COMMENT: Luke said that he has told the gospel account in the correct sequence.

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias. He was from the division of Abijah and his wife came from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both of them were righteous in God's eyes, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and the LORD's requirements. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they were both of advanced age.

COMMENT: Two extremely faithful people having trusted God, but lacking the one blessing every Jewish couple craved. Now they were old and had being beyond child bearing age, they had given up hope. Nothing is too hard for God!

8 Now it happened that while Zacharius was performing his priestly duties before God, according to the appointed order of his division, 9 as he performed the duties assigned to him, as had been assigned by lot, he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense, 10 while the multitude were outside in prayer. 11 An angel of the LORD appeared to him, standing on the right side of the alter of incense.

COMMENT: Appearing on the right side of the alter of incense seemed to have significance. Several biblical references refer to the right side having special significance, or blessing.

Genesis 48:14 But Israel stretched out his right hand reaching across to Ephraim's head on his left and placing his left hand on Manasseh's head at his right side, even though Manessah was the firstborn.

Ezekiel 10:3 The cherubim were standing on the right side of the temple when he entered, and the cloud filled the inner court.

12 Seeing the angel, Zacharius was gripped with fear. 13 The angel spoke to him, saying, "Do not be afraid, Zacharius. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son. You will name him John."

COMMENT: When had Zacharius prayed this prayer? Surely many times but probably not for quite some time. Yet, God was answering his prayer. God's timing is always perfect!

Psalms 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him, for God is a refuge to us.

14 "You will have joy and happiness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you." 15 "He will be great in the sight of the LORD. He will drink no wine or liquor. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born." 16 "And he will turn many of the children of Israel back to the LORD their God." 17 "And he shall go before Him (the Messiah) in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the Fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to attitudes of righteousness, in order to make ready a people prepared for the LORD."

COMMENT: Think of the power of Elijah as he stood against the forces of evil on Mount Carmel. All his power came from God.

18 Zacharius asked the angel, "How shall I know this for certain? I am old and so is my wife." 19 The angel answered him, saying, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to bring you this good news." 20 "Because you did not believe my words, you will be unable to speak until my words have been fulfilled."

COMMENT: This was a lingering reminder of the miracle he and his wife were witnessing. He would be unable to speak for nine months, with plenty of time to think.

21 The people the outside the temple had begun to wonder why Zacharius had remained so long inside. 22 But when he came out he was unable to tell them what had happened. They understood that he had seen a vision inside the temple. He made signs to them but he could not speak.

23 When the days of his priestly service were over he went home. 24 After that his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and did not go out for five months, saying, 25 "This is how the LORD has dealt with me, looking with favor upon me, and taking away my disgrace in the community."

26 In Elizabeth's sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth which is in Galilee.

COMMENT: John would be six months older than Jesus and would start his ministry about half a year before Jesus began His. John's ministry would be short. Nevertheless, Jesus would credit John as being the greatest of the prophets. Among other reasons this would be because his ministry would be critical to Jesus' ministry.

Matthew 11:11 "The truth is, no one born of women is greater than John the Baptist. Even so, the one that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him."

27 He came to a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David.

COMMENT: We understand that Gabriel stood next to God's throne in heaven. Such a message would not be carried by any but the highest angel. A virgin birth shows that this was of God and not man.

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

28 The angel said to her, "Greetings, O favored one. The LORD is with you."

COMMENT: A singular greeting.

29 His words troubled her and she did not know what to make of them. 30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God." 31 "Behold, you will conceive and bear a son. You will name Him Jesus." 32 "He will be great and be called the Son of the Most High. The LORD God will give Him the throne of His father David." 33 "He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will be without end."

COMMENT: This was to be the long awaited Messiah that every devout Jew longed for.

Daniel 7:14 "He was given dominion, glory and a kingdom so that all the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion will last forever and never be destroyed."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be? I am not married."

COMMENT: To Mary's way of thinking there remained a slight problem.

35 The angel answered her, saying, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. For this reason the Holy Child shall be called the Son of God." 36 "And behold, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. She who was called barren is now in her sixth month." 37 "With God nothing is impossible." 38 Then Mary said, "Behold, I am the LORD's handmaid. Let it be done according to your word." And the angel departed.

39 Mary hurried to the hill country to a city of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zacharius and greeted Elizabeth. 41 Just as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped inside of her, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she cried out, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" 43 "How has it happened that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" 44 "For behold, when I heard your greeting, the baby leaped within my womb." 45 "Blessed is she who believed that the word spoken to her by the LORD would be fulfilled." 46 And Mary replied, "My soul exalts the LORD." 47 "And My Spirit rejoices in God my Savior." 48 "For He has had regard for my humble state as His handmaiden. From this time on all generations shall call me blessed." 49 "For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name." 50 "His mercy is on those who fear Him in every generation." 51 "He has shown strength in His mighty arm, scattering the proud while they imagined their greatness." 52 "He has brought down rulers from their thrones and exalted the humble." 53 "He has filled the hungry with good things while sending the rich away empty." 54 "He has helped His servant Israel, because of His mercy," 55 "just as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever."

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home. 57 When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard of the great mercy displayed by God to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth day after the birth it was time to circumcise the child. They were planning to call him Zacharius after his father. 60 But his mother said, "No indeed. He shall be called John." 61 They said to her, "But no one is called by that name among all your relatives." 62 They asked Zacharius what his name should be? 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote on it, "His name is John." Everyone was surprised. 64 At that moment Zacharius' mouth was opened and he could speak. And he began to praise God.

65 As these things were talked about in the hill country of Judea, fear came on everyone who heard of it. 66 Everyone wondered what this child would turn out to be. The LORD was certainly involved in his birth. 67 His father, Zacharius, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, for He has visited us and redeemed His people." 69 "He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant." 70 "Just as He spoke through one of His holy prophets of old," 71 "that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us,"

COMMENT:

Psalms 106:10 You saved them from those who hated them, redeeming them from the hand of their enemies.

72 "to show mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant,"

COMMENT:

Psalms 105:8 He remembers His covenant forever, even to a thousand generations.

73 "the oath which He swore to our father, Abraham,"

COMMENT:

Genesis 22:15-18 Then the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, [16] and said to him, "I promise that because you have not held back your only son," [17] "I will greatly bless you, multiplying your descendants as the stars of the heavens and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants shall possess the gates of their enemies." [18] "All the nations of the earth shall be blessed through your seed because you have obeyed My voice."

74 "to grant that we be rescued from the hand of our enemies so that we might serve Him without fear," 75 "in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days." 76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the LORD to prepare His ways,"

COMMENT:

Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger to clear the way before Me. And the LORD, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. The messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, is coming, " says the LORD of hosts.

77 "to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins,"

COMMENT:

Jeremiah 31:34 "They will not have to teach each other about Me, for they will all know Me. I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more."

78 "because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,"

COMMENT:

Malachi 4:2 "But for those of you who fear My name, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go out and leap as calves released from the stall."

79 "to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 9:2 "A great light will shine on the people who walk in a dark land."

80 And the child grew and became strong in the spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 2 - RWB Paraphrase (52 V)
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1 In those days Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken of all the inhabited lands. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone had to register for the census in his own city. 4 So Joseph went from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David. 5 He took Mary with him to register there. She was engaged to him and her pregnancy was far along.

6 While they were in Bethlehem the time came for the baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapping him in cloths. She used a manger for His bed because they were in a stable since there was no room in the inn.

8 In that region there were shepherds in the fields watching their sheep through the night. 9 An angel suddenly appeared before them, and the glory of the LORD shone all around. And this frightened them. 10 The angel said, "Do not be afraid. I am bringing good news for people everywhere." 11 "Today the Savior, who is Christ the LORD, has been born in Bethlehem, the city of David." 12 "You can recognize Him when you see him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly angels praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men." 15 When the angels had left, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem to see what the LORD has made known to us." 16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and saw the Babe lying in a manger.

17 After seeing this they told others what they had been shown concerning the Child. 18 Everyone who heard their account wondered at it. 19 But Mary treasured in her heart everything that had happened. 20 And the shepherds returned to their sheep, glorifying God because of everything they had been shown.

21 Eight days later at the time of His circumcision He was named Jesus, just as the angel had spoken of His name before He was conceived.

