Jesus is dealing with the dangerous and very real temptation of busyness for all people, specifically those inside the church. People are prone to celebrate competence over character, doing over being, being busy over resting, and relying on self rather than repenting. God’s people need a loving correction to deliberately decide to consistently and daily enjoy Jesus!

This parable is Jesus’ way of proclaiming the Christian position and helping God’s people understand their role in their community that’s overwhelmed with pain and suffering. Jesus is not saying that one can merit or earn God’s mercy by performing acts of mercy, but rather, that those who are truly God’s children, objects and recipients of His mercy, will be conduits of that same mercy toward others! In other words, showing mercy to one’s neighbor is evidence of having received the mercy of God.

Desperation born out of sudden or prolonged circumstances often results in a helpless and hopeless reality. This is first and foremost manifested by the hopelessness presented by our sin and separation from God. Our lack of control causes us to seek answers and relief from anywhere. Jesus meets those suffering in their helplessness and hopelessness to offer help and hope in Himself, the answer to those that will believe in Him.

The Scriptures show us that oppression of various kinds - demonic, spiritual, and racial - exist because of man's sin. The sin from oppression is often met with more sin due to our depravity. Jesus meets those that are oppressed, saves them, and gives them a calling to give the oppressed world a glimmer of His kingdom where all sin and oppression are eradicated.

Without the chaos, struggles, trails, failures and difficulties of life God’s people will never grow to be what God has created them to become. The uncontrollable and unmanageable storms of life are part of the process of spiritual growth for every believer. The storms of life are God’s grace that provide opportunities to grow God’s people functionally in their faith.

When the broken and burdened meet Jesus, they encounter the power and holiness of God. At the same time, they experience unconditional love, abundant mercy, and glorious, life-changing grace. Jesus removes burdens of guilt and brokenness of shame while supernaturally granting those who run to Him a new heart, a new life, and a new future!

When the sick meet Jesus, their eyes are opened to the magnitude and depth of their sin, the kindness and compassion of their Savior-God, and His ability to provide forgiveness and newness of life. This realization moves the believer to repentance, adoration of Jesus, and worship of God in their everyday life!

Luke's Gospel account is gritty and intended to present Jesus clearly and concisely, so that you can make your decision about Him - a decision that cannot be made flippantly or without careful consideration of its life altering impact. The Gospel of Luke is the perfect place to begin if you're considering the claims of Christianity, longing to grow in your faith, or desiring to connect Jesus more deeply and intimately to your everyday life.

The world is full of lies, sin, and instability, but God provides us hope through the cross of Christ. God saves, sustains, and shapes His kids to the end!