Archives for October 2025

REPENTANCE

(Don Fortner)

“I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:20-21

“Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” always go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. This is the only way that sinners obtain eternal salvation. Both are necessary. Both are vital. Both are gifts of God’s grace.

True repentance is “toward God.” Paul preached “repentance toward God,” because there is a repentance that is not toward God. There is a legal repentance that is no more than a sense of guilt, a dread of God’s wrath, and a fear of Hell. But repentance toward God is produced by the goodness of God (Romans 2:4), not the wrath of God. It comes from the revelation of redemption by Christ (Zechariah 12:10), not from the fear of judgment.

Repentance, in its essence, is a change of heart toward God, as illustrated in the prodigal son (Luke 15:14-20), the publican (Luke 18:13), and David (Psalm 51:4).

Repentance is the honest acknowledgment and confession of sin to God (1 John 1:9). It is an acknowledgment by a person that he has offended God by his sin, that his very heart is enmity against God, and that it is right for God to punish him for his sin (Psalm 51:4; Romans 8:7).

Repentance is sitting in judgment with God against yourself, abhorring yourself by reason of your sin, and pleading for mercy on the basis of pure grace through the merits of Christ alone. Only God Himself can cause a person thus to repent (Acts 5:31; Jeremiah 31:18; Lamentations 5:21).

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 15

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing. 

The Parable of the Lost Son (Verses 11-32)

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.        14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

This renowned parable depicts a wayward son who squanders his inheritance, experiences hardship, and finally returns to his father, who joyously welcomes him back. An elder brother’s resentment at his brother’s acceptance exposes self-righteous attitudes that can hinder celebrating others’ repentance.

The story of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God’s forgiveness and the joy of reconciliation.

The father’s response to the returning son—running to him, embracing him, and celebrating his return—demonstrates God’s unconditional love and readiness to forgive.

The elder brother’s reaction serves as a warning against self-righteousness and a reminder to share in God’s joy over the repentant.

Follow the example of the father in the parable by offering forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged you.

Avoid the trap of self-righteousness and cultivate a heart that mirrors God’s love and compassion.

This parable highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the boundless grace of the Father.

Luke 15 is a heartfelt response to the grumblings of religious leaders about Jesus’ association with sinners. Using three parables — The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son — Jesus profoundly illustrates God’s unwavering love and joyous celebration over the repentance of a single sinner. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 15

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing. 

The Parable of the Lost Sheep  (Verses 1-7)                                                  

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Jesus begins with the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the shepherd’s dedication to finding the one lost sheep out of a hundred.

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home (Luke 15:5-6). This illustrates God’s personal care and joy in recovering the lost.

The parable highlights the value of each individual to God and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring them back. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

The Parable of the Lost Coin (Verses 8-10)

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

A woman loses one of her ten silver coins and diligently searches her house until she finds it. She then calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. This parable emphasizes the value of each individual to God and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

The woman who loses one of her ten silver coins diligently searches until she finds it, symbolizing God’s thorough and persistent search for the lost.

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). This underscores the heavenly celebration over repentance.

Rejoice with others when they turn back to God, understanding the immense joy it brings to the Father.

Encourage and support those who are on their journey back to faith. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

The Parable of the Lost Son (Verses 11-32)

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.        14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

This renowned parable depicts a wayward son who squanders his inheritance, experiences hardship, and finally returns to his father, who joyously welcomes him back. An elder brother’s resentment at his brother’s acceptance exposes self-righteous attitudes that can hinder celebrating others’ repentance.

The story of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God’s forgiveness and the joy of reconciliation.

The father’s response to the returning son—running to him, embracing him, and celebrating his return—demonstrates God’s unconditional love and readiness to forgive.

The elder brother’s reaction serves as a warning against self-righteousness and a reminder to share in God’s joy over the repentant.

Follow the example of the father in the parable by offering forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged you.

Avoid the trap of self-righteousness and cultivate a heart that mirrors God’s love and compassion.

This parable highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the boundless grace of the Father.

Luke 15 is a heartfelt response to the grumblings of religious leaders about Jesus’ association with sinners. Using three parables — The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son — Jesus profoundly illustrates God’s unwavering love and joyous celebration over the repentance of a single sinner. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 15

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing. 

