Luke 10

In my Bible software program (Logos) I have the ability to automatically highlight the text based on predetermined criteria. For example all all verb imperatives (commands) are always highlighted green. In Luke 10:1-24 Jesus sends out his disciples to do ministry. Look at the imperatives (commands) in English... Pray,Go (x 2), Carry, Say (x 3), Remain, Eat, Heal, Know, Rejoice (x2). While I could comment on each of these commands, let's just look at the first two (pray & go).

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Luke 10:3-2 (ESV)

What catches my attention is that Jesus first commands them to pray for laborers, and then he commands them to go as laborers. In other words THEY become the ANSWER to their own prayer. Perhaps God is calling us to follow up our prayer with action! SWC

Luke 9

What do you do everyday? Get up, Shower, eat, brush teeth, fix bed, dress, drive, read and et cetera. When Jesus challenged his disciples to, "take up his cross," he adds the word, "daily." This should be a part of our regular routine, like breathing. The challenge with this is that breathing is easy and helps to keep us alive. The one who carries a cross does so to death. SWC

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:25 (ESV)

Luke 8

Mary--A few posts back I asked, "How many Mary's are there in the New Testament?" Since Mary Magdalene's name appears here in Luke8:2 I'd thought I'd answer the question. Mary was a very popular name during the first century and if you are like me it can become confusing which Mary the New Testament is referring to. Below is a list with some limited details and Scripture references.

(1) Mary the Mother of Jesus
Luke 1:26-27

(2) Mary Magdalene
Jesus cast seven demons out of her
Followed Jesus
At the Cross
Witnessed the resurrection
Luke 8:2

(3) Mary of Bethany
Sister of Martha and Lazarus
John 11:28-33

(4) Mary the mother of John Mark
Believers met in her home
Acts 12:12

(5) Mary of Rome
Romans 16:6

(6) Mary the Mother of James and Joseph*
Matthew 27:56

*This Mary is know by several names, but context point to the same woman
Also known as, "the other Mary" (Matthew 27:61)
Also known as, "Mary the mother of Joses" (Mark 15:40-47)
Also known as, "Mary the mother of James" (Luke 24:10)
Also known as, "Mary the wife of Clopas" (John 19:25)

Luke 7

There is a myth in weight loss called, "Spot reduction." The myth goes something like this, "I can reduce fat in a specific area on my body by focusing exercise on it--like abs or triceps. The biological truth however is that weight loss happens evenly throughout our entire body regardless of what muscles are focused on.

There was a myth among the people of Jesus day, "We should stay away from sinners." Jesus had a different idea. He made sure that he brushed shoulders with people who needed mercy and grace--sinners. He never followed their behavior or became negatively influenced by them, but allowed sinners a chance at forgiveness. Who are we rubbing shoulders with today? SWC

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." Luke 7:44-47 (ESV)