Category: Luke

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Five Loaves and Two Fish

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:10-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on July 14, 2024.

In the early days of my Bible school years in British Columbia, one of the most memorable experiences was the annual Temple Tour. We would visit various religious temples in Vancouver, including places for Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hare Krishna. One of the standout moments was our stop at the Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, where we participated in Langar – the practice of serving a free, communal meal to all. This meal, served 24 hours a day, is a reflection of Sikh values of equality and service, with everyone sitting together on the ground, regardless of age, gender, or background. I remember learning that Langar serves not only as a charitable meal but as a global practice, with many travelers depending on it for sustenance. The Gurdwara in New Delhi, for example, feeds 35-40 thousand people daily, with numbers skyrocketing during religious holidays.

The sight of so many people being fed in such an organized manner brought to mind the feeding miracle of Jesus that we find in Luke 9:10-17. This miracle offers a striking glimpse into the power and provision of Jesus, and also serves as a reminder of His identity as the Messiah. In this passage, after the apostles return from their mission, Jesus seeks to give them rest, only to be met by a crowd eager to hear from Him. As the day grows long and the crowd grows larger, the disciples realize that they face a problem: they have nothing to feed the people. In verse 12, they ask Jesus to send the crowd away to find food in nearby towns. But Jesus responds, “You give them something to eat” (Luke 9:13).

The disciples’ initial response is understandable: they have only five loaves of bread and two fish, insufficient to feed a crowd of thousands. In fact, in the parallel account in John, Philip points out that even 200 denarii—about seven months’ wages—wouldn’t be enough to buy food for everyone. But Jesus, undeterred, has them seat the people in groups of fifty, and He miraculously multiplies the food. The result? Every person is fed until they are satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered up (Luke 9:16-17).

This miracle is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. In the Old Testament, God provided manna in the wilderness through Moses (Exodus 16:14-18) and fed a hundred men through Elisha (2 Kings 4:42-44). But unlike Moses and Elisha, who acted as conduits for God’s provision, Jesus Himself provides. He is greater than both; He is the Messiah, the Christ of God (Luke 9:20).

In light of this miracle, we also see that provision ministries, like those of the Gurdwara or the various charities that spring up during the holidays, hold significant value. But we must remember that these ministries must ultimately point to the cross. Providing for people’s physical needs is essential, but it must also lead to sharing the gospel—the true “bread of life” (John 6:35). As 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 reminds us, we are ambassadors for Christ, calling people to be reconciled to God, not just to receive food or shelter.

The feeding of the 5,000 points to Jesus’ ultimate provision—His sacrifice on the cross. The language of blessing and breaking bread in Luke 9 echoes the words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper: “This is my body, which is given for you” (Luke 22:19). Just as Jesus fed the crowd, He offers Himself to us as the ultimate provision for our spiritual needs.

As we engage in ministries of provision, let’s remember the source of all provision—God Himself. Just as He provided manna in the wilderness and multiplied the loaves and fish, He continues to provide for us today. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” As we minister, let’s keep our eyes fixed on the cross, where God’s provision was made most fully known.

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Sending of the Twelve

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:1-9. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 22, 2024.

When I first started in ministry, one of the key events each year was the Christmas musical at Morningstar Christian Fellowship. I was part of the band and orchestra, which was a joy, but as a pastoral intern, my responsibilities expanded. In the late summer, I’d spend hours preparing sheet music for the orchestra, choir, and cast. Our rehearsals would begin on Sunday afternoons and continue with sectionals during the week. All the practice led up to the dress rehearsal—this was the full run-through before the actual performance, done with costumes and makeup, no stops unless something major went wrong. It was the “show before the show,” and we sometimes even invited friends and family to get a preview.

In a similar way, today’s passage from Luke 9 describes a “dress rehearsal” for the ministry of Jesus’ disciples after His resurrection. This is the first of two practices, with the second one covered later in chapter 10, where Jesus sends out 72 others. In Luke 9:1-2, we read, “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.” At this point, Jesus has already performed incredible miracles—healing the woman with the issue of blood, raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead, calming the storm, and more. These acts are just a small portion of His works, as John writes in John 21:25, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

Now, Jesus is delegating that same power and authority to His disciples so they can preach the kingdom and heal the sick. The key here is that this power is delegated. Anyone who has worked in an organization with a hierarchical structure knows how crucial delegation is. You can be given responsibility for a task, but you need authority and resources to complete it. Jesus gives His disciples both the authority (the right to proclaim the kingdom) and the power (the ability to heal and cast out demons). The Greek word for power here is δύναμιν (dynamin), which is where we get the word “dynamite.” It’s a reminder that this power is explosive in its potential.

