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costly love

Luke 10:33-35 "33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee." Jesus's parables often teach challenging lessons. We're studying the one commonly called the Good Samaritan—though Jesus never uses the word "good"; scholars applied that title centuries later. Jesus tells the story in response to a religious expert's question: "Who is my neighbor?" A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left for dead. A priest passes by, sees him, and continues on the other side. A Levite (a temple assistant) doe...
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among thieves

Luke 10:30-32 "30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side." We continue our series on Jesus's parables. Yesterday, we explored the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46), which packs profound truth into two verses, calling us to reorder life around eternal values—measuring devotion by what we are willing to surrender. Today we turn to the familiar Parable of the Good Samaritan. Note: Jesus never calls the Samaritan "good"; scholars gave it that title centuries later. Jesus tells this story in response to a lawyer's (a religious expert) question: "Who is my neighbor?" H...

willing to surrender

Matthew 13:45&46 "45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. During this Lenten season, we're exploring Jesus's parables. We recently finished the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) and yesterday read verse 44, likening the kingdom of heaven to hidden treasure in a field. Jesus teaches that God's kingdom is infinitely valuable—worth surrendering everything to gain, bringing ultimate joy and transforming our lives. The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price packs profound truth into two verses: A merchant sells all he has to buy one priceless pearl. It illustrates true devotion through: Wholehearted commitment: The kingdom demands total sacrifice—of possessions, ambitions, and self-reliance. Deliberate pursuit: Unlike the accidental discovery of treasure (v. 44), the merchant actively seeks pearls, symbolizing intentional spiritual seekin...

buried treasure

Matthew 13:44  "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." During this Lenten season, we're learning from Jesus's parables. We just finished the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), which ends without showing the older brother's choice—inviting us to examine our own hearts. How does it affect you? Relieved by grace? Upset that the younger son "pays no price"? Jesus challenges us. Are you ready? Need incentive? Consider hidden treasure. In today's parable, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to treasure buried in a field. A man discovers it, hides it again, and—for sheer joy—sells everything he owns to buy the field and claim the treasure. The Treasure represents the supreme, incomparable value of God's kingdom and salvation in Christ—worth more than anything else. The Discovery is unexpected (unlike the searc...

examine your own heart

Luke 15:25-32 "25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound." Today we conclude Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), shifting focus from the repentant younger son to the resentful older one. The faithful older son, who had diligently worked the fields, returns to discover a celebration for his wayward brother. Hearing music and dancing, he asks a servant and learns the reason. Rather than rejoice, he grows angry and refuses to join. His response exposes bitterness, self-righteousness, and a transactional view of his relationship with his father—believing loyal obedience deserved special rewards never granted. The father goes out to plead with him, extending the same grace shown to the younger ...

lost and found

Luke 15:20-24 "22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) reveals God’s heart for the lost. The younger son disrespectfully demands his inheritance early, leaves home, squanders it on reckless living, and hits rock bottom—feeding pigs during a famine, a degrading low for any Jew. Coming to his senses, he plans to return repentant, offering to serve as a hired hand, no longer worthy of sonship. In today's verses, he returns. The father spots him from afar, runs (an undignified act in that culture), embraces, and kisses him before the apology finishes. Instead of punishment, he restores full sonship: the best robe (honor), ring (authority), sandals (...

truly repent!

Luke 15:13-19 "13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want." We are studying Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The message is God’s heart for the lost. In the story so far; the younger son disrespectfully demanded his inheritance before his father passed away. His father grants the request, dividing his property. This reflects God’s grace: allowing free choice, even when it leads away from Him, with the patience of divine love that anticipates hardship ahead. Today’s verses describes the younger son leaving for a "distant country" and squandering his inheritance "in wild living" (riotous.) This represents a complete break from his family and values, symbolizing spiritual separation from God. His reckless lifestyle leads to ruin—...