Jim Gallagher

Luke 24:1
“Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning…”

Crucifixion was a violent and public form of execution. The display was designed not only to punish the condemned, but to dissuade others from violating the law of Rome. It is difficult for me to comprehend the emotions that would flood those who watched, as Jesus was beaten and crucified.

These women were not casual observers, they did not watch the events as spectators or journalists, they were some of Jesus closest friends, and Mary was His mother. Watching the events of the cross must have filled her with fear, confusion, sorrow, anger and even hate. Her own Son had been betrayed by one of His close friends, He had been falsely accused, condemned, beaten and violently killed. It would be reasonable for us to read that Mary shut down, or she was filled with sorrow, wept, and questioned the love of God. Instead, we read she rose early, went seeking, and found Christ was risen from the dead.

What pains are you enduring today? Are you struggling with the emotions caused by loss, confusion, or disappointment? Are you allowing your emotions to keep you from God, or like Mary, are you willing to rise early and seek Him? I wonder what we are missing out on when we fail to take time to seek Christ.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 24

1. How did the women find the tomb of Jesus when they came in the morning?
2. What did they find in the tomb?
3. What were the women reminded of by the men in shinning garments?
4. As the women told the apostles what they found, was their words well accepted?
5. Who had to see for himself these things?
6. Verses 13- 32 record for us the revealing of Jesus to two disciples as they traveled to a village called Emmaus. What do we observe about the two disciples when Jesus first draws near to them?
7. At what point did the two disciples recognize Jesus?
8. Read verse 45. This is a great verse to memorize and make a prayer every time you study the Bible.
9. Now read verses 46-49. Then turn to Acts 1:8. Jesus is calling us to go into the entire world in the power of the Spirit and preach the gospel. The Apostles were to start in Jerusalem. Jerusalem for us would be our home town. Pray right now that God would give you boldness to be a witness for Him everywhere you go starting with the people that are around you.

Old Testament:
Numbers 17- Miracles
Numbers 18- Behind The Scenes

Luke 23:45
“The veil of the temple was torn in two.”

The veil of the Temple was designed by God; and it was beautiful. Moses describes it for us in Exodus 26:31

“You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim.”

As beautiful as this curtain was, its beauty would be overshadowed by its purpose. The veil was not designed as a work of art to be gawked at, but as a symbol of the separation between man and God. Even the angels portrayed on the veil spoke not of accessibility, but of separation. Remember the angels that were posted outside the garden? They carried flaming swords and were set as guards to keep Adam and Eve from entering the garden (Genesis 3:24). What about the angels around God’s throne? We read, they constantly sing of His holiness; a character trait of God making it impossible for sin to remain in His presence. As much as man needs God, and as much as God loves man, our sin stands in the way. Access to God is barred by sin, and the veil was a constant reminder of that.

As a result of the cross, all that would change. Jesus was not dying for Himself, He was dying as a sacrifice. By doing so, He was paving a way for sinful man to come to a Holy God. The tearing down of the veil represents the access that is available to all mankind through Christ. While it remains true that we are all sinners, it is also true that there is now a way to God. What a joy must have filled the heart of Luke as He penned these words,

“ . . . and the veil of the temple was torn in two.”

He took advantage of the access. What about you? The cross is not the end, it is the beginning. Through it, we have access to the throne, and to the presence of God.

Hebrews 10:19-22

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 23

1. Who was Jesus led to next to be questioned?
2. What was Pilates conclusion concerning Jesus?
3. Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod?
4. Why was Herod glad to see Jesus?
5. What was happening while Herod was questioning Jesus?
6. Jesus was ultimately sent back to Pilate and Pilate wanted to let Him go. But the voices of the chief priest and the scribes and their accusations would ultimately prevail. Who was released instead of Jesus?
7. Who helped Jesus carry the cross up to Calvary?
8. What was the difference between the two criminals and Jesus?
9. Who else recognized this difference when Jesus died?
10. Who went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus?
11. Everything in history pointed to this moment, when the Son of God would be crucified on a cross as the once and for all sacrifice for sin. The significance of this chapter is huge. Take some time and consider the events leading to the death of Jesus.   As you do just thank God for His unending love demonstrated through the giving of His Son for you. Now take a moment and read Romans 5:8.

Old Testament:
Numbers 15- Oops, I Did It Again!
Numbers 16- Small Things

Luke 22:19
“This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Everything in the life of Christ was working toward His final hour. A moment in time when He, through His death, would provide life for all who believe. Prior to the events of the cross unfolding, Jesus took time to have a last meal with His closest followers. It was at this meal that He established the sacrament of communion. He told his disciples the bread was to represent His body which would be broken to provide healing, and the fruit of the vine would represent His blood, that would be shed for the removal of sin.

