Luke 22:1-38

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 2, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 22:1-38. This chapter covers the final Passover meal Jesus celebrates with His disciples. The meal is filled with symbolic imagery of the exodus and Jesus reinterprets that imagery for a new covenant. The new covenant is marked with the bread and wine of communion. The moment takes place over a meal and helps the disciples focus on the work of God, the strengthening of God’s people, and preparation for the upcoming tribulations.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

In Luke 22, we witness Jesus transforming the Passover meal into a profound symbol of the New Covenant. The Passover meal was filled with symbols like candles, washing, sacrifice, bitterness, bread, and wine, each representing key elements of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Jesus, however, reinterprets these symbols, giving them new meanings.

Jesus takes the bread, breaks it, and declares it as His body given for us. This act signifies that His body will be broken as a sacrifice for our sins. He takes the cup, which represents the wine of redemption, and declares it as His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This act signifies the establishment of a new covenant through His sacrificial death. In verse 18, Jesus speaks of the final cup of praise, reserving it for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Through this, the Passover meal became a way to view the New Covenant where Christ Himself is the sacrificial lamb.

Even in the sacred moments of the Passover dinner, the disciples were caught up in a petty argument about who among them was the greatest. This is a convicting snapshot of God's church. Here was Jesus, preparing to lay down His life, and His disciples were too busy looking at each other, too focused on their own status and righteousness to see what was unfolding before them. Isn’t this often the case with us today? Jesus calls us to look at Him, to focus on His work and what He is doing in our lives and the world. But we get distracted, caught up in comparisons, arguments, and self-righteousness.

1. Reflecting on the significance of meals in Jesus' teachings, how can be intentional to use shared meals to remember God’s faithfulness, strengthen relationships, and prepare for the trials of this world that lie ahead?

2. How can we shift our focus from self-centered comparisons to Christ-centered servanthood?

3. How can you actively pray for and support your fellow believers, helping them endure trials and strengthen their faith?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains on Jesus and His work rather than getting caught up in arguments or distractions?

Luke 21

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 26, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 21. This chapter begins with a picture of religious excess and ends with a warning against worldly excess. The middle section is a lengthy teaching on the destruction of the temple and the return of Jesus. The sermon on Christ’s second advent is bracketed with a warning against religious hypocrisy and a warning against worldly indulgence. The focus of this chapter is to prepare God’s people for the arrival of Jesus with a deep examination of our hearts.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

In the conclusion of Luke 20:45-47, we see Jesus warning His disciples to be careful to not become like the religious leaders who are arrogant, pious and consumed with money and power. This is a warning to all of us. It is easy to become puffed up as we grow spiritually and look down on others who we think appear weaker in their faith. This is the sin of pride.

In Luke 21:1-4 we see the stark contrast between those giving out of their abundance and the widow who gave all she had. This teaching on giving is a picture of the difference between total surrender – giving all that we have to the Lord vs giving something that costs us nothing. Total surrender is a sacrifice to God. What costs us nothing is worth nothing.

1. What have you been holding tightly and not surrendering to the Lord? This can be more than just material possessions. We can hold on to bitterness, unforgiveness, secret sin, etc. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal the area or areas of your life that you have been holding back from Him. Ask Him to help you surrender your ALL to Him.

2. The temple of Jesus’ day was adorned lavishly. It took 83 years to build this temple that was beautiful on the outside, but was void of God. Through the acceptance of Christ as our Savior, we are to be the temple where God dwells. Like the temple building, we can look good on the outside and be Godless on the inside. As you examine your life, have you been more concerned with looking like a follower of Christ, rather than really being a follower of Christ?

In Luke 21:5-19, Jesus explains that the temple building will one day be destroyed. The disciples ask when this will happen. He goes on to explain that His followers will also be persecuted. Jesus is addressing both the destruction of the temple and the final days before His return. This is also addressed in Matthew 24:3. (Please refer to Marshall’s notes for a more detailed explanation.) Jesus explains that false teachers, wars, famine and natural disasters will occur. In verse 12, Jesus says that before all this there will be great persecution of believers. We see this happening in our world today.

