We have moved to the last days, even hours, before Jesus’ death on the cross. Even in the end, he continues to teach his disciples and others he encounters. He continues to show how he values others even as his own trials increase.

Luke chapters 19-20 make it clear that Jesus is worthy of our trust. We have the account of Zacchaeus and his change of heart, parables of the kingdom and its people and demonstrations of Jesus’ competence in handling sticky situations.

Luke chapters 19-20 open the week of the crucifixion, the week of Jewish Passover. As Jesus’ time on earth drew near to the end, we see how our King Jesus rules and how his people are important to him.

We often talk about believing in God, but not about dissecting our doubts. Wrestle with faith as we do in the study of Luke.

It is good to wrestle with questions of faith – blind faith is one with no foundation. As believers, we need to know who we believe in and what he is like through knowledge of scripture and his character and by walking with him daily.

We find five women listed as part of the tree, each of which offer insight into who is important to God and why Jesus came to us. These women offer hope, as each one lived through circumstances that none of us would wish for. Yet God redeemed them.

Jesus warns us of the cost of following him, yet also tells of the rewards. Come to the banquet he has laid out for you.

We belong to the kingdom of God, there is our citizenship. As citizens of the kingdom, we are called to be more like him and bring him glory. Our daily activities are all part of his mission carried out by our hand.

The sign of Jonah- preaching repentance and the people do. Repentance means to turn back from the direction you are going and to choose God. Choose God.

Jesus’ teaching topics were relevant not only 2,000 years ago but are still relevant today: worry, greed, peace, whispers, abundance, bloodshed, selfishness, forgiveness, patience. Come and read his instruction for us today.