'” (Luke 6:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus takes them to task. The scribes and the Pharisees throw the Law in His face; they try to catch the One whom the very words concern that they might accuse Him. When you try to trap God with the Law, you will only leave withered and defeated.The scribes and Pharisees leave angered. The man with a withered hand leaves restored.Jesus restores the fallen creation. This being revealed in the withered man's hand. Jesus isn't a savior of symbolic brokenness or object lessons. He's the savior of sinners, who cannot save themselves. Jesus confronts the Pharisees with the law, challenging them to face the reality that they cannot save themselves according to it. They hardened themselves against Him and sought to find a way to deal with Jesus even more.The man with a withered hand comes as he is. No way to hide his suffering. He goes to where God's word is read, and where the One who is the fulfillment of that word happens to be.Go to where God has promised to be. In His Word preached, for you. Church is where we who are broken by the Law come before God, not seeking to trap Him to our demands or convince Him we've done our best. It is where we lay ourselves bare and say, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”Through absolutions proclaimed, sermons preached, water poured, and bread and wine distributed, the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given for you. The God of sinners restores them, heals them, binds them to Himself in His Son Jesus, and the means He initiated to call, gather, and enlighten you to saving faith, and keep you in the one true faith until He comes again.No tricks or traps with Jesus. He heals your diseases, binds your wounds, and forgives your sins. Thanks be to God, He has died, He has risen, and will come again.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“You shall observe the worship day That peace may fill your home, and pray, And put aside the work you do, So that God may work in you.” Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:4)

Join Zach, Zoe, and Izzy for an eye-opening exploration of the Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14, unpacking what it means to accept God's invitation, why people say no to Him without even realising it, and how we're called to extend radical generosity and hospitality to those on the margins. This episode kicks off a brand new parable series, diving into Jesus' powerful story about a master who prepares a lavish feast, sends out invitations, and watches as everyone makes excuses to avoid coming. Discover what it reveals about our own priorities, the cost of following Jesus, and the incredible truth that God's invitation is open to absolutely everyone. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 01:46 What Are Parables? Understanding Jesus' Teaching Style 03:47 The Boy Who Cried Wolf: Parables in Modern Culture 05:30 Reading Luke 14:12-24: The Parable of the Great Banquet 08:39 Invite Those Who Cannot Repay You: Radical Generosity 12:24 Jesus at a Dinner Party: A Controversial Teaching 13:45 Blessed Is Everyone Who Eats in the Kingdom of God 16:07 The Master and the Invitation: God's Open Arms 16:45 The Foolish Excuses: When People Say No to God 21:38 Your Excuses Reveal Your Priorities 28:30 Go to the Streets and Country Lanes: The Second Invitation 30:29 The Gentiles and the Unexpected Guests 32:54 Everyone Is Invited: The Gospel for All Nations 35:25 We Are the Servants: Extending the Invitation 36:56 Living with Costly Generosity: Practical Application 39:18 Isaiah 25: The Feast of Rich Food and Closing Thoughts FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

Today's Reading: Luke 24:36-49Daily Lectionary: Exodus 15:19-16:12; Hebrews 10:1-18“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!'”  (Luke 24:36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.See Jesus. When your anxieties and doubts fill your mind. When you feel your best isn't good enough, or you're at your worst. When you know you've said hurtful things, done hurt to others, and caused yourself harm. See Jesus.Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, talked with adulterers, healed the sick and the unclean, and associated with those unassociated members of society. Jesus called ordinary fishermen to be His disciples and taught them despite their unbelief and designs for the kingdom of God.For those disciples, Jesus appeared and stood among them. What they had done had to come to mind. They abandoned Him, betrayed Him, denied Him, witnessed His death and shame before the world as He hung on the cross. Yet they see Jesus Himself, among them, and He said to them, “Peace to you!”Then Jesus shows them His hands and His feet, inviting them to touch Him. As if a ghost stood before them to haunt them, He asks them for something to eat and ate the broiled fish they offered Him. What the women from the tomb and the men from Emmaus had said was true. He has risen!Their master stood among them. Proclaiming peace, Absolution— they were forgiven before God and man. Then Jesus opened their minds to understand all that the scriptures had written from the Law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus, the crucified, fulfilled them; Jesus, the resurrected, fulfilled and proclaimed this to them, and now they, His preachers, would go and proclaim this truth to you. That you would know in your darkness, your suffering, your time of death, God is with you. See Jesus in His Word, in your Baptism, in bread and wine. These are where He comes to you, stands among you, and through your pastor proclaims, “Peace to you!” before God and man.Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia! He sees you, is with you, and has secured peace for you, and has proclaimed this to you in His Gospel promises, that trusting in Jesus, you may come at last to the Kingdom of your heavenly Father, and see Jesus.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, through the resurrection of Your Son You have secured peace for our troubled consciences. Grant us this peace evermore that trusting in the merit of Your Son we may come at last to the perfect peace of heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Tuesday)