1. Have you been persecuted or rejected by others for your faith in Christ?

2. Have you tried to blend in with the world in order to avoid being ostracized by others for your faith?

Read Luke 21:20-28. Jesus is explaining what will happen to the nation of Israel in the future and explaining what will happen in the last days before His return. He is saying that His second coming will be like His first. Let’s continue reading Luke 21:29-33 for furtherunderstanding. Jesus is using this parable to show us that just like we know when summer is coming due to seeing sprouts on trees, there will be signs to let us know that His return is near. What are we to do with this knowledge? Read Luke 21:34-38. We are to be mindful of His return, but not consumed by watching for religious signs. We should be more concerned with knowing our own heart towards God. We should be careful to avoid the pitfalls of religious hypocrisy and worldly excess. We are to be watchful! Stay awake and aware! We are to be ready! Examining our life – inspecting our hearts!

1. Is your heart right with God?

2. If Christ returned today, are you ready? If not, pray today and ask the Lord to transform your heart and life to be fully surrendered to Him.

Luke 19

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 12, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 19. This chapter includes the salvation of Zacchaeus and the events of Palm Sunday. Each story and parable reveals a king that approaches His people to inspect their faithfulness. The king rewards the faithful and brings consequences to the unfaithful. This entire chapter speaks to the responsibility Christians have to serve as faithful stewards and use the gifts God has given us to build His kingdom.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

1. In Luke 19:1-10, we see Jesus headed to Jerusalem. As He was passing through the new Jericho he sees Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who was desperate to see Jesus. In Luke 18 we encounter a rich man who was much more challenged to truly “see” Jesus because his wealth, and the things of this world meant more to him than a life spent following after Jesus. This contrast is especially important to notice. Having material blessings in this life is not the sin – loving them and chasing after them more than a life surrendered to Christ is the sin.

a. Have you been blinded by the things of this world and worshiped them more than Jesus?

b. Would you be willing to give up the comforts of this world in order to do what God is calling you to do?

2. Jesus tells Zacchaeus that He wants to come to his home and visit with him. Zacchaeus gladly receives the invitation and appears to understand his need to surrender his life and his worldly possessions to the Lord. He chooses relationship over riches. Like Zacchaeus, Jesus calls each of us by name! Jesus loves you and wants you to know that just like Zacchaeus, you are not beyond His redemption!

a. Have you heard the Lord inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him?

b. What is your answer to His invitation? What is holding you back from accepting His invitation?

c. If Jesus returned today, would He find you embracing His mission with complete surrender, or rejecting His mission with grumbling and complaining?

d. What would He find in your home or in your heart if He came to inspect it today?

3. Read Luke 19:11-27. In this parable, Jesus is shining a light on the condition of the hearts of the people. The Lord has put each of us in charge of the time, money and talents He has given us.

a. Are you being a good steward of what the Lord has blessed you with?

b. Are you sitting on your hands, or are you living for Him by using the gifts He has given you to further His Kingdom?

4. Read Luke 19:28-44. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, and it is the week of Passover. Jesus is the final Passover Lamb! What does Jesus find when He arrives? The people want what Jesus can do or provide for them, rather than embracing the greatest gift of all a relationship with Him.

a. Has this been true in your life? Have you been treating God like Santa Clause – asking God for blessings, comforts and gifts in this life instead of focusing on relationship with Him?

b. Do you desire to really “see” Jesus?

c. The reality is that He sees us! He sees where your heart truly is. If you are not truly sold out and pursuing a relationship with Jesus, pray and ask Him to open your eyes and heart to His transformation and will in your life.

