Bent Oak Church

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.

The time came for Jesus to celebrate the Passover with his disciples. Jesus served them the meal, but his disciples' minds quickly shifted to which of them was the greatest. Jesus explained that leading in his kingdom is not like leading in the world. We take a closer look at the Passover elements and how they model Christ's kingdom leadership. 

As Jesus' final hours approach, Luke prepares us with two stories of preparation. While Jesus' disciples prepare for the Passover meal, Judas prepares with the chief priests to betray Jesus and arrange his death. We look at both stories and discover how they offer us an image of true discipleship.

Having warned those worshipers in the temple of its coming destruction, Jesus turned his attention further into the future to warn of the last days but also to give his disciples hope of his return. We take a closer look at Jesus' words and how we should think about the end times. 

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.