Today's Reading: Luke 24:13-35Daily Lectionary: Exodus 15:1-18; Hebrews 9:1-28“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.One can only imagine the smile Jesus might have hidden from the two men on the Emmaus road as He asked them “what things” had occurred in Jerusalem. The two men were shocked. This stranger walking with them had to be the only man who had not seen, not even heard of, the events that had happened in Jerusalem in those days.So the men tell Him. Hiding that smile, Jesus speaks as only He can. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” These men, who had been in the company of the astonished women, had no answer. Dead men tell no tales. Jesus of Nazareth showed promise, but in the end, He died.Yet it is for fools like them, for fools such as us, that Christ comes. The women did not see Him, yet they proclaimed what their eyes did see, and what their ears heard from the lips of their angel preacher. The men did see, yet they did not yet believe what their ears heard from the lips of their hidden Lord. So Jesus teaches them, opening all the Scriptures and things concerning Himself. Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God and Son of Mary, proclaims the promise of God's mighty deeds of old fulfilled in the promise of God's anointed one who would come, suffer, and on the third day rise. Yet these men still did not know who was among them. Who walked with them. So Jesus finally, perhaps, lets that smile slip a bit. “So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther…” On the night He was with those whose minds would confess their unbelief, their wonder of this man, Jesus breaks bread with them. More than that, though, He opens the scriptures to them, gives them the words of Gospel promise concerning Himself, and breaks bread and gave it to the men as He did on the night in which He was betrayed.Jesus had revealed Himself by the breaking of the bread. This would be how the Gospel would go out, from the preachers Jesus would send to His church, to teach the scriptures concerning Himself, to preach the Gospel that opens our eyes and makes us alive, and to strengthen and sustain us in the breaking of the bread, His very body for us to eat, and His true and precious Blood for us to drink. Given and shed for you. For the forgiveness of sins.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Evening/Easter Monday)

It's Holy Week, so we'll spend time reflecting on Scripture depicting Jesus's final days before his death and resurrection. Today's Reading: Luke 23:1–56 (It's Good Friday. For a full account of the events of this day, see Matthew 27:1–61, Mark 15:1–47, and John 18:28–19:42)

It's Holy Week, so we'll spend time reflecting on Scripture depicting Jesus's final days before his death and resurrection. Today's Reading: Luke 22:7–71 (It's Maundy Thursday. For a full account of the events of this day, see also Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12–72, and John 13:1–18:27)

Today's Reading: Luke 22:14-23

It's Holy Week, so we'll spend time reflecting on Scripture depicting Jesus's final days before his death and resurrection. Today's Reading: Luke 22:1-6 (3–6) (For a full account of the events of this day, see also Matthew 26:6–16 and Mark 14:3–11)

It's Holy Week, so we'll spend time reflecting on Scripture depicting Jesus's final days before his death and resurrection. Today's Reading: Luke 20:1–21:38 (22:2) (For a full account of the events of this day, see also Matthew 21:23–26:5, Mark 11:27–14:2, John 12:37–50)

It's Holy Week, so we'll spend time reflecting on Scripture depicting Jesus's final days before his death and resurrection. Today's Reading: Luke 19:45–48 (For a full account of the events of this day, see also Matthew 21:12–22 and Mark 11:12–19)

Reading Luke 24:50-53 where Jesus departs from His disciples and ascends back to His Father in heaven, telling them to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit come to them. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:44-49 where Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to understand what was written in the Scriptures about Himself, the law, the prophets, and the psalms. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:36-43 where Jesus, having risen from the dead, appears to His disciples and proves to them that He's the same Jesus they know, now back to life. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:25-35 where Jesus on the road to Emmaus speaks to His disciples about what the Scriptures say concerning the Christ, and how Jesus fulfilled them. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:17-23 where the risen Jesus walks with two disciples who don't recognize Him, and they explain to Him everything that's happened recently in Jerusalem. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:13-16 where after rising from the dead, Jesus encounters a couple of disciples on the road to a town called Emmaus, but they are kept from recognizing him. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:10-12 where the women who found the empty tomb of Jesus and heard from the angels went and delivered the news to the eleven disciples who did not believe them. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 24:4-9 where the women enter the tomb looking for the body of Jesus, and two angels appear to them and tell them that He is not here but He has risen. Visit wwutt.com for all of our videos!

Reading Luke 24:1-3 on the morning of the resurrection, when the women come to the tomb of Jesus and find the stone rolled away and the body of Jesus is gone. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 23:50-56 where Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in a linen shroud and buried it in his own tomb, later to rise from the dead. Visit wwutt.com for all of our videos!

Reading Luke 23:46-49 as Jesus is dying on the cross and He yields His spirit into the hands of the Father, having accomplished what the Father had sent Him to do. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 23:44-45 where we read of the three hours of darkness that came over the land as Jesus died on the cross, and the curtain in the temple was torn in two. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 23:39-43 where the two thieves next to Jesus on the cross speak to Him, and one asks Him to remember him when Jesus comes into His kingdom. Visit wwutt.com for all of our videos!

Reading Luke 23:32-38 where Jesus is nailed to His cross, and from there He looked at those who were killing Him and prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Luke 23:26-31 where Jesus is on His way to be crucified, carrying His cross, and on the way He ministers to some women who are weeping behind Him. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!