THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE “The Urgency of Today” in the Parables of Luke (Lesson 10 – June 18, 2025)

 

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE

 

“The Urgency of Today” in the Parables of Luke (Lesson 10 – June 18, 2025) 

“Salt is good, but if salt itself loses its taste……whoever has ears to hear ought to hear” (Lk 14:34-35)

 

Opening Prayer: “Father, open our hearts to Your Word. Let me not harden my heart today, but listen, repent, and receive your grace with urgency and joy.  We ask this through Chris Our Lord, Amen.”

 

Unique and powerful parables that reflect its theological emphases: compassion, reversal of fortunes, inclusiveness, and God’s mercy:

 

1. The Parable of the Sower (Lk 8:4 -15)  Receptivity to God's Word. Faith and perseverance

2. The Lost Sheep (Lk 15:1- 7)

3. The Lost Coin (Lk 15:8 - 10)

4. The Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11- 32)

5. The Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25- 37)

6. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13 - 21) The danger of greed and false security

7. The Barren Fig Tree (Lk 13:6 - 9) The urgency of repentance A call to act now and not delay

8. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18:9 - 14) Humility vs. self-righteousness

9. The Persistent Widow - the Unjust Judge (Lk 18:1-8) Perseverance in prayer without losing heart

10. The Dishonest Manager (Lk 16:1 - 13) “You cannot serve both God and money”

11. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19 - 31) Accountability to heed God’s Word now

12. The Workers Waiting for the Master (Lk 12:35 - 40) Watch and be ready for Christ's coming

13. The Great Banquet (Lk 14:15- 24) God's kingdom opened to the humble and excluded

14. The Ten Minas (Lk 19:11 - 27) Faithfulness with entrusted gifts with accountability

 

What Does “Today” Mean Theologically in Luke’s Parables?

 

Aspect                                                              Explanation

 

Salvation is now                          God’s kingdom is present; his grace is immediately available.

 

Response must be immediate     No time for delay or indifference; the present moment is decisive.

 

Judgment is real                           Postponing repentance risks missing out on God’s offer.

 

Grace is urgent but limited         God’s patience is great, but not endless; fruit is expected soon.

 

Reversal can happen now           The lowly can be lifted, and the secure brought low—right now

Reflection and Application

 

 

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Ps 95:7, 8 / Heb 3:7). What is it that hardens me Today

 

 

Is there any area in my life where God is saying, “Respond today”?

 

 

 

What does it mean for me to act on God’s Word now, not later?

 

 

 

How does Jesus challenge my spiritual delay?

 

 

 

 A commitment I make today:

 

 

 

A truth from one parable that personally moved ME….

 

 

 

Closing Prayer: “Father, You call Me not to delay, not to make excuses, not to live in spiritual slumber. Wake me up. Let me hear your voice today, and respond with faith, repentance, and joy. We ask this to grant us through Christ Our Lord, in the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

 

 

 

“Today, salvation has come to this (MY) house…” (Lk 19:9)