This same authority and power have been given to us. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” And in Acts 1:8, we read, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” We are called to carry out this task with both boldness and humility. We are to be emboldened by the power Jesus gives us, yet humble enough to remember that it’s not our power but His.

Unfortunately, we often allow fear or the world’s intolerance to silence us. But we are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Romans 1:16 tells us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Despite the challenges we face in sharing the gospel, we are called to be bold. At the same time, we should never let the power we’ve been given go to our heads. It’s delegated, just like when General Douglas MacArthur was stripped of his command because he forgot the source of his authority.

The disciples understood this well. In Acts 3:6, when Peter heals the lame beggar, he says, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Paul, too, approached his ministry with humility, as he writes in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, “I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

In Luke 9:3-6, Jesus gives specific instructions to His disciples: travel light, live among the people, and if a town rejects them, shake off the dust as a sign of judgment. This is not just practical advice, but a reminder to stay flexible to God’s leading, live among those we minister to, and to not be discouraged by rejection. In Romans 14:12, we are reminded that, “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Ultimately, everyone must answer to Jesus, and our task is to faithfully proclaim the gospel.

As Jesus’ disciples spread the word about Him, many were confused about who He was. Herod, for example, heard about Jesus and wondered if He was John the Baptist raised from the dead or perhaps one of the prophets. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul gives us a clear answer: Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and through Him, all things were created. He is the head of the body, the church, and through His death and resurrection, He reconciles all things to Himself.

We too are called to declare who Jesus is with boldness, remembering the power and authority He’s delegated to us and carrying out the task with humility.

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Waiting on Jesus

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 8:40-56. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 15, 2024.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 8, we encounter a remarkable “two-for-one special” of miracles that reveal Jesus’ authority over disease and death. These intertwined stories—Jairus’ desperate plea for his dying daughter and a woman’s silent, faith-driven act of healing—teach us profound lessons about waiting on Jesus.

When Jesus returned to Galilee, a crowd eagerly awaited Him. Among them was Jairus, a synagogue ruler—a man of status and influence. Yet, this respected leader fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading for his only daughter, a twelve-year-old girl on the brink of death (Luke 8:40-42). Imagine a person of immense dignity, like a grandfather in his finest attire, abandoning all decorum to beg in public. Jairus, in his desperation, cast aside pride, status, and likely even the risk of alienation from other Jewish leaders who were wary of Jesus.

As Jesus agreed to go with him, hope must have swelled in Jairus’ heart. But their journey was interrupted. A woman, suffering from a twelve-year-long discharge of blood, reached out in silent faith to touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment. She had spent all her resources on doctors, to no avail, and lived as a social and religious outcast due to her condition (Luke 8:43-44; Leviticus 15:25-27). Her faith was bold yet humble—believing that even the slightest touch of Jesus’ garment could heal her.

Immediately, her bleeding stopped, and Jesus, knowing power had gone out from Him, asked, “Who was it that touched me?” (Luke 8:45-46). Amid the pressing crowd, the woman stepped forward, trembling, and shared her story. Jesus’ response was profound: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace” (Luke 8:48). With this, He restored not only her health but also her dignity and place in the community.

But imagine Jairus in this moment—watching precious time slip away as Jesus stopped for someone else. His worst fears were realized when messengers arrived, saying his daughter had died. “Do not trouble the Teacher anymore,” they said (Luke 8:49). Yet Jesus turned to Jairus with reassurance: “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well” (Luke 8:50). Despite the mourners’ laughter at His declaration that the girl was “not dead but sleeping,” Jesus entered the house, took her hand, and said, “Child, arise.” Her spirit returned, and she got up immediately (Luke 8:52-55).

Both Jairus and the bleeding woman show us the power of faith in the face of desperation. Jairus teaches us to trust in Jesus’ timing, even when it feels delayed. The woman reminds us that faith often takes bold, even unconventional, steps. And through both, we see that Jesus’ authority transcends human limitations. His timing is perfect, and His power is sufficient.

As we wait on the Lord in our own lives, let us remember His words: “Do not fear; only believe.” Whatever delays or interruptions we face, His plans for us are always for good (Jeremiah 29:11). Let us wait with faith, trusting that He will act in His perfect time.

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Trembling at God’s Word

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 8:26-39. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 1, 2024.