The Parable of the Lost Coin (Verses 8-10)

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

A woman loses one of her ten silver coins and diligently searches her house until she finds it. She then calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. This parable emphasizes the value of each individual to God and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

The woman who loses one of her ten silver coins diligently searches until she finds it, symbolizing God’s thorough and persistent search for the lost.

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). This underscores the heavenly celebration over repentance.

Rejoice with others when they turn back to God, understanding the immense joy it brings to the Father.

Encourage and support those who are on their journey back to faith. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 15

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing. 

The Parable of the Lost Sheep  (Verses 1-7)                                                  

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Jesus begins with the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the shepherd’s dedication to finding the one lost sheep out of a hundred.

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home (Luke 15:5-6). This illustrates God’s personal care and joy in recovering the lost.

The parable highlights the value of each individual to God and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring them back. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Everyone needs a little kindness!

Don Fortner

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is kind“

Often, the best thing one man can give another is kindness. Oh, how sweet it is to hear a kind word, when your heart is breaking! How delightful it is to see a kind smile, when you have seen many growling faces! How pleasant it is to feel the kind embrace of a friend, when you have felt the betrayal of those you thought were your friends! Kindness is always right. Kindness is always in season. It is never wrong to be kind, but always good.

Kindness must have for its object: one who is weak, poor, fallen, outcast, down-trodden, or needy.

To be “kind” is to be useful, generous, sympathetic, and tender.

Kindness accommodates itself to the needs of its objects.
If a man offends–kindness forgives him.
If a person is fallen–kindness picks him up.
If one is hungry–kindness feeds him.
If a brother is lonely–kindness visits him.
If a sister is downcast–kindness encourages her.
If one is weak–kindness offers strength.
If one is needy–kindness helps.
If a person is afflicted, in trouble and hurting–kindness is tender-hearted.

Sometimes kindness is a word of appreciation, encouragement, or compliment. Sometimes it is a visit, a gift, or an expression of love. Everyone needs a little kindness. And those who love one another, are kind to one another. They overlook and find excuses for one another’s faults and failings. They speak well to one another, and about one another.

Kindness is never wrong.

God, give me grace to be kind to sinners like myself.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Book of Luke

Chapter 16

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16 brings the realities of our stewardship, our attitudes towards wealth, and our response to God’s Word into sharp focus. It highlights the divine principles that govern our lives and eternity, urging us to act wisely in light of eternal consequences. As disciples of Jesus, it is an imperative call to faithful stewardship, compassion for the needy, and obedience to God’s Word. Our choices in this life have ramifications that echo into eternity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Verses 1-13)

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in Luke 16:1-13, describes a manager who defrauds his master but uses the money to gain allies for his own future security. The lesson is that while the manager was wrong, his shrewdness in preparing for his future could be an example for believers to use worldly resources wisely to prepare for eternal life, emphasizing the importance of generosity and sound stewardship of God’s resources.

Jesus shares a parable about a dishonest manager who, when faced with the loss of his job, shrewdly reduces the debts owed to his master by others to secure his future. Jesus emphasizes the wise use of worldly wealth to gain eternal rewards and the principle that he who is faithful with little will also be faithful with much. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Pharisees and Love of Money (Verses 14-18) 

14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees, lovers of money, who scoffed at his teachings, emphasizing the value of the law and prophets and God’s knowledge of the heart. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Luke 16:14–18 exposes the Pharisees’ twisted relationship between their hearts, the Mosaic law, and the kingdom of God. They love money, and so reject Jesus’ assertions about the antagonistic relationship between chasing wealth and following God. Jesus points out that this is a problem with their hearts, not the Law. He then gives another example: the callous way in which men divorce their wives. Next, Jesus will tell the story of the rich man and Lazarus, warning the Pharisees to let the Scriptures lead them to Him (Luke 16:19–31). (https://www.bibleref.com/Luke/16/Luke-16-14.html)

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Verses 19-31)

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

This parable depicts a rich man who lived in luxury while ignoring the poor man Lazarus at his gate. After death, Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom while the rich man suffers in Hades. Jesus uses this parable to highlight the eternal implications of earthly choices, the importance of heeding God’s Word, and the futility of post-death repentance. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

In Luke 16, Jesus addresses important themes including the wise use of earthly wealth, the dangers of the love of money, and the implications of our choices in light of eternity. He uses two memorable parables – the Shrewd Manager and the Rich Man and Lazarus – to deliver lessons about stewardship, worldly wealth, and the afterlife. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Practical Applications

Evaluate your use of resources: Are you using your time, talents, and treasures to further God’s kingdom?

