Bent Oak Church

In our final passage of Luke, we take a look at Jesus's appearance to his disciples and the surprising details that Luke includes. Jesus told his disciples to touch his hands and asked them for something to eat. 

Two disciples head home, disheartened after discovering Jesus's empty tomb. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus joins their journey but remains unrecognized. A discussion of scripture and a shared meal leads to their awakening to the truth of his resurrection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and the transformative power of Christ, igniting a passion within them to share this revelation with others.

On this Easter Sunday, we're looking at Jesus' resurrection and the disciples discover that the tomb was empty. Though Jesus had told them he would rise on the third day, his disciples still struggled to understand. The angels came with the message to remember. When they did remember, everything was changed. 

Upon Jesus's death, Luke introduces us to a new and unexpected character: Joseph of Aramethia. A Jewish leader, Joseph, took a risk in requesting Jesus's body. Having received approval from Pilate, Joseph hurried to bury Jesus with dignity before the Sabbath. In our study, we take a closer look at Joseph and why Luke sees him as an important figure. 

Dive into the poignant final moments of Jesus as explored in a powerful passage from Luke. Feel the darkness and symbolism surrounding His death and the tearing of the temple curtain, signifying a deep spiritual awakening. Discover the profound implications of Jesus' last words, revealing themes of suffering and grace. Witness the varied emotional responses of those at the crucifixion, from detachment to deep recognition of His sacrifice, ultimately leading to messages of hope and redemption.

As we continue our study of Luke's gospel, we come to Jesus' crucifixion. We take a closer look at the two stories: the perspective of Rome and the Jewish leaders and the deeper story of what Christ was accomplishing. Through these two perspectives, we learn to understand better how God is working in our own lives and suffering. 

The religious leaders sought Jesus's death, but they didn't have the power to carry out that sentence. They needed Rome. So they handed Jesus over to Pilate. Jesus's death came as the leaders of the world coalesced around his execution. We take a closer look at Jesus's interrogation before Pilate and Herod Antipas. 

Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him three times. Peter protested that he was ready to face arrest and even death with Jesus. But once Jesus was under arrest, Peter began his denials just as Jesus had predicted. We take a closer look at the passage and how it was Jesus' look that finally brought Peter back to himself. 

Jesus faces his impending betrayal at the Mount of Olives, grappling with intense emotional turmoil. He emphasizes the importance of prayer for himself and urges his disciples to stay awake and pray despite their struggles. The podcast explores how heartfelt communication with God in moments of agony can transform our experiences, highlighting the contrast between Jesus' deep submission to divine will and the disciples' distractions. This poignant reflection on prayer serves as a powerful reminder of its strength in times of trial.

At the Passover table, Jesus warns his disciples of the testing they will face, emphasizing their tendency to overestimate their faith. The metaphor of sifting wheat illustrates the challenges ahead, particularly for Peter. As temptations arise, the conflict between divine intention and earthly struggles is highlighted. Jesus's intercessory role offers assurance, encouraging reliance on God's faithfulness. The focus shifts to Jesus's sacrifices, urging humility and openness to His message as the audience prepares for Easter.