Love is observable, expressed through actions. You’ll see this at a wedding. The bride and groom solemnly swear in the presence of God and witnesses to love one another “until death do us part.” But the intimacy enjoyed by two young lovers isn’t merely a recitation of time worn words. Their love is plainly visible in the way she gazes into his eyes or in the tender way he whispers in her ear as they dance. They embrace. They kiss. They are so obviously in love. This is true in all relationships; parent to child, siblings, or best of friends. So it is for Jesus’ disciples. As we continue on in our salvation story we’ll read about one woman’s vivid display of loving gratitude towards Jesus. Luke contrasts her expression of love for the Lord with the cold, dead religion of a pharisee. In the previous episode we read that those who turn and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins are called the children of wisdom. Now we’ll see that one can identify children of wisdom by their expression of love towards Jesus. They don’t merely practice religion but rather possess (and nurture) a warm, life-giving relationship.

School’s out and it’s Memorial Day weekend, marking the official start to summer. Whether you’re hanging out at the pool or in the backyard grilling some quality meats, it brings to mind the smooth sound of Lionel Richie and the Commodores’ 1977 classic “Easy.” “I’m easy, easy like Sunday mornin…” It’s actually a sad song of sorts as it tells the story of a young man who’s tired of trying to make his girl happy, conforming to all of her demands. He just wants to take it easy. Many people approach their faith in the same way. They want it easy, like a lazy Sunday morning. So when they come to Jesus they’re disappointed to find out that the Christian life isn’t always a beach. As we continue on in our salvation story, we’ll read that even John the Baptist began to have doubts about the identity of Jesus. Imprisoned and facing death it didn’t seem like the kingdom of God, which he so boldly proclaimed, had really come. Jesus’ response will reveal that he is indeed the Lord, and that genuine disciples believe, despite hard times and hard teachings.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. High above Bologna, Italy sits the Sanctuary of San Luca, home of a sacred 12th century statue of the Madonna, the Virgin Mother Mary. Religious pilgrims will climb nearly two and a half miles of stairs under the world’s longest portico to obtain divine favor. The especially devout will even ascend on their knees. But what of the person who’s never heard of this holy site? What of the infirm who are physically unable to perform such a ritual? As we continue in our salvation story we’ll read two accounts of extremely desperate people that Jesus helps and heals, not because of their meritorious works but because of his own mercy and might. Luke links the story of Jesus to the prophets of old together with the salvation that he would bring. We’ll see that salvation is for everyone, but only those who believe.

Nobody wants to be a hypocrite. To be called a hypocrite is universally received as an insult. The term was originally used for play actors, people pretending to be something they were not. Like a bowl of plastic fruit decorating the table, though it might look good, appearances can be deceiving. Sadly, you’ve probably met some people like that. As we continue reading in our salvation story, Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount by telling his listeners about the makeup of those who are genuine disciples. It’s not enough to simply say you believe in Jesus. Genuine disciples have come to know Jesus and personally experienced an inner transformation that then expresses itself in obedience to his commands. This is how we make genuine disciples, real fruit that will be revealed on the day of judgement. 

The most well known, oft quoted verse in the Bible today is surely “Judge not, lest you be judged.” It is thrown about by Christians and non Christians alike as an immediate defense against any perceived personal attack or any supposed imposition upon one’s belief or behavior. “Don’t judge me!” This quote is lifted from Jesus’ most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. So was Jesus suggesting that we not make any moral assessments, that anything goes? As we continue on in our salvation story we’ll see the importance of never reading a verse outside its literary context. Jesus’ words both before and after his most famous statement will help us understand what he meant and how we might put those words into practice as Christians today. Jesus’ point wasn’t about judgement, but rather mercy. We’ll be reminded how merciful God has been and continues to be towards each one of us. As followers of Jesus we then extend that same mercy to others.

Moralistic, inspirational quotes abound. Some are oriented to the achievement of one’s goals. Such as: “The future depends on what you do today.” There are many others that relate to love. For example, “Love doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be true,” or “How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” Maybe the most well known word art decorating countless American homes is “Live. Laugh. Love.” As we read along in our salvation story, Jesus continues his most famous sermon, the authoritative teaching that would shape this New Covenant people, the church. After having begun with blessings and curses he then speaks of the quintessential Christian virtue, love. However, the love that Jesus describes is of a different kind than that which typically gets printed on throw pillows or coffee mugs. Christian love is not some sage advice. Jesus commands his disciples to love their enemies. It is a call to action, an imperative that goes far beyond the boundaries of domestication. 

We define success in predictably human ways; wealth, winning, or by something even more subjective such as personal satisfaction. “I just want to be happy.” Whatever one’s definition might be, we all have an inner sense of what success looks like versus failure, so we naturally chase after it. However, as we continue reading in our salvation story, Jesus radically redefines success for his disciples. His words would come as a shock to any ordinary listener as it contradicts the predominant narrative. Having just spent time with his Heavenly Father up on the mountain, like Moses coming down from Sinai, Jesus transmits his authoritative teaching that will forever shape this New Covenant people. We’ll see that success in the Kingdom of God (to be blessed) is not measured by anything temporary at all, but is rather the eternal enjoyment of God’s presence and favor. 

As Americans we are blessed to live in a free country. Yet freedom has constraints. There are governing principles handed down to us by the Founding Fathers that provide the basis for our commonly shared life. In the Bible, covenants are arrangements that govern how God interacts with His people. The books of the Old Testament describe God’s dealings with His chosen people of Israel and include more than 600 commands prescribed by the Law of Moses. However, Jesus’ coming inaugurated a New Covenant which was then sealed in his blood, freeing us from both the condemnation and the requirements of that Old Covenant Law. However, freedom without restraints isn’t really freedom at all. As we continue reading in our salvation story Luke reveals the foundational governing principles for life under the New Covenant. This firm foundation provides the Christian with a solid footing to make decisions that conform to the will of God.

The Bible contains two distinct parts, the Old Testament and the New. What is the difference between them and why is it important? Perhaps you like to eat bacon or sport a goatee. Maybe you have a tattoo. You might be hospitable and planning a wonderful meal for family and friends on Sunday after church. These behaviors and many others were addressed by more than 600 Old Testament commands regulating the daily life of a Jew. But as we continue reading in our salvation story, we’ll learn that Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant. The Pharisees contested Jesus’ and his disciples’ non-traditional application of Old Testament law. So, Luke draws attention to Jesus’ authority as king. He is Lord of the Sabbath. Therefore, as Jesus’ disciples today, we are no longer subject to the law of Moses but rather the law of Christ. Under this new and better law, we are freed up (and empowered by His Spirit) to do good.

Ministry can be messy. The Pharisees were known to be of high moral character. They would have heartily agreed with the maxim, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” So Jesus’ association with the tax collector, Levi, and his unsavory friends offended their ethical sensibilities. Luke 5:27-32 contains the second of five episodes in the so called “Pharisee controversy,” which will end with them discussing how to get rid of Jesus. In telling the story of Levi’s calling and the Pharisees’ response, Luke shows how Jesus intentionally sought out sinners. He entered into the messiness of their lives, called them to repentance, and then involved them in his redemptive work. Jesus’ model for ministry shapes our own understanding and involvement in the messiness of the mission today.