Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

"P: Most merciful God, C: we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Holy name. Amen." – from the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness, in Lutheran Book of Worship Last week we studied the Last Supper. Ending with "Who would betray Jesus?" It turns out we all betray Jesus in small ways and sometimes in very large ways. The complexity of human nature makes this dynamic all too common. Christians are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and ensure that they do not allow greed, pride, or other negative traits to lead them away from GOD. When we do find ourselves at odds ...

Luke 22:22&23 "22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed! 23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing." Who is it??? Who would betray Jesus? The cup of wine symbolizes the new covenant in His blood. His blood that was spilled for you. Our Lord and Savior has made us free again! And, yet, the one who betrays Jesus is sitting at the table WITH Him!  Faith and loyalty can only be appreciated in contrast with betrayal and falling away. The complexity of human nature makes this dynamic all too common. Some Christians may walk with God but fail to develop a deep, personal relationship with Him, much like Judas did. This comparison suggests that while they may participate in religious activities and know facts about Jesus, they might not have experienced a transformative encounter with Jesus. Christians are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and ensure that they do...

Luke 22:20&21 "20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table." Our sentimental God shed His blood for you. He was there at the creation of the universe. It all went according to plan. He was there at Passover as the Israelites left Egypt to be free again! He was there sitting at the table with the Disciples at The Last Supper. He is with us when we receive Holy Communion. And, He will be with us forever in Heaven! The cup of wine symbolizes the new covenant in His blood. This new covenant between GOD and people is the Good News! Our Lord and Savior has made us free again! And, yet, the one who betrays Jesus is sitting at the table WITH Him! Faith and loyalty can only be appreciated in contrast with betrayal and falling away. The complexity of human nature makes this dynamic all too common. Some Christians may walk with God but fail t...

Luke 22:18&19 "18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me." "...in remembrance of Me." Our God is sentimental. He wants us to remember Him and He remembers us. He was there at the creation of the universe. It all went according to plan. He was there at Passover as the Israelites left Egypt to be free again! He was there sitting at the table with the Disciples at The Last Supper. He is with us when we receive Holy Communion. And, He will be with us forever in Heaven! Jesus says He will not drink wine again until the kingdom of God is fully realized. The cup symbolizes the new covenant in His blood, which will be poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is declaring a new covenant between GOD and people. This is the Good News! Our Lord and Savior has pa...

Luke 22:16&17 "16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:" The Disciples were sitting at the table with The Lamb of God. The Last Supper changed everything! They came together to commemorate the Passover. As this ceremony is acted out, Jesus is recalling His part in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, which was the central act of redemption in the Old Testament. Jesus now provided a new center of redemption to be remembered by a new ceremonial meal freeing people everywhere for all time. And, His mind has to be clouded by His impending sacrifice on the cross. He told His Disciples, "I suffer." In today's verses, Jesus tells His Disciples that this will be His last Passover meal. They might be used to hearing this kind of talk from Jesus. We know they did not understand. How could they? Next, Jesus shares th...

Luke 22:13-15 "13 And they went, and found as He had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 14 And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. 15 And He said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:" Eating with Jesus changed everything! Jesus and His disciples are sitting down to commemorat the Passover. We have come to know this as the Last Supper. We commemorat this event when we receive Holy Communion. This is a meal of forgiveness throughout time.  This converging of events had to be very moving for Jesus. As part of the Holy Trinity, He was a principle the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, which was the central act of redemption in the Old Testament. Jesus now provided a new center of redemption to be remembered by a new ceremonial meal freeing people everywhere for all time. None of the synoptic gospels mention a lamb at the Passover meal. We believe that Jesus wanted it this way, to emph...

Luke 22:10-12 "10 And He said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? 12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready." Eating is important. It's what fuels your life. Eating with Jesus is MORE important. It's what gives you life in eternity. This week, we are studying the Meal of Forgiveness: the Lord’s Supper, the Passover, and Holy Communion. It’s one meal for all eternity! By this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and His disciples have returned to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Jesus’s ministry is in full swing. Meanwhile, betrayal is brewing, as Judas has met with the Jewish leadership to plan Jesus’s arrest. But first, the Passover. Jesus sends Peter and John to mak...

Luke 22:7-9 "7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto Him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?" We are studying Eating with Jesus. Last week, we kicked off with lessons from the events of Zacchaeus’s transformation, focusing on Jesus inviting Himself into Zacchaeus’s home and Zacchaeus’s repentance. From these events, we learn to accept Jesus’s invitation and be lost no more. This week, we will continue with the Gospel of Luke and study the Meal of Forgiveness: the Lord’s Supper, the Passover, and Holy Communion. It’s one meal for all eternity! By this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and His disciples have returned to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, as faithful Jewish people did. Jesus’s ministry is in full swing—performing miracles, preaching to large crowds, healing people, and debating with Pharisees. Meanwhile, betrayal is brewing,...

