This week discuss the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and discover that it might easily be known as the Parable of the Prodigal Father, because the Father extends his compassion rather “recklessly” to both the prodigal son and the elder brother. We discuss how this parable was used in the time of the Reformation, looking especially at an article by Barbara Haeger on woodcuts by Cornelius Anthonisz, both of which illustrate Reformed themes: the danger of superstition and the marks of the true church. We conclude by discussing why Luke chose to include this parable in his Gospel, and what that means for us.

This week discuss another strange text, the passage where Jesus warns that “unless you repent, you will all perish.” In light of the crisis of God’s kingdom, as well as the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus is stressing the urgency of repentance in terms of aligning one’s life with God’s purposes. But the parable of the fig tree also stresses God’s patience and mercy in allowing us ample opportunity to make that change. We discuss this passage in it’s biblical context, in view of the Reformers’ assumptions about God’s wrath, and in view of popular American religion today.

TThis week talk about what seems like a strange text, but it could be read as a kind of “extra” passion prediction in the middle of the long journey to Jerusalem in Luke’s Gospel. We also discuss the place of Jerusalem historically and for the Reformers. Finally we talk about how this strange passage can offer us encouragement and hope in our own discipleship.

This week we discuss the temptation of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, especially focusing on how this experience demonstrates his faithfulness to God’s purpose, and therefore his readiness to begin the ministry of bringing “release” to the people. We take a look at the ideas of the Reformers, especially in contrast to the Catholic tradition, and we discuss how Jesus serves as a model for true faith.

This week we take a look at Luke’s version of the Transfiguration, and the way in which this event not only confirms Jesus’ identity as announced by the “heavenly voice” at his baptism, but also points forward to how he will fulfill his mission. In that sense, the transfiguration is a preview of the cross, the resurrection, the ascension, and his coming again with power. The church quickly saw the Transfiguration as confirmation of the Incarnation, and we discuss how that influenced the Reformers. We also take a look at the implications for our calling to follow Jesus today.

This week we discuss the section of Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” that deals with the command to “Love Your Enemies.” This is the central principle of the “justice of God’s Kingdom” that Jesus advocates: a way of life defined by giving without thought of return that emulates God’s unconditional and generous love. We discuss the efforts of the Reformers given the reality of life and our own thoughts about how to deal with the challenge of this text.

This week we discuss the beginning of the “Sermon on the Plain” in Luke’s Gospel, especially focusing on the beatitudes and woes that make very clear that the kingdom of God is intended to bring “release” (both in terms of salvation and in terms of social justice). We discuss the Reformers’ attempts to deal with the challenge this text poses, as well as how to understand it in our day.

This week we take a look a Jesus’ calling the first disciples in Luke’s Gospel, which is unique in comparison with the call narratives in the other Gospels. We discuss the nature of vocation in the Reformation in comparison with the Medieval Church, and we wrap up with a discussion of the nature of vocation today, affirming that we all have gifts that God delights in using.

This week discuss the second part of Luke’s version of the story about Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth. When Jesus speaks of the “Year of the Lord’s Favor,” the people at the synagogue initially responded positively. But he provoked them by reminding them of two stories that show that God’s grace cannot be constrained by us. We discuss the implications of this for the Reformation era and for today.

This week discuss Luke’s version of the story about Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth. But unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke not only locates this event at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he also frames it so that it defines who Jesus is and what is mission is about. Taking a cue from the Reformers, we discuss paradigms of salvation that affect our people.