Luke 24

I was emotionally touched this morning as the Savior joined two disciples on the road to Emmaus where one of the disciples commented -

"...we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done."  (New Testament | Luke 24:21)

I can just imagine the thoughts of the Savior somewhat down the line of "as much as I taught you, don't you understand?".  But in loving patience the Savior again taught -

"...O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."  (New Testament | Luke 24:25 - 27)

I would have loved to hear the words the Savior taught to these two faithful disciples.  After they constrained him to stay and eat with them -

"...it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"  (New Testament | Luke 24:30 - 32)

I believe there is yet many mysteries that are yet to be understood as we read and ponder the scriptures such that eyes may be opened, our hearts will burn within us, and we will be enlightened and receive greater understanding.

Luke 23

Two brief thoughts this morning.  First, those who were suppose to be the "righteous" in need of no "repentance" (See Luke 15:7), were those that -

"...began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ a King."  (New Testament | Luke 23:2)

Obviously a lie for the Savior had already declared -

"...Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's, and unto God the things which be God's."  (New Testament | Luke 20:25)

These so called righteous leaders were willing to lie and murder to maintain their position and power.

Second thought was -

"...when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."  (New Testament | Luke 23:46)

No on died that way on the cross.  A person having sufficient strength to be able to exclaim with a "loud" voice and then just die.  Is it any wonder -

"...when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned."  (New Testament | Luke 23:47 - 48)

Again, Luke received more eyewitnesses of these events.

Luke 22

I am again reminded that as Luke began his record, he wrote of its accuracy -

"...as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word..."  (New Testament | Luke 1:2)

We know little concerning what took place in the Garden of Gethsemane, but Luke records of the Savior that  -

"...he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."  (New Testament | Luke 22:41 - 43)

I believe that His three apostle heard and witnessed this even witnessing -

"...being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."  (New Testament | Luke 22:44)

I believe that this was not hearsay as much of the testimony of these brethren.

One other note that really seems to affect me is the actions of the Sanhedrin, or those Jewish leaders that were supposedly righteous that these -

"...men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him."  (New Testament | Luke 22:63 - 65)

All I can say is that this is hard to read.

Luke 21

As the Savior prophesied of things to come and the signs of the times, He warned and counseld His disciples of what they may experience.  The line that I found meaningful was the statment -

"In your patience possess ye your souls."  (New Testament | Luke 21:19)

There are probably many interpretations including enduring to the end and receiving eternal life.  But for me possess means to own, have, or control.  In my mind, the Savior was teaching that as we exercise patience, especially patience in affliction, our spirit learns to control the body and develop Christ-like attributes for we learn that -

"...the spirit and the body are the soul of man."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:15)

It is in the patience of obedience then that gain sufficient control and attributes to qualify for eternal.

Luke 20

The Pharisees understood that priesthood authority comes from God, under His direction and and authorized ministers, thus they asked the Savior -

"...Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?"  (New Testament | Luke 20:2)

His answer and outcome was quite interesting -

"...I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
8And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."  (New Testament | Luke 20:3 - 8)

Obviously, these wicked men were trying to trap him, but they failed.  But we do know that John the Baptist -

"...was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:28)

Thus priesthood authority comes by ordination.

On a different topic, I love what the Savior taught His disciples -

"Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation."  (New Testament | Luke 20:46 - 47)

Again, the Savior denounces hypocrisy and teaches humility.

Luke 19

Recently I blogged about what I call the parable of the friend where a man importunes a friend for bread at midnight.  This same principle seems to again be taught with parable of the Unjust Judge where -

"...There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily."  (New Testament | Luke 18:2 - 8)

Again we are taught that we should pray and plead continually for the blessings of the Lord.  In my mind, "avenge them speedily", will come only at the will and pleasure of the Lord.