A few conditions are given to those who partake of communion. First, communion is for those who believe. The sacrament has its value in what it represents. The religious activity is of no value unless you are one who has received Christ as your Savior. Second, Paul spoke of partaking in an unworthy manner, meaning, if we have sin that has not been confessed and repented of, we should deal with it before we partake (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Finally, Jesus tells us, the primary purpose of communion is remembrance. It is a time to focus on the Lord. As we hold the bread and the cup, we should be looking back to the cross, looking up to the Lord, looking forward to His return, and looking out at those who have not yet received Christ. Remember, Christ saved you through His work on the cross, and the day is coming when He will call you home.

Let’s be ready…

Pastor Jim

Maybe tonight around the dinner table you, as a family, should partake in communion together. Simply read through this passage, pass the elements, and pray.

Questions from Luke 22

1. Who conferred with the chief priest?
2. How did Peter and John know which house to go to and prepare for the Passover?
3. What are the two elements that were distributed to the disciples while seated at the table with Jesus?
4. Why is each element significant?
5. Who did Jesus say was at the table with them during the Passover meal?
6. In verses 24-37 what behavior does Jesus establish as the behavior of the follower or disciple of Jesus? (Read Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45)
7. Which disciple was about to be tested?
8. It was normal behavior for Jesus to pray all night. The disciples had seen him do that often. As Jesus would pray in the garden this night after the Passover meal, what would be different this time?
9. How was Jesus betrayed?
10. How many times did Peter deny Jesus?
11. After Jesus was beaten and mocked he was questioned by which group of people?
12. What was their accusation?

Old Testament:
Numbers 13- Follow The Leader
Numbers 14- Rejection God’s Plan

Luke 21:13
“But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”

As the world approaches the end times, difficulties will increase. The believer is reminded that these difficult situations are the perfect backdrop in which to share Christ with the world. This is a principle to live by. We do not need to wait until the end to have an impact upon the lives around us. The present circumstances which you face have been designed by God as the best conditions for you to grow as a Christian, and have an impact upon others for the kingdom of Heaven. In addition to reminding the disciples of the opportunities He will provide for them, Jesus also gives a promise of success:

“I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.” (Luke 21:15)

We often find ourselves face to face with an opportunity to share Christ with someone. Perhaps the door begins to open while watching a sporting event together, having a coffee during a break at work, or hanging together as our kids play at the park. Whatever the setting, as we see the door opening, we immediately feel as though we do not know what to say. What a wonderful promise Jesus gives. He promises to give us irresistible wisdom. This is a wisdom you will not find until you open your mouth and begin to testify of Christ.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 21

1. Who is contrasted as Jesus looked on at those putting gifts in the treasury?
2. What was Jesus talking about when he said, “Not one stone will be left upon another that shall not be thrown down”?
3. What two questions did the disciples ask in response to Jesus?
4. The rest of the chapter is a response to those two questions that the disciples asked. For the disciples, the answers that Jesus gives are future events. For us, half of Jesus’ answer is future and half is history. In 70 AD the Romans, under the command of Titus, destroyed the temple and fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus concerning the temple and the stones. It’s important to look at Matthew 24 and Mark 13 and find the differences between the three accounts.
5. Take time now and reread verses 34-36 and consider how you spend your time and energy.
6. Now read Ephesians 5:15-17.

Old Testament:
Numbers 11- Living In The Outskirts
Numbers 12- Personal Conflict

Luke 20:26
“And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.”

We are introduced to a group of men who are examining Jesus. They have taken the time to carefully observe Him in action, dissect His teachings, and even quiz Him on a variety of difficult subjects. Their conclusion is worth noting. We read, “they marveled.” The word “marveled” means to be amazed by, and even to admire. It is a word that would commonly be used of a person standing in a museum observing a beautiful work of art. In that case, the proper response would be to admire the work and protect it from being harmed.

These men are acting like curators and treating Jesus like a museum piece. They knew a lot about Him. They could give His opinion on a variety of subjects. They could explain how He treated the sick, blind, lame and sinners. But rather than receiving Christ and watching as He transformed their lives, they simply “marveled and remained silent.” They were content with treating Him like a museum piece.

What about you? Are you an expert on the things of Christ, or a follower of Jesus? Are you only interested in learning about the things He did, or are you determined to see Him do those same things in and through your life?

All that Jesus is and does is marvelous. We are right to be in awe of Him; but awe alone is not what He desires of us. Let’s be sure that we are following after Him.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 20

1. Who confronted Jesus in the temple?
2. How did Jesus answer their question?
3. Who was the next parable directed towards?
4. Why did the spies try to trick Jesus in His words?
5. What was the spy’s reaction to Jesus words?
6. In verse 27 we see that the Sadducees deny that there is a resurrection. What is interesting about their question to Jesus?
7. What story does Jesus reference in His answer to prove, that there is a resurrection?
8. Jesus at the end of the chapter warns us of the scribe’s behavior. What would you say is the root sin for this kind of behavior?
9. What is the outcome of the scribe’s behavior?
10. Here’s something to consider. The scribes were experts at projecting a religious image, but a religious image before man isn’t enough. Are you really a servant of Jesus Christ, or are you more like one of these scribes?

