The Jump of Joy || Luke 1:39-45
Elizabeth’s response confirms young Mary’s faith in God’s message — she has indeed been chosen to bear the Messiah.
Elizabeth congratulates young Mary for her trust in the promise of God.
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Jesus’ Mission || Luke 12:49-53
Jesus longed to complete his mission - His purpose - to identify His true followers from among the false - a mission that couldn’t be completed until His death (49-50).
When Jesus’ true followers are identified from among the false and follow Him, it may cause conflict and division, even among those closest, in families (51-53).
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Living with an Eye toward Eternity
We must not allow temporary concerns to interfere with our preparation for His return.
At Jesus’ return, we will be rewarded or punished based upon whether we have been faithful to what He called us to do - benefitting others or indulging ourselves.
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Two Places to Invest || Luke 12:32-34
It’s not a risk to give generously to God and to others: He has already decided to give us His kingdom (vs. 32).
Investing generously in the storehouse of God’s kingdom stockpiles eternal treasure for you and, shows your heart’s real interest (vv. 33-34).
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We Can Afford to Be Generous || Luke 12:22-31
Do you struggle with worry about your future and your physical needs? Jesus says look around at how God faithfully provides for even the birds and the flowers He created. He promises to do much more for us, His most valuable and precious children.
We can afford to be generous to others and rich toward God because He guarantees to provide for us all life’s necessities.
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What is Life All About? Luke 12:13-21
Jesus teaches us to guard against greed - believing that life’s purpose is all about getting more than we need. Rather than producing the security that we long for, it creates idolatry. 12:13-15
Do we own our possessions or do they own us? Investing our resources into our interests rather than God’s interests is foolish because we’ll never be able to enjoy them. 12:16-21
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"What is the Unpardonable Sin?" || Luke 12:10-12
+ Rejecting Jesus can be forgiven, but denouncing the Holy Spirit's direct witness (through us) about Jesus will not be forgiven. This type of rejection is unforgivable (Lk 12:10). The response by the Sanhedrin to Stephen illustrates this in action (Acts 7).
+ When we are called to defend our faith, we have no cause to fear because the Holy Spirit will take control of what needs to be said (Lk 12:11-12). Paul's defense to King Agrippa and Governor Festus in Acts 26 illustrates this in action.
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