Chuck Larsen

In the parable that opens Chapter 22, Jesus tells of a father who invites many guests to a wedding feast for his son. But those invited are just too busy. It says, “But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business…” In Luke’s rendition of the story, they all make excuses; they have oxen to train, fields to plow, families to manage, etc. All the reasons are clearly exposed as flimsy excuses. View full article »

After Jesus cleansed the temple a delegation came to challenge him. According to Matthew and Mark the delegation consisted of representatives of the Chief Priests, the Elders and the teachers of the Law. There confrontation was very clear. They asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” We can see that this group represented the authorities in Israel. They had not authorized Jesus to say the things he was saying or to do the things he was doing. There was probably a special focus on his cleansing the temple. These officials had not given him any authority to teach or to supervise activities in the Temple. “Who do you think you are?” might be part of their challenge. View full article »

When Jesus entered into Jerusalem it was a parade atmosphere. It was a great celebration! People sang, and shouted and just made a big fuss about Jesus’ coming into the city. It’s a little like that when Jesus comes into our lives. It’s a great time. We’re excited and enthusiastic. We sing like we’ve not sung before. We just savor the great sense of forgiveness and feel closer to God than we’ve ever been. But then, He starts to fool around with the things we worship. View full article »

In Matthew chapter 20, the mother of James and John asks Jesus to put her two sons next to him in the kingdom. Jesus of course, explains that the Father has authority over those positions. I always liked this answer because it might mean we’re in the running! Somebody will be there! Jesus wouldn’t guarantee it to James and John because it was yet to be determined down through the ages. Maybe I have a shot! Maybe you have a shot! View full article »

We all love parades! I have old 8mm movies of my Dad marching in a parade in 1954 in downtown Omaha with the Plasterer’s union. My Mom took my sister and I to watch the parade and we sat on the curb for what seemed like hours. We were both bored out of our minds. But when my Dad got to where my sister and I were sitting, he called for us to join him as he walked down the street. It was a very proud moment of my life. My sister and I flanked my dad who was dressed in his white plasterer’s clothes, just like the 50 other men in the parade, and we laughed and waved at everyone on the curbs and sidewalks. View full article »

I really want God to be gracious to me! Don’t you? But sometimes I want God to be just to others. I like it when he gives me things I don’t deserve. It makes me feel special. It demonstrates His love for me. It’s great to feel loved by God. But, I’m often a little jealous of His love for the world. I want to keep God’s love for myself, as a possessive boy friend hogs all the attention of the girl he wishes to dominate. So, when God is generous to others and gives them what they don’t deserve, I don’t like it. View full article »

The Jews have seen riches as an indication of God’s blessings. But Jesus makes riches one of the major barriers to entering the Kingdom of Heaven. When the rich ruler turned away from Christ because of his unwillingness to surrender all his wealth to follow Jesus, He said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. “ Then, he adds in Matthew 19:24, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” View full article »

Jesus loved the little children and often would welcome them. The disciples were always a bit put off by it. That’s what happened in Matthew 19. But verse 14 tells us, “Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them…” I’m often like the disciples and want to dismiss the importance of our ministry to the children. But that’s not only displeasing to Jesus, it’s a huge mistake. View full article »