Take Heed How You Hear:

Why did Jesus teach in parables? In this episode, we will explore the answer as we dissect Jesus’ famous Parable of the Sower, or more appropriately named the Parable of the Soils: Luke 8:4-15.

When Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisees named Simon, his prophetic powers are called into question. But Jesus once again turns the tables on the skeptics and the doubters. Find out why Jesus tells Simon, “you gave me no kiss.”

Jesus seeks to encourage John with a reassuring message—a message meant to strengthen the faith of an isolated prophet and a reminder to all that anyone who lays aside preconceived notions and expectations and simply surrenders to the Lord’s plan will be blessed—a message delivered long ago when Jesus said, “Go tell John…”

After Jesus displays His remarkable power over disease and death, what is the lesson to learn? After witnessing the miracles and message of Jesus, it becomes more and more evident that God has visited His people.

Why Do You Call Me Lord, Lord? As Jesus draws his sermon to a close, he asks his audience this important question. This episode highlights Jesus’ instructions on how to avoid being surprised on the final day of judgment.

In this episode, we discuss one of the most challenging commands in the New Testament—“love your enemies.” In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus gives four proactive mandates to His disciples: (1) love your enemies; (2) do good to those who hate you; (3) bless those who curse you; and (4) pray for those who despitefully use you. It is only when we reflect the love Jesus demands of us will we reflect God to the world.

Jesus turns our focus to the flip side of the previous four paradoxical beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23) and pronounces four corresponding woes that are equally mysterious from an earthly perspective (Luke 6:24-26). On the surface, what appears to be a rich, happy, full, and successful life turns out to be shockingly empty and devastating. Whether one seeks after possessions, pleasure, or popularity, the lesson is the same: To those who choose to live only for the here and now instead of the hereafter, Jesus warns, “Woe To You.”

Jesus introduces one of His great sermons by grabbing the attention of his listeners with paradoxical statements. What the world considers weak, and those things that will bring great sorrow, Jesus said, if you are honest, hungry, humble, and even when you were hated for His sake – blessed are you!