Luke 3

“John went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:  ‘A voice of one crying out.  In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!  Every valley will be filled and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth, and everyone will see the salvation of God.’ Then he said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, ‘Brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?’”  Luke 3: 3-7

The content of today’s passage could be the source of many books.  I would like to focus on just a few observations and parallel scriptures from the Psalms & the Prophets.

First off, John was not preaching “salvation by baptism”.  He was simply stating the obvious: If you humbly turn from your sin, the Lord will forgive you.  John chose baptism as a way for people to publicly demonstrate the internal.  In Jewish culture, there are two purposes for immersion: 1) When Gentiles convert to Judaism, and 2) To make oneself ritually clean for worship.  John’s baptism was an entirely new concept; although in a sense, an amalgamation of the two.

While John is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy directly, the concept of repentance coming before Messiah is also mentioned in the Psalms.

“Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.” Psalm 85: 13

It makes the Shepherd’s job so much easier when the sheep are willing to follow!  I recommend you read Psalm 85, in its entirety.  Its Messianic message is so profound.

The whole idea of the “Brood of vipers!” has always intrigued me.  When I was reading through Jeremiah, I recall a section of chapter 8, titled: God’s People Unrepentant.   It immediately made me think of John the Baptist’s message of repentance.  At the end of the passage, was this statement:

“Indeed, I am about to send snakes among you, poisonous vipers that cannot be charmed.  They will bite you.  This is the Lord’s declaration.”  Jeremiah 8: 17

In the short term, Jeremiah was speaking of a conquering enemy.  But in the greater prophetic reach, the combination of repentance and vipers is uncanny.

What strikes me (no pun intended), is how well-documented the Lord’s fulfillment of His prophecies are….and yet, so few people take heed to His prophecies, yet to be fulfilled.

Blessings. 

Steve Wiggins 

Luke 8

“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light.  For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and come into light.  Therefore, take care how you listen.  For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”  Luke 8:16-18

When I was 5 years old, my brother & I decided we would play with fire, passing our hands quickly through a candle flame.  I don’t remember how many candles we went through that day, but eventually we got bored and started challenging one another to go slower with each pass.  As the saying goes: Play with fire, and you’ll get burned.

Today’s passage reminded me of the impracticality of putting a candle in a basket, or under a bed.  Not only will these practices keep light from shining, (which is the purpose for lighting a lamp), but they will also burn-down your house!

Jesus told His disciples that one of the signs of a believer, is their desire to share the gospel with others. 

Desire and boldness are two different ideas.  We can have the desire to share our faith, but seized with fear, we may not act upon that desire.  Jesus is saying, “Go for it!  Be bold!” 

Christians should resist the flesh’s natural bent towards self-preservation.  Furthermore, Jesus is conveying that it is IMPOSSIBLE for true followers to hide their relationship with Him, long-term.  Just as a lit candle in a basket (or under a bed), will eventually ignite its container and spread it fire, so one’s relationship with Jesus cannot be hidden for long.

If you are successful in trying to hide your “lamp”, perhaps you should check and see if there’s any flame on the wick.

I have attended several church events, where everyone was given a candle.  Somewhere in the service, one candle is lit.  Then, its flame is shared with the next person…and so on, until everyone’s candle is illuminated.  This is the idea Jesus is communicating, when He talks about how those “who have” are given more.

Suppose someone tries to recreate the candle lighting ceremony, at another church across the street…only, they never light their “starter” candle.  Instead of a room full of lit candles: darkness.  Eventually, everyone would go across the street, where true illumination replaces the image of it.  “Even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”

Share your light, if you’ve got it.   If you don’t have it…please allow me to share mine with you. 

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins 

Luke 10

“When you enter any town and they welcome you, eat the things set before you.  Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you.’  When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into the streets and say, ‘We are wiping off (as a witness) against you even the dust of your town that clings to our feet.  Know this for certain: The Kingdom of God has come near.’  I tell you, on that day, it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.”  Luke 10: 8-12

Today’s passage is a message, tailor-fit for the modern church. 

First, it never ceases to amaze me how unaccommodating some Christians are, when it comes to personal evangelism.  When Jesus sent out the “70”, He directed them not only to heal and to preach, but also to be socially gracious.  In an age when the rules of kosher dominated the behavior of the average Jew, Jesus instructed His “missionaries” eat whatever was set before them.

The point is: It is possible to be so Heavenly-minded that you are no earthly good.  Jesus is not commanding His followers to break God’s law.  He is righting rabbinical interpretation of God’s law.  Winning souls is of utmost importance to God.

Second, it also amazes me how timid some churches are.  It’s like they are afraid to simply share the Gospel, for fear of offending people.  Here’s a rule: If nobody’s rejecting your Gospel, you’re probably not sharing it.  If you’re not sharing it, you might wanna check, as to whether you ever received it.

