Leader's Journal
Posts from August 2020
Women of Luke I
Each week for the next couple of months, we will highlight women found in the Gospel of Luke. We invite you to join us on this journey.
Week 9 / Luke 8 - The Woman Who Reached for Jesus
The woman who reached in faith for Jesus’ robe teaches us two important truths:
1. Jesus has the power to change lives. This woman had bled for 12 years and spent all her monies seeking the help of doctors, to no avail. No one had been able to help her until she reached for Jesus.
2. Jesus empowers us to share our stories. After touching the fringe of Jesus' robe, this woman tried to remain hidden within the crowd, but Jesus wanted to acknowledge her healing. Once she realized Jesus noticed her, she declared before Him and all the people present the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. She shared her story. It’s interesting to note that Jesus could have said, “Daughter, I have made you well (Lit. saved you).” Yet, He didn’t. Instead, He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well;…” There is no doubt the power for her healing came from Jesus, but He affirmed the fact that she acted on her belief. Thank you, Lord, for the believing faith of this woman. What story of faith has Jesus given you to share?
Week 8 / Luke 8 - Jairus' Wife
This woman was more obscure than most, so it might be easy to miss the wife of Jairus, an official of the synagogue. Yet, she too was with Jesus. At first glance, it would seem we don't have any lessons to learn. It was to her husband Jesus had said, Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she shall be made well. But upon their daughter rising, Jesus gave orders for something to be given her to eat. In other words, “I have given her new life, now feed her.” Back then, women were the ones responsible for the meals, so this was meant for her mother. By giving her daughter something to eat, it not only confirmed her new life, it provided much needed nourishment. As moms and grandmas, aunts and friends, let us take this to heart as the next generation comes to faith. New lives need nourishment. They hunger. Let us not miss the opportunity to share the sustenance of Christ. Thank you, Lord, for transforming this woman from a bystander to a woman of purpose. Who are you "feeding"?
Week 5 / Luke 7 – Widow of Nain
This woman in Luke 7, reminds us of several important truths. We are seen and known by Jesus. Each of us, individually and intimately. Even in the midst of the crowd, Jesus saw this grieving mother and knew all about her life. She was a widow and her only son had just died. Jesus is with us in our suffering. Jesus could have ignored her pain and looked the other way, but instead, He entered in. He saw her grief, moved with compassion and told her not to weep, letting her know of His presence. With Jesus, healing can arise from our hurt. With one touch, Jesus halted the natural progression of the situation, and then He commanded her son to rise. Although we may experience Jesus’ healing power differently than this woman, Jesus has the power to bring healing to our hurts. Jesus is the giver of life. This is the resurrection story at its best, new life empowered by Christ. But don’t miss this. When Jesus gave the resurrected son back to his mother, He changed not only the son’s life, He changed the mother’s as well. One life changed can change others’ lives. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming power of Your healing presence in this widow’s life. Which one of these truths resonates most with you today?
Week 4 / Luke 4 - Peter’s Mother-in-Law
Although Peter’s mother-in-law was a rather obscure woman, she gives us four important life lessons we don’t want to miss:
1) She listened to her body. Even though it was the Sabbath, because she had a high fever, she stayed home instead of worshiping at the synagogue.
2) She shared her situation. She let others know of her illness, and they petitioned Jesus on her behalf, interceding for her healing. Jesus responded to their request.
3) She believed in the power of Jesus’ spoken word. Unlike many others who came after sundown, Jesus didn’t heal her by laying His hands on her. Instead, she understood He was present and let His words bring about her healing.
4) She expressed her gratitude through service. Once she experienced healing from Jesus, she responded immediately with a desire to serve the needs of others. (The word used here for serving is the same Greek word used for deacon.)
This little-known woman has a lot to teach us about the importance of being honest with ourselves and others. It was her humble spirit that opened the door to her healing. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming power of Jesus’ words that took her from humility to health. What is something Jesus has spoken to you that has brought healing to your life?
Week 3 / Luke 2 - Anna
Women like Anna were often overlooked and undervalued, but not in the life of Jesus. She was seen for who she was and the purpose to which she was called. Anna was a prophetess, called to speak God’s message boldly to His people. She was an 84-year-old widow who never left the temple and spent her days and nights serving through fastings and prayers. She remained in continual communication with the Lord—speaking out what was spoken to her. So it should be no surprise that after hearing Simeon’s words to Mary, Anna would again use her voice. First to give thanks. Then to speak the truth of who Jesus was “to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” God used Anna, a woman steadfast in prayer, to proclaim to His people their Redeemer had come. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming growth of Anna—from prayer to prophesy. In what way is God growing you for His purposes?
