Key verse: “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude, and revile you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.:
Introduction
The third Gospel (Good News) was written by Luke the physician. In it he writes about Yeshua’s ancestry, His birth, early life and His earthly ministry.
Proposition:
Those who believe the Good News move from being believers into disciples sharing their faith and our Lord’s message of forgiveness. Yeshua’s (Jesus) whole purpose is encapsulated in Luke 19:10.
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Those who disbelieve will mock and curse us as they did with our Lord.
That is why in Luke 6:22 our Lord warns us the world will hate us.
Teaching:
Being a disciple is a full-time commitment and the fact that worldly people hate and reject us is proof of our faith. The world loves its own, they are blinded by the god of this world, the Devil. Disciples can expect ridicule, rebuke, rejection, reproach, resistance and reviling. For some it will lead to suffering and death.
Those who try to enjoy the best of both worlds will be tossed to and fro like a ship in a storm. We are to come out and be separate. We must teach believers to be careful what they choose. What we choose is what we will receive, for what we reap we sow. Friendship with the world will leaven us. Jesus is the friend of sinners when they turn to Him. They will be blessed if they choose wisely. Eternal life means no more pain or sorrow, the very best is yet to come. Our Lord sums it up in Luke 6:23. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in Heaven.” We all want to hear these words, “well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Amen – so be it. Todah Adonai.