In short: We can be so Worldly-minded that we are no Heavenly good.

Jesus was telling the “70” that the message of the truth is to be proclaimed, whether it is welcomed or not.  Why should people uninterested or unreceptive in the Gospel be evangelized?  Because the message itself is powerful, since it comes from God, it may cause them to change their minds.  Note that Jesus’ disciples were not merely commanded to show opposition to those who rejected the Gospel, but to also condemn it.

Part of our effective witness is going the extra distance to clarify the Gospel to all.  We are commanded to make certain, that people fully understand what they are accepting or rejecting.

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins

Luke 7

“The dead man sat up and began to speak and Jesus gave him to his mother.  Then fear came over everyone, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us,’ and ‘God has visited His people.’  This report about Him went throughout Judea and all the vicinity.  Then John’s (the Baptist) disciples told him about all these things.  So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, asking, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?”  Luke 7:15-19

Jesus was immersed in the Jordan River, by John.  John’s gospel informs us that the next day, John the Baptist told two of his disciples, “Look!  The Lamb of God!” John 1:32-42  One of those disciples was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness 40 days, He heard John had been arrested.  At this time, Jesus went to the Galilee region and began His public ministry.  Mark 1:14, Matthew 4:12 

In prison, John began second-guessing his message…the primary reason for his chains.  Faith is easy, in theory.  In reality, faith requires whole-self devotion.  No doubt, John was coming to grips with the reality that he would die in prison because of his faith.  News that Jesus had raised someone from the dead, must have given John hope.

The concept that a prophet could raise people from the dead, was very familiar.  Both Elijah and Elisha had done this.  The people, whom a prophet raises to life, will eventually die of some other circumstance.  When Messiah raises the dead, it has eternal implications.  In essence, John wants to know: “If my life is required of me, will Jesus raise me up?”  More importantly, “Will He raise-me-up into eternity?” 

John was created to herald Messiah.  Now, John questioned whether he really believed his own testimony concerning Jesus.  In this, he chose to reject the Holy Spirit’s testimony, in exchange for a human report.  That was sin of the worst kind.  Nobody knows if John ever repented and fully believed in Jesus.  Jesus’ opinion on John’s faith, at that moment, was clear:  “The least in the kingdom is greater than he.”  Luke 7:28.

This scenario is important to us, in light of Jesus’ Beatitudes message.  If we seek to follow Jesus to the extent that He calls us, we must take-on a prophet’s mission.  If a prophet’s mission we are called-to, then a prophet’s wages we will, most likely, receive: Poverty, Hunger, Weeping, Insults & Slanders, because of the Son of Man.  John 6:20-23

But if you lay down your life following Jesus, even unto death at the hands of men…will you not receive much more than you gave-up on earth, in Heaven?  John 6: 38

Is serving God becoming uncomfortable?  Rejoice!  Sow a mortal life on earth; reap eternal life in Heaven.

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins

Luke 9

“When the days were coming to a close for Him to be taken up, Jesus determined to journey to Jerusalem.  He sent messengers ahead of Him, and on the way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make preparations for Him.  But they did not welcome Him, because He determined to journey to Jerusalem.  When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?  But He turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.”  Luke 9:51-56

A Samaritan, in Jesus’ day, was a person of mixed (Jewish/Gentile) descent.  In ancient history, Israel had been divided, nationally & spiritually.  Ten tribes formed what was known as “Israel”; while the remaining two, (primarily Judah & Benjamin), formed what was known as “Judea”.  Judea worshipped in Jerusalem, and Israel worshipped in Samaria.

Israel’s (in Samaria) great evil was idolatry.  Their rejection of worship in Jerusalem and their acceptance of pagan deities grew, to the point that they were inter-marrying with Gentiles.  The presence of these “half-breeds” in Israel was a reminder of its nation sin.  It was also the focus of prejudice, on behalf of the average-to-religious Jew.  Note James & John’s attitude.  They wanted the judgment of Sodom & Gomorrah to fall on the Samaritans. 

So, why wouldn’t Samaria want Jesus to go to Jerusalem?  The answer is found in John’s gospel: The Woman at the Well.   John 4:1-42   Prior to the events of today’s passage, Jesus had engaged in a conversation with a Samaritan woman of ill reputation.  The setting was Jacob’s well, located in Samaria.  The symbolism is that Jacob was the father of Israel’s 12 tribal patriarchs.  Jesus is speaking with a woman, who represents a people who are “kind-of” Jewish, and are dark reminders of Israel’s not-so-faithful history. 

By the way, modern Judaism considers Jewish believers in the same light as the Samaritans of Jesus’ day: Partly Jewish + partly Gentile = Apostate.

