The Surprising God

  This post exegetes Luke chapter 18 providing context for the Gospel readings on 10/19 & 10/26/25, the 19th and 20th Sundays after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary") and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler" by Hoffman (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction Jesus is continuing toward Jerusalem, the cross, and the resurrection. Along the way, he addresses with his disciples a vital question: What counts in God’s Kingdom?  In Luke chapter 18, Jesus provides answers through encounters with an unjust judge, a deluded Pharisee, a misguided youth, and a determined beggar. Jesus uses these encounters to challenge his disciples’ thinking (which needs transforming). Let’s allow these encounters to challenge our thinking as well, as we seek a deeper sharing in the Father’s Kingdom through the ministry ...

This post exegetes Luke chapter 17 providing context for the Gospel readings on 10/5 & 10/12/25, the 17th and 18th Sundays after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("The Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary") and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"). "The Exhortation to the Apostles" by James Tissot (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In Luke chapter 17, Jesus continues his final trip to Jerusalem. A key concern is preparing his disciples for what lies ahead: his death and resurrection—and also his ascension, when he will leave them bodily, but, in the Spirit, will continue sharing with them his ongoing ministry on earth. In this chapter, Luke records important lessons from Jesus concerning the values that undergird this ministry: forgiveness, faithfulness, thankfulness and preparedness. Jesus calls us to share these ministry values today. Sharing Jesus’ forgiveness  L...