Luke

On this Easter Sunday, we acknowledge that the world continues to change. Even in the face of adversity and the ways the world can feel dark, we can celebrate the light of hope and resurrection! Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43 (CEB)

While Palm Sunday is still a week away, this Sunday we focus on Jesus’ final week and final teachings. At the conclusion of this week’s text, Jesus tells Zacchaeus in Jericho that his focus is “to seek and save the lost.” Then he leaves Jericho and enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He teaches during the week, continuing to lift up the lowly. We are nearing the pinnacle of his ministry, and these teachings are essential. Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 (CEB)

This week’s text shows Jesus interacting with a particular marginalized community. Skin diseases like the one described in the text had special rules in the Jewish community, and in general were thought to be highly communicable. Jesus shows a refusal to give in to the fear inherent in these rules and culture, and instead lifts up these persons who have been pushed to the margins. Scripture: Luke 17:11-19 (CEB)

The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Sunday, we continue our series in consideration of the treatment of women. One of the questions Jesus asks the pharisee is: “Do you see this woman?” We all want to be seen and valued, no matter who we are. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (CEB)

As we begin exploring the Gospel of Luke, God chooses an old couple who have been infertile and then chooses a very young woman. Both will bring children into the world—and those children will change the world. Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 (CEB)