Jesus’ offering of “living water” (different from “Jacob’s” well) to this Samaritan woman was culturally & spiritually revolutionary.  Remembering that He came to the “Jew first, we must deduct that Jesus was officially recognizing the Samaritans’ “Jewishness”. 

In response, the woman ran and told the Samaritan men, who came to hear Jesus.  They too, believed and told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is Messiah!”  John 4:42

Why did the Samaritans in Luke 9 not welcome Him on His way to Jerusalem?  I believe it’s because they loved Him, and they knew what the Jews in Jerusalem would do to Him.  In trying to protect Jesus, they were actually hindering His mission. 

Let’s not commit the same offense!  We don’t need to protect Jesus.  Just share the gospel, and let Jesus complete the work He wants to accomplish in your friends’ lives! 

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins 

Luke 2

“In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said the them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people: Today a savior who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.”  Luke 2: 8-11

On the night Jesus was born, the Lord chose for shepherds to be His first visitors.  And what a celebration it was, complete with angel chorus!  The shepherds found Jesus in the city of David.  If you think about it, the city of “David” was the perfect place for a first viewing of the One who would Shepherd Israel; and the safest place for the Lamb of God to be delivered.

Have you ever wondered why the angels first appeared to the lowly shepherds?  If Messiah would atone for sin, shouldn’t the religious leaders have been alerted?  If the government was to be place upon His shoulders, shouldn’t the politicians have been invited?

It is safe to say there were two kinds of shepherds in the Israel: Corrupt, and Honest.

Those who held the “office” of shepherd had become compromised by either, worldliness or legalism.  That is, the religious leaders were too heavenly-minded that they were no earthly good, and the politicians were so worldly-minded that they were no heavenly good.  Either way, the sheep were being led astray.

The only honest shepherds left in Israel were the actual ones.  They were the ones in the field, faithfully minding the flocks…just as David was doing when Samuel anointed him king.

“’Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’  This is the Lord’s declaration.  Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who shepherd my people: you have scattered My flock, banished them, and have not attended to them.  I will attend to you because of your evil acts.’ – the Lord’s declaration.  ‘I will gather the remnant of My flock from the lands where I have banished them, and I will return them to their grazing land.  They will become fruitful and numerous.  I will raise-up shepherds over them.  They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any be missing.’  This is the Lord’s declaration.  ‘The days are coming’ – this is the Lord’s declaration – ‘when I will raise up a righteous Branch of David.’”  Jeremiah 13: 1-5

No one is worthy to hold the “office” of shepherd, unless they are willing to do the job of one.  

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins 

Luke 1

“Dear Theophilos: Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us.  It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus, so that you know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”  Luke 1:1-4

The person, Theophilos, addressed in verse 3 as “most excellent”, (or in other translations, “Your Excellence”) was, by most accounts, an upper-classed Greek.  Luke also penned the book of Acts to the same, Theophilos.  Luke’s purpose for recording these accounts is revealed in verse 4, “so that you will know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”

There is another opinion as to Theophilos’ identity: The generic disciple.  Some theologians hold that Luke was not writing specifically to anyone, but rather to ALL believers.  The reason they give is in the Greek meaning of “Theophilos”.  “Theo” means “God”.  “Philo” means “Love”.

When you put the two words together, “Theophilos” means, “Lover of God”.

Whether written to a specific person, or to all people, Luke’s letter comes from a sincere desire to accurately, and clearly communicate the gospel.  

In his passion, we are challenged.  Is there a person in your life who you know needs to know God, but will never darken the doorway of a church?  God wants you to share the Gospel, from a first-hand perspective. 

You are an eye-witness to what Jesus has done in your life.  You are the expert on your personal transformation.   No matter what the world says about God, Jesus, or the bible…they cannot refute your personal experience.  That is why the personal testimony is the most powerful weapon in a new believer’s spiritual arsenal.  It refutes all arguments.

“And seeing the man who had been healed standing with Peter and John, the Sanhedrin could say nothing against it.” Acts 3:14

Eventually, followers of Jesus should be gaining knowledge of the scriptures as they pursue them daily.  But initially, the testimony is more than enough witness and has been proven to be a powerful tool of evangelism…even moments after one’s salvation.

How much time have you spent, working on how carefully & orderly you can articulate Jesus to a friend?  You don’t have to be a scholar, or even greatly intelligent.  You simply have to care and be passionate for souls!

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins 

Luke 8

“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light.  For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and come into light.  Therefore, take care how you listen.  For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”  Luke 8:16-18

When I was 5 years old, my brother & I decided we would play with fire, passing our hands quickly through a candle flame.  I don’t remember how many candles we went through that day, but eventually we got bored and started challenging one another to go slower with each pass.  As the saying goes: Play with fire, and you’ll get burned.