This morning I note that in the parable of the pounds, I find a great lesson where there are three types of individuals and the consequence of their actions.  One type being those faithful in using the pound for good.  To this type the Lord said -

"...Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities."  (New Testament | Luke 19:17)

Which suggests those that kept their second estate and receive greater increase or eternal increase.  The second type did not do anything wasting this opportunity. To this type -

"...Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds."  (New Testament | Luke 19:22 - 24)

Which suggests to me a loss of the opportunity of increase.  Then the third type were those where -

"...his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us."  (New Testament | Luke 19:14)

These obviously are the wicked to whom the Lord said that -

"...those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."  (New Testament | Luke 19:27)

I believe in this parable the Savior is teaching the doctrine of degrees of glory.

Luke 17

To the Jewish leaders, the Savior said -

"...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."  (New Testament | Luke 16:15)

I believe that is a great truth among many of our political leaders.  Sounds much like in modern revelation -

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:39)

The apostles, having leadership opportunities in the Church, asked the Savior how they could increase there faith (not being like the political leaders), in response, the Savior taught -

"If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not."  (New Testament | Luke 17:6 - 9)

The Savior then answered -

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."  (New Testament | Luke 17:10)

It becomes apparent that we should have no claim on some great reward because we keep the commandments.  Our  attitude should be that it is our duty and a privilege to keep His commandments.  King Benjamin taught his people -

"...if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:21)

Because we are immediately blessed and are always in His debt.

Luke 15

The Savior spake in parable -

"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."  (New Testament | Luke 15:4 - 7)

This parable is usually taught that the ninety and nine are faithful saints, but I noticed this morning that the Savior was speaking directly to the Pharisees who thought they needed no repentance for we read -

"THEN drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."  (New Testament | Luke 15:1 - 2)

It is to these Pharisees that He spake.  Thus, in my mind, the parable is about leaving the self-righteous individuals or friends that think they need no repentance to rescue a sinner that is willing to repent.  No wonder heaven as great joy as each person or sinner repents.

 

 

Luke 14

There are three parables the Savior taught I read this morning that have a central theme.  First -

"A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."  (New Testament | Luke 13:6 - 9)

This parable suggest that there is more required than just being a professed believer, you must bear fruit.

The second parable reflects those that do not keep God's commandments and bring forth fruit.  We must -

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out."  (New Testament | Luke 13:24 - 28)

This suggests to me that to enter into the gate, one must enter into covenants and ordinances, and keep them.  Just attending Church or "being taught" is not sufficient.

The last parable requires that we accept the invitation to come unto Christ, learn His doctrine, make and keep sacred covenants, receive His saving ordinances and keep His commandments as the Savior taught -

"...A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."  (New Testament | Luke 14:16 - 24)

Again, it is apparent that there are conditions that must be satisfied or we shall not taste of His supper.  We can't just acknowledge or profess that Jesus is the Christ claiming to accept Him.

Luke 12

The Savior taught the parable -

"...this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through."  (New Testament | Luke 12:39)

Upon which Peter asked -

"...Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?"  (New Testament | Luke 12:41)

To which the Savior answered -

"...Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."  (New Testament | Luke 12:42 - 43)

The Joseph Smith Translation make these last two verses a little bit more clear -

"...I speak unto those whom the Lord shall make rulers over his household, to give his children their portion of meat in due season.
50 And they said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant?
51 And the Lord said unto them, It is that servant who watcheth, to impart his portion of meat in due season.
52 Blessed be that servant whom his Lord shall find, when he cometh, so doing. (JST Luke 12)

Why I think this translation make more sense is the description of a faithful and wise servant is on that "watcheth" and "imparts his portion of meat" or food to those that are of need.  In other words, those the care for the poor and needy will be blessed when He comes.

Luke 12

As a multitude of people had gathered together, the Savior warned His disciples -

"...Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy."  (New Testament | Luke 12:1)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hypocrisy as -

"feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially: the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion."

Obviously, the Pharisees put on airs of righteousness, but behind that front, they intentionally committed gross sin contrary to the commandments.  Leaven of the Pharisees would suggest that once this becomes part of your life, it continues to grow to consume your life.

Of hypocrisy, the Savior said the day would come when -

"...there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."  (New Testament | Luke 12:2 - 3)

Whether in this life or the next, all things unrepented of will be revealed.