Luke 19:10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." You are lost no more! Jesus came to find you and save you. Just like He did for Zacchaeus. The gift of salvation by Jesus is available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background or past sins. We all need to follow the pattern that Zacchaeus showed us. Be curious about Jesus. Learn His teachings. Know the Holy Scriptures. Know that Jesus is the Messiah. Like Zacchaeus, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for the moment Jesus invites Himself into our homes. Like Zacchaeus, we need to climb down from the tree we have cornered ourselves in. Like Zacchaeus, we should JOYFULLY Accept Jesus's invitation. Knowing that Jesus is the Savior of your soul! Like Zacchaeus, we can try to right the wrongs we have done. Not to justify ourselves, rather to sincerely demonstrate our repentance. Like Zacchaeus, we can become SAVED believers sitting at the table with GOD.

Luke 19:9 "And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham." Jesus's teachings were transformative for Zacchaeus! This one encounter spawned Zacchaeus's repentance and a commitment to live a more just and charitable life. In today's verse, Jesus declared that salvation is available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background or past sins. The phrase "son of Abraham" is significant, as it connects Zacchaeus to the covenant promises made to Abraham and emphasizes that SPIRITUAL kinship with Abraham is based on FAITH and righteousness, not just biological descent. We all need to follow the pattern that Zacchaeus showed us. Be curious about Jesus. Learn His teachings. Know the Holy Scriptures. Know that Jesus is the Messiah. Like Zacchaeus, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for the moment Jesus invites Himself into our homes. Like Zacchaeus, we need to climb down from the tree we have ...

Luke 19:8 "And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." Accept Jesus's invitation and repent. Zacchaeus is a pattern for all of us to follow. Like Zacchaeus, we hear about Jesus and we are curious. We know some of Jesus's teachings. We may even be well-versed in the Holy Scriptures, and we may even think Jesus is the Messiah! Like Zacchaeus, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for the moment Jesus invites Himself into our homes. Like Zacchaeus, we should JOYFULLY Accept Jesus's invitation. Knowing that Jesus is the Savior of your soul! Let the bystanders sneer and jeer. Like Zacchaeus, they will think you are not worthy of Jesus's invitation. They might know you have helped the occupying forces. They might know your shortcomings. They might see you climbing a tree just to get a better view. They also know that Jesu...

Luke 19:6&7 "6 And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." We don't know a lot about Zacchaeus. We can assume that Jesus passing through Jericho is not the first time he has heard of Jesus. Jesus is the top trending story of this day and time. Possibly, he had heard some of Jesus's teachings. We also assume he is well versed in the Holy Scriptures, and it's probable that he thinks Jesus is the Messiah! By today's verses, we definitely know he has prepared his heart and mind for this moment. This is a Devine appointment. Jesus is here for Zacchaeus. And, Zacchaeus' heart and mind are open to the message coming from the Son of God. Zacchaeus is "JOYFUL!" How else to respond to the Savior of your soul? In the next verse we can ask "How do you respond when someone finds Jesus?" These people were not nice. Their ...

Luke 19:4&5 "4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see Him: for He was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Guess who's coming for dinner! GOD. Everyone look busy. How do you prepare for this guest??? In your heart.  That's how you prepare. We can try to imagine what kind of person Zacchaeus was. A short Jewish man. What led him to choose tax collection as his profession? Was he already an outsider? Or, was this an opportunity to gain power? Did the practice of Roman power to collect taxes weight on his conscious? We do know he was very curious about Jesus. He set aside any inhibitions. He had to climb a tree just to get a better view. Behavior that would surprise us today. And, even more surprising, when our Lord and Savior walks up to this weirdo in the tree and says "I'm going home with you....

Luke 19:3 "3 And he sought to see Jesus who He was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature." We are in the Gospel of Luke to study a man who accepts Jesus's invitation and follows God's plan. Jesus was passing through Jericho, an affluent city located about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem near the Jordan River. This was a stopping place for Galilean pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. It's an important place and the home of Zacchaeus. A Jewish man who became the Leader of the Tax Collectors. He was responsible for gathering the Roman tax from this wealthy and prosperous city. This made Zacchaeus very rich and despised by his family, friends and neighbors. Today's verse tells us that Zacchaeus was short. He can't see Jesus because most people in the crowd are taller. 

