Living Vertizontal

In this episode we turn to Luke 8:16-25. In this passage, we read about the lesson of the lamp, Jesus’ interaction with his mother and brothers, and Jesus’ calming of the storm. Together we walk together through three key parts of the passage. First, we consider how Jesus, though speaking in parables, was still clearly revealing the Kingdom of Heaven—and how coming to Him in humility opens us to receive His wisdom and understanding. Second, we reflect on Jesus’ ability to use every day moments, even interruptions, as opportunities to teach, expanding our view of who truly belongs to His family. Finally, we look at how Jesus calming the storm shows us, through creation itself, what it means to respond with humility and obedience to what Jesus says.

In this episode we move on to look at Luke 8:1-15. In this passage, we read of the involvement of women in Jesus’ ministry and also encounter Jesus’ parable of the sower and its explanation. Together we discuss two main themes. First, we again address just how far Jesus’ upside down kingdom reaches and how not only does the kingdom welcome everyone and anyone, but it invites all to play a part as well. Second, we talk about the open door of parables, and Jesus’ invitation for us to ask the question, “what soil am I?”

In this episode we are finish Luke 7 with a look at Luke 7:36-50. In this passage, Jesus is invited over to Simon, the Pharisee’s house, and is encountered by the sinful woman. Together we again discuss the role of dependence in our lives and the importance of our undivided dependence on Jesus in everything we do. When our dependence is divided among multiple things, we find anxiety and fear, but when our dependence is focused on Jesus alone, despite the uncertainty around us, we can find true peace.

In this episode we remain in the seventh chapter of Luke, exploring Luke 7:24-35. In this passage, Jesus continues to speak about John the Baptist and call out the fickle nature of so many of those gathering. Together we discuss the implications of this upside down kingdom that Jesus introduced. Within Jesus’ kingdom, all are lifted up, positions disappear, and justice reigns. In Jesus’ kingdom, we are invited to set aside our expectations of others, and see them for who they were created to be, rather than what they have been defined as by the world. We are invited to see people right, rather than set people right.

In this episode we continue on into Luke 7:18-23. In this passage we see John the Baptist send his disciples to Jesus to ask an important question. Together we discuss the different possibilities as to why John the Baptist would be sending his disciples to ask Jesus if He is in fact the Messiah. As a result of our conversation, we realized the potential validity of each option and how the ambiguity points towards the importance of humbly coming to Jesus to get to know Him.

In this episode, we move on into Luke 7:1-17. Within this passage we see two different miracles, one involving a centurion, and one involving a widow. Together we discuss these two different healing stories and all that Jesus demonstrates about His upside down kingdom. Following His Sermon on the Plain, we have the opportunity to see Jesus live out these teachings. Living in Jesus’ upside down kingdom, we are invited to love, to see, to care for, to trust others, and to identify all Jesus is doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

In this episode we finish up the sermon on the plain, looking at Luke 6:46-19. In this passage, Jesus asks a question of those around Him, emphasizing the importance of hearing His words and listening and then issues a warning through the example of the wise and foolish builders. Together we discuss just how important it is for our foundation to be rooted in Christ alone, both for our own lives, and the lives of those around us.

In this episode, as has been for a couple weeks, we continue to look at the sermon on the plain, looking at Luke 6:37-45. In this passage we read of Jesus’ instruction as it relates to judging others, and a tree and its fruit. Together we again discuss how dependence has been a consistent theme that Jesus has been addressing throughout the Sermon on the Plain. We are called to be dependent on Jesus in all things: our actions, our words, our thoughts, and even the fruit in our lives. Recognizing just how blind we are, we continue to understand more and more just how critical dependence is for each moment.

In this episode, we continue to look at the sermon on the plain, looking at Luke 6:27-36. In this passage we read of Jesus’ instruction to love our enemies. Together we discuss the importance of radical obedience in our lives. As we intentionally listen to Jesus, with every step and every word, we reflect Jesus, and as a result, we usher in His upside down kingdom here and now.

In this episode, we continue on with Luke 6:12-26. In these verses we read of Jesus’ calling of the 12, healing the multitudes, and the Beatitudes. Together we discuss what can happen when we allow our focus to be Christ alone. Rather than allowing our differences to divide us, when our focus is Jesus alone, even the most diverse and different people can find unity in Him and for the sake of His upside down Kingdom. And further, as we focus on Jesus, establishing our dependence on Him alone, we find true blessing despite the circumstances of life that we may be facing because we have found what/Who is better.