Cultivate faithfulness in small tasks, knowing that God values integrity and stewardship.

Reflect on your priorities: Are you serving God wholeheartedly, or are you divided in your loyalties?

Show compassion and generosity to those in need, recognizing the eternal impact of your actions.

Trust in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture for guidance and instruction.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 16

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16 brings the realities of our stewardship, our attitudes towards wealth, and our response to God’s Word into sharp focus. It highlights the divine principles that govern our lives and eternity, urging us to act wisely in light of eternal consequences. As disciples of Jesus, it is an imperative call to faithful stewardship, compassion for the needy, and obedience to God’s Word. Our choices in this life have ramifications that echo into eternity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Pharisees and Love of Money (Verses 14-18) 

14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees, lovers of money, who scoffed at his teachings, emphasizing the value of the law and prophets and God’s knowledge of the heart. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Luke 16:14–18 exposes the Pharisees’ twisted relationship between their hearts, the Mosaic law, and the kingdom of God. They love money, and so reject Jesus’ assertions about the antagonistic relationship between chasing wealth and following God. Jesus points out that this is a problem with their hearts, not the Law. He then gives another example: the callous way in which men divorce their wives. Next, Jesus will tell the story of the rich man and Lazarus, warning the Pharisees to let the Scriptures lead them to Him (Luke 16:19–31). (https://www.bibleref.com/Luke/16/Luke-16-14.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 16

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16 brings the realities of our stewardship, our attitudes towards wealth, and our response to God’s Word into sharp focus. It highlights the divine principles that govern our lives and eternity, urging us to act wisely in light of eternal consequences. As disciples of Jesus, it is an imperative call to faithful stewardship, compassion for the needy, and obedience to God’s Word. Our choices in this life have ramifications that echo into eternity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Verses 1-13)

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in Luke 16:1-13, describes a manager who defrauds his master but uses the money to gain allies for his own future security. The lesson is that while the manager was wrong, his shrewdness in preparing for his future could be an example for believers to use worldly resources wisely to prepare for eternal life, emphasizing the importance of generosity and sound stewardship of God’s resources.

Jesus shares a parable about a dishonest manager who, when faced with the loss of his job, shrewdly reduces the debts owed to his master by others to secure his future. Jesus emphasizes the wise use of worldly wealth to gain eternal rewards and the principle that he who is faithful with little will also be faithful with much. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 4

Luke 4 takes us on a journey of Jesus’ early ministry marked by His victory over temptation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and His power to heal and deliver. His rejection in His hometown contrasts starkly with His acceptance in Capernaum, revealing that acceptance of Jesus isn’t automatic, even for those familiar with Him. His dedication to proclaiming God’s kingdom reminds us to prioritize God’s mission in our lives.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (4:31-37)

31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue and drives out a demon from a man. The people are astonished at His authority over unclean spirits, and His fame spreads further. Jesus demonstrates His authority by casting out demons and healing the sick, showing His power over both spiritual and physical realms (Luke 4:31-41). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Jesus Heals Many (4:38-44)

38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and many others who are sick or possessed by demons. Early in the morning, He withdraws to a solitary place, but the crowds find Him and try to keep Him from leaving. Jesus, however, insists that He must proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom to other towns as well.

Despite the crowds seeking Him, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place. When the people find Him, He declares His mission to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns as well, fulfilling His divine purpose.

Luke 4 narrates a series of significant events early in Jesus’ ministry: His victory over temptation in the wilderness, His proclamation of fulfilled prophecy, and His subsequent rejection in His hometown, Nazareth. Despite the rejection, Jesus’ authority and power manifest as He drives out demons and heals the sick in Capernaum. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com