COMMENT:

Genesis 17:12 "When a male is eight days old he shall be circumcised. This is to be done throughout all your generations. This includes the servants born in your house or those bought with money from any foreigner."

22 When the days of their purification had been completed according to the law, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem and presented Him to the LORD.

COMMENT:

Leviticus 12:6 "When the days of her purification are complete, for a son or daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation a one year old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtle dove for a sin offering."

23 As it is written in the law of the LORD, every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD.

COMMENT:

Exodus 13:2 "Sanctify unto me all the firstborn of Israel, both man and beast. They are mine."

24 They offered a sacrifice just as the law of the LORD specified, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.

COMMENT:

Leviticus 12:8 "And if she cannot afford a lamb then she shall bring two turtle doves, or two young pigeons, one for the burnt offering and the other for the sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean."

25 There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout, and looking for the consolation of Israel. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would see the LORD's Christ before he died. 27 He was in the Spirit as he entered the temple. When Jesus' parents brought Him into the temple to fulfill the requirements of the law, 28 Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying, 29 "Now Lord, I can depart in peace, according to Your word," 30 "for my eyes have seen your salvation," 31 "which You have prepared for all people," 32 "a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 51:4 "Listen to Me, my people. Hear Me, My nation. The law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations."

33 Jesus' father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and raising up of many in Israel. He shall be a sign which is spoken against." 35 "A sword shall pierce your own soul. And in the end, the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."

36 There was prophetess by the name of Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years after marrying him, 37 and then having remained a widow to the age of about eighty. She served God with fasting and prayer night and day in the temple. 38 When Simeon had finished praising God, Anna came up and began to give thanks to the LORD, speaking to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 When everything had been done according to the law of the LORD, Joseph and Mary went to Nazareth, their own city in Galilee. 40 And the Child grew strong in body and spirit and increased in wisdom. The grace of God was upon Him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year for the feast of Passover. 42 When Jesus was twelve, He went with them. 43 Having been there the full number of days, they started for home while Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents were not aware of this. 44 They supposed that He was with others in the caravan. At the end of the first day's journey they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they could not find Him they returned to Jerusalem to look for Him. 46 After three days they found Him sitting in the temple with the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 His parents were amazed to see Him there. His mother said to Him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49 And He replied, "Why was it that you searched anywhere else? Didn't you know that I must be about My Father's business?" 50 They did not understand what He meant by this statement. 51 Jesus went back to Nazareth with them and remained subjected to them. His mother treasured in her heart everything that happen. 52 And He kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Luke 3 - RWB Paraphrase (38 V)
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1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee. His brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene. 2 Annas and Caiaphas were sharing the office of high priest. The word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3 He began to preach in the district around the Jordan. He preached a message of baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. 4 The prophet Isaiah had said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the LORD. Make His paths straight."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 40:3 "A voice calls out, 'Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness. Make a straight path in the desert for our God.'."

5 "Every ravine will be filled in and every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked place will be straightened and the rough roads smoothed out."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 40:4 "Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low. Let the rough ground be made level, and the rugged places a plain."

6 "All flesh will see the salvation of the LORD."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 40:5 "Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

7 John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, "You are a brood of vipers. Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?" 8 "You must bear fruit in keeping with repentance. You cannot rely on having Abraham for your father. God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." 9 "In fact, the axe is already laid at the root of every tree that does not bear good fruit. Such will be cut down and burned in the fire."

10 The crowds wanted to know what they should do. 11 John would answer this way."The man who has two tunics should share with the man who has none. He who has food should do the same."

COMMENT:

Isaiah 58:7 "Is not to be a day when you divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless and poor into your house. When you see the naked, you should cover him, and never hide yourself from the needs of your own flesh."

12 Some tax collectors also came to be baptized and asked what they should do. 13 He said to them, "Collect only what has been prescribed." 14 Some soldiers also asked what they should do. He said, "Do not take money by force. Do not make false accusations. Be content with your wages." 15 The people were in a state of expectation and wondered if John was the Christ. 16 John answered, "I baptized with water but One mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to untie His shoes. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire." 17 "With His winnowing fork He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor. The wheat He will put in His barn but the chaff will be burned with unquenchable fire."

18 With many other exhortations he preached the good news to the people. 19 When John reprimanded Herod the tetrarch for marrying his brother's wife, Herod added to all the wicked things he had done, 20 by locking John up in prison.

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was also baptized. While He was praying, heaven opened. 22 The Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven said, "You are My beloved Son. I am well pleased with You."

COMMENT:

Psalms 2:7 "I will surely tell of the LORD's decree. He had said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.'"

Isaiah 42:1 "Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold, My chosen One in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him. He will bring justice to the nations."

23 Jesus began His ministry at about the age of thirty years. Everyone thought of Him as Joseph's son, who was Eli's son. 24 And he was the son of Mattat who was the son of Levi who was the son of Jannai who was the son of Joseph. 25 He was the son of Mattathias who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Nahum who was the son of Naggai. 26 He was the son of Maath who was the son of Mattathias who was the son of Semein who was the son of Josech who was the son of Joda. 27 He was the son of Joanan who was the son of Rhesa who was the son of Zerubbabel who was the son of Shealtiel who was the son of Neri. 28 He was the son of Melchi who was the son of Addi who was the son of Cosam who was the son of Elmadam who was the son of Er. 29 He was the son of Joshua who was the son of Eliezer who was the son of Jorim who was the son of Matthat who was the son of Levi. 30 He was the son of Simeon who was the son of Judah who was the son of Joseph who was the son of Jonam who was the son of Eliakim. 31 He was the son of Melea who was the son of Menna who was the son of Mattatha who was the son of Nathan the Son of David. 32 He was the son of Jesse who was the son of Obed who was the son of Boaz who was the son of Salmon who was the son of Nahshon. 33 He was the son of Amminadab who was the son of Admin who was the son of Ram who was the son of Hezron who was the son of Perez who was the son of Judah. 34 He was the son of Jacob who was the son Isaac who was the son of Abraham who was the son of Terah who was the son of Nahor. 35 He was the son of Serug who was the son of Reu who was the son of Peleg who was the son of Heber who was the son of Shelah. 36 He was the son of Cainan who was the son of Arphaxad who was the son of Shem who was the son of Noah who was the son of Lamech. 37 He was the son of Methuselah who was the son of Enoch who was the son of Jared who was the son of Mahalaleel who was the son of Cainan. 38 He was the son of Enosh who was the son of Seth who was the son of Adam who was the Son of God.

Luke 4 - RWB Paraphrase (44 V)
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1 Being full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2 He was tempted for forty days by the devil. During this time He had nothing to eat and afterwards He was hungry. 3 Then the devil suggested to Him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written, man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word of God."

COMMENT:

Deuteronomy 8:3 "He humbled you, letting you be hungry and then feeding you manna, something none of you had ever had before. He wanted you to understand that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

5 Then the devil took Him up on a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said, "I will give You all these and their glory, for they are mine and I can give them to whomever I wish." 7 "All You need to do is worship me and they will be Yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written, you shall worship the LORD your God and serve Him only."

COMMENT:

Deuteronomy 6:13 "You shall fear only the LORD your God. You shall worship Him and take your oaths in His name."

9 He then took Jesus to Jerusalem and stood Him on the pinnacle of the temple. He said to Him, "If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here." 10 "For scripture says, 'He will command His angels to keep You,'" 11 "And on their hands they will bear You up so that You do not dash Your foot against a stone."

COMMENT: The devil quoted scripture.

Psalms 91:12 They will bear you up in their hands so that you do not strike your foot against a stone.

12 Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'You shall not put the LORD your God to the test.'." 13 When the devil had finished with all of his temptations, he left Jesus to wait for a more opportune time.

COMMENT: Satan was not finished tempting Jesus. He had been created with the greatest intellect among created beings. Now he was pitting that intellect against God's Son come to earth in human form and supposedly at a disadvantage. But Jesus, while claiming no strength beyond that available to man, remained safe by adhering to what scripture said.

14 Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the Spirit. News about Him spread everywhere in the district. 15 He began teaching in their synagogues and everyone praised Him. 16 He came to Nazareth where He had grown up. As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath. And He stood up to read. 17 He was handed the book of Isaiah and when He opened the book He found the place where it is written, 18 "the Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, and to set free those who are oppressed," 19 "and to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD."

COMMENT: A quote from Isaiah.

