"Luke 16-20"
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They say you can tell a storm is coming by the signs in nature. The temperature drops suddenly, leaves go limp and show their undersides, dogs get jumpy, and of course, there's that fantastic smell. In the midwest, you can always tell a snowstorm is coming by the lines at the supermarket. And because every person you've seen that week only wanted to talk about the weather. In this week's reading, we'll watch the signs, as the storm at the end of the book draws near.
The Coming Storm
This week, we'll complete the Jerusalem Journey, the long middle section of the book (Luke 9:51-19:44). In this last stretch, Luke punctuates the climactic climb by mentioning Jesus' location at every stop. With each chapter, the dark clouds on the horizon loom larger. The distant thunder's rumble grows louder as he's "on the way to Jerusalem" (Luke 17:11), then he " entered Jericho and was passing through" (Luke 19:1), just down the road from his destination (cf. Luke 10:30). Then he's "near to Jerusalem" (19:11), "going up to Jerusalem" (Luke 19:28), and "drew near to Bethphage and Bethany," villages overlooking the city (Luke 19:29). At last, like a refreshing burst of light rain, "drawing near — already on the way down the Mount of Olives" (Luke 19:37) the multitude bless "the King who comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 19:38). But don't miss the Lord's response "when he drew near and saw the city" (Luke 19:41), which reveals the coming torrent for what it is.
Severe Reading Advisory
- We'll begin this week with a Strange Stewardship Parable that might seem confusing (Luke 16:1-13). Why does the master compliment the dishonest manager for his shrewdness? Christ doesn't praise dishonesty, but the forethought of the man who maximized his opportunities to set himself up for the future. How can we be shrewd with our money now, to gain rewards later?
- Dead Men Talking: One of the great figures of the Old Testament makes an appearance in one of the Lord's stories in chapter 16. His message to a doomed man may haunt you. Some things are beyond changing. What does it teach you about wealth, faith, and the Word of God?
The Five Day Forecast
Here's what to expect this week.
- Money Monday. From the Shrewd Manager to the Rich Man and Lazarus, chapter 16 will force us to ponder our possessions.
- Trial Tuesday (Luke 17). Relationship challenges, the temptation to exalt ourselves and neglect thanksgiving, and the trials coming upon Jerusalem.
- "What Do You Want?" Wednesday (Luke 18). Reflect on your prayers and wishes as two parables poke at your prayer life, a rich man faces a crossroads, and Jesus asks a bling man a simple question.
- Triumphal Thursday (Luke 19). Jesus stops for dinner with a famous "wee little man," before entering Jerusalem.
- Fiery Friday (Luke 20). After forcefully cleansing the temple to end chapter 19, the conflict increases throughout chapter 20, as the leaders try to trap Jesus again and again.
