Yes, you read today’s reading correctly, 5 chapters in the book of Luke. In a study such as this, there are days when we must paint in broad strokes in order to see the finished painting. Today is one of those days.
 
Luke 4-8 gives us a sweeping portrayal of Jesus as He moves through a broken world under pressure.
 
All around Him people are sick, possessed, paralyzed, shamed, unclean, afraid, and grieving. Even Peter’s own mother-in-law is held captive by fever. In one place a man with leprosy stands at a distance from the world he inhabits, certain no one will come near to help him. In another, a true show of friendship breaks through as a paralyzed man’s friends lower him through a roof as the only way to get him to Jesus. Demons recognize Jesus and tremble before His presence, a storm threatens the band of disciples and a tormented man lives among the graves and tombs. Another woman suffers from a bleeding disorder and in one story, a little girl actually dies.
 
The realities shown in these chapters aren’t for the faint of heart. This world isn’t sanitized and clean. It’s the same world we see around us every day. Human bodies break down with age and injury and evil not only resists, but opposes, the work of God. As death invades familiar spaces and shame isolates people on islands of loneliness, it’s no wonder fear grips the heart of many.
 
Creation is groaning under weight it was never meant to carry.

Yes, in the midst of all the chaos and suffering, Jesus enters the scene with power and authority. He isn’t just a teacher, but a teacher with power and authority. His words aren’t empty, they “do things”, they accomplish amazing things. By His word the brokenness around Him finds healing and strength.
 
As we look out at the world today, it’s not surprising that we, as they in their day, begin to feel hopeless, that the evil and pain of this broken world is ultimate and final. We can begin to think of Jesus as good, but distant, and not necessarily near and present.
 
Thankfully, Luke paints us a different picture. In His writing we see that Jesus is compassionate, but not weak; tender, but not powerless. He draws near to suffering while refusing to surrender to the forces that afflict and attack Him.
 
Everywhere He goes, the crowds are amazed. They know, they realize His words bring something far beyond human ability. And that’s where this week begins: not with fear of the powers of this age, but with wonder and hope in the man Jesus.

We must, and we should, be honest about the pain and suffering surrounding us, but we must be even more honest and bold about who Jesus is and what He brought to earth when the King came near.
 
Evil, sickness, and even death are swallowed up in the Victory of the Kingdom of God.

Where do you feel most aware of brokenness right now: in your body, your home, your emotions, your circumstances, or maybe in your spiritual life?  How does Luke’s picture of Jesus challenge the way fear has shaped your view of reality?

Father, help me not to make Jesus into something I can imagine, but to accept Him for who He is. When fear, resistance, and sorrow flood my soul, remind me that Jesus is not now, nor has He ever been, overwhelmed or outmatched. Teach my wayward soul to bring the seen and the unseen alike under His compassionate authority. Give me faith to trust Him in a way of which He is worthy. Amen.

“Today I will trust Jesus’ authority over __________________ by __________________.”