Week 2 / Luke 1 - Mary
If there is one word that describes Mary’s life, it’s belief. Not belief that she was going to be the mother of the Messiah (although she believed it) or belief that God could do the impossible (she believed that too). Mary’s belief was more than just believing in God. It was believing God and the message He sent through the angel Gabriel. “The Lord is with you.” Although this truth frightened her at first, it framed her faith. It allowed her to ask the question of “How?” instead of “What if?” It gave her confidence that nothing, even a miraculous birth, is impossible when we are with God. It prompted her to proclaim her submission to the Lord. And most of all, it gave her the ability to sing freely of God’s promises, instead of fearing the future. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming belief of Mary–from fear to faith. "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (meaning God with us)." How does your belief that God is with you affect your life?
Week 1 / Luke 1 - Elizabeth
Despite her disgrace among men for being barren, Elizabeth was found blameless and righteous in the Lord’s sight. She served as an example of the Lord’s ability to do the impossible. And from that experience and through the empowering of the Spirit, she spoke encouraging thoughts into the life of Mary, a younger woman. “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (I love this verse.) Elizabeth wasn’t a people pleaser, but a God pleaser. When her son was to be circumcised, those present wanted to name him after his father, but she declared his name would be John (as the Lord had instructed). Her son became the forerunner of Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for the faith and life transformation of Elizabeth—from disgrace to dignity. In what way can you relate to the life of Elizabeth?
Week 9 / Luke 8 - The Woman Who Reached for Jesus
The woman who reached in faith for Jesus’ robe teaches us two important truths:
1. Jesus has the power to change lives. This woman had bled for 12 years and spent all her monies seeking the help of doctors, to no avail. No one had been able to help her until she reached for Jesus.
2. Jesus empowers us to share our stories. After touching the fringe of Jesus' robe, this woman tried to remain hidden within the crowd, but Jesus wanted to acknowledge her healing. Once she realized Jesus noticed her, she declared before Him and all the people present the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. She shared her story. It’s interesting to note that Jesus could have said, “Daughter, I have made you well (Lit. saved you).” Yet, He didn’t. Instead, He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well;…” There is no doubt the power for her healing came from Jesus, but He affirmed the fact that she acted on her belief. Thank you, Lord, for the believing faith of this woman. What story of faith has Jesus given you to share?
Week 8 / Luke 8 - Jairus' Wife
This woman was more obscure than most, so it might be easy to miss the wife of Jairus, an official of the synagogue. Yet, she too was with Jesus. At first glance, it would seem we don't have any lessons to learn. It was to her husband Jesus had said, Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she shall be made well. But upon their daughter rising, Jesus gave orders for something to be given her to eat. In other words, “I have given her new life, now feed her.” Back then, women were the ones responsible for the meals, so this was meant for her mother. By giving her daughter something to eat, it not only confirmed her new life, it provided much needed nourishment. As moms and grandmas, aunts and friends, let us take this to heart as the next generation comes to faith. New lives need nourishment. They hunger. Let us not miss the opportunity to share the sustenance of Christ. Thank you, Lord, for transforming this woman from a bystander to a woman of purpose. Who are you "feeding"?
Week 7 / Luke 8 - The Women Who Traveled With Jesus
In this passage, we are reminded that Jesus’ disciples were women as well as men and an integral part of His ministry. These women, whose lives were changed by Jesus, changed their lives to follow Him. Once healed, (meaning to be set free), from their illnesses and evil spirits, they committed themselves to furthering the ways of Jesus, and their lives reflected His teachings. It’s very interesting to discover that the word Jesus used to illustrate serving or ministering in the Gospels is the same word for deacon and the same word used to describe the actions of the women in the Gospels who had encountered Him, including these women. They lived the life of a deacon, dedicating themselves to Jesus’ ministry and serving sacrificially. They gave from their own resources, contributing what they personally had on hand to support the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. They lived out what they believed. Thank you, Lord, for the transformed lives of these women, encouraging us to do likewise. How has following Jesus changed your life?Week 6 / Luke 7 – Woman at Simon’s House
What others see and how others think of us is so different from the thoughts of Jesus as evidenced by today’s story. Simon defined the woman washing Jesus' feet as immoral, identifying her by her sins. He wondered how Jesus could be “a prophet” if He was letting her touch Him. Then Jesus did what He often does, He answered Simon's questions before they were even asked. Jesus saw this woman and every action she took, from washing and wiping His feet with her tears and hair to kissing and anointing them with perfume. He understood her past, yet He saw her in the present. Simon saw her through what he thought she was bringing to Jesus—immorality, but Jesus saw her through what He was bringing to her—forgiveness. He didn't shoo her away; He accepted her acts of worship and expressions of love. Her gratitude. There is nothing that brings more tears to one’s eyes than feeling guilt and being shown grace. Jesus not only forgave her sins, He told her her faith saved her, meaning it brought healing to her life. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming faith of this woman—from brokenness to wholeness. How does the thought of Jesus bringing forgiveness and wholeness to your life make you feel?