When the Savior was confronted concerning riches and inheritances, the Savior said -

"...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."  (New Testament | Luke 12:15)

And then He taught a parable saying -

"...The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"  (New Testament | Luke 12:16 - 20)

The Savior then summarized -

"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."  (New Testament | Luke 12:21)

I don't think the Savior is saying that riches are bad, but what one does with the riches.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  (New Testament | Luke 12:34)

Luke 11

We commonly quote the words of the Savior -

"...I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."  (New Testament | Luke 11:9 - 10)

But many times we do not consider the parable that preceeded these words, that is where the Savior -

"...said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth."  (New Testament | Luke 11:5 - 8)

"Importunity" would suggest persistent requests in our prayers, suggesting as the parable states, that we don't ask just once and we receive, but in many ways we must continue to ask and plead for a period before we may receive.

Luke 10

Luke records that the Savior -

"...appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."  (New Testament | Luke 10:1 - 2)

In my mind, it is apparent that Jesus had already sent some that had been ordained as "Seventy" to the preach the gospel for Luke records that He appointed other Seventy to preach the gospel with the instruction -

"...into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."  (New Testament | Luke 10:8 - 9)

Later these appointed or ordained Seventy -

"...returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."  (New Testament | Luke 10:17)

Having received His priesthood and charge, the Savior then taught -

"Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."  (New Testament | Luke 10:20)

For we read in modern day revelation  that -

"...whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:33 - 39)

Another thought...as the Savior visited the house of Martha and Mary in Bethany we read that -

"...Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."  (New Testament | Luke 10:38 - 42)

I find this event to be a great example that we should have balance in our lives.  Martha was very faithful in service and doing appropriate things according to customs.  At this time, Mary seemed to desire greatly to be taught of the Savior.  It is apparent at this time that the Savior wanted to teach important doctrine at this time over having one serve Him and that is probably why He commented that Mary chose the good part. 

As I read between the lines, the Savior didn't scold Martha but recognized her great service, but there is a time to do good and a time to listen and learn.  We need to recognize what is most important at that time, doing both in its appropriate time and having balance in our lives.

Luke 9

Even though I have probably blogged on this previously, herein is a great truth as the Savior taught -

"...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."  (New Testament | Luke 9:23 - 24)

Obviously, the Savior is suggesting that how we live our lives hear on earth will determine the lives we may have in the eternities.  We can have great wealth and pleasure now or we can have it forever.  Thus the Savior reasoned -

"For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels."  (New Testament | Luke 9:25 - 26)

We can have a temporal attititude, or with faith have an eternal perspective.  Even though I do not always follow this counsel, I still choose to save my life (and my family).

Luke 8

I have two thoughts this morning.  For the first, I may have blogged on this previously.  But after Jesus spake the parable of the sower -

"...his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand."  (New Testament | Luke 8:9 - 10)

I becomes apparent that the mysteries of God are only found as individuals hear and see or in other words  as they listen, seek and learn where their hearts are open.  These are they that receive the mysteries of God.  Those that do not, never understand.

The second thought was as the Savior allowed the legion of devils to enter into the swine where they violently ran down into the lake and were drowned.  And of the owners -

"...went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed."  (New Testament | Luke 8:35 - 36)

This would have been a wonderful time to see, hear, and receive the mysteries of God, but instead -

"...the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear..."  (New Testament | Luke 8:37)

In other words, they were more concerned of materialism, wealth, and lifestyle than listen to one that had presented a great miracle.  We see much of this in our day as many are "blind" in that they will not listen to eternal things.

 

Luke 7

There is no question that John the Baptist had developed a great following of disciples.  It appears to me that John knew his days were numbered and wanted to make sure that his disciples understood in whom they should worship, so -

"...John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?"  (New Testament | Luke 7:19 - 20)

As they came to see Jesus -

"...in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight."  (New Testament | Luke 7:21)

After seeing these great "healing" miracles -

"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached."  (New Testament | Luke 7:22)

There was no question then that the disciples returned to the others to declare, that Jesus is the prophecied Messiah.

