Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

A young Pastor Chuck, giving an even younger Pastor Phil Hamner, his first ministers' license.  Scripture: Luke 6:43   “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Observation: Neale tells us that his illustration is “a simple and wholesome portrait of the holy life” (NBBC).There is a deep connection to be found between practices and the disposition of the heart. It is the actions of the individual that expose the good treasure of their heart.   Application: Jesus’ illustrations are so simple, and yet so profound. Throughout life I have learned to steer away from someone’s rhetoric and, instead, look at the fruit of their li...

A frozen winter log.  Scripture: Luke 6:39   He also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. Observation: This next section of the sermon leads us into parables, or stories that illustrate Jesus’ teaching. This portion on the blind leading the blind would have had with it a bit of humor. Jesus had a sense of humor and one can imagine the twinkle in his eye, and the laughter of the crowd at the point that he is making. Overall he’s encouraging them to un...

Somehow, Moravian cookies seem like a merciful gift to the world! Scripture: Luke 6:37   “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Observation: Jesus’ sermon continues, after he has just declared that his followers are to be merciful, just as the Father is merciful. That is language of holiness because it reflects the character and nature of God. Now, Jesus begins to give practical examples of what it means to practice that mercy in the world.   Mercy includes an understanding of grace. God is gracious to all of his children, therefore, we are to be a people who also extend grace. This language on judgement reflects on the fact that we are to be a people who judge according to justice. Joel Green reminds u...

Altar area of a church in Guatemala.  Scripture: Luke 6:32   “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Observation: As Jesus’ sermon continues to unfold he begins to speak of specific actions which reflect the character of God. This character is to be revealed in the life of each and every disciple.   It’s easy enough to love those that love you and this isn’t really worth mentioning when it comes to the imitation of the Fat...

Pearl Harbor Scripture: Luke 6:27   “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Observation: In his sermon Jesus first addressed the disciples’ relationship to God through the blesseds and the woes. Now, he shifts and the focus is on love of others. He doesn’t begin by talking about those who are easy to love, but rather encourages his followers to love those who will hate them. Jesus knows the difficulties that they are going to face in ministry and he is trying to prepare them for the way in which they are to live their lives.   Yes, many would hate the disciples, but they were to contin...

Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The beauty of the waters,  and yet the danger reminds us of the  need to depend upon God in all things.  Scripture: Luke 6: 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Luke 6:26   “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. Observation: In Luke’s sermon, the blesseds are all matched with a woe. This is a warning to those who live in abundance by the world’s standards, for there is no spiritual hunger. Everyone is in need of consolation, and yet, those who are wealthy utilize material things to try and fill the any void which may exist in their life. There is no room left in their lives to hunger for God. Those who are throwing parties, laughing and mocking God’s people will eventually be a people who mourn and weep....

The Coliseum in Rome. The Disciples really did not anticipate what it would cost to follow Jesus.  Scripture: Luke 6:22     “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Observation: In Luke’s Sermon on the Plain, we find this fourth beatitude that breaks up the blessings and the woes. Again, we see clearly that he is speaking to and mentoring his disciples. He wants them to have a clear understanding of what is going to be required of them, for following Jesus is costly.   Already we have seen two examples where the religious leaders have criticized Jesus’ disciples. They are getting a taste of what lies ahead for they will be hated. That word is very strong and carries with it much emotion, but in their misunderstanding regarding the Messiah, ...