The Arrival of the Bridegroom
Once again, we arrive at a text where Jesus is confronted by the people of his time. In this case, concern arises that Jesus’ disciples are not walking in the same practices as the disciples of John and the Pharisees. Jesus responds with a metaphor, two parables, and a proverb. In each, his message is clear: something new has arrived, and it can’t be contained within the old ways of religious life. Jesus wants us to see that there was something those of his time were missing, and it was standing right in front of them. Luke 5:33-39 shows us how Jesus uses a wedding, clothing, and wine to instruct us on the new that has come and how we need to be ready to receive it with joy.
The Able and Ready Physician
Jesus is on the move and has been healing in a way no physician in his time or in our time can do. Jesus has proven his mastery over physical ailments and has drawn no little controversy along the way in his efforts. This week we come to another movement of Jesus as he calls the least likely in the community to follow him. As expected, there is controversy, and Jesus begins to reveal a new paradigm in both the people called to God’s kingdom and a need for healing that goes far beyond our physical bodies. Look at Luke 5:27-32 as we consider why we can call Jesus the “Great Physician” and the sickness he came to heal.
The Battles of the Sons
Martin Luther said in his classic hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” that on the earth there is not an equal to our ancient foe. Luther was correct in asserting his “craft and power are great” and that our battles with him sometimes end in utter defeat. Ever since the garden, man has battled with our ancient foe and proven “not his equal.” You are not alone in your battle. Everything is therefore riding on the passage when Christ does battle with the evil one in a winner take all match. In Luke 4:1-13 we will see the true and faithful Son conquer where every other son has failed.
Good News of Great Joy
The angel’s good news of great joy in the birth of our Lord is perhaps one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture. It graces our refrigerators in the form of greeting cards, decorates social media walls (and sometimes. . .actual walls), and has even made it into animated cartoon shows as early as 1965! But have we ever considered what the good news is that the angel of Luke 2 is proclaiming? Have we ever thought about why it should drive us to great joy? In Sunday’s sermon from Luke 2:1-21 we will consider these things and look to God’s word and wisdom for the answers.
The Benedictus
Scripture paints a view of God’s blessing in terms of providing for, helping, and strengthening us. But what does it mean for us to bless God? Are we providing for, helping, or strengthening him in some way? Is there something he needs from us? Looking at Luke 1:57-80, we turn our focus to one of the greatest examples of blessing God in the form of Zechariah’s Benedictus. This sermon will examine the circumstances surrounding this great song of praise to God and the motivation behind it.
The King’s Birth
While we might say that every birth is a miracle, something different, something truly miraculous happens in the birth of our Savior. More than just the eternal Son’s entrance into his creation, the story of his conception and birth is pregnant with meaning that we must not miss. As we learn in Matthew 1:18-25, the son of Mary will be a sign of great comfort and hope for us all.