Isaiah 61:1-2 "The Spirit of the LORD God is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound," [2] "To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,"

20 Closing the book, He gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 He said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 22 "Everyone spoke well of Him, and wondered at His well spoken words. They said, "Isn't this Joseph's son? 23 Jesus said, "No doubt you will quote the proverb to Me that says, 'Physician, heal yourself! Do in Your hometown the things we heard that you have done in Capernaum.'." 24 Then He added, "The truth is, no prophet is welcome in his own community." 25 "But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when it did not rain for three and a half years and caused a great famine in the land." 26 "Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. Instead he was sent to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon."

COMMENT: He was sent to a Gentile.

27 "And there were many lepers in Israel in the days of Elisha the prophet. Yet none of them were cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."

COMMENT: Another Gentile.

28 These words caused all the people in the synagogue to be filled with rage. 29 They rose up and took Him out of the city to the brow of the hill the city was built on. They intended to throw Him over the cliff. 30 But He passed through their midst and went on His way.

31 He next went down to Capernaum on the coast of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath. 32 They were amazed at His teaching because He taught with such authority. 33 A man with an unclean spirit was in the synagogue and he cried out with a loud voice, saying, 34 "Let us alone, Jesus of Nazareth. Have You come to destroy us? I know that You are the Holy One of God." 35 Jesus told him to be quiet. When the demon had thrown the man to the ground in the midst of the people, he came out of the man without harming him. 36 The crowd was amazed. They said to one another, "Where does He get His power and authority to command the unclean spirits to come out?" 37 News of what He had done spread throughout the surrounding district.

38 Leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon's home. His mother-in-law had a high fever and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 Standing over her, He rebuked the fever and it was gone. She immediately got up and waited on them.

40 As the sun was setting people brought their sick with various diseases to Him. Laying His hands on each one, He made them well. 41 Demons came out of many, saying, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus rebuked them, and prevented them from saying more, for they knew Him to be the Christ.

42 The next day Jesus went away to a secluded place. The crowds searched for Him and when they found Him they tried to keep Him from leaving. 43 But He said, "I have been sent to preach about God's kingdom in other cities as well." 44 And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Judea.

Luke 5 - RWB Paraphrase (39 V)
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1 On one occasion Jesus was preaching by the lake of Gennesaret. The people pressed around Him as they listened to the word of God. 2 There were two boats close by and the fishermen were washing their nets. 3 Jesus got into one of the boats which belonged to Simon and asked him to move the boat a little way from the land. As He sat in the boat He taught the people.

4 After He had finished speaking, He asked Simon to go out where it was deep and let down his nets to catch some fish. 5 Simon said, "Master, we fished all night without success. But because You have said it, I will let the nets down." 6 When they had done this they discovered they had so many fish their nets were beginning to break. 7 Calling their partners in the other boat, they filled both boats until they both almost sank. 8 Seeing this miracle, Simon Peter fell down at Jesus feet and said, "I am a sinful man. I am not worthy to be in Your presence." 9 He and his companions were seized with amazement because of the abundant catch of fish, 10 as were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. Jesus said to Simon, fear not. From now on you will catch men. 11 After they brought their boats to land they left everything and followed Jesus.

12 In one of the cities Jesus visited, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus he fell on his face, saying, "Lord if You are willing, You can make me clean." 13 Jesus said, "I am willing, " and stretched out His hand touched him. Immediately his leprosy was gone. 14 Jesus said, "Tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 15 News of the healing went far and wide so that large crowds gathered to hear Him and be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus would often slipped away to the wilderness to pray.

17 One day as Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the law sat and listened. They had come from all over Galilee and Judea. They observed the power of the LORD present in Him as He healed people. 18 Some men came to Jesus carrying a paralyzed man on a bed, but they could not get close to Him. 19 Finding no other way to get to Jesus, they went up on the roof and removed the tiles, and let the man down to Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 21 The scribes and Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this man to forgive sins? This is blasphemy. Only God can forgives sin." 22 Aware of their reasoning, Jesus said to them, "Why do you reason thus?" 23 "Is it easier to say your sins have been forgiven, or to say, get up and walk?" 24 "So that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," He then said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up. Pick up your bed and walk home." 25 Immediately, the man got up, picked up what he had been laying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 The people were astonished and glorified God. And they were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen remarkable things today."

27 After this Jesus went out and noticing a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, said to him, "Follow Me." 28 And Levi left everything and followed Him.

29 Levi gave a big feast in his house for Jesus. There were many tax collectors present along with other people reclining at his table. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes grumbled to His disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31 Jesus answered them, saying, "The physician cares for those who need him and not for those who are well." 32 "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

33 They said to Him, "John's disciples often fast and pray. It is the same with the Pharisee's disciples. But Your disciples eat and drink." 34 Jesus replied, "You do not expect the attendants of the bridegroom to fast while the bridegroom is with them, do you?" 35 "The days will come when the bridegroom has been taken from them. Then they will fast."

36 Then He told a parable to fit the occasion. He said, "No one sews new cloth on an old garment. This would result in the new cloth tearing away from the old cloth."

COMMENT: New ideas do no sit well with those schooled in the old ideas.

37 "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. New wine will burst old wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the wineskins." 38 "New wine requires new wineskins."

COMMENT: The new ideas Jesus was presenting required new hearts.

39 "And those who have drunk old wine do not wish for the new. They are satisfied with the old."

COMMENT: Those schooled in the old ways aren't interested in new ideas.

Luke 6 - RWB Paraphrase (49 V)
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1 One day Jesus, as was passing by some fields of grain on the Sabbath. His disciples were picking heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees noticed this and said, "What they are doing is not lawful on the Sabbath." 3 Jesus answered, saying, "Haven't you read what David and those with him did when they were hungry?"

COMMENT: Was David breaking the law? Hunger was involved in his case.

4 "Remember how he entered God's house and took and ate the consecrated bread that was just for the priests?" 5 "You should understand that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

COMMENT: Of course, the disciples had not broken God's law. The law the Pharisees were referring to was a man made law, or tradition, which they held in high regard. And besides, they were in the presence of the One who had created the Sabbath.

6 On another Sabbath He entered a synagogue to teach. A man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and Pharisees watched to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. They were always looking for a reason to accuse Him.

COMMENT: Seeing a man made whole did not excite them as much as the possibility of condemning Jesus.

8 He knew what they were thinking as He invited the man to the front. 9 Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath? To save life or to destroy it?" 10 After looking around at everyone, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand. As the man stretched out his hand, it was restored." 11 This filled the leaders with rage and they discussed with one another what could be done about Jesus.

12 After this Jesus went to the mountain and spent the whole night in prayer to His Father. 13 The next day He called His disciples together and chose twelve of them, whom He named apostles. 14 There was Simon whom He also called Peter, and Andrew his bother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who would become the traitor.

17 Jesus came down with them to a level place. There was a large crowd of His disciples as well as many people from all over Judea and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear Him, to be healed of their diseases and to be freed from unclean spirits. 19 Everyone was trying to touch Him because power was coming out of Him and healing them.

20 Turning to His disciples, He said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven."
21 "Blessed are you who hunger, for you shall be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep, for you shall laugh."
22 "Blessed are you when men hate you and cast you out and reproach you, for the Son of Man's sake." 23 "Be glad when that happens, for your reward is great in heaven. Remember that the fathers treated the prophets the way you are being treated."

24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received all the comfort you can ever expect." 25 "Woe to those who are well fed, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh for you shall weep and mourn." 26 "Woe to you when men speak well of you, for the fathers treated the false prophets in the same way." 27 "But I say to all who can hear, 'Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.'" 28 "Bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you." 29 "If someone hits you on the cheek, offer the other as well. If someone takes your coat, offer him your shirt, too." 30 "Give to everyone who asks of you and when something is stolen do not ask for it back." 31 "Treat others just as you want to be treated." 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them." 33 "If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Sinners do the same." 34 "If you lend to those from whom you can expect a return, what credit is that to you? Sinners do this, too." 35 "You should love your enemies and do good. Lend expecting nothing in return. This will make your reward great, and you will be sons of the Most High. He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and evil men." 36 "Be merciful just as your Father in heaven is merciful." 37 "Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Pardon and you will be pardoned." 38 "Give and it will be given to you. You will have more than you need. By the standard you measure to others it will be measured to you."