5. Read Luke 19:45-48. Jesus inspects the Temple. He finds a marketplace! The Temple has been defiled with leaders who have turned a holy place meant for teaching and prayer into a business to make money.

a. When you go into His Temple, (your church home) it shouldn’t be about your preferences or leaders who are holding hands with this world. It should be about worshiping the One True God, studying His word and seeking Him through prayer. This should be our daily practice at home as well – Monday through Saturday – not just on Sunday! What does your heart look like? A temple where the Lord dwells or a place where sin reigns? Make today the day that you allow Him to sit on the throne of your life instead of your relationships, accomplishments and possessions. Watch and see what great things He will do in you and through you as you surrender your all to Him!

Luke 18

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 5, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 18. This chapter continues our study in what a disciple looks like. Jesus builds on the themes of faith and gratitude, with persistence, humility, and surrender. These themes are difficult for the apostles to grasp, in a way they are blind to them. Luke answers this inability to see with a final story of the blind beggar. The beggar cries out to God, modeling the very themes the apostles struggle to see.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, Jesus vividly describes what it truly means to be a disciple. Through parables, He defines the characteristics and expectations of discipleship: persistence, humility, and surrender.

Defining Discipleship: Jesus begins by describing the essence of discipleship. A disciple persists in prayer, humbles oneself before God, and surrenders everything for the sake of the Kingdom. Without this clear definition, we risk misconstruing the meaning of discipleship and crafting our own flawed interpretations.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8): In this parable, Jesus contrasts the persistent widow with the indifferent judge. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice illustrates the virtue of persistence in prayer. Likewise, as disciples, we are called to seek God persistently.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14): Through the contrasting prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus teaches the importance of humility in discipleship. God responds to humility with grace, rejecting the prideful. As disciples, we are called to approach God humbly, acknowledging our need for His mercy.

Childlike Faith (Luke 18:15-17): Jesus urges us to emulate the faith of children, characterized by persistence and dependence. As disciples, we should approach God with the tenacity of a child, trusting Him completely. Furthermore, we are called to treasure and care for children, reflecting God's heart for His children.

Surrendering to Follow Christ (Luke 18:18-30): The encounter with the rich young ruler reveals the third aspect of discipleship: surrender. The rich man's unwillingness to relinquish his possessions highlights the challenge of choosing relationships over riches. Discipleship requires surrendering whatever hinders our relationship with Christ and trusting in His provision and blessing.

The Blind Beggar (Luke 18:31-43): Finally, Jesus encounters a blind beggar who cries out for mercy. The beggar's desperation mirrors the spiritual blindness of the disciples. Yet, through his persistence and humility, he receives sight and follows Jesus. Likewise, as disciples, we are called to cry out to God in our blindness, trusting in His transformative power.

Conclusion: As we reflect on Luke 18, we are reminded that discipleship is a journey of faith, gratitude, persistence, humility, and surrender. Like the disciples who struggled to understand, we may find ourselves spiritually blind at times. However, the prescription for sight remains the same: persistent prayer, humble surrender, and a childlike faith. Let us humble ourselves and cry out to God, trusting His promise to transform us into true disciples.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the definition of discipleship in Luke 18 challenge your previous understanding?

2. In what areas of your life do you struggle with persistence in prayer?

3. How does the Pharisee's attitude towards himself compare to the tax collector's attitude?

4. How can we cultivate a spirit of humility in our daily lives and our relationship with God and others?

5. What possessions or desires hinder your surrender to follow Christ wholeheartedly?

6. How can you develop a childlike faith in your daily walk with God?

7. Take a moment to cry out to God, expressing any areas of spiritual blindness or need for His mercy.

Luke 17

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 28, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 17. This chapter draws our attention to two core themes — faith and gratitude. Jesus teaches a parable on the duty of a disciple and those same duties show up in the healing of the 10 lepers. These themes are corner stones of God’s kingdom, but many of the leading Jews in Jesus’ day are missing it. In fact, more foreigners than members of God’s chosen people are in touch with what God is up to. If we aren’t careful, this same predicament can be present in our lives on the eve of the second coming of Jesus. Therefore, pay attention to yourselves!

