Sermons from the Gospel of Luke
As Jesus finishes his dinner at Zacchaeus’ house, everyone expects Judgement Day to happen tomorrow when he arrives in Jerusalem. Jesus explains that it just isn’t going to happen like that — and how to survive the disappointment.
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he fulfills several ancient prophecies all at once, proving that he really is the Messiah. Then, to the crowd’s delight, he finally kicks off Judgement Day! No, wait, he doesn’t. Or…does he?
When the religious leaders of Jerusalem ask Jesus where he got his preaching license, he pulls a Moses on them and shouts, “Let my people go — or else!” Hilarity ensues.
Jesus beats the religious leaders of Jerusalem at their own game. While they pout, Jesus goes on to tell everyone else how to discern the difference between the devil’s kingdom and God’s.
While the disciples admire the temple, Jesus points out that the whole thing is strictly temporary. Alarmed, the disciples ask for a timeline of future events. Jesus delivers…big time.
As Satan puts his plans in motion, Jesus promises to fight and die for his disciples. They promise to fight and die for him in return. Jesus says, “No, you won’t.” Then he tells them to hurry up and eat — it’s time to get on the road.
Satan finally launches his attack, carries the war into God’s territory, and captures Jesus at last. The war is over! — but who actually won?
Jesus goes on trial for his life. He is found guilty, then not guilty, then guilty again, and still he makes no attempt to escape. Why not? the crowd wonders — and then they jump to a terrible conclusion.
The dragon accomplishes his goal, bringing Jesus down to defilement, shame, and death. Too late, he discovers that his goal is actually God’s goal: he has voluntarily opened the gates of his central stronghold to the Son of God, who promptly plunders Satan’s Kingdom of the Dead and sets the prisoners free.
The women get up early to prepare Jesus’ body for resurrection on Judgement Day, only to discover they aren’t needed. As usual, the men refuse to listen — until God decides they must.
