Thanks for your patience as we get caught up! Life’s been crazy here prepping to move.
This week’s podcast is from the book of Luke as we consider how Jesus pointed out some incredible people and showed their immense value to God.
As you read through the book of Luke, you will find Jesus drawing attention to many people that the Jewish leadership despised and considered worthless outcasts. He publicly shined the divine spotlight on these people to draw attention to their value and their amazing character. Tax collectors. Harlots. Roman Centurions. Gentiles. Samaritans. Lepers. Women. All those who were not valued at all by the Jewish leadership in those days. In fact, Jesus frequently pointed out that the Scribes and Pharisees treated livestock better than they did these children of God.
When he highlights the special people, he often will ask questions. “Do you see this woman?” “Who touched me?” “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?”
In these discussions, Jesus will make sure that the humanity and value of these people are clearly made known. Jesus, as the Lord, made man in His own image, so he understands more than anyone that each person has incredible value. Each soul was precious to him. Jesus asked a Pharisee, “Do you see this woman?” Look at her and see her value and great faith! The very sick woman who pushed through the crowds to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment was called “daughter” by Jesus. He called the woman who was severely bent over for 18 years a “daughter of Abraham.” The man with the withered hand had a “life” which Jesus wanted to save. The Gentile Roman Centurion, according to Jesus, had a faith that was greater than anyone of the nation of Israel.
There is great power in pointing out the humanity and value of a human life.
- Mister Rogers was one of the best around for highlighting some very special people. I believe he got the concept very well that Jesus was teaching.
- The Germans saw with their own eyes what happened in the concentration camps. Before it was just a distant subject that really didn’t affect them. Then they were walked through the camps.
- When a mother has an ultrasound and sees her baby, the rates of those who have abortions drops dramatically.
- A criminal has to face his accusers / family to see the pain and suffering he has inflicted upon other human beings.
Here is the outline that I wrote before the podcast.
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