From Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1- for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the … More Mercy For the Underdogs
John Piper comments on Luke 1: The first thing Gabriel reveals about Jesus is that “He will be great” (1:32). This Jesus is going to be a great man. That is the first thing Theophilus needs to hear about Jesus. You may have never heard of Nazareth, Theophilus, and this young girl may be poor … More “This Jesus is going to be great. “
John Piper, in a sermon, “How Not to Talk to an Angel” Luke is the only gospel writer who recounts the foretelling and birth of John the Baptist. He begins in 1:5–25 with the announcement of John’s birth to Zechariah, his father. Then in 1:26–38 comes the announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary his mother. … More Piper: A Lesson in “Compare and Contrast”
One of the benefits of a Bible reading plans that draws from different sections each day is that there are times when you are struck with similarities between passages. Today is one of those days. Yesterday, in Luke 1 we read, “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a … More The Holy Spirit, promises and new birth!
John Piper, in a sermon, “The Ascent of Joy” Text: Luke 24:50-53 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. We believe, Jesus, that you died for our sins, rose on the third day, ascended to the right hand of the Majesty on high, and that you are coming again. … More O God, have mercy on our blindness!
Luke 24:31-32 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Just two simple observations: 1. Jesus affects our spiritual sight- He opens … More Open Eyes- Open Hearts
Coty Pinkney, “Witness to the Risen King” In verse 13, Luke shifts the scene to two followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They too have seen Jesus die; they too have heard the report from the women concerning the empty tomb. They discuss all this on the two-to-three hour walk from Jerusalem to … More The Whole Bible is About Jesus!
Coty Pinckney on Luke 24:1-12 “He is Risen!” The women have seen where Joseph laid Jesus’ body. They plan to pay their respects to their beloved master by anoint the body after the Sabbath. So early in the morning on the first day of the week, they arrive. To their shock, they see that the stone … More He is Risen!
From John Piper’s Advent Poem, “Joseph of Arimathea, Part 2” When all of Joseph’s tears were spent, And all the secret love, long pent Behind the bars of fear, was loosed, And, like a swelling flood, reduced This polished nobleman to sobs, And left him weakened and with throbs Behind his burning eyes, at last … More Poetry by John Piper: Joseph of Arimathea
John Piper, in a sermon on Luke 23 “Into Thy Hands I Commit My Spirit” We should remember that God’s arms are open and his hands extended to his dying children. “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” Not: into the grave. Not: into the void. Not: into the dark unknown. But: into the … More Remember That God’s Hands Are Open to You
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 