Luke Nativity Read – 24 Days of Witness

Capturing the drama of Chapters 22, 23, 24

The Passion Approaches

This is the solemn and satisfying season that our Lord announced in Nazareth three years previous.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isa. 61:1) to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, (Isaiah 61:2a)

Isaiah 61:1-2a

The full citation from Isaiah appears below.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isa. 61:1 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; Isa. 61:2 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isa. 61:3

The Nazarene’s Attention to his timetable

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.

Luke. 22:1

This is the festival that celebrated the Hebrew people’s escape from Egypt.

The disciples resist the idea that their Teacher must suffer the things he was predicting with great solemnity.

THE PASSOVER OF PASSOVERS

And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. Luke. 22:15

• It was not the roast lamb, bitter herbs, and wine of the Exodus (chapter 14)
• It was his own body and blood as sacrifice (propitiation) that he longed to inaugurate in symbolic form
• He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1John. 2:2
• In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1John. 4:10

THE MEMORIAL

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke. 22:19

PETER’S UNIQUE FUNTIONS PREDICTED

Peter was the first to receive the revelation, directly from God, of who the Nazarene was.

Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Luke. 9:18 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Luke. 9:19 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Luke. 9:20

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, Luke. 22:31 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke. 22:32

In fulfillment of this Christ – strengthen your brothers – authorizes Peter with the mission to the Jewish people, Peter speaks for the church and joins with Paul in his mission to the Gentiles.

THE AGONY OF THE CROSS

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. Luke. 22:39

• And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke. 22:44
• Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Luke. 22:52
• Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. Luke. 22:54

THE TRIAL

• “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, Luke. 22:67
• and if I ask you, you will not answer. Luke. 22:68
• But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” Luke. 22:69
• Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Luke. 22:71

THE SENTENCE OF DEATH

Who wants Christ dead or out of the wasy is obvious.

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Luke. 23:13 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Luke. 23:14 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. Luke. 23:15 I will therefore punish and release him.” Luke. 23:16

Luke. 23:13-16

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— Luke. 23:18 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Luke. 23:19 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, Luke. 23:20 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” Luke. 23:21

THREE STRIKES

• A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” Luke. 23:22
• But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. Luke. 23:23

AT THE CROSS

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. Luke. 23:32

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Luke. 23:33

And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” Luke. 23:35 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine Luke. 23:36 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” Luke. 23:37 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke. 23:38

THE CROWD TAUNTS THE NAZARENE

1. to reverse his path to death
2. to cheapen the very thing he agonized over doing the night before
3. to deny the reason for his life

HE GIVES UP HIS LIFE

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke. 23:46

THE FAITHFUL WOMEN CONTINUE THEIR SERVICE IN BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, Luke. 23:50 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Luke. 23:52

The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Luke. 23:55 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke. 23:56

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. Luke. 24:1 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, Luke. 24:2

The cycles of the Nazarene’s life are almost over. Normally death ends the journey. For the Nazarene, one more step is on the timetable. He must be received as firstfruit and perfect sacrifice. This means a return to glory.

RETURN TO GLORY

THE BABE OF BETHLEHEM IS NOW BACK WHEN HE CAME as GLORIOUS KING

His return is recognized with great fanfare.

Lift up your heads, O gates!

And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Ps. 24:7

Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! Ps. 24:8

Lift up your heads, O gates!

And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Ps. 24:9

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! — Selah Ps. 24:10

WHAT ARE THE RISEN LORD’S PRIORITIES?

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke. 24:44 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, Luke. 24:46

1. THE GOSPEL. and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke. 24:47
2. ITS AGENTS. You are witnesses of these things. Luke. 24:48
3. THE GUARANTEE OF HIS PRIORITIES. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke. 24:49

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Luke. 24:50 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. Luke. 24:51

THE LAST LOOK

Bethany was a certain favourite place for the Nazarene, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, home of the former leper Simon, the residence of the woman who prepared the Lord’s body for burial. What else brings the Risen Lord to Bethany is his to declare, but these connecting memories are there to remind us of the tender mercy of God, in accord with visit of the sunrise (Luke. 1:78)

The New Testament is as graphic as a documentary can get, yet many Christians are hoping to change the world by circulating a video that they think hits the spot. The ostrich in us will not allow us to interface directly with the apostolic message. We play games with corrupt commentaries and honorific titles. Let me remind us of two viral facts that will serve to keep us from getting excited about innovations and alleyways.

• People had a one-to-one with God and rejected it
• People have persecuted all of God’s messengers

Let us read our Bibles and learn to separate the propaganda from the more sure prophetic word.

From chapters 19, 20, and 21

The royal ride into Zion

Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

Luke 19:30-31

This event – the royal ride into his city – was the subject of an ancient prophecy.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Zechariah 9:9

Glory to the king

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Luke 19:37-38

Zeal for the temple

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Luke 19:45-46

The murder plot

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

Luke 19:47-48

The Authority of Christ Questioned

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

Luke 20:1-4

The deceitful reply of the gatekeepers

And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ Luke. 20:5 But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” Luke. 20:6 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. Luke. 20:7 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke. 20:8

Luke 20:5-8

The significance of John’s Unquestionable Authority is deadly

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid. And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Luke 20:15-18

He was talking against the leaders

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Luke 20:19-20

What do the end of days look like?

The road to the end of days has intersections with (Luke 21:8-26)

• Deception
• Turmoil
• International conflicts
• Inter-jurisdictional conflicts
• Terrestrial upheavals
• Famines
• Pestilences
• Awe-inspiring sings in space
• Persecution of the faithful
• Opportunities to wtiness
• Wisdom and power to explain
• Assassinations of the faithful
• Betrayal by one’s family members
• Military assult on Jerusalem
• Great distress and extreme assaults on Jewish people
• Jerusalem trampled by the Gentiles
• Signs in the sun, moon and stars
• People weakened by fear

This detailed road to the end of days comes with one viral warning. “Watch and be awake because the day comes like a trap”. No-one knows, or will know, the day or the hour.

From chapters 16, 17, and   18

Not a probability, an impossibility

Serving two masters is not a thing that anyone does. A person is either lost or saved, a child of God or mere human.

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Luke 16:13-14

The self-righteous

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Luke 16:15

The means of justifying oneself is out in the open. The options are binary. Yeshua’s contemporaries were either following Moses, with John the Baptist showing the straight path to the Anointed.

There are no people going to heaven or hell, and most certainly Yeshua is the only person to have come from glory and goes to glory from humiliation. This is not a teaching about communication with the dead or the devices of the dead.

The certainty of offences

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

Luke 17:1

Ready to forgive

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Luke 17:3-4

Not a lot of faith

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

NO SOUL JUSTIFIED BY DUTY = NOBODY SAVED BY WORKS

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Luke 17:6-10

This practical obedience understood. Doing what is expected, keeping covenant, performing acts of loyalty and observing seasons does not get God’s smile of approval. Duty is not faith. Faith is the work of believing in the Son of God. Getting to that point is God’s gift: repentance to the elect (those that are ready to switch from the temporary to the permanent, from old to new).

How to get life

A Jew should not be asking this question.  His right standing was never a matter of a single duty, but rather a host of duties.

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Luke 18:18

In simple terms, this list of FIVE commands is not the gospel.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. Luke 18:20