Page 8 of 12
God’s Joy in Finding the Lost
In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus tells two stories to show how much God loves and values each person. He compares God to a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost and to a woman who searches carefully for a missing coin. When they find what was lost, they celebrate with joy. In the same way, Jesus says, heaven rejoices when even one sinner turns back to God. These stories remind us that no one is too far gone for God’s love, and He never gives up on us.
The Father’s Forgiving Love
In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a son who takes his share of the family money, leaves home, and wastes it all on reckless living. When he runs out of money and food, he decides to go back to his father, hoping to be treated like a servant. But instead of being angry, his father runs to him, hugs him, and throws a big celebration because his lost son has returned. This story shows God’s amazing love and forgiveness. No matter how far we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.
Faithful with What God Gives
In Luke 16:1-18, Jesus tells a story about a manager who is caught wasting his boss’s money. Knowing he’s about to lose his job, he quickly makes deals to secure his future. Jesus uses this to teach that people are often clever about earthly matters but should be even more thoughtful about their spiritual lives. He reminds us that we must be honest and faithful with whatever God gives us—whether money, responsibilities, or opportunities. Jesus also warns that we cannot serve both God and money; our hearts must belong fully to Him.
A Warning About True Riches
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells a story about a rich man who lived in luxury and a poor man named Lazarus who suffered outside his gate. When they died, Lazarus was comforted in heaven, but the rich man was in torment. The rich man begged for relief and wanted to warn his family, but it was too late. Jesus teaches that what truly matters is not wealth but how we live and trust in God. He reminds us to listen to God’s Word and show kindness to others before it’s too late.
Jesus Cares in Our Pain
In John 11:1-36, Jesus hears that His friend Lazarus is very sick, but He waits before going to him. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has died, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, are heartbroken. They believe Jesus could have saved him, but Jesus reminds them that He is the resurrection and the life. Before performing a miracle, Jesus sees their sorrow and weeps with them. This shows that Jesus deeply cares about our pain, even when He knows the good that is coming. His love is both powerful and personal.
Jesus’ Power and the Plot Against Him
In John 11:37-57, Jesus goes to Lazarus’ tomb and tells the people to roll away the stone. Even though Lazarus has been dead for four days, Jesus calls him out, and Lazarus comes back to life! Many people believe in Jesus after seeing this miracle, but some go to the religious leaders, who become afraid of losing their power. Instead of rejoicing, they begin plotting to kill Jesus. This passage shows both Jesus’ incredible power over death and how some people rejected Him despite His miracles. It reminds us to trust in Jesus, who gives life to all who believe in Him.
Faith, Forgiveness, and Gratitude
In Luke 17:1-19, Jesus teaches His followers important lessons about faith, forgiveness, and thankfulness. He tells them to forgive others, even if they sin repeatedly, and assures them that even a small amount of faith can do great things. Later, Jesus heals ten men with leprosy, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Him. Jesus praises this man’s gratitude, showing that true faith is not just about receiving blessings but also recognizing and thanking God for them. This passage reminds us to trust God, forgive others, and always have a thankful heart.
Be Ready for God’s Kingdom
In Luke 17:20-37, Jesus explains that God’s kingdom is not something people will see coming in a dramatic way—it is already among them. He warns that when He returns, it will happen suddenly, like lightning flashing across the sky. Just as people in Noah’s and Lot’s days were caught off guard, many will be unprepared. Jesus tells His followers not to cling too tightly to earthly things but to be ready for His return. This passage reminds us to live with faith and obedience, always prepared for God’s kingdom.
Praying with Faith and Humility
In Luke 18:1-14, Jesus shares two stories to teach important lessons about prayer. In the first, a persistent widow keeps asking a judge for justice until he finally helps her. Jesus uses this to show that we should never give up when praying to God, because He listens and cares. In the second story, a proud religious leader and a humble tax collector pray in the temple. The leader brags about his goodness, while the tax collector simply asks for mercy. Jesus says the humble man is the one God accepts, reminding us that God values sincerity and humility more than self-righteousness.
God’s Design for Marriage and a Childlike Faith
In Mark 10:1-16, Jesus teaches about marriage and children. When religious leaders ask Him about divorce, Jesus explains that God’s design from the beginning was for a man and woman to be joined together as one, and they should not be separated. Later, when people bring children to Jesus, His disciples try to stop them, but Jesus welcomes the children with open arms. He says that God’s kingdom belongs to those who have a childlike faith—trusting, humble, and open-hearted. Through these lessons, Jesus reminds us of the importance of commitment in relationships and having a simple, trusting faith in God.