Watch

Listen

Reflect

Read Luke 17:1-10. We see Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for their love of money, attitude towards marriage, need for excess and lack of compassion. Their example leads others into sin when they should be leading others into living a holy life for God. The warning is that as leaders with spiritual influence over others there is a greater responsibility to be a Godly example. Our motives, words and actions matter.

• In the realm of influence that God has given you, do you represent God’s way or do you represent the way you like to do things?

• Pray and ask the Lord to show you if your behavior and lifestyle represent Him or your personal preferences.

Jesus speaks about forgiveness and what that looks like. The Apostles express that they need more faith to forgive others the way Christ is explaining. Christ instructs them that all they need to do is use the faith they already have. Jesus goes on to teach that as a servant, we serve out of a sense of duty for what Christ has done for us. God doesn’t owe us! We owe Him everything! It is our duty to forgive, repent and obey.

• Is there someone you need to forgive and have been challenged to do so? Remembering what God has forgiven us for makes it much easier to extend the same forgiveness to others. Pray and ask God to show you any attitude of unforgiveness you may be struggling with and help you extend the same grace, mercy and forgiveness that was so lovingly lavished on you.

Read Luke 17:11-19. Jesus heals 10 lepers, but only one returns to say ,“thank you.” Jesus tells the one who returns to thank Him that his faith has made him well. This is another example of how faith and gratitude go hand in hand. It is noteworthy here that the man who returned to thank Jesus was not a Jew, but rather a Samaritan. The foreigner modeled the attitude of gratitude more that the Jews who knew the scriptures and didn’t model them.

• Do you find that you have an attitude of gratitude, or do you take the things the Lord does for you for granted? Take time to notice and thank the Lord for what He has done for you. The blessings are too many to count!

Read Luke 17:20-37. In this passage, Jesus teaches about the Coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God is already among them. They didn’t recognize it when it was in front of them. Jesus goes on to give warning that when He returns, some will be going about their lives and not be prepared for His return. Many in the first century missed Jesus’ first arrival and didn’t recognize Him as the true Messiah. We must be spiritually awake, prepared and be about His business and not miss His return!

• If Jesus returned today, would you be ready?

• Are you going about your life without any awareness of His second coming?

• Are you in love with this world and its pleasures more that Jesus? Pray and ask the Lord to prepare your heart and mind for the things of God rather than the temporary things of this world.

Luke 16

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 21, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 16. This chapter includes two parables and a rebuke of the Pharisees. Jesus uses negative examples in his parables to contrast how disciples should invest in God’s Kingdom and the dangers of living as a Pharisee. The negative examples in His parables remind us that we can learn many things from trials and tribulations. We don’t need perfect circumstances to grow, we need proper focus on God’s Kingdom.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a rich tapestry of parables, each teaching us valuable lessons. Some parables illuminate positive examples, such as the joy of finding a lost coin or the compassion of the Good Samaritan. Others present warnings, revealing the consequences of greed, pride, or spiritual blindness.

In Luke 16, we find two parables featuring negative examples: the parable of the dishonest manager and the story of the rich man and Lazarus. These teachings challenge us to consider our priorities and the use of our resources in light of eternity.

The first parable begins with a wealthy man who learns that his manager has taken advantage of his position by wasting his possessions. He calls the manager to give an account of his stewardship and announces his imminent dismissal. Faced with a crisis, the manager devises a cunning plan. He reduces the debts owed to his master by various debtors.

In Luke 16:19-31, we encounter the story of a rich man who lived in luxury, indifferent to the suffering of others, especially the beggar named Lazarus at his gate. Their lives differ, one adorned with wealth, the other marked by destitution and illness.

