When Jesus heard these words, He marvelled at him, and turned and said to the people who followed Him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Luke 7:9 MEV
There are times when we in the church think we are more devoted to God than the unbelievers. One has only to look into some systems of prayers and penances done, and the things done through rituals and other accomplishments to achieve a clean slate with God. King David said he prays 7 times a day, there are misguided folks who pray 5 times daily. Because of Jesus Christ’s reconciliation, we are eligible to have a relationship with God, our Heavenly Father.
When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13 MEV
Compassionate because of the needless suffering caused by sin. Not only did Jesus have compassion, but He also did something about it because He has the power and authority to. Aren’t we “Christian”?
Blessed is he who does not fall away on account of Me.” Luke 7:23 MEV
Offences are indeed the bait of Satan.
This is he of whom it is written: ‘Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face, who shall prepare Your way before You.’ Luke 7:27 MEV
This gives us a deeper understanding of how God sees things.
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw it, he said to himself, “If this Man were a prophet, He would have known who and what kind of woman she is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” Luke 7:39 MEV
Haggai 2:10-14 Unclean no longer can corrupt the clean, no, not in the new covenant. It is the other way around now. We have the power and authority to clean the unclean. Forgiveness of sins and the Word of God.
Afterward, He went throughout every city and village, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. With Him were the twelve and some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had come out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who supported Him with their possessions. Luke 8:1-3 MEV
Set free to set others free, to minister by aiding and supporting Him who ministers.
He said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but to others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ Luke 8:10 MEV
Secrets vs parables.
Take heed therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given. And whoever has not, from him will be taken even what he thinks he has.” Luke 8:18 MEV
I’ve done all I can to make this understood, that it applies even to how we approach the things of God. This is a principle which should never be ignored.
He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid, they marveled, saying to each other, “Who then is this Man? He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him.” Luke 8:25 MEV
Where is your faith??? Don’t throw it overboard when storms arise. Don’t forget about it and leave it ashore and get into the boat without it. To launch out into the deep requires not only faith to hear those words and obey, but also ever present and deepening faith to bring the task to completion.
But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be made well.” Luke 8:50 MEV
Do not fear, only believe. Only!
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2 MEV
The ultimate goal in having power, authority and the word to preach is to establish the Kingdom of God. As Reinhard Bonke used to say, to plunder hell and populate heaven!
Whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:5 MEV
If only I understood this principle better sooner… Still, I’m teaching this the best I can so that others are wiser!
He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” Luke 9:13 MEV
Jesus wants us walk with such authority and power and believe that anything is possible if we believe. Imagine that!!!
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Luke 9:20 MEV
Everyday, I have to check my heart to see how I’ll answer this question that rings out through the ages.
and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”Luke 9:48 MEV
Amen.