39 Then He spoke these parables to them: "A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Won't both of them fall into a pit?" 40 "And a pupil is not above his teacher. But once he is fully trained he will be like his teacher." 41 "Why look at the speck in your brother's eye without noticing the large obstruction in your own eye?" 42 "How can you expect to help your brother with the speck in his eye while the large obstruction remains in your eye? First remove the large obstruction in your eye and then offer to help your brother with the speck in his eye." 43 "Good trees do not produce bad fruit. Neither do bad trees produce good fruit." 44 "Every tree is known by its fruit. No one gathers figs from thorns or grapes from briars." 45 "The good man out of the goodness of his heart brings forth what is good. And the evil man does evil, speaking of that which fills his heart."

46 "Why do you call Me Lord, but do not do as I say?" 47 "I will compare the one who hears My words and does them to the following:" 48 "he is like a man building a house. He digs deep and lays a foundation on the rock. When a flood comes and bursts against that house it will remain standing because its foundation is on the rock." 49 "The one who does not listen to Me and follow My words is like the man who builds his house without any foundation. A storm will cause his house to fall down in ruin."

Luke 7 - RWB Paraphrase (50 V)
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1 When Jesus had finished saying everything He wanted to say to the people, He left for Capernaum. 2 A centurion's slave who was highly valued, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion had heard about Jesus and asked some Jewish elders to ask Jesus to save the life of his slave. 4 Those Jews came to Jesus begging Him to help, for, they said, "He is worthy." 5 "He loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 6 So Jesus started to the man's house. When He was not far from the place, the centurion sent word, saying, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof." 7 "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed." 8 "I am used to being under the authority of my superiors and also exercising authority over those under me." 9 When Jesus heard this He marveled and said to the crowd, "I have not found faith like this in all of Israel." 10 So those who had been sent to Him return to the centurion's house and found the slave was in good health.

11 After this Jesus went to a city called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. 12 As He was approaching the city gate, a dead man was being carried out. He had been the only son of his widowed mother. A sizeable crowd was with her.

COMMENT: No one came to Jesus asking Him for help. Yet here He was.

13 When the LORD saw her He felt compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." 14 As He came to the coffin, the procession halted and Jesus then said, "Young man, I say to you, 'Arise!'" 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus presented him to his mother. 16 Fear gripped everyone as they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet is among us! God has visited His people." 17 The account of this miracle went everywhere in Judea and the surrounding district.

18 John's disciples told John everything that was happening. 19 He then sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are You the expected One, or should we look for another?" 20 So they brought John's question to Jesus. 21 At that time He was curing many people of their diseases and casting out evil spirits. And He was giving sight to the blind. 22 Jesus gave this answer to John's disciples."tell John that you have seen the blind receive their sight, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised and the poor hearing the gospel preached to them."

COMMENT: John would understand the scripture Jesus quoted as His answer.

Isaiah 35:5 "Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped."

Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the LORD God is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound,"

23 "Blessed is he who does not take offense at what I am doing." 24 When John's men had left, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. He asked them, "What were you looking for when you went out to hear John? Did he appear to be a weak man with a powerless message?" 25 "Did he dress in soft clothing like those who live in palaces?" 26 "Were you hoping to see a prophet? I say to you, he was more than a prophet." 27 "John is the one of whom it is written, 'Behold I send My messenger to prepare the way before You.'"

COMMENT:

Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger to clear the way before Me. And the LORD, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. The messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, is coming, " says the LORD of hosts.

28 "I say to you, of those born of women there is none greater than John. Even so, he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than him." 29 This caused all the people, even the tax collectors, to acknowledge God's justice, especially those baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected this saying because they had not been baptized by John.

31 Jesus continued, saying, "To what shall I compare the men of this generation?" 32 "They are like children sitting in the market place and calling to each other, 'We played the flute for you and you did not dance. We sang a dirge and you did not weep.'"

COMMENT: The men of that generation were impossible to please.

33 "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread or drinking wine and you said he had a demon!" 34 "The Son of Man has come eating and drinking and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard. And besides this, He is a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'" 35 "But wisdom is vindicated by her children."

36 One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to his house to eat. 37 There was a certain woman in the city who was a sinner. She learned that Jesus was eating at this Pharisee's house and she brought an alabaster container of perfume. 38 She stood at His feet, weeping as she began to pour the perfume on His feet. Her tears mixed with the perfume. As she anointed His feet, she kissed them and wiped them with her hair. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he thought to himself, if this man was a prophet, He would know that this woman touching Him is a sinner. 40 So Jesus said, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And Simon replied, "Say it Teacher." 41 "A money lender had two debtors. One owed him $10,000, and the second owed him $1,000." 42 "When they were unable to pay, he graciously forgave both of them. Which one will love him more?" 43 Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most." Jesus said, "You have judged correctly." 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house but you gave Me no water for My feet. She, however, has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair." 45 "You gave Me no kiss but she has been kissing My feet since I arrived." 46 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume." 47 "She loves much because her sins are many and have been forgiven. He who is forgiven little loves little." 48 Turning to her, He said, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Those reclining at the table with Him questioned in their hearts, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" 50 And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Luke 8 - RWB Paraphrase (56 V)
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1 After this Jesus began going to various cities and villages proclaiming the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him. 2 Some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sickness followed, as well. Among them was Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out. 3 There was also Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna besides many others who contributed to Jesus from their private means.

4 A large crowd came together from the various cities and Jesus spoke in parables, saying, 5 "The sower went out to plant. As he planted, some of the seed fell next to the road and was walked on or eaten by the birds." 6 "Other seed fell on rocky soil. It sprouted but soon withered for lack of moisture." 7 "Still other seed fell among thorns which choked it out." 8 "Other seed fell on good soil. It grew and produced a hundred fold." Then he said, "He who has ears, let him hear."

9 His disciples began to question Him as to the meaning of this parable. 10 Jesus said, "It has been granted to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. But the people in general see and hear without understanding." 11 "This is what the parable means. The seed is the word of God." 12 "Those beside the road are those who hear but the devil quickly comes and takes the word from their hearts and they will not believe and be saved." 13 "Those on the rocky soil hear the word with joy but have no firm root and believe for only a short time. When temptation comes they fall away." 14 "The seed that falls among the thorns are those who hear, but life's worries and pleasures keep them from bearing fruit."

COMMENT: Worry and pleasure, two opposites, can achieve the same damage to our souls.

15 "But the seed that falls on good soil are those who hear the word with an honest heart and hold it fast and with perseverance, bearing much fruit."

16 "No one lights a lamp to then find some way to keep its light from shining. No! He places it on a lampstand so everyone may see." 17 "Nothing is hidden that will not be made plain. Those things now secret will eventually come to light." 18 "Pay attention to what you are hearing, for those with understanding will be given even more. And those who do not understand, will come to understand less and less."

19 Jesus mother and brothers came to see Him but were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 When He heard that His mother and brothers were outside wishing to see Him, 21 he said, "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do what it says."

22 One day Jesus and His disciples got into a boat. Jesus said, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." 23 As they were sailing along, Jesus fell asleep. A fierce storm hit the lake and before too long they were in danger of being swamped by the waves. 24 They woke Jesus, saying, "Master, we are about to perish in this storm." And He got up and rebuked the wind and the waves and the sea became calm. 25 He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were amazed and afraid. They said to each other, "Who is this that commands even the wind and the water to obey Him?"

26 They sailed on to Gerasenes on the opposite shore of Galilee. 27 When they arrived Jesus got out of the boat, and was met by a man possessed of demons. He lived in the tombs and did not wear clothes. 28 Seeing Jesus, he fell down before Him and loudly asked, "Why are you here, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please do not torment me!" 29 Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. It had seized him many time and though he had been bound in chains and kept under guard, he had always broken his bonds and then been driven by a demon into the wilderness. 30 Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He answered, "I am Legion, " for many demons were in him. 31 Now they were imploring Him not to send them into the abyss. 32 There was a herd of pigs feeding on the mountain and the demons begged Him to let them enter the pigs. And He gave them permission. 33 So the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, causing them to rush down the steep bank and drown in the lake. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran to the city and the surrounding country to report what had happened to the pigs. 35 The people came out to see for themselves. They found Jesus with the man who had been possessed by demons. He was sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind. This frightened them.

COMMENT: We can be frightened by a good thing when we do not understand.