But their paths converge after their deaths, where the rich man finds himself in torment while Lazarus reclines by Abraham's side. Here, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the consequences of a life lived solely for self-indulgence and disregard for the difficulty of others. It exposes the hardened hearts and misplaced priorities of the religious leaders of Jesus' time. Even in torment, the rich man pleads for a sign to warn his family, a sign beyond signs, yet his request is denied. Why? Because they have Moses and the prophets, they have the Word of God to guide them. Yet, even a resurrection would not convince them if they refuse to heed that.

Let us not be like the rich man, fixated on the fleeting pleasures of this world. Instead, let us heed Jesus' call to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Reflection Questions:

1. How am I currently stewarding the resources God has given me, including my finances, time, talents, and influence?

2. Am I using my resources primarily for my own benefit, or am I actively seeking to bless others and advance God's kingdom?

3. What changes do I need to make in my priorities and lifestyle to align more closely with God's stewardship principles?

4. How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and selflessness in my approach to wealth and possessions?

5. How can I avoid being overly critical and judgmental of those who are not like me?

6. How can I stop running from the pain I am walking through and embrace the lessons God is teaching me?

7. What is the Holy Spirit asking you to leave at the feet of Jesus?

Luke 15

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 14, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 15. This chapter covers the Pharisee critique that Jesus is receiving sinner and eating with them. The theme of meals has surfaced multiple times in Luke. It speaks to the primary vehicle Jesus used for spreading the Kingdom, and informs how we should view evangelism today. To answer the Pharisee’s criticism Jesus teaches three parables to expose the hearts of the Jewish leaders and address issues we continue to struggle with today.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

As we journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, the final destination of His earthly ministry, we encounter a series of events and teachings that reveal the heart of God and His kingdom. Among these narratives, the theme of meals and dining emerges prominently.

Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and love, dines not only with the religious elite but also with those deemed as sinners. Through His actions, He challenges the norms and invites us to reconsider how we view hospitality and evangelism. For Jesus, the dinner table becomes a space where the kingdom of God is shared, relationships are formed, and lives are transformed.

In Luke's Gospel, we witness Jesus using meals, tables, and homes as primary settings for His ministry. He teaches in synagogues, but His most profound teachings often occur outside the walls of formal worship.

This emphasis on dining with sinners is not accidental. It is a deliberate demonstration of God's heart for the lost and broken. Jesus' parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son illustrate God's relentless pursuit of those who have wandered away. The joyous celebration accompanying their repentance reflects the heart of the Father, who longs for reconciliation with His children.

Yet, amidst these stories of grace and redemption, we encounter the resistance of the Pharisees. Their inability to rejoice over the repentance of sinners exposes their own hearts hardened by self-righteousness and legalism. They fail to understand the essence of the kingdom, which is marked by repentance, forgiveness, and extravagant love.

As we reflect on these narratives, let us examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, focused on rule-following and comparison rather than on extending grace and mercy? Are there lost individuals around us whom we need to pursue with the love of Christ? How can we use our own dinner tables as instruments of God's kingdom, inviting the lost and broken to experience His grace?

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Jesus' approach to dining with both Pharisees and sinners challenge our own understanding of hospitality and evangelism?

2. Reflect on the significance of Jesus teaching primarily in homes and around meals. How does this impact your view of ministry and sharing the good news of Jesus?

3. In what ways can we use our own dinner tables as vehicles for sharing the hope that we have in Jesus Christ?

4. Consider the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. How do these stories reveal God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy in their repentance?

5. Reflect on the attitudes of the Pharisees depicted in these parables. How do their attitudes towards sinners and repentance challenge us to examine our own hearts?

6. Are there lost individuals around us whom we need to pursue? How can we extend hospitality and offer meals as a means to share the gospel?

7. Consider your own position in relation to the characters in these parables. Are you the lost sheep, the prodigal son, the bitter older brother, or perhaps even a Pharisee? How might God be calling you to repent and come home?