Week 5 / Luke 7 – Widow of Nain
This woman in Luke 7, reminds us of several important truths. We are seen and known by Jesus. Each of us, individually and intimately. Even in the midst of the crowd, Jesus saw this grieving mother and knew all about her life. She was a widow and her only son had just died. Jesus is with us in our suffering. Jesus could have ignored her pain and looked the other way, but instead, He entered in. He saw her grief, moved with compassion and told her not to weep, letting her know of His presence. With Jesus, healing can arise from our hurt. With one touch, Jesus halted the natural progression of the situation, and then He commanded her son to rise. Although we may experience Jesus’ healing power differently than this woman, Jesus has the power to bring healing to our hurts. Jesus is the giver of life. This is the resurrection story at its best, new life empowered by Christ. But don’t miss this. When Jesus gave the resurrected son back to his mother, He changed not only the son’s life, He changed the mother’s as well. One life changed can change others’ lives. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming power of Your healing presence in this widow’s life. Which one of these truths resonates most with you today?
Week 4 / Luke 4 - Peter’s Mother-in-Law
Although Peter’s mother-in-law was a rather obscure woman, she gives us four important life lessons we don’t want to miss:
1) She listened to her body. Even though it was the Sabbath, because she had a high fever, she stayed home instead of worshiping at the synagogue.
2) She shared her situation. She let others know of her illness, and they petitioned Jesus on her behalf, interceding for her healing. Jesus responded to their request.
3) She believed in the power of Jesus’ spoken word. Unlike many others who came after sundown, Jesus didn’t heal her by laying His hands on her. Instead, she understood He was present and let His words bring about her healing.
4) She expressed her gratitude through service. Once she experienced healing from Jesus, she responded immediately with a desire to serve the needs of others. (The word used here for serving is the same Greek word used for deacon.)
This little-known woman has a lot to teach us about the importance of being honest with ourselves and others. It was her humble spirit that opened the door to her healing. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming power of Jesus’ words that took her from humility to health. What is something Jesus has spoken to you that has brought healing to your life?
Week 3 / Luke 2 - Anna
Women like Anna were often overlooked and undervalued, but not in the life of Jesus. She was seen for who she was and the purpose to which she was called. Anna was a prophetess, called to speak God’s message boldly to His people. She was an 84-year-old widow who never left the temple and spent her days and nights serving through fastings and prayers. She remained in continual communication with the Lord—speaking out what was spoken to her. So it should be no surprise that after hearing Simeon’s words to Mary, Anna would again use her voice. First to give thanks. Then to speak the truth of who Jesus was “to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” God used Anna, a woman steadfast in prayer, to proclaim to His people their Redeemer had come. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming growth of Anna—from prayer to prophesy. In what way is God growing you for His purposes?
Week 2 / Luke 1 - Mary
If there is one word that describes Mary’s life, it’s belief. Not belief that she was going to be the mother of the Messiah (although she believed it) or belief that God could do the impossible (she believed that too). Mary’s belief was more than just believing in God. It was believing God and the message He sent through the angel Gabriel. “The Lord is with you.” Although this truth frightened her at first, it framed her faith. It allowed her to ask the question of “How?” instead of “What if?” It gave her confidence that nothing, even a miraculous birth, is impossible when we are with God. It prompted her to proclaim her submission to the Lord. And most of all, it gave her the ability to sing freely of God’s promises, instead of fearing the future. Thank you, Lord, for the transforming belief of Mary–from fear to faith. "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (meaning God with us)." How does your belief that God is with you affect your life?
Week 1 / Luke 1 - Elizabeth
Despite her disgrace among men for being barren, Elizabeth was found blameless and righteous in the Lord’s sight. She served as an example of the Lord’s ability to do the impossible. And from that experience and through the empowering of the Spirit, she spoke encouraging thoughts into the life of Mary, a younger woman. “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (I love this verse.) Elizabeth wasn’t a people pleaser, but a God pleaser. When her son was to be circumcised, those present wanted to name him after his father, but she declared his name would be John (as the Lord had instructed). Her son became the forerunner of Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for the faith and life transformation of Elizabeth—from disgrace to dignity. In what way can you relate to the life of Elizabeth?