Luke 19:1&2 "1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich." Last week we studied Pentecost. The Disciples were told to "WAIT" for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They did, and it transformed them into people who could do the Lord's work of starting the Christian church! It was all God’s plan. Today we turn back to the Gospel of Luke to study another man who accepts Jesus's invitation and follows God's plan. It was on the occasion of Jesus passing through Jericho. Jericho was an affluent city located about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem near the Jordan River. It was known as an oasis city, and Herod the Great built his winter palace there due to its warm climate and fresh water springs. The road between Jerusalem and Jericho is the setting for the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Additionally, Jericho was a stopping place for Galilean pilgrims tra...

Acts 2:46&47 "46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." On Pentecost we see the baptism of the Disciples by the Holy Ghost! The storm like wind filled the room. Flames of fire appeared over their heads. They were given a supernatural gift of speaking in foreign languages! Immediately they are sharing the Gospel with people who knew those foreign languages!  We see a difference in the Disciples. They are following the guidance of the Holy Ghost. They preach better sermons. They performed miracles. They spread the Gospel and got the Christian church started!  In today's verses we read Luke's report on the success the Disciples had! "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house...

Acts 2:3&4 "3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Fifty days after Jesus's resurrection, His disciples are gathered in a closed room. They are faithfully waiting for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This room is a safe space for the disciples. They are surprised by a fierce wind inside their room! They should be protected from the elements, but, now it feels like a STORM! This is the powerful presence of the Holy Ghost! The "tongues" of fire are the divine empowerment and the presence of the Spirit upon each individual. They are given a supernatural gift of speaking in foreign languages! Immediately they are sharing the Gospel with hearers of foreign languages! Another miraculous blessing!

Acts 2:1&2 "1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." Who could possibly understand the resurrection as an experience? The Disciples didn't. It's incomprehensible! As Luke recorded for us, they all had failings and did not do what they hoped they would do. Jesus did spend another forty days with His disciples before His ascension. Jesus ordered them to WAIT. Wait until they are Baptized by the Holy Ghost! This is great advice for all Christians. We don't know what GOD has planned for us. God's plans and timing are sovereign and beyond our control.  In today's verses, it is ten days later, Luke describes the powerful manifestation of the Holy Ghost. We have all been outside when the wind is blowing fiercely. Imagine that when you are inside a locked room. A safe space that shou...

Acts 1:8&9 "8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight." As they lived through the experience of Jesus's resurrection, the Disciples didn't understand. I don't think anyone could. It's incomprehensible! As Luke recorded for us, they all had failings and did not do what they hoped they would do. The event we are reading this week is Jesus's farewell message to His Disciples. He has ordered them to WAIT. Wait until they are Baptized by the Holy Ghost! This is great advice for all Christians. We should not delude ourselves and expect to become princes or grand successful celebrities. We don't know what GOD has planned for us. God's plans and timing are sovereign and beyond...

Acts 1:6&7 "6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power." In the Gospel of Luke we read the record of Jesus telling His Disciples God's plan many times. And they just didn't believe it. After Jesus's death, the Disciples hid behind locked doors. They can't do it on their own. They need help. Luke continues his reporting in the Book of Acts. Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days, before His ascension into heaven. During this time, Jesus spoke to them about the kingdom of God, continuing His ministry. This forty-day period described in Acts one marks a crucial phase where Jesus prepared His disciples for the mission ahead. In today's verse, Jesus ordered them to "WAIT." Wait until they are Baptized by the Holy Ghost...

Acts 1:4&5 "4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." WAIT. Wait is the order of the day. The book of Acts begins with Luke addressing a person named "Theophilus." This means "lover of God." While this was a specific person at the time of Luke's writing, it's also nice that we could ALL be named "lover of God." Next, Luke references his Gospel. It is a prequel to the book of Acts. In this Gospel we read the record of Jesus telling His Disciples God's plan many times. And they just didn't believe it. Then it happened, and they were at a loss of what to do next. In the garden, Peter cuts off an ear. Not something Jesus taught him. The others ran and hid. Peter followed at a safe distance. I...

Acts 1:1-3 "1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: 3 To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" Last week we studied Heaven as reported to us in the book of Revelation. We will be caught up in worshiping GOD day and night. Our generous GOD keeps giving even in the afterlife. Your cup will be OVERFLOWING with HIS mercy and love. The End will be just beginning!!! Yesterday we wrapped up that study with a verse from Philippians; "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Which leads perfectly to this week's study of Pentecost.  Our reading of the book of Acts begins with Luke addressing a person named "Theophilus." ...

