The Road to Redemption | Day 41: Luke 21:1-38 – Faithfulness in Trials and the Certainty of Christ’s Coming
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 41: Luke 21:1-38 – Faithfulness in Trials and the Certainty of Christ’s Coming

In Luke 21, Jesus provides profound lessons on sacrificial giving, the coming judgment, and the need for vigilance as we await His return. The passage emphasizes trust in God and faithfulness in uncertain times.

The widow’s offering demonstrates the heart of true generosity. Unlike the rich who give from their abundance, the widow gives all she has, trusting God to provide. This act of faith challenges us to consider whether our giving reflects a reliance on God or merely a surplus of resources.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 40: Luke 20:19-47 – Honor God, Trust in the Resurrection, and Live with Integrity
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 40: Luke 20:19-47 – Honor God, Trust in the Resurrection, and Live with Integrity

In the reading today, Jesus continues to face challenges from the religious leaders, yet He masterfully exposes their hypocrisy and teaches about God’s kingdom, authority, and the priorities of true discipleship.

The Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” reveals His wisdom and authority. This teaches that while believers are called to honor earthly authorities, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God, whose image they bear.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 39: Luke 20:1-18 – Opposing Jesus’ Authority and the Parable of the Tenants
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 39: Luke 20:1-18 – Opposing Jesus’ Authority and the Parable of the Tenants

Here in the first part of Luke 20, Jesus faces opposition from the religious leaders, teaches about His divine authority, and uses a parable to reveal their rejection of God’s plan. The passage underscores the importance of recognizing and submitting to Christ’s authority.

The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority, asking who gave Him the right to teach and perform miracles. Instead of answering directly, Jesus poses a question about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing their hypocrisy and fear of public opinion. This exchange reveals that their opposition is rooted in pride and unbelief rather than a genuine desire for truth.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 37: Luke 19:1-27 – The Call to Repentance and Faithful Service
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 37: Luke 19:1-27 – The Call to Repentance and Faithful Service

Here in this passage, Jesus reveals the nature of His mission and kingdom through two encounters: Zacchaeus’ transformation and the parable of the ten minas. Together, these passages emphasize repentance, stewardship, and readiness for Christ’s return.

Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, climbs a tree to see Jesus, demonstrating both his determination and humility. When Jesus invites Himself into Zacchaeus’ home, the crowd grumbles, but Zacchaeus responds with repentance and generosity, vowing to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold what he has taken dishonestly. Jesus declares that salvation has come to his house, reaffirming His mission to "seek and to save the lost." This encounter highlights the transformative power of grace and the fruit of true repentance.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 36: Luke 18:31-43 – Spiritual Blindness and the Healing Power of Faith
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 36: Luke 18:31-43 – Spiritual Blindness and the Healing Power of Faith

In the last part of Luke 18, Jesus again foretells His death and resurrection, emphasizing the purpose of His mission and the fulfillment of prophecy. He takes the twelve aside and speaks plainly about what will happen in Jerusalem: He will be mocked, insulted, flogged, killed, and rise on the third day. Yet, the disciples fail to understand, as the meaning is hidden from them. This highlights the mystery of God’s redemptive plan, which is only fully revealed through the work of the Holy Spirit.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 35: Luke 18:1-30 – The Power of Persistent Prayer and Childlike Dependence
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 35: Luke 18:1-30 – The Power of Persistent Prayer and Childlike Dependence

In Luke 18:1-30, Jesus teaches about persistent prayer, humility, dependence, and the priorities of His kingdom. The parable of the persistent widow illustrates the importance of perseverance in prayer. The widow’s unwavering plea for justice is rewarded by an unjust judge, and Jesus contrasts this with the character of God, who is just and compassionate. This parable encourages believers to pray persistently and trust that God hears and responds according to His will.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 34: Luke 17:1-37 – Living with Gratitude and Watchfulness for the Kingdom
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 34: Luke 17:1-37 – Living with Gratitude and Watchfulness for the Kingdom

In this chapter of Luke, Jesus teaches about faith, forgiveness, gratitude, and readiness for His kingdom. He begins with a warning about causing others to stumble, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the importance of leading others in righteousness. Jesus then calls His disciples to a life of forgiveness, urging them to forgive repeatedly, reflecting God’s boundless mercy.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 33: Luke 16:1-31 – Living with Eternity in View
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 33: Luke 16:1-31 – Living with Eternity in View

In today’s reading, Jesus teaches on stewardship, faithfulness, and the eternal consequences of our choices. The parable of the dishonest manager challenges us to think carefully about how we use worldly resources. Although the manager’s actions were unjust, his shrewdness in preparing for the future is commended. Jesus uses this example to encourage His followers to be wise and purposeful in using their resources for eternal purposes, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and money.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 32: Luke 15:1-32 – Rejoicing in the Restoration of the Lost
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 32: Luke 15:1-32 – Rejoicing in the Restoration of the Lost

Luke 15 contains three parables that highlight the joy of God in seeking and saving the lost: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Together, they reveal the heart of God for sinners and challenge us to share His compassion and joy in their restoration.