I believe the very purpose of the healings done by the Savior, was not necessarily to convince the people that He possessed the power to physically heal the people, but much more.  I believe His purpose was so the people would come to understand and have faith that he had the power to heal them spiritually unto salvation.  That as the scripture says was as Malachi had prophesied -

"...unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings..."  (Old Testament | Malachi 4:2)

Luke 6

As the Savior taught the Golden Rule -

"...as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."  (New Testament | Luke 6:31)

And doing good to our fellowman including those that hate you, He promised -

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."  (New Testament | Luke 6:38)

No only the same measure we mete, but the promise "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together...[even] running over".

What a wonderful promise.

For those that suggest that all is necessary is to confess and acceptance of the Savior, the Lord asked -

"...why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"  (New Testament | Luke 6:46)

And then the Savior provides this strong parable -

"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."  (New Testament | Luke 6:47 - 49)

I note the words "digged deep".  I am a contractor and know the deeper the foundation the more stable it becomes.  Digging deep suggests much more than a verbal acceptance.

Luke 5

As I have served, I have found that in the Church, many are steep in tradition.  Sometimes so steep in tradition that many follow traditions rather than the current inspired instructions found in the handbooks of instruction.

Because of scribes and Pharisees, the Jews had fallen into the trap of traditions over truth thus Jesus -

"...spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better."  (New Testament | Luke 5:36 - 39)

Thus when instructed by priesthood leaders and guided by the Holy Ghost, we should prepare ourselves to abandon old traditions and have a "new beginning".

Luke 4

After the Savior declared His divinity to those in the synagogue in Nazereth, they responded -

"...Is not this Joseph's son?"  (New Testament | Luke 4:22)

In other words, I believe they are saying, "isn't he one of us".  You cant tell the the Savior perceived that those in the synagogue wanted him to "prove it".  To which the Savior answered -

"...Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."  (New Testament | Luke 4:23 - 27)

In other words, I don't have to prove anything to you.  I have already healed many in Capernaum and that is sufficient to test you faith.  Faith was always the requirement for miracles.  Obviously, they presented no faith.

What is interesting is that -

"...they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way..."  (New Testament | Luke 4:28 - 30)

I would love to see how this took place.

Luke 3

John the Baptist not only taught the "doctrine of Christ", but he also taught many principles of the gospel as -

"...he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins..."  (New Testament | Luke 3:3)

As well as -

"..I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire..."  (New Testament | Luke 3:16)

This being much of the doctrine of Christ.  And of principles of the gospel -

"...the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."  (New Testament | Luke 3:10 - 14)

Obviously teaching humility, honesty, obedience, and caring for the poor and the needy.

Of the analogy..."baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire", David J. Ridges commented -

"...In the scriptures, the Holy Ghost is often compared to fire. The symbolism comes from the use of fire to purify gold. The gold ore is put in a container and fire is used to heat the container. The ore melts, the impurities float to the top, and the pure gold settles to the bottom. The impurities are then discarded and pure gold remains. Thus, the gold is purified by fire. Similarly, the Holy Ghost purifies us, if we allow it. Example: We commit sin. The Holy Ghost points it out and causes our conscience to burn within us. We respond by repenting. Thus we are purified, bit by bit."  Ridges, David J. (2010-10-01). The New Testament Made Easier, Part 1)

My thoughts are that even though fire purifies or separates the gold from the impurities, it is the atonement of Jesus Christ and His doctrine and ordinances that allow the impurities to be removed.

 

Luke 2

Two thoughts this morning.  First, we read of the angel that visited the shepherds -

"...Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."  (New Testament | Luke 2:10 - 12)

Another testimony that Jesus is the Christ.  But then Luke wrote -

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  (New Testament | Luke 2:13 - 14)

We always assume this was a choir of music.  But Luke did not say that.  He used the term "saying".  I am just pointing this out.

Second thought was how faithful Joseph and Mary were in keeping the law of Moses for not only did they travel a great distance to Bethlehem to be registered and taxed which I believe was according to Jewish customs but -

"...when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."  (New Testament | Luke 2:21 - 24)

Joseph and Mary were great examples of obedience.