Here we come to Luke’s account of the early stages of Jesus’ public ministry. He began with an extended time alone fasting. The devil tested Him but could not trap Him. He showed His authority not merely to heal sick people but to extend forgiveness of sin to them. What kind of Man was this? What is your conclusion? Will you follow Him through suffering? Will you trust Him for forgiveness of your every sin?
Saturday, October 22, 2016 Jesus: Tested and Victorious
Reading: Luke 3:1-4:44
My selection:
And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13
Jesus experienced severe testing by Satan himself. Jesus took the path of suffering and obedience. Later, He would teach His disciples and others to take that same path.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:24-25
Jesus did not send His followers on that painful path; He led them down it. Peter after years of following the Lord wrote: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1Peter 2:22).
If Christ is your Savior and Lord, prepare yourself to follow Him down a path of testing and suffering. That is where He went and that is where He will be with you. You are not alone.
Sunday, October 23, 2016 Jesus’ Authority to Forgive Sin
Reading: Luke 5:1-6:45
My selection:
And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” Luke 5:20
Physical illness tries the body and soul, but Jesus showed that the need for forgiveness of sin outweighs any other problem we may have. How great is the blessing of hearing the words from the Lord, “Your sins are forgiven.”
How do you deal with the guilt of your sin? Do you try harder? Turn over a new leaf? Get depressed and feel hopeless? The gospel calls us to repent and believe in Jesus. We cannot cleanse the soul stains of our sin. We need a Savior, Jesus Christ. He alone took the curse of sin for His people, those who call on Him and believe in Him. Be sure you don’t revert to the foolishness of trying to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. Trust Him as Savior and Lord. When He says, “Your sins are forgiven,” they are forgiven.
See you again on Monday.
[For reflections on these passages, see the corresponding readings in my book Cover to Cover: Through the Bible in 365 days].
[Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.]
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