36 Those who had witnessed the transformation told of everything that had happened. 37 All the people of the country of Gadarenes asked Jesus to leave, for they were gripped with fear. So Jesus got into the boat to leave. 38 The man who was free from the demons begged to be allowed to go with Him. But Jesus said, "No." 39 "Return to your house and tell what great things God has done for you. So the man went away, and proclaimed throughout the city what Jesus had done for him."

40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake He was welcomed by the people who had been waiting for Him. 41 A man named Jairus, an official of the synagogue, fell at his feet and implored Him to come to his house. 42 He had an only daughter who was at the point of death. As Jesus followed him, the crowds pressed in around Him. 43 A woman with an issue of blood had suffered with no relief for the past twelve years. 44 She came up behind Him and touch the fringe of His cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 Jesus said to those around Him, "Who touched Me?" No one answered. Peter said, "Master, the people have been pressing in around You for some time." 46 But Jesus said, "Someone did touch Me for I felt power go out from Me." 47 As she realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling, and admitted that she had touched Him and had immediately been healed. 48 Jesus said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

49 While He was speaking with the woman, someone came from the house of the synagogue official and said that his daughter had died. There was no need to further trouble the Teacher. 50 Jesus heard their words, and said to Jairus, "Do not be afraid. Only believe and your daughter will be made well." 51 Arriving at the house Jesus would not allow anyone to enter with Him except Peter, John and James, and the girl's father and mother. 52 In the room where the girl lay there was much weeping. Jesus said, "Stop your weeping. She has not died, but is asleep."

COMMENT: Jesus called the first death a sleep. How comforting to look forward to the first resurrection when Jesus calls His faithful to life.

John 11:11-13 Then He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus is sleeping. I am going wake him up." [12] His disciples said, "If he is sleeping surely he is getting better." [13] However, Jesus was speaking of Lazarus' death instead of regular sleep.

Ephesians 5:14 This is why it says, awake, sleeper. Arise from the dead. Christ will shine on you.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 We do not want you to be uninformed about those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve as some do who are without hope. [14] For just as we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring to Himself those who fell asleep believing in Jesus. [15] And we say to you by the word of the LORD, those of us who remain alive until our Lord comes back, will not go to be with Him ahead of those who have fallen asleep.

53 They began to laugh at Him, for they knew she had died. 54 Taking the girl's hand, Jesus said, "Child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned to her and she got up immediately. Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

COMMENT: The spirit referred to here is here breath.

56 Her parents were amazed. But Jesus told them to not tell anyone what had happened.

Luke 9 - RWB Paraphrase (62 V)
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1 Calling the twelve together, Jesus gave them authority over all demons and power to cure diseases. 2 He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. 3 He said, "Take nothing for the journey, not even a staff, nor bag, bread, money or an extra coat." 4 "Stay at whatever house you enter until you leave that city." 5 "If some do not receive you, shake the dust from your feet as a witness against them as you leave that city."

COMMENT: This meant to suggest an attitude of realizing that what they had to offer was not to be spurned.

6 They departed and preached the gospel and healed everywhere.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening and was perplexed by it. He wondered if John the Baptist had risen from the dead. 8 Some were saying that Elijah had risen. Others were saying that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, "I had John beheaded. So who is this man who is doing all these things." He wanted to see Jesus.

10 When the apostles returned to Jesus they recounted all that they had done. He took them with Him to Bethsaida to be alone a while. 11 But the crowds followed Him, so He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. He also healed those who needed it. 12 As the day was ending the twelve came to Him and suggested that He send the crowd away so they could find food and lodging, for they were in a desolate place. 13 But Jesus said, "You give them something to eat." They said, "All we have are five loaves and two fish. And we could never buy enough for all these people." 14 There were about five thousand men there. Jesus said, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." 15 And so they had the people sit down. 16 Taking the five loaves and two fish, Jesus look up to heaven, and blessed food before breaking the bread and fish into pieces which He then gave to the disciples and they gave the food to the people. 17 Everyone ate and was satisfied. When they had had all they wanted, twelve baskets were filled with leftovers.

18 At another time, while Jesus was alone praying, the disciples were with Him. He questioned them, saying, "Who do the people say that I am?" 19 They answered, "John the Baptist. And others say Elijah. Yet others say that You are one of the prophets of old who has risen." 20 Then Jesus said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said, "You are the Christ of God." 21 Jesus told them not to tell any one. 22 He said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes. He will be killed but on the third day He will be raised." 23 He then said, "Anyone wanting to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me."

COMMENT: We take up our cross daily by, among other things, submitting to God every day.

24 "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for My sake, will save it." 25 "For what does a man profit if he gains the whole world, and then forfeits eternal life?" 26 "Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of him when I come in My glory, the glory of My Father and that of the holy angels." 27 "The truth is, some of you standing here will see the kingdom of God before dying."

28 About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John and James up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed His face became different. And His clothing became extremely white. 30 Two men were talking with Him. They were Moses and Elijah. 31 These two were glorified as they talked with Him about His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep. Now they were fully awake as they witnessed the glory of Jesus and the two standing with Him.

COMMENT: The three disciples had witnessed Jesus' transfiguration in the presence of Moses and Elijah.

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cleverly devised fables, when we made known to you the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

33 As Moses and Elijah were leaving Jesus, Peter spoke up, saying, "Master, it is wonderful to have witnessed this. Shouldn't we make three tabernacles, one for each of you?" He did not realizing what he was saying.

COMMENT: Was Peter placing Moses and Elijah on an equal par with Jesus?

34 Even as Peter spoke, a cloud overshadowed them and they became afraid. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen One. Listen to Him!" 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was alone. Peter, John and James did not relate to anyone what they had seen.

37 The next day when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. 38 A man in the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg You to look at my son. He is my only boy." 39 "An evil spirit seizes him and causes him to scream as it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. Then it mauls him as it departs from him." 40 "I begged Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." 41 Jesus replied, "O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I put up with you? Bring your son to Me." 42 As the boy was being brought to Him, the demon slammed him to the ground and made him convulse. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit. After healing the boy He gave him back to his father.

43 Everyone was amazed at God's greatness as they marveled at what Jesus had done. Speaking to His disciples, Jesus said, 44 "Hear now what I say. The Son of Man is going to be turned over to the hands of men." 45 But the disciples did not understand what He was saying and they were afraid to ask Him what He meant.

46 The disciples began to argue about which of them was the greatest. 47 Jesus knew what they had been thinking and taking a child and standing him by His side, 48 he said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me. Whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. The one among you who is least among all of you, he is the one who is great."

49 John spoke up saying, "Master we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. We tried to prevent him from doing this, because he does not follow along with us." 50 Jesus replied, "Do not stop him, for he who is not against you is on your side."

51 As the day of His ascension approached, He resolutely headed for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him there. 53 Since He was headed for Jerusalem, they would not receive Him. 54 Seeing their attitude toward Jesus, James and John asked Him, "Do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven to consume them?"

COMMENT: Perhaps James and John wanted to demonstrate the faith they thought Jesus had told them they should have. If Elijah could call down fire, maybe they should, too. It seemed like a sound biblical principle.

2 Kings 1:9-10 He sent a captain with his fifty men to get Elijah. He went up to him and said, "O man of God, the king says to come down to him." [10] Elijah replied to the captain, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and burn up you and your fifty." And fire came down from heaven and burned up him and his fifty.

55 But Jesus rebuked them saying, "You do not know what kind of spirit is prompting you to say such a thing." 56 "The Son of Man did not come to destroy men, but to save." So they went to a different village.

57 As they traveled, someone said to Jesus, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58 Jesus replied, "The foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." 59 And to another, he said, "Follow Me." But that one said, "Please let me bury my father first." 60 Jesus said, "Let the dead bury their own dead. As for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God everywhere." 61 Another said, "I will follow You, Lord. But let me first say good bye to those at home." 62 Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Luke 10 - RWB Paraphrase (42 V)
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1 After this the LORD appointed seventy others and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city He was coming to. 2 He said to them, "A great harvest is ready and the laborers are few in number. Pray the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." 3 "I am sending you out as lambs among wolves." 4 "Carry no money, bag or shoes. Do not stop to greet anyone."

COMMENT: Do not get side tracked.

