Luke, Chapter 13
Welcome to week thirteen of Luke/Acts 2020. My name is Tessa Priem, and I'm a solo dance artist. I'm also a mommy who studied theology. Thus, for the year of 2020, we're doing a year-long Bible Study. This week, our structure is the same as week twelve: 1) I give an introduction to the reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by questions & an explanation; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read if you'd like, and 5) we'll close with a prayer. If you have a Bible, please open it to Luke, chapter thirteen. If not, you can find Luke thirteen online. Let's get started! And if you have questions or thoughts at the end, leave a comment or send me an email. Many blessings!
1) Introduction: Hi, everyone. Let's dig right in and get started. If you'd like to cross yourselves and do an invocation, please do so. "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen." In Luke 12, it seemed that Jesus was further trying to prepare his disciples for his death. He wanted them not to fear, but to know that God would help them. Jesus especially desired that his disciples proclaim his name, and he told them not to be anxious, but to seek the kingdom first. Furthermore, he tried to prepare them for his second coming. Overall, his words gave them guidance, but also a lot of comfort (i.e., Law & Gospel). In Luke, chapter 13, we are reminded again that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to die. Let's take a look.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of Luke, chapter thirteen.
| luke_13.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: We are officially over half-way through Luke's Gospel, wow. That's quite an accomplishment. Good job, everyone. What did you think of this week's reading, by the way? Do you have any thoughts about it? Jesus was, and is, highly interested in repentance. Remember, repentance means "to turn." So literally, it refers to unbelief and turning from unbelief to faith in God. In this chapter, we also see a healing performed by Jesus, and we learn that Christ is the door to salvation. For Digging Deeper into this chapter, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms.
4) Hymn: Here is the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read along :)
| what_a_friend_we_have_in_jesus.m4a |
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear--
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged-- Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness-- Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-- Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there.
What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear--
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged-- Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness-- Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-- Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for preaching about repentance. Thank you for healing the woman who had a disabling spirit for 18 years, and thanks that she and others were so happy about this miracle by you. You freed her! Thank you for being the door to salvation, and for journeying towards Jerusalem to die for us. We pray that you bring many to repentance. Please heal our burdens. And thank you for granting us access to eternity through your death and resurrection. We love you, Lord. Please, help us to shine you during this time, but also to be comforted by your promises to us and your love for us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
By the way, here's a video I made this week in light of what's going on with the coronavirus. This piece is titled "Rose Petals." I hope it is a blessing to you. -Tessa
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I am reading an ESV edition in this recording. The majority of hymns I choose are in the public domain as this one is, and I reference the Lutheran Service Book a lot. I will be posting these devotions each Friday, throughout the year 2020. May they be a blessing to you. If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. Enjoy the journey! Have a wonderful week. -Tessa
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.