Bethany Church of Canby Jeff Jennings

The disciples understandably want to know, according to Jesus’ prophecy, when the temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed. However, Jesus’ intent for them, and for us, is not about timing, but about the certainty of the end of all things, and the certainty of the signs that will precede it. Jesus wants to prepare his disciples to live ready for his certain return. So, let’s prepare with three certainties.

On the heels of exercising his authority as the Son of God in the temple in Luke 19, the Jewish religious leaders come to challenge Jesus’ authority. We are naturally suspicious of authority as those steeped in the autonomous individualism of our culture. Yet, we all live under multiple kinds of authority including the Supreme Authority – Jesus Christ. Let’s look at Jesus’ authority and how it actually gives us freedom.

Peace is something that most people want and pursue and yet it is so elusive in every generation. Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem is not a declaration of war, but an offer of peace. This peace is true and lasting and yet Jesus knows, as he sees the city, that most won’t see the things that make for peace. Let’s see where and how we can find this peace.

In Luke chapter 19, we are challenged to see Jesus for who he is, the Seeker and Savior of the lost. We will then be encouraged to a life of investing in the Kingdom mission until he returns. We will do this by looking at two principles, one big encouragement, and one challenge to invest in the here and now.

Do you ever wonder when God’s promises will be realized? When will the fullness of His Kingdom come? In Luke chapter 17, Jesus teaches that he has already inaugurated the Kingdom, and yet there is a tension because it has not yet fully arrived. In the meantime, the disciples are encouraged again to not hold too tightly to the things of this world, but press on in discipleship, as they ask for more faith. The alternative- remember Lot’s wife?

Keeping in line with the theme of “stewardship” in chapter 16, Jesus challenges us to make a connection between stewarding our horizontal relationship with him, with how we vertically treat the poor, in a parable full of truths on heaven and hell and everything in between.