5 "When you enter a house, say, 'Peace be to this house.'" 6 "If a man of peace lives there, your peace will rest on him." 7 "Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you. The laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move from house to house." 8 "When you enter a city, if they receive you, eat what is set before you." 9 "Heal those who are sick and tell them the kingdom of God has come near to them." 10 "But if a city does not receive you, do not enter its streets, instead say," 11 "even the dust that clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you. Know this, the kingdom of God has come near to you." 12 "I say to you, it will be better for Sodom than for that city."

COMMENT:

Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained fire and brimstone out of heaven on Sodom and Gomorrah,

13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the same miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes." 14 "In the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you." 15 "And you, Capernaum, will not be exalt to heaven but instead brought down to hell." 16 "The one who listens to you listens to Me. The one who rejects you rejects Me and therefore he rejects the One who sent Me."

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18 Jesus said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightening." 19 "Behold, I have given you authority to walk on serpents and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will injure you." 20 "Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you. Rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."

21 At this time Jesus rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, saying, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because it has been pleasing to You to hide these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to babes." 22 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father. Only the Father knows the Son and only the Son knows the Father, and anyone to whom He wishes to reveal Him." 23 Turning to the disciples, He said, "What you have seen is a great blessing." 24 "For many prophets and kings wished to see and hear what you have seen and heard."

25 A lawyer stood up to test Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to have eternal life?" 26 Jesus replied, "What do you read in the law?" 27 The man answered, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

COMMENT:

Deuteronomy 6:5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your might."

28 Jesus told him that his answer was correct and he should do this. 29 But the lawyer, wishing to justify his question said, "Who is my neighbor?" 30 Jesus replied by telling a story."a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers met him and stripped him of everything he had. They beat him and left him for dead." 31 "It happened that a priest passed by. Seeing the man, he then passed by on the other side of the road." 32 "A Levite followed and when he saw the man, he too passed by on the other side." 33 "But a Samaritan came that way, and seeing the man, felt compassion for him." 34 "He put wine and oil on the man's wounds before bandaging them. Then he placed the man on his donkey and brought him to an inn. There he continued to care for the him." 35 "The next day he gave the inkeeper extra money and said, 'Take care of this man. If it costs more than this, I'll make it right when I return.'" 36 "Which of the three travelers proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among thieves?" 37 The lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said, "Go and do the same."

38 As they traveled, Jesus came into a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 Her sister Mary remained seated at Jesus feet listening to His every word. 40 Martha had so many things to do in preparation for the meal. She came to Jesus and said, "Don't You care that I have so much to do without Mary's help? Tell her to help me." 41 But the LORD answered and said, "Martha, you care about many things." 42 "But in fact, only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen it. It shall not be taken from her."

Luke 11 - RWB Paraphrase (54 V)
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1 One time when Jesus had finished praying in a certain place, one of His disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples to pray." 2 So Jesus said to them, "When you pray say, 'Our Father, Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'." 3 "Give us our daily bread." 4 "And forgive us our sins as we forgive everyone who sins against us. Lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil."

5 "Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose one of you goes to a friend at midnight and asks to borrow three loaves of bread? 6 "You explain that a friend came from a journey unexpectedly and you have nothing to feed him." 7 "From inside he says to you, 'Don't bother me now. The door is locked, my family and I are in bed. I cannot help you.'" 8 "Even though he will not get up for you, yet if you are persistent, he will give you as much as you need for your friend." 9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you." 10 "For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks, it will be opened."

COMMENT: This is so true!

11 "If one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish, will he give him a snake?" 12 "Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion?" 13 "If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

14 At another time Jesus was casting out a demon who had made a man mute. When the demon was gone, the man was able to speak. This amazed the crowds. 15 But there were those who said, "He casts out the demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons." 16 Still others wanted Him to give them a sign from heaven.

COMMENT: What additional proof were they looking for?

17 Knowing their thoughts He said, "Any kingdom divided against itself falls and is laid waste." 18 "If Satan works against himself, how can he hope to further his kingdom? You have said that I cast out demons by Beelzebul." 19 "If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Let them be the judge in this matter."

20 "But if I cast out demons by God's power, then His kingdom has come upon you." 21 "When a strong man guards his house, no one bothers his possessions." 22 "But when someone stronger overpowers him, the stronger one takes what he wants." 23 "He who is not with Me is against Me. And he who does not gather with Me, scatters." 24 "When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it looks for a place to rest. When it finds none, it tries to return to its former dwelling." 25 "When it comes and finds it swept and in order," 26 "it goes and finds seven other spirits more evil then itself and they come to live there. The last state of the man is worse than the first."

27 While Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd said in a loud voice, "Blessed is the woman who bore and nursed You." 28 But Jesus replied, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and do what He says." 29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This generation is wicked and looks for a sign. But no sign will be given it other than the sign of Jonah." 30 "Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." 31 "The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment and condemn the men of this generation, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Behold, Someone greater than Solomon is here."

COMMENT:

1 Kings 10:1 The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's fame in connection with the LORD, and she came to test him with difficult questions.

32 "The men of Nineveh will rise in judgment to condemn this generation, for they repented at Jonah's preaching and Someone greater than Jonah is here." 33 "No one lights a lamp and then puts it in some out of the way place or under a basket. Instead he puts it on a lampstand so that everyone in the room may benefit from the light." 34 "The eye is the lamp of your body. When it is clear your whole body is full of light. A bad eye means your body is full of darkness." 35 "So make sure that the light is in you rather than darkness." 36 "If your body is full of light and has no darkness in it, it will be wholly illumined the way a lamp lights up a room."

37 When He had spoken these things a Pharisee invited Him over for lunch. So Jesus went and reclined at his table. 38 The Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not go through the motions of ceremonially washing His hands before the meal. 39 So the LORD said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of the dish and leave the inside full of robbery and wickedness." 40 "You foolish ones. Didn't He who made the outside also make the inside?" 41 "Give what you have from within and all things can be clean for you." 42 "Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithe on mint and rue and every kind of garden herb. Yet you disregard justice and the love of God. These you should have done without neglecting the tithe." 43 "Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats and respectful greetings in the market place and synagogues." 44 "Woe to you! For you are actually like tombs that have been concealed so that people walk over them without realizing it."

45 A lawyer said to Him, "Teacher, You insult us as well." 46 Jesus replied, "Woe to you lawyers! You weigh men down with difficult burdens and do nothing to lighten their load." 47 "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets and it was your fathers who killed them." 48 "Truly, you bear witness and approve the deeds of your fathers, and you build their tombs." 49 God in His wisdom said, "I will send them prophets and apostles. Some they will persecute and some they will kill." 50 Therefore, the blood of all the prophets shed since the beginning of the world may be charged against this generation.

COMMENT: Meaning that this generation will pay a heavy penalty and final penalty.

51 "From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God. Yes, it shall be charged to this generation."

COMMENT:

Genesis 4:8 Cain found a time to talk with his brother Abel while they were in the field. Here he attacked Abel and killed him.

2 Chronicles 24:20-21 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "God says, 'Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD? You shall not prosper because you have forsaken the LORD. Therefore, He has forsaken you.'" [21] So the people conspired against him at the command of the king, and stoned him to death in the court of the house of the LORD.

52 "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You do not go in and you prevent others from entering."

53 As He left there the scribes and Pharisees became very hostile and questioned Him closely about many things. 54 They were planned to use His answers against Him.

Luke 12 - RWB Paraphrase (59 V)
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1 At this time so many people had gathered to hear Jesus, that they were stepping on each other. He began by teaching His disciples. He said, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." 2 "There is nothing covered up that will not be brought out in the open." 3 "Whatever is said in the dark will be brought to light so that everyone knows." 4 "But My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill only the body." 5 "Instead, fear the One with authority to kill and cast into hell." 6 "You know that five sparrows are sold for two cents. Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight." 7 "He even knows the number of hairs on your head. Have no fear, for you are more valuable than sparrows."

8 "I tell you, whoever confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him before the angels of God." 9 "But the one who denies Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God." 10 "Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man may be forgiven. But blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."

11 "When you are brought before rulers and authorities in the synagogues, do not worry about what to say to them." 12 "The Holy Spirit will show you what to say when you need to say it."

13 Someone in the crowd said, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." 14 But Jesus said, "Man, who appointed Me to be your arbitrator?" 15 Then He said, "Be on your guard against every form of greed. One's life does not consist of what he owns."

