Bent Oak Church

The podcast dives into the encounters between Jesus and religious leaders who tried to trap Him with cunning questions. It highlights how Jesus saw through their false sincerity and offered profound insights into genuine faith. The discussion reveals the hypocrisy of leaders who exploited the vulnerable, contrasting true humility with superficial devotion. Listeners learn about the fine line between civic responsibilities and spiritual integrity, all while being reminded that authentic worship comes from the heart, not grand gestures.

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confronted him. They wanted to know by what authority he taught and acted. But Jesus sensed they had already decided. They were not really interested in the truth. We take a closer look at how our own reluctance to know the truth can keep us from receiving what Jesus offers.

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem moved him to tears. Seeing the city and their indifference to his arrival, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. As he came into the city, he went up to the temple and proceeded to interrupt the sacrificial system. Like an Old Testament prophet, Jesus was moved and acted out of the destruction that awaited them. 

For several chapters, we've followed Jesus' trip to Jerusalem. With Chapter 19, Luke records his arrival. We take a careful look at how Jesus presents himself to the great city and how the groups around him respond to his coming. 

Pat Ferguson offers her reflections on the meaning of God with us as a part of our Christmas Immanuel series. She shares examples of how God has faithfully guided her and how through prayer and his word, he will lead you too.

As a part of our Christmas Immanuel series, we heard from Buddy and Sarah Baumann this week about discerning God's leading in unexpected circumstances. 

David Raley kicks off our annual Immanuel series with a reflection on God's faithfulness and the life of faith we are each called to. 

Passing through Jericho, Jesus told the crowd a parable. He told them the parable because they believed his kingdom was about to appear. We take a closer look at Jesus' parable and how it contrasts the kingdoms of this world with Jesus' coming kingdom. 

As Jesus enters Jericho, he is met by two men: a blind beggar and Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Amongst the pressing crowd, neither was likely to get Jesus' attention, yet Jesus took time to stop for both. We look at these critical stories and how they anticipate Jesus' arrival as king to the city of Jerusalem.  

Many are familiar with the scene of Jesus welcoming children to his side, but Luke uses the image in a far more profound way than most recognize. Jesus commands us to become like those children to receive his kingdom; it is a call to radical need and vulnerability and a warning that our own self-sufficiency is prone to rob us of the gifts of God.