Old Testament:
Numbers 9- Being Led By God
Numbers 10- Reach Out

Luke 19:11
“He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.”

Jesus rebuked the leaders of His day for being able to discern weather patterns, yet failing to recognize the signs of the times. He also exhorted His followers to carefully observe the condition of the world, and to live in anticipation of His soon return.

Today, it is not difficult to ignore the similarities between our world and Jesus’ description of the world when He returns. Things like a one world currency, government, and religion, which seemed impossible to past generations, are unfolding before our very eyes. All of this, makes this parable even more applicable to His church.

Notice the parable was given because they were expecting His kingdom to be established at any moment. Their problem was not failing to LOOK for the kingdom, but failing to LIVE for the kingdom. In the story, Jesus exhorts His followers to serve Him.

Like the characters in the story, we have all been given different gifts, talents, abilities and resources. They are given that we might use them for the furtherance of His kingdom. Too often, we look around at what others have been given, and think, if we had their gifts we would serve the Lord. If I had their wealth, I would give. If I had their voice, I would sing, if I had their time, I would serve… Notice, Jesus only expected the servants to use what they had been given. They were rewarded or rebuked depending upon how they used the gift they had received.

Jesus is coming back! He will set up His kingdom. He will reward those who have surrendered, submitted, and served Him. The question remaining for us is, how are we waiting? Live today in light of the fact that there is a day coming when we will be face to face with the King of kings. He will look at us with His eyes like flames of fire and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke05 19

1. How is Zacchaeus described?
2. Read verse 10. Take a moment and memorize this verse.
3. Why did Jesus speak the next parable?
4. Take note that the citizens and the servants in this parable are different from each other. This is important because of the outcome of the citizens (enemies) in verse 27. With that in mind what happened to the 3 servants when the master called them to him?
5. What one word sums up this parable?
6. What did Jesus ask His disciples to do when they arrived at the Mount of Olives?
7. As Jesus came near to Jerusalem and wept, what was He prophesying would happen?
8. What did Jesus do as he entered the temple?
9. Then what did Jesus do next?
10. Read verse 48. Are you attentive to hear the voice of Jesus? Ask the Lord to right now to change your mind and heart so that you would become more attentive to His voice.

Old Testament:
Numbers 7- The Right Way
Numbers 8- Cleansing

Luke 18:9
 “He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others . . .”

The chief trait of this Pharisee was the idea that he did not need God. A modern equivalent would be the person who, with his imagination and personal experience, has fabricated both a god and a religious system by which he is acceptable to his god. The Pharisees did just that. They picked out certain verses from Scripture to form what they thought God was like, then based upon that, they established behaviors they believed He would accept. The result was a group of self-righteous men who looked down upon others and rejected Christ. In contrast, we find a man who has lived a compromising life. While externally he seems to be the one whom God would reject, he is accepted because he came to God, not on his own terms, but on God’s.

The lesson is very clear. It will be those who humble themselves, confess their sin, and come to God through Christ, who will be accepted by Him.

Don’t be like the Pharisees who rejected Him because they thought they were good enough.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 18 

1. What is the next parable about?
2. In the next parable, who were the two people that Jesus contrasted?
3. What is the difference between the two individuals in this parable?
4. Who did the disciples rebuke?
5. What did Jesus ask the rich young ruler to do?
6. What was Peter’s response to these things?
7. What was Jesus response to Peter?
8. Reflect on what Jesus explained to the twelve disciples.
9. What is similar about the attitude of the tax collector in the beginning of the chapter and the blind beggar at the end of the chapter?
10. Notice the response of the beggar and the people in verse 43 after the beggar received his sight. Take a moment to praise God and glorify Him for all that He has done in your life.

Old Testament:
Numbers 5- Marriage Problems
Numbers 6- Blessing

Luke 17:32
“Remember Lot’s wife.”

Lot and his family represent the Christian. Jesus tells us, if we want to save our lives, we must lose them. In other words, life, true life, abundant life, will not be found in holding things back from the Lord, but by giving up all to follow the Lord. Matthew modeled that idea when he left his tax table, Peter and John when they left the fishing business, and you and I when we leave behind our past life, and seek to live for Christ. Unfortunately, even after we determine to follow Christ, we face temptation to return to the things from which we were saved. Satan even has a way of making the sin life which we used to live, look better than it really was. Knowing this, Paul exhorts us,

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Lot’s wife illustrates the one who ignores the warning and allows herself to be entangled, again, in the things of the world. She was so caught up with life in Sodom, that when God brought her out, she ignored the warnings and looked back. Her looking back was not a glance brought on by the loud sound of thunder or a flash of lightning. Her look back was a longing. It was as if her heart cried out for one more night in Sodom, one more experience of the sin which she had been called to forsake. Not many have been turned to salt, but multitudes of professing Christians have been doomed by the desire for one more experience of the sin from which they were set free. One more look, one more taste, one more night, one more… And they are entangled again in the sin of the world.