16 And He told them a parable."A rich man had very productive land." 17 "He decided he must do something because his crops were too great to store in his barns." 18 "He decided to tear down his old barns and replace them with bigger ones." 19 "He was figured that this would provide him with security for many years." 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool. Tonight I will require your soul. Now what will become of all you have?'"

COMMENT:

Ecclesiastes 11:9 "Rejoice during your childhood, and let your heart be happy during your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. But remember, God will bring you to judgment for everything you do."

21 "So it is for the man who stores up treasure for himself, but is not rich toward God." 22 And He said to His disciples, "This is why I tell you not to worry about how you will provide food and clothing for yourselves." 23 "Life is more than food and clothing." 24 "See how the ravens are fed by God even though they do not sow or reap. And you are more valuable than the birds." 25 "Which of you can add to the length of his life by worry?" 26 "If you cannot do this, then why worry about other things?" 27 "Look at the lilies. They grow without working. Even Solomon's glory cannot be compared to their's." 28 "If God clothes the grass of the field with such beauty, and it is soon gone, how much more will He cloth you, though you have so little faith." 29 "Do not concern yourself over what you will eat or drink." 30 "The world eagerly seeks these things, but your Father know that you need them." 31 "Seek His kingdom and these will be provided to you." 32 "Fear not. Your Father is happy to give you the kingdom." 33 "Sell what you have and give it to others. Convert your money to treasure in heaven where no thief can steal it and no moth will come to destroy it." 34 "Your heart will be where your treasure is."

35 "Be dressed and ready with your lamps burning," 36 "like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding, so that they are ready to open the door for him the moment he knocks." 37 "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds ready and waiting for his return. I tell you the truth, he will gird himself and serve them as they recline at his table." 38 "Even if he comes in the second or third watch, blessed are those servants who are ready and waiting."

39 "You can be sure that if the head of house had known exactly when the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into." 40 "You too must be ready, for the Son of Man will come when you are not expecting Him." 41 Peter asked Him, "Lord are you addressing this parable just to us, or is it for everyone?" 42 Jesus answered, "Who is the faithful steward, whom the LORD will put in charge of His servants, to give them their portion at the right time?" 43 "Blessed is that servant who is found ready when his Lord comes." 44 "Truly, He will put him in charge of all he has." 45 "But if the servant should say to himself, 'My master will not come for a long time,' and he begins to beat the other servants, and feast and get drunk," 46 "his master will come unexpectedly and cut him in pieces, assigning him a place with the unbelievers."

COMMENT: Here is an example of a believer who will be treated as an unbeliever. It is not enough to know of the truth.

47 "The servant who knew what his master wanted and did not do it, will receive many lashes." 48 "But the servant who did not know what his master wanted and did things worthy of a flogging, will receive only a few lashes. Those to whom much is given, much will be required. The more they are entrusted with, the more will be expected of them." 49 "I have come to cast fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled!" 50 "But I have a baptism coming. How I wish it was already accomplished!"

51 "Do you think that I came to grant peace on earth? No, My coming causes division." 52 "Five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three." 53 "Father may be against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, and sometimes the -in-laws against their -in-laws."

54 He was also saying, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you expect a shower and one comes." 55 "When you see a south wind blowing, you correctly predict a hot day." 56 "You are hypocrites! You can discern the signs in the sky and on the earth, but you do not discern this present time."

57 "Why do you not see what is right?" 58 "While you and your opponent are going to appear before the magistrate, make every effort to settle your differences, lest the judge sentence you to prison." 59 "And you will not get out of prison until you have paid the last cent."

Luke 13 - RWB Paraphrase (35 V)
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1 On that same occasion someone told him of some Galileans whose blood Pilate has mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus said to them, "Do you think that these Galileans suffered this fate because they were greater sinners than other Galileans?" 3 "I tell you, no! And unless you repent you will perish, too." 4 "Or do you think that when the tower of Siloam fell on the eighteen causing their deaths, that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem?" 5 "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too, will perish."

6 He told them this parable."A man had a fig tree in his vineyard. He came expecting fruit but did not find any." 7 "He said to the vineyard keeper, 'See here, I have waited three years for fruit on this fig tree and have found none. Cut it down so that it does not use up the ground.'" 8 "But the vineyard keeper said to him, 'Leave it for one more year. I will dig around it and fertilize it.'" 9 "If it does not bear fruit next year, then I will cut it down."

10 Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 A woman was there who had a sickness caused by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent double, unable to straighten up. 12 Seeing her, Jesus called her over and said, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." 13 He laid His hands on her and she was immediately made well. Standing erect she began glorifying God. 14 But the synagogue official was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd, "There are six days for work to be done. So do not come on the Sabbath day to be healed." 15 But the LORD answered him, saying, "You hypocrites. Don't you untie your ox or your donkey on the Sabbath day and lead it to water?" 16 "Here is a woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound for eighteen years. Shouldn't she be released from her bond on the Sabbath day?" 17 This humiliated His opponents and the entire crowd rejoiced over the glorious things that He was doing. 18 So He said, "What is the kingdom of God like? What can it be compared to?" 19 "It is like a mustard seed which a man planted and it grew big enough for birds to nest in." 20 "What else can the kingdom of God be compared to?" 21 "It is like yeast which a woman mixes with three measures of flour, causing all the flour to rise."

22 Jesus was passing from one city and village to another, teaching as He headed for Jerusalem. 23 Someone said, "Lord, only a few are being saved." And He replied, 24 "strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many trying to enter will not be able." 25 "When the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, though you stand outside and knock, asking, Lord, 'Open up to us,' He will say, I do not know you!" 26 "You may say, 'We ate and drank at your table. You taught in our streets.'" 27 "And He will answer, 'I do not know you. Depart from Me, you evildoers.'" 28 "At that time there will be weeping and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as all the prophets, in God's kingdom, and you having been shut out." 29 "Many will come from east and west, and from north and south, to recline at the table in the kingdom of God." 30 "Behold, some who are last will be first. And some who are first will be last."

31 Just then some Pharisees came and told Him, "Go away. Herod wants to kill you." 32 He answered them, saying, "Go tell that fox that I cast out devils and cure people today and tomorrow. The third day I reach My goal." 33 "Nevertheless, I must journey on today, tomorrow and the next day. For a prophet must not perish outside of Jerusalem."

34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not have it!" 35 "Behold, your house is left to you desolate. You will not see Me until that time when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'"

Luke 14 - RWB Paraphrase (35 V)
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1 Jesus went to the house of a leaders of the Pharisees. It was Sabbath and they watched Him closely. 2 A man was there who suffered from dropsy, or edema. 3 Jesus questioned the lawyers, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 4 They would not answer. Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him away.

COMMENT: Based on previous conversations, the Jewish leaders thought it was wrong, but Jesus had always refuted their cherished beliefs.

Luke 6:7 The scribes and Pharisees watched to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. They were always looking for a reason to accuse Him.

Luke 13:14 But the synagogue official was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd, "There are six days for work to be done. So do not come on the Sabbath day to be healed."

5 Then He said to them, "Which one of you who has an ox or a donkey, if it falls into a pit will not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?" 6 They could make no reply to this.

7 Jesus gave a parable to the invited guests as He noticed them trying to take places of honor at the table. 8 He said, "When you are invited to a feast, do not take the place of honor. Someone more distinguished than you may have been invited." 9 "You might be asked to give your place to that person and then in disgrace be asked move to the last place." 10 "When invited, go to the last place so that the one who invited you may invite you to a place at the table with more honor."

COMMENT:

Proverbs 25:7 "For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here, " than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, whom you thought to be greater than."

11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

12 Then He said to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a dinner or supper, do not call your friends, relatives or rich neighbors, who can return the favor by then returning the favor." 13 "Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind." 14 "You will be blessed in doing this because they do not have the means to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection."

15 One who reclined at the table with Him heard this, and said, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" 16 Then Jesus said to him, "A man was giving a great supper to which he invited many people." 17 "When the time came for the meal, he sent his servant to tell those invited that everything was ready. Please come." 18 "All those who had been invited made excuses. One begged off saying he had bought some land needed to go out and look at it." 19 "Another said that he had just bought five yoke of oxen and was about to try them out." 20 "Yet another said he had just married a wife and could not come." 21 "The servant came back with his report and the master of the house was angry at those people who placed such a light value on his offer. So he told his servant to go out into the streets and alleys of the city and bring in the poor, blind and lame." 22 "The servant did this and reported that there was still room for more people." 23 "His master said, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come, so that my house may be filled.'" 24 "For I tell you, none of those originally invited shall taste of my dinner."

