Jesus on the Move
Once Jesus’ ministry begins, the Gospel of Luke thrusts us into the deep end of Jesus mission. We see Jesus teaching, healing, working miracles, rebuking religious authorities, and so much more. Each story is so rich that we might lose perspective on what God is doing through Jesus. We want to sharpen up the focus so that we don’t lose sight of what Jesus’ activity is all about: the mission of God in the world.
This is part 3 of a 6-part series on the Gospel of Luke.
Rebuking
There are not many who receive harsh words from Jesus in direct interaction, but those who universally receive such harsh words are the religious leaders. In this week we will explore the rationale for Jesus’ harsh words in Luke 11 and 12. SERMON OUTLINE Luke 11:37-54 Jesus’ testing of the leaders / ceremony and tradition -vs- the Word of God The leaders’ hypocrisy / we all have a realm of influence—what example are we living before others Luke 12:1-12 Warnings…
Transfigured
The transfiguration in Luke 9:28-36 is one of the most fascinating moments of Jesus’ life and ministry. Why now and why here? What does this show us about the mission of God? SERMON OUTLINE “As he was praying the appearance of his face changed.” (Luke 9:29) The Glorious Unveiling (Luke 9:28-31) Jesus’ glory Jesus’ companions Jesus’ exodus The Glorious Overwhelming (Luke 9:32-33) Shocked awake Peter’s desire to build shelters The Glorious Voice (Luke 9:34-35) The cloud The voice The Glorious…
Messiah
Peter’s bold declaration of Jesus’ identity in Luke 9:18-27 leads us into the revelation of Jesus’ purpose and His intent to die for the cosmos. He is not just a great teacher or a prophet. He is the Messiah of God. SERMON OUTLINE “‘But what about you?’ Jesus asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” (Luke 9:20) Seeing Jesus through the Eyes of the Crowds (Luke 9:18-19) Jesus the Prophet: like John the Baptist like Elijah like a prophet of…
Sending
Jesus’ mission was tied to calling people and sending them out equipped for the work of God. We see that in three distinct episodes in Luke 9 and 10. SERMON OUTLINE “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:1-2) Sent, part 1 (Luke 9:1-6) Sent with power Sent…
Compassion
Here we look at Jesus’ heart of compassion for people as seen in two separate passages related to four different people from Luke 8 and 9. SERMON OUTLINE “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her.” (Luke 7:13) Compassion that Stops (Luke 8:40-48) Unclean Touching Jesus Trembling turned to peace Compassion that Goes (Luke 8:40-42, 49-56) Broken Pursuing and welcoming Jesus Grieving turned to joy Compassion that Comes Down (Luke 9:37-43) Troubled Asking and approaching Jesus Unbelief…
Miracles
This week we look at a series of miraculous stories, other than healings, that display Jesus’ mission from Luke 8 and 9. SERMON OUTLINE In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:25b) The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”…
Teaching
This week we look at Jesus’ famous sermon from Luke 6:17-49, known in Luke as the Sermon on the Plain (or Plateau) but paralleled in Matthew’s Gospel as the Sermon on the Mount. SERMON OUTLINE “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice… they are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.” (Luke 6:47-48) The Great Reversal (Luke 6:20-26) “Blessed” Contrasts of blessing and woe The…
Calling
This week we look at a series of stories of Jesus calling individuals to faith and following from Luke 5 and 6. SERMON OUTLINE Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32) Caught and Catching (Luke 5:1-11) The ignorant authority The ordinary extraordinary The commission Healed and Healing (Luke 5:27-32) The abrupt appointment A banquet of outcasts The declaration…
Jesus: Healer and Releaser
This week, Pastor Ruth Carver kicks off a new series, “Jesus on the Move,” with a look at a series of healing stories from Luke 5 and 7. SERMON OUTLINE Story #1 – Luke 5:12-14 Jesus’ activity: He heals a man of leprosy Jesus’ heart: to release the man from shame and isolation Story #2 – Luke 5:17-26 Jesus’ activity: He heals a paralyzed man Jesus’ heart: to release the man from sin Story #3 – Luke 7:1-10 Jesus’ activity:…