By Sam E. Stone Most Bible scholars believe that the James who wrote this epistle is the one who was a brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). Though he was skeptical of Jesus during his ministry (John 7:5), James was convinced that Jesus was the Son of God after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). James […]
By Sam E. Stone The parable we study today follows directly the story that Jesus told about the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-15). J. W. McGarvey suggested, “If the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them.” […]
By Sam E. Stone The scene described in today’s text takes place in the third year of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Luke 14 begins with him having dinner in the home of a prominent Pharisee. Luke explains that “he was being carefully watched” by his critics. The critics didn’t care about the health of a […]
By Sam E. Stone Luke does not specify the time and place when Jesus delivered the message we study today. It possibly could be the same lesson known as the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5–7). It is also possible that it is a different message delivered at a different time but containing some […]
By Sam E. Stone Questions about fasting arose early in Christ’s ministry (see Luke 5:33-35). It seems as though the disciples of John the Baptist joined the Pharisees in asking Jesus questions about fasting. Mark suggests that the questions were asked on one of the fasting days observed by both the disciples of […]
