Stories from the Bible – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we look at what happened in chapter 20, exploring how Jesus clears the way for ordinary people to know God. Then we hear the stories from Luke 21.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://netbible.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

In this episode we look at what happened in chapter 19, exploring the ways Jesus continues to irritate the proud and lift up the downtrodden. Then we hear the stories from Luke 20.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://netbible.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

We re-cap Luke chapter 10, and hear the stories from Luke chapter 11. In this chapter Jesus is judged by people who say he gets his power from the devil, and he's also judged by the religious leaders for not following their washing traditions. With penetrating insight Jesus demolishes every argument and totally discredits his opponents.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

We re-cap Luke chapter 9, and hear the stories from Luke chapter 10. In this chapter Jesus helps a few different people who think they are right, but are actually missing the point.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

Jesus - good and powerful, helper of the desperate, speaker of impossibly powerful words - who is he, really? In this episode we discuss Luke 8, and hear stories from Luke 9.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

Hear how Jesus helps some desperate people in today's stories from Luke 8. 

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

Last time Jesus looked up at his disciples and told them the truth about popularity, wealth and happiness. Which, if they have ears to understand what he is saying should flip their world upside down. He opens their eyes to eternal everlasting reality. He teaches them that the human experience is not as it seems. He teaches them to see and frame themselves and their experiences through God’s eternal lens.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

Last episode we heard how Jesus continued to move around northern Israel, making quite the impact with his astounding authority and outrageous statements. And Jesus certainly doesn’t have the same impact on everyone. Some are afraid, some are awestruck, some are healed, some simply obey, and some are made very very angry.

In today's story Jesus teaches his disciples a radically different way of viewing themselves and the world. 

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

Last time we heard stories from the remainder of Luke chapter 4. We heard how Jesus re-entered civilisation, after completing 40 days alone in the desert and being tempted by the devil. He went to the region of Galilee, in the northern part of Israel, and was travelling around the different towns, preaching in local synagogues, and we’re told that he was getting praised by all. Synagogues, by the way, were community buildings where Jews gathered for teaching and meeting.

Then Jesus comes to the town, Nazareth, where he was brought up. He goes into the the local synagogue and reads words from the prophet Isaiah.

Jesus tells the people listening that this prophecy is now fulfilled as they listen.

The people in the Nazareth synagogue at first also speak well of Jesus, and then they start to say, hang on, we know this guy, isn’t this Joseph’s son?

And then Jesus begins reading their thoughts. Things go from cosy to awkward to downright dangerous really quick.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved

After coming out of the water, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. 

He’s there fasting for 40 days and during that time is tempted by the devil. It sounds a bit like a miniature re-enactment of the Exodus and Israel’s desert wanderings. Unlike Israel who failed to trust God’s words, Jesus never falters.

The words from heaven when he was baptised were ‘you are my one dear son’, and most of the devil’s temptations revolve around trying to get Jesus to doubt that, saying things like, ‘if you are the son of God, turn these stones into bread’. Jesus is tempted to prove his identity for his own sake, instead of trusting God’s clear declaration. But again and again Jesus shows that his heart is pure and true, and his trust in God’s timing, and God’s methods for proving his identity, is perfect.

In today's story we hear what Jesus did next, including almost getting himself thrown off a cliff.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved