Luke 8:26-39 Jesus and the Sick Man (Miller)
This story has a happy ending. It reminds us that God loves all people, no matter what troubles they have. And it reminds us that one day all people will be well. Now that is good news!
Luke 8:26-39 Hear Ye, Hear Ye (Edstrom)
Jesus wanted the man to go to his home and tell the people the good news. He wanted the man to share with the people how he had been healed so they would know about God's goodness. We all have an opportunity to be like town criers and tell others about the good news of God's love. We don't have to stand on the street corner or in the town square, but we, at any time, can tell our friends and family how much God has done for us.
Luke 8:26-39 Strange but True (Edstrom)
The important thing to remember about the unusual Bible story is that the man who was ill was restored to health and he was very grateful. Jesus told him to go and tell others "…what great things God has done for you" (8:39).
John 1:1-18 The Word in All Languages (Edstrom)
Jesus came to bring God's message of love to the world. He is the Word that helps us understand each other better. We learn from him how to be more loving; how to be a better person. He is the Word that gives us joy and comforts us when we are sad. It is interesting to think of Jesus in this way, isn't it? Jesus is the Word that helps us connect with each other and with God. Jesus is the Word for all languages – for all the people of the world.
John 1:1-18 The Power of the Word (Edstrom)
It is exciting to think of Jesus as being described as the Word. He came to communicate with all the people of the world. He came to tell us about God's love. He is the Word and he speaks with words that are powerful and loving – God loves you!
John 1:1-18 Epiphany (Wuori)
An epiphany is a new understanding –so that's a perfect name for the day that we celebrate the visit of the magi or “wise men.” They follow a star and have an epiphany of their own – that Jesus is the Son of God.
Luke 7:36 – 8:3 Jesus and the Women (Miller)
People were surprised when Jesus treated women exactly as he treated men. He spoke with women in public. He listened to what they had to say. Many, many of Jesus' disciples were women. One time when Judas was rude to a woman, Jesus told him to "Leave her alone!"
Luke 7:36 – 8:3 Loving and Forgiving (Edstrom)
There is a wonderful story in the Bible about forgiveness. Jesus was criticized for letting a woman who was a sinner be near him and touch him. Jesus knew that the woman had many sins, but he said to her,"Your sins are forgiven" (7:48). Then, he said to her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace" (7:50). Jesus offers the same forgiveness to each one of us.
Luke 7:36 – 8:3 Lightening Our Load (Edstrom)
How would you feel if a friend offered to carry your backpack for you? You might say, "Thanks, what a nice thing to do." Let's talk about another type of heaviness. In the Bible Jesus teaches us about sin and forgiveness. Sin is anything that keeps us from feeling close to God. Sin is caused by improper choices and can make us feel bad. Sin can feel like a heavy burden.
Luke 7:11-17 Jesus Is Special (Miller)
In today's scripture, Jesus does something that no one else had ever done. Jesus was not showing off. He wasn't doing it to show his friends what he could do. Jesus made a dead person be alive and happy again. Now that's something to pay attention to!