Today’s passage reminded me of the impracticality of putting a candle in a basket, or under a bed.  Not only will these practices keep light from shining, (which is the purpose for lighting a lamp), but they will also burn-down your house!

Jesus told His disciples that one of the signs of a believer, is their desire to share the gospel with others. 

Desire and boldness are two different ideas.  We can have the desire to share our faith, but seized with fear, we may not act upon that desire.  Jesus is saying, “Go for it!  Be bold!” 

Christians should resist the flesh’s natural bent towards self-preservation.  Furthermore, Jesus is conveying that it is IMPOSSIBLE for true followers to hide their relationship with Him, long-term.  Just as a lit candle in a basket (or under a bed), will eventually ignite its container and spread it fire, so one’s relationship with Jesus cannot be hidden for long.

If you are successful in trying to hide your “lamp”, perhaps you should check and see if there’s any flame on the wick.

I have attended several church events, where everyone was given a candle.  Somewhere in the service, one candle is lit.  Then, its flame is shared with the next person…and so on, until everyone’s candle is illuminated.  This is the idea Jesus is communicating, when He talks about how those “who have” are given more.

Suppose someone tries to recreate the candle lighting ceremony, at another church across the street…only, they never light their “starter” candle.  Instead of a room full of lit candles: darkness.  Eventually, everyone would go across the street, where true illumination replaces the image of it.  “Even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”

Share your light, if you’ve got it.   If you don’t have it…please allow me to share mine with you. 

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins 

Mark 16

“Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table.  He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been resurrected.  Then He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.  Whoever believes and is immersed will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’”  Mark 16:14-16

A pastor friend of mine recounted this experience at the national convention of his church’s denomination.  The convention was held in Las Vegas, and at the beginning of the week the city’s mayor came to welcome the pastors.  The president of the convention asked the mayor if the city had a need the pastors could lift-up in prayer.

The pastor answered, “Well, as you know, Las Vegas is in the desert.  We sure culd use some rain.”

The pastors prayed for rain, and thanked the mayor as he waved & left.

The next morning, when the keynote pastor was introduced, he laid an umbrella on the pulpit.  All the pastors chuckled, because there was not a cloud in the sky.

“Pastors,” he began, “You should be ashamed!  Yesterday we prayed for rain and not a single one of you brought and umbrella today.”

In a similar fashion, the disciples had heard Jesus predict His suffering and rising from the grave; but none of them believed the reports of his resurrection.

When Jesus appeared to the remaining eleven disciples, (Judas had hung himself) the first thing He did was rebuke their unbelief.  Ask yourself, if Jesus was to visit you today, how well do you think He would rate your faith?  It’s a little scary to think about, huh?

What I love about today’s passage is how Gracious Jesus was.  He didn’t continue rebuking and shaming them, once they had gotten his point.  Instead, He challenged them to face the same type of challenge they had each failed at. 

Take Peter, for instance.  After denying Jesus three times, Peter repented and preached the gospel boldly…even unto death.  And Peter wasn’t alone in his martyrdom.

Are you heeding Jesus’ “Great Commission”?  I hope so.  But if you have fallen short of His challenge, take courage!!  Let’s stand back up, repent, dust ourselves off, and get back to the work of sharing the truth He reveals, when we commit ourselves to read & live-out His Word!

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins

Luke 5

“As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s Word, He was standing by the lake of Galilee.  He saw two of the boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats and asked him to put out a little from the land.  Then He sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.”  Luke 5:1-4

There are many who believe that when Jesus called His disciples, He simply said, “Follow Me” and they left everything.  It’s like they were zombies or something.  In Luke 5, we are given insight into five types of “tests” Messiah gave to His followers, before He called them.

The first test is the “Bias For Action Test”.  Jesus had a need, and Simon Peter was naturally inclined to solve problems.  Peter had a bias for action.

“When He had finished speaking, Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’  ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing!  But at Your word, I’ll let down the nets.’”  Luke 5:4-5

The second test is the “Because You Say So, I Will Test.”  Even though Peter was the so-called expert, he submitted to the Lord’s direction.

“When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear.  So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so that they began to sink.  When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord!’”  Luke 5:6-8

The third test was the “Who Deserves The Credit Test.”  While Peter was a master fisherman, he knew only the Lord could have provided such a haul!

“’Don’t be afraid,’ Jesus told Simon, ‘From now on, you’ll be catching people!’”  Luke 5:10b

The fourth test was the “Grander Vision Test.”  Jesus was replacing their worldly goals with Kingdom ones.

“Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed Him.”  Luke 5:11

The fifth test was the “Will you Leave It Test.”  Based on all they had experienced with Jesus, they believed the grander vision and left everything to follow Him.

So…how do you rate on Jesus’ job interview?

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins