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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today we see Luke showcasing Jesus’ authority, the disciples’ role in His mission, and His abundant provision. Jesus sends out the twelve with power and authority over demons and diseases, commissioning them to proclaim the kingdom of God. This marks a pivotal moment in their discipleship, as they move from following Jesus to actively participating in His mission. Their instructions to rely on God’s provision challenge them—and us—to trust Him fully.