Did you know the Exorcist franchise now includes seven movies and a TV series? The original 1973 film, infamous for its terrifying portrayal of demonic possession, reportedly caused some moviegoers to faint or feel nauseated. While I’ve never seen the original, I recall a night in my early 20s when I watched Exorcist: The Beginning with friends. We didn’t plan to see it, but after an evening of all-you-can-eat sushi, we wandered into the theater. The film had been out for a while, so the theater was nearly empty, just us and a scattering of seats. Initially, we found this amusing and decided to spread out. But by the end, every one of us had huddled together, unnerved by what we’d seen. Even as Christians who believed in the existence of demonic powers, we were shaken, realizing the gravity of what Scripture teaches about the spiritual realm.

C.S. Lewis warned of two errors concerning the demonic: disbelieving in their existence or becoming excessively fascinated. Most of us fall closer to disbelief, brushing off the concept as myth or exaggeration. But the Bible doesn’t leave room for such dismissal. In Job, we see Satan walking “to and fro on the earth” (Job 1:7, ESV). In Ephesians, Paul reminds believers to be strong in the Lord and to “put on the whole armor of God…against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:11–12, ESV). These passages affirm that the spiritual battle is real, and we are not wrestling against mere flesh and blood. But while we must not dismiss the existence of the demonic, neither should we obsess over it. Balance is key.

Luke 8 gives us a vivid example of demonic possession. A man possessed by many demons lived among the tombs, naked and out of control. His torment was evident; the demons dehumanized and marginalized him, making him repulsive and frightening to others. When Jesus arrived, this man’s transformation demonstrated the power of Christ. The demons recognized Jesus as “Son of the Most High God” (Luke 8:28, ESV) and obeyed His command to leave the man, entering a herd of pigs that subsequently drowned. This account highlights two truths: the destructive power of the demonic and the supreme authority of Christ.

Some may try to explain this possession as a psychiatric condition. While mental health is a genuine concern, Scripture consistently portrays cases like this as spiritual battles. Hollywood’s exaggerated depictions can distort our understanding, but real spiritual warfare often manifests more subtly. The devil’s aim is to deceive and lead us into sin. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (ESV). Therefore, we must stay vigilant and rely on God’s strength.

Ultimately, Jesus’ authority over all things, including the demonic, offers hope. When the man was freed, his response was to proclaim how much God had done for him. This should be our response too. By submitting to God and resisting the devil, we draw near to Christ, who reigns in power and righteousness (James 4:7–8; Psalm 96:9–10). Let this truth ground us in faith, knowing that Jesus is Lord over all.

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Marveling at God’s Word

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 8:22-25. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on August 18, 2024.

My first typhoon in Japan, Typhoon Talim, was unforgettable. A Category 4 storm with winds reaching 220 km/h, it hit shortly after I began my term as a missionary in September 2017. Preparing for it meant stocking up on supplies, closing my storm shutters, and canceling plans. When it finally arrived, I even stepped outside briefly to capture a video for Instagram. By the next day, only broken branches remained as evidence of the storm. Sheltered in a sturdy building in a country prepared for natural disasters, I wasn’t afraid.

This memory pales in comparison to the storm Jesus and His disciples faced in Luke 8:22-25. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a violent windstorm arose, threatening their small boat. The Sea of Galilee’s geography makes it prone to sudden, ferocious storms. Warm air rising from the water collides with cool air rushing down from surrounding hills, creating powerful winds that churn up waves as high as three meters. Even experienced fishermen like the disciples panicked.

While the disciples frantically bailed water, Jesus slept. In their terror, they woke Him, crying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (Luke 8:24, ESV). Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, and the storm immediately ceased. Then He turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25, ESV). Despite witnessing His miracles and authority, their faith faltered in the face of danger.

How often do we do the same? It’s easy to trust God when life is calm, but when storms hit—whether financial struggles, health crises, or personal losses—fear takes over. Yet Scripture reminds us of God’s constant presence. Joshua told the Israelites, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV). Like the disciples, we need reminders to trust God, especially during trials.

Faith is like a muscle; it grows through exercise. Jesus encourages even the smallest faith, saying, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20, ESV). Small, consistent steps make a difference. Daily habits like reading the Bible and praying strengthen our trust in God. Fellowship with other believers helps us bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2, ESV) and grow in community. Spiritual disciplines like fasting, memorizing Scripture, and deeper Bible study can further mature our faith.

After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples marveled, asking, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25, ESV). Psalm 135:6-7 answers, declaring that God commands the winds and rain. As we face life’s storms, we can trust that the same Jesus who calmed the sea is sovereign over our struggles. Our faith, though small, becomes unshakable when placed in Him.