Theophilus Project: The Gospel of Luke: Lesson 23
Jesus Takes Command Part 3 – Luke 5:27-32
Introduction
Technology can be defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life. Imagine the first fire made to produce heat, or the wheel and lever of a wheel barrow to make labor more efficient. According to our definition technology at its highest form makes use of God’s creation to benefit life. In today’s fast passed world we would be hard pressed to find anything lacking technology; but are we experiencing a more beneficial life? That is a question all of us may want to introspect on; however the topic at hand is more related to relationships that are beneficial and established in forgiveness.
Netflix is a modern service oriented technology. Their primary focus is on-demand Internet streaming media. I must admit my family has greatly enjoyed having complete control over our television. In short for those uninitiated; with remote in hand you can select the TV shows, movies, documentaries, and anything else available. The selection is totally in the control of you; the user. How beneficial is this module if we apply it to three arenas of being a Christian; relationship to God, relationship to God’s word, and relationship to people. Unfortunately a lot of Christians (self included) from time to time do. We chose a God that fits our specs, scripture that fits those parameters, and the people of like-mindedness. This self-centered world, if we are not careful can be a relationship of; the God of me. The scriptures of I, and the person of … well that’s singular.
Luke brings us in contact with a story that resonates with every person who has ever felt hopelessly obscure; who has encountered the rejection from those who say they know God. The tax collector Levi is a Jewish traitor. His name means “joined”, but instead of being joined to the God of his heritage and his people; Levi forsook all and joined himself to the gentile dog nation. Daring to go deeper into the interior of Luke’s story we are immediately introduced to yet again the grumbling Pharisees. They live in the world of their own making; a world of on-demand, demands. We cannot forget the bright shining light who brilliantly reveals that both are unforgiving and needing not only forgiveness, but to be brought back into fellowship. Jesus again with unmatched skill of authoritative words brings a message of hope to the sick; Jesus takes command
Transitional outline: Jesus Takes Command
- Committing to the Obscure
- Commemorating his Obedience
- Censuring His Objectors
- Closing Unnatural application
- Levi and the tax booth represent the person and place of broken fellowship
- Standing up and leaving our tax booth by God choosing to forgive us is the place where we are reconciled not only to God but also to each other
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