Remember Lot’s wife! Don’t look back, but press on toward the upward call of God in Christ.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 17

1. What is the subject of verses 1-2?
2. What is the subject of verses 3-4?
3. What is the subject of verses 5-6?
4. How many lepers came back to Jesus to glorify God and give thanks?
5. I would seem that this tenth leper was healed at a deeper level than the other 9. Explain in your own words what the difference was between the 9 lepers and the tenth.
6. What was the key to the complete healing of the Leper?
7. I’ve heard it said,” If you want to know about Jesus’ kingdom, get to know the King.” Where is the kingdom of God?
8. The kingdom of God will become visible when Jesus will set up His kingdom on this earth for a period of time. What had to happen before this can happen?
9. What two illustrations does Jesus use to describe what the days will be like when the second coming of Jesus arrives?
10. It’s always good to ask yourself this question in light of these passages. Am I living for the kingdom of God or am I living attached to this world? I’ve heard it also said, “Prepare for the coming of the King by not being attached to this world.”

Old Testament:
Numbers 3- Faithful In Little
Numbers 4- Service

Luke 16:26
“There is a great gulf fixed . . .”

Between man and God there is a great gulf of separation. This gap is caused by sin, and makes it impossible for us to have fellowship with God. This is precisely the reason Jesus came. He bled and died on Calvary’s cross to bridge the gap; to make it possible for us to know God now, and spend eternity with Him. This life will come to an end, and when it does, only what we have done with Christ will really matter. In this story, the rich man reveals what happens to those who refuse Christ. Not only do they live separated from God, but they die that way.

Since every thing we have wears out, it is difficult for us to understand the concept of eternity, yet the Bible teaches us that the life to come has no end. Our response to Jesus determines our eternal destiny. Sadly, some are unwilling to surrender to Christ because of the lifestyle they enjoy. I beg you, learn the lesson from the rich man, and give up the passing pleasure of sin, for the eternal reward.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 16

1. Who are the main characters in this next parable of Jesus?
2. What was the steward doing wrong?
3. The steward, was he faithful with what he was given responsibility over?
4. God has blessed us with so much materially speaking, have you been faithful with what God has blessed you with?
5. Read verse 13 and take a few moments to consider who you are serving.
6. Why were the Pharisees not happy when they heard these things?
7. Being married is AWESOME! GOD LOVES MARRIAGE. TAKE A MOMENT AND PRAY FOR YOUR SPOUSE.
8. Jesus tells a story that apparently is not a parable. There is a distinct difference between the rich man and Lazarus. When they both died, why do you think they ended up in different places? Now read 2 Corinthian’s 5:8, are you confident of the truth that is in this passage?

Old Testament:
Numbers 2- Family

Luke 15:2
“This Man receives sinners . . .”

Man lives as though God and eternity are a mystery. Even before I became a Christian, I had heard the pseudo–verse, “God works in mysterious ways.” Here, in Luke 15, the mysterious ways of God are revealed. We see clearly how he feels about the lost, as well as what He does about it.

Jesus tells three stories, and in each one, He is played by a different character. In the first, He is the man who has a lost sheep and leaves all He has to find it. In the second, He is played by the woman who searches diligently to find the one lost coin. Finally, in the third, He is played by the father who patiently waits, while his son wastes his life. We see clearly the heart of God toward the lost and wayward. He willingly gave up all, clothed Himself in humanity, to seek and save the lost.

The message is clear. If you are wayward, come back to Him. He loves you and wants to forgive you. If someone you love is wayward, express to them the same loving grace that the father showed his son, as you pray and await their return.

Pastor Jim

Questions For Luke 15

1. Who came to “draw near” to Jesus to hear Him?
2. In the next parable, what item does Jesus use to illustrate a lost sinner?
3. What happens in Heaven when a sinner repents?
4. Who are the main characters in the next parable?
5. In your own words describe the father’s heart for the son that returned.
6. Was the older brother happy for the younger brother’s return?
7. Now describe the father’s heart for the older son who questioned his father.
8. All three parables were spoken to the ones who drew near to hear Jesus. They were the tax collectors and sinners. Remember, they were the lowest of the low in society. Take a moment to consider what they were feeling as Jesus told them these stories. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS HEART OF COMPASSION FOR SINNERS!!!!!!
   
   Old Testament:
   Numbers 1- Dry Times