The Surprising God

This exegesis of Luke chapter two provides context for the RCL Gospel reading on Christmas 1 (12/29/24). Insights are drawn from vaious sources, including Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and I. Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary"). "The Child Jesus in the Temple" by Jan Steen (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In the second chapter of his Gospel, "beloved physician" Luke gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ early life as newborn baby, infant, and youth. Luke shows how Jesus, at each of these life stages, shared fully in our humanity. In doing so, he beat back our fallen nature and the temptations it brings. At every point, Jesus (in his vicarious humanity, and by the power of the Spirit) was re-creating our humanity. As God (divine) incarnate (sharing fully our humanity), Jesus not only is with us , but as one of us is radically for us . Joy to the world—the Lord is come! 1. Jesus, the newborn baby  Luke shows how the...

This exegesis of Titus 2:11-14 provides context for the RCL Epistles reading on 12/24/24 (Christmas Eve). Insights are drawn from John Stott in "The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, The Bible Speaks Today." "The Adoration of the Magi" by Jones (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In Titus 2:5-10, Paul addresses the effect of the Christian witness on the non-Christian world. In v5, he notes that young wives are to be chaste and loving, in order that the word of God be not maligned or discredited. In v8, he notes that household slaves are to be honest and reliable, in order that the gospel may be adorned or 'embellished'. Then in v10 he notes that Christian doctrine is salvation doctrine, a jewel called 'the teaching about God our Savior.' His point is that by our behavior we either give no evidence of salvation (in which case the gospel-jewel is tarnished), or we give good evidence of salvation by living a manifestly saved life (in whic...

This exegesis of Hebrews chapter 10 provides context for the RCL Epistles reading on 12/22/24 (Advent 3). Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), F.F. Bruce ("The Epistle to the Hebrews") and D.A. Carson ("New Bible Commentary").  "Christ: Great High Priest" by Molerus (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction Piror to chapter 10, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus’ priesthood belongs to a better order, functions on the basis of a better covenant, and in a better sanctuary. But all this depends on what is now addressed in chapter 10, namely Jesus’ superior sacrifice. The author describes three benefits that demonstrate why Jesus’ sacrifice under the new covenant is superior to the sacrifices offered under the old. In the midst of this explanation, he offers a powerful warning and a stirring hope-filled exhortation concerning living by faith in Jesus, the perfect and final sacrifi...

This exegesis of Philippians 4:1-9 provides context for the RCL Epistles reading on 12/15/24 (Advent 3). Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Francis Foulkes ("New Bible Commentary").  Introduction  We begin with Philippians 4:1-5: 1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Fresco of Two Roman Women (public domain via Wikimedia Commons In Philippians chapter 3, Paul exhorts us to live out of our true identity, which is ou...

This exegesis of Philippians 1:1-11 provides context for the RCL Epistles reading on 12/8/24 (Advent 2). Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Francis Foulkes ("New Bible Commentary").  Introduction  We begin with Philippians 1:1-2:    Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians is Paul’s letter to the believers (“saints”) and their leaders (“overseers and deacons”) within the church that assembled in the city of Philippi in Macedonia. These dear people are said by Paul to be “in Christ Jesus.” Paul repeats this key phrase, or its equivalent, many times in this epistle. Indeed, Jesus is our life and we move within the orbit of his will, grace, and presence as we fellowship with and in him together.  Philippi was situated in southeast Europe just...

This post, which exegetes Luke chapter 21, provides context for the RCL Gospel reading on 12/1/24 (Advent 1). Insights are drawn from the commentary of Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary") and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). "The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem" by David Roberts (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction  In chapter 21, Luke continues the story of Jesus’ journey through Holy Week. At this point, Jesus is still in the temple courts—teaching his disciples and others. The light of his presence in the House of God exposes people’s true colors. It is within this context of judgment in the shadow of the cross and the empty tomb, that Luke continues…  1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor w...