COMMENT: God has room for a certain number of people and He will fill His house. His mercy is great!

25 Large crowds were accompanying Jesus. He turned to them and said, 26 "Anyone coming to me who places his father or mother, wife or children, brothers or sisters, even his own life, ahead of Me, cannot be My disciple." 27 "Anyone following Me must be willing to carry his cross or he cannot be My disciple." 28 "If you want to build a tower don't you first sit down and count what it will cost so you may know if you have enough to complete it?" 29 "Otherwise after laying the foundation, when you are unable to finish the project you will be the object of ridicule." 30 "People will say, 'What he started he was not able to finish.'" 31 "Or what king plans for a battle against another king without first determining if he is strong enough to win the battle with fewer men then his opponent has." 32 "He may need to send messengers to the other king with terms of peace." 33 "Just so, no one can be My disciple who does not give up everything that is his."

COMMENT: Jesus seems to be saying that we should count the cost of following Him. This way we will be more prepared for the tough times that will surely come as a result.

34 "Therefore, salt is good, but if it has lost its saltiness, of what value is it?" 35 "It is of no use for anything and is thrown away. So give serious thought to what I have said."

Luke 15 - RWB Paraphrase (32 V)
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1 Tax collectors and sinners were coming to be near to Jesus and hear what He was saying. 2 As a result, the scribes and Pharisees grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and even eats with them." 3 So Jesus told them a parable. 4 "Which of you, if he had one hundred sheep and loses one will not leave the ninety nine in the pasture and go look for the lost sheep?" 5 "After finding it, you will rejoice as you carry it home on your shoulders." 6 "When you get home you will call together your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me for I have found my lost sheep!'" 7 "I tell you, there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine who do not need to repent."

COMMENT: Sometimes people who need to repent do not realize it. There is no joy in heaven over those who think they are righteous and are not.

8 "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them, will not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it." 9 "After she finds it she will call together her friends and neighbors, and say, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin!'" 10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

COMMENT: When you consider the rebellion staged by Satan in heaven and all the difficult it caused, the fact that the angels rejoice over each repentant sinner shows how invested they are in God's plan of salvation.

11 Then He said, "A man had two sons." 12 "The younger said to his father, 'Give me the portion of the estate that falls to me.' So his father divided his wealth between his sons." 13 "Not long after that the younger son gathered what he would take with him and journeyed to a distant country. There he squandered his estate with riotous living." 14 "When his money was gone, a severe famine came to that country and he began to suffer from want." 15 "He hired himself out to someone who sent him into his fields to feed his pigs." 16 "He was so hungry he thought about eating what the pigs were eating. No one gave him anything." 17 "Then he came to his senses, saying to himself, 'My father's hire hands have plenty to eat and I am starving.'" 18 "I will leave this place and go to my father and admit to him that I have sinned against heaven and against him." 19 "I will say to him, 'I am no longer worthy to be called your son. I want to be one of your hired men.'"

COMMENT: For the young man to realize this was a very big step. He now had a better understanding of the value of money, industry and just how good he had had it back at home.

20 "So he got up and headed home to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion. He ran to meet his son and hugged and kissed him."

COMMENT: The father never stopped looking for his wayward son.

21 "The son said to his father, 'I have sinned against heaven and in you sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'" 22 "But the Father said to his servants, go and get the best robe for my son. Put a ring on his hand sandals on his feet." 23 "Prepare the fatted calf so we can eat and celebrate." 24 "My son was dead and now he is alive. He was lost and now has been found.' And they began to celebrate." 25 "His older son was in the field working and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing." 26 "He asked one of the servants what was happening." 27 "They answered, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fatted calf to celebrate his safe return.'"

COMMENT: They probably did not keep several fatted calves. Whatever this calf was being saved for would have to wait. What joy on the part of the father. Jesus is telling us that His Father in heaven will celebrate like this when we get to heaven.

28 "But the older son became angry and would not go in. His father came out and pleaded with him." 29 "But he said to his father, 'See how many years I have served you and neglected none of your commands. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends." 30 "Now that this son of yours, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, comes home, you kill the fatted calf for him.'" 31 "His father said, 'Son, you have always been with me. Everything I have is yours." 32 "But we must celebrate your brother's return, for he was dead and has begun to live again. He was lost and has been found.'"

Luke 16 - RWB Paraphrase (31 V)
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1 Jesus told His disciples this parable: "A rich man had a manager who he discovered was squandering his possessions." 2 "He called the man in and said, 'What is this I hear? You must give an accounting of your management because I am letting you go.'"

COMMENT: In other words, bring your bookkeeping up to date.

3 "The manager said to himself, 'What can I do if I lose my Job? I can't dig and I won't beg." 4 "I know what I can do when I am no longer a manager so that I will be welcomed in someone's home." 5 "Calling each of his master's debtors, he asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'" 6 "He answered, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he cut the man's bill in half." 7 "The next man came in and he cut his bill from a hundred measures of wheat to eighty." 8 "As a result, his master praised the unrighteous manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this age are more shrewd than the sons of light."

COMMENT: How is this true? Would the sons of light be justified in doing the same? Would the sons of light need to be let go from the master's employment?

9 "I tell you that you should make friends for yourselves using your unrighteous wealth so that when it fails they will receive you into the eternal dwellings."

COMMENT: On another occasion Jesus talked about wealth being an impediment to getting into heaven. Here He seems to be saying, 'Spread your wealth around. You will be better off.

Matthew 19:23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "The truth is, it is very hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."

10 "He who is faithful in small things will be faithful in greater things. And he who is unrighteous in little ways will be unrighteous in greater ways."

COMMENT: Little things do matter in this life.

11 "So if you have been unfaithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" 12 "If you cannot be faithful when caring for someone else's wealth, who will give you your own?"

13 "No one can serve two masters. He will surely love one and hate the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

COMMENT: Wealth can be a hard master.

14 "The Pharisees who loved money scoffed as they listen to Him." 15 So He said to them, "You justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. That which men place great value on is detestable in God's sight."

COMMENT:

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or his height, for I have not chosen him. God sees differently than man sees. A man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Proverbs 21:2 "A man's way may seem right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart."

16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time the gospel of the kingdom has been preached and everyone is trying to get in." 17 "It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for any part of the Law to fail."

COMMENT: In other words, as wonderful as the gospel is, the law of God and the messages sent by His prophets is no less valuable. The gospel is a further unfolding of all that has come before.

18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

COMMENT: Those looking for a softening of God's stated law will discover that His law as originally give still holds.

19 "There was a rich man who was used to dressing in purple and fine linen. He lived in splendor every day." 20 "A poor man named Lazarus was covered with sores and sat at the rich man's gate." 21 "His only hope was to receive the crumbs falling from the rich man's table. Dogs would come and licked his sores." 22 "The poor man eventually died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom. Later the rich man also died and was buried." 23 "In hell he looked up and in his torment saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his bosom." 24 "He cried out saying, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to give me just a little water to cool my tongue. I am in agony in this flame.'." 25 "But Abraham replied, 'You remember that during your lifetime you had it good and Lazarus had it bad. Now he is being comforted and while you are in agony.'" 26 "And there is a great chasm between you and us so that no one get across.'" 27 "Then the rich man said, 'I beg you to send Lazarus to warn my father's house.'" 28 "I have five brothers and I want them to be warned so they may avoid this place." 29 "But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets. They should pay attention to them.'" 30 "The rich man said, 'But if someone from the dead warns them, they will repent.'" 31 "Abraham replied, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded even if someone were to rise from the dead.'"

COMMENT: Jesus is not teaching here that when people die they go to heaven. It is a parable and not to be taken literally. When Lazarus died Jesus said that Lazarus was sleeping. When He raised Lazarus, He didn't bring him back from heaven.

John 11:11-14 Then He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus is sleeping. I am going wake him up." [12] His disciples said, "If he is sleeping surely he is getting better." [13] However, Jesus was speaking of Lazarus' death instead of regular sleep. [14] So Jesus spoke plainly and said, "Lazarus is dead."