The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin emphasize God’s initiative in seeking the lost. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, and the woman diligently searches for her coin. Both celebrate when what was lost is found, illustrating the rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. These parables remind us that God’s love is personal and persistent, pursuing those who are far from Him.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 31: Luke 14:1-35 – Humility, Generosity, and the Cost of Discipleship
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 31: Luke 14:1-35 – Humility, Generosity, and the Cost of Discipleship

Here in Luke 14, Jesus teaches about humility, generosity, and the cost of discipleship. The chapter begins with Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ legalism and exposing their hypocrisy. His actions remind us that God’s law is meant to bring restoration, not burdens, and that mercy is at the heart of His kingdom.

At a banquet, Jesus uses the setting to teach about humility. He urges guests to take the lowest place, reflecting a heart that seeks God’s glory rather than self-promotion. Similarly, He calls hosts to invite the poor, crippled, and marginalized, demonstrating generosity without expecting repayment. These teachings challenge us to reflect God’s grace by seeking the good of others and extending hospitality to those who cannot repay.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 30: Luke 13:18-35 – Embracing the Kingdom’s Call and Urgency
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 30: Luke 13:18-35 – Embracing the Kingdom’s Call and Urgency

In today’s reading, Jesus describes the nature of God’s kingdom and issues a call to enter through the narrow door. The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven illustrate the kingdom’s seemingly small beginnings and its transformative power. Though it starts small, the kingdom grows expansively, reaching people from every nation and bringing radical change to the hearts of those who belong to it.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 29: Luke 13:1-17 – Repentance, Fruitfulness, and the Kingdom of God
Mark Groen Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 29: Luke 13:1-17 – Repentance, Fruitfulness, and the Kingdom of God

Jesus calls us to repentance, fruitfulness, and a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom in the reading for today. Jesus begins by addressing two tragedies: Pilate’s slaughter of Galileans and a tower collapse in Siloam. He rejects the idea that these victims were more sinful than others, instead urging all to repent. His words remind us that everyone stands under God’s judgment apart from repentance. These events point to the urgency of turning from sin and seeking His grace.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 28: Luke 12:35-59 – Stewardship, Watchfulness, and Following Christ
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 28: Luke 12:35-59 – Stewardship, Watchfulness, and Following Christ

In today’s verses, Jesus emphasizes readiness for His return, faithfulness in stewardship, and the cost of discipleship. He begins with the call to stay prepared, likening His followers to servants waiting for their master’s return. This readiness is marked by vigilance, faithfulness, and living in obedience to His Word. The promise that the Master will serve His faithful servants is a profound picture of Christ’s grace and the joy of His return.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 27: Luke 12:1-34 – Living with Integrity, Fear, and Eternal Priorities
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 27: Luke 12:1-34 – Living with Integrity, Fear, and Eternal Priorities

Our journey through Luke today brings us to Jesus providing a series of teachings that address fear, trust, and the priorities of His kingdom. He begins by warning His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, comparing it to leaven that spreads and corrupts. Authentic faith requires integrity and an awareness that nothing is hidden from God. This call to sincerity reminds us that we live before an all-knowing and holy God.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 26: Luke 11:33-54 – Letting God’s Truth Shine in Our Lives
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 26: Luke 11:33-54 – Letting God’s Truth Shine in Our Lives

Today’s passage challenges us to examine the integrity of our faith and the condition of our hearts. Jesus begins by teaching that a lamp is meant to shine, not to be hidden. The lamp represents the truth of God’s Word, and our lives should reflect its light. The condition of our spiritual eyes—our understanding and receptivity to God’s truth—determines whether we walk in light or darkness. A healthy, Christ-focused heart leads to a life that glorifies God and illuminates His truth to others.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 25: Luke 11:14-32 – The Authority of Jesus and the Call to Repentance
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 25: Luke 11:14-32 – The Authority of Jesus and the Call to Repentance

In Luke 11:14-32, Jesus addresses the nature of His authority, the danger of unbelief, and the call to repentance. After casting out a demon, some accuse Jesus of working by the power of Beelzebul, while others demand a sign. Jesus responds by exposing the absurdity of their accusation: a divided kingdom cannot stand. His power over demons demonstrates the arrival of God’s kingdom, for He is stronger than Satan and has come to plunder the enemy’s domain.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 24: Luke 11:1-13 – Trusting in God’s Provision Through Prayer
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 24: Luke 11:1-13 – Trusting in God’s Provision Through Prayer

In the reading today, Jesus teaches His disciples about prayer, emphasizing its simplicity, persistence, and the Father’s goodness. When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, He gives them the Lord’s Prayer, a model that begins with reverence for God and submission to His will. It acknowledges our dependence on Him for daily provision, forgiveness, and protection from sin.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 23: Luke 10:25-42 – The Good Portion: Prioritizing Jesus Above All
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 23: Luke 10:25-42 – The Good Portion: Prioritizing Jesus Above All

Today we see two well-known passages: the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the account of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. Together, they emphasize loving God and neighbor and finding our priorities in Christ.

The parable begins with a lawyer asking Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus turns the question back to him, affirming the greatest commandments: love for God and love for neighbor. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus responds with the parable, where a Samaritan—despised by the Jews—shows sacrificial love to a wounded man while the religious figures pass by. The Samaritan’s actions reveal that true love transcends boundaries and requires compassion, mercy, and action.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 21: Luke 9:46-62 – The Radical Call to Discipleship
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 21: Luke 9:46-62 – The Radical Call to Discipleship

The passage today highlights the nature of true discipleship and the call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The disciples’ argument about greatness reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom is marked by humility and service, using a child as an example. True disciples welcome the lowly, reflecting the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

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