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." All week we have studied Heaven. As reported to us in the book of Revelation. Anticipating the moment the saints gathered around the throne of GOD, with the Lamb waving palm branches in celebration of victory over death and sin. We will be caught up in worshiping GOD day and night. Our generous GOD keeps givin8g even in the afterlife. Your cup will be OVERFLOWING with HIS mercy and love. Nothing can separate you from the Love of Christ. Keep your "eyes" on Jesus. He is your key. Hold on to the word of our Lord. We need a HIS vision. The End will be just beginning!!! SEE, The Holy Bible tells us we are not going to have it EASY. In fact the Scriptures say it's going to be hard. It's call the "great tribulation." The Holy Bible even tells us that we are going to screw things up! (For some reason, that is part of God’s plan.) The Holy Bible also says that our Lord and Savior...

Revelation 7:17 "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Heaven. After the "great tribulation." After we are purified and justified through the atoning work of Christ. We will stand in front of the Lamb and wave palm branches in celebration of victory over death and sin.  We will be with GOD. God will protect us and provide for us. We will be caught up in worshiping Him day and night. Our generous GOD keeps giving even in the afterlife. The tribulations of life will be over. "and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Your days of crying will be OVER! Your loneliness will be OVER!  Your failure will be OVER! Your sickness will be OVER! Your suffering will be OVER! Your cup will be OVERFLOWING with HIS mercy and love. Nothing can separate you from the Love of Christ. Keep your "eyes" on Jesus. He is your key. ...

Revelation 7:15&16 "15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." The saints endured "great tribulation." They have been purified and justified through the atoning work of Christ. Their suffering is a distant memory as they are standing before the Lamb and waving palm branches, a gesture of celebration and victory. Here we get a glimpse of the ultimate triumph and joy that awaits us for remaining faithful to GOD. In heaven, we are with GOD. We will be in the shelter of His throne. God will protect us and provide for us. We will be caught up in worshiping Him day and night. Our generous GOD keeps giving even in the afterlife. The tribulations of life will be over. Jesus told us to not be afraid. We study His life and get inspired by His perseverance. We are...

Revelation 7:13&14 "13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." When John asks who these people are, the elder responds that they are those who have experienced severe trials and have been cleansed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The term "great tribulation" refers to a period of intense suffering and persecution that these individuals endured. This suffering is not limited to a specific historical event but encompasses all the afflictions and persecutions faced by believers throughout history. The phrase "washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb" symbolizes the purification and justification of these individuals through the atoning work of Christ. This imagery emphasizes t...

Revelation 7:11&12 "11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." The End is just the beginning!!! The Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John. Throughout time, the faithful have turned to Revelation to get to know the events of the future! In these verses, John sees a multitude standing before the Lamb. They are standing before the throne and waving palm branches, which is a gesture of celebration and victory. Here we get a glimpse of the ultimate triumph and joy that awaits us for remaining faithful to GOD. In today's verse we read that the Angels are worshiping GOD too. We get a glimpse of the majesty and pageantry that is heaven. The angels, the elders and the four beasts all bowed down before God. They ar...

Revelation 7:10 "And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." This week we go to the END. The last book in Holy Scriptures. The End is just the beginning!!! The Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, in 95 AD while he was exiled to the island of Patmos. The title of the book, Revelation, comes from the Greek word for apocalypse and refers to an unveiling or a disclosure of something as yet unknown. Throughout time the faithful have turned to Revelation to get to know the events of the future! In these verses, John sees a multitude standing before the Lamb. The slain lamb. This "Lamb" is also the Lion of Judah. The Lord of Lords. He conquered death and SIN. It's the great multitude that praises GOD "with a loud voice!" They are standing before the throne and waving palm branches, which is a gesture of celebration and victory. The praise is a response to the salvation offered by Go...

Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" Last week we studied praising the Lord. And, we ended on "fearing God." The Holy Bible teaches us to have a profound reverence, awe, and respect for Him. This reverence stems from recognizing His power, holiness, and majesty, and it leads to a desire to please and obey Him. We can conclude that our world would be a better place if more people FEARED GOD. This week we go to the END. The End is just the beginning!!! We turn to the Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John. Written in 95 AD while he was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans for preaching the gospel in Asia. The title of the book, Revelation, comes from the Greek word for apocalypse and refers to an unveiling or a disclosure of something as yet unkn...

Psalms 67:7 "God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." When people "Praise the Lord!" God will bless us! We gratefully receive God's love and salvation for "ALL NATIONS." God's plan for humanity has no boundaries, limitations or exclusions. EVERYONE who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved! It's a heart issue. EVERYONE needs to welcome Jesus into their hearts. "Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us." What does it mean to FEAR GOD??? It might be understandable to be scared of GOD. But, the Holy Bible is teaching us to have a profound reverence, awe, and respect for Him. This reverence stems from recognizing His power, holiness, and majesty, and it leads to a desire to please and obey Him. It is akin to the respect and love a child has for a parent, where the child wants to please the parent out of love and respect, not out of fear of punishment. The c...