The King’s Final Call: Warnings, Worship, and the Way to the Cross
- Be God's Glory
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- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 302 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
These chapters capture the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, where His mission, authority, and identity as the promised Messiah are fully revealed. Jesus enters Jerusalem as the prophesied King, confronts religious corruption, teaches in the temple with divine authority, and delivers prophetic warnings about judgment and the end times. Each chapter builds intensity as Jesus exposes hypocrisy, calls His people to true repentance and faithfulness, and prepares His disciples for both the trials ahead and the coming Kingdom. Through parables, prophetic declarations, and powerful symbolic acts, Jesus reveals God’s heart for justice, righteousness, and unwavering devotion before His path leads to the cross.
Luke 19
Luke 19 opens with Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector whose life is transformed by repentance and faith, showing that salvation comes to the lost who respond to Jesus. Jesus then shares the Parable of the Minas, revealing God’s expectation for faithful stewardship and the reality of accountability when His kingdom is fully established. As He approaches Jerusalem, Jesus weeps over the city, lamenting their spiritual blindness and the destruction that will result from their rejection of Him. Entering the city, He is publicly welcomed as King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The chapter ends with Jesus cleansing the temple, demonstrating His authority and zeal for true worship, as He confronts those who turned God’s house into a place of profit.
Luke 20
In Luke 20, Jesus’ authority is directly challenged by the religious leaders who question Him, but He responds with wisdom that exposes their hypocrisy and unbelief. Through the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, He reveals Israel’s long history of rejecting God’s messengers and foretells His own rejection and crucifixion. The religious authorities attempt to trap Him with questions about taxes and resurrection, but Jesus silences them with profound truths about the kingdom of God and the nature of resurrection life. Jesus then identifies Himself as the promised Son of David, showing that the Messiah is both David’s descendant and Lord. He finishes the chapter by warning against the pride and greed of the scribes, highlighting the difference between outward religion and true righteousness.
Luke 21
Luke 21 begins with Jesus honoring the sacrificial faith of a poor widow whose small offering demonstrates true devotion, in contrast to the prideful giving of the rich. Jesus then prophesies the coming destruction of the Jerusalem temple, signaling judgment on a nation that rejected Him. He continues with teachings about the end times, describing deception, persecution, natural disasters, and cosmic signs that will precede His return. Jesus calls His followers to endure, remain watchful, and recognize the signs of the times so they will not be spiritually caught off guard. The chapter concludes with Jesus continuing to teach in the temple daily while the religious leaders secretly plot His death, demonstrating the rising tension that leads to the events of His crucifixion.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Luke comes from the Latin Lucas or Lucanus, which is believed to be derived from the Greek word Loukas, meaning “light-giving” or “bringer of light.” This meaning is fitting, as the Gospel of Luke shines light on Jesus as the Savior for all humanity, illuminating God’s love, mercy, and salvation.
Purpose of the Book:
Luke explicitly states his purpose in Luke 1:3–4:“…it seemed good to me also… to write an orderly account… that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Primary Purposes:
To present an accurate historical account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
To show Jesus as the Savior of all people—not only Jews but also Gentiles, women, the poor, and the marginalized.
To emphasize the humanity and compassion of Jesus, highlighting His role as the “Son of Man.”
To provide assurance to believers that the Christian faith is grounded in truth and eyewitness testimony.
To prepare readers for the mission of the Church, which is continued in the Book of Acts.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Gospel of Luke is universally attributed to Luke the physician, a Gentile companion of the Apostle Paul. Evidence from Scripture and early church history strongly supports this authorship:
Biblical Evidence:
Colossians 4:14 – Paul refers to “Luke, the beloved physician,” distinguishing him from Jewish companions, indicating he was likely a Gentile.
2 Timothy 4:11 – “Only Luke is with me,” showing a close companionship.
Philemon 24 – Luke is listed among Paul’s fellow laborers.
Acts 1:1 directly references the Gospel of Luke as its first volume: “In my former book, Theophilus…”—showing that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts.
Historical and External Sources:
Early Church Fathers
Irenaeus (AD 180) stated: “Luke, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him.”
Eusebius of Caesarea (4th century) confirmed Luke as the author in his Ecclesiastical History.
The Muratorian Fragment (circa AD 170) identifies Luke as the physician who wrote the Gospel.
Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry but gathered his information carefully from eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1–4). His Gospel is the most historically and chronologically detailed, reflecting the work of a careful researcher and historian.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure; presented as the Son of Man and Savior of the world.
Mary – The mother of Jesus; her faith and prophetic declarations are highlighted.
Zechariah and Elizabeth – Parents of John the Baptist, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
John the Baptist – The forerunner of the Messiah.
The Apostles – Especially Peter, James, John, and the Twelve.
Simeon and Anna – Prophets who confirm Jesus' identity shortly after His birth.
Herod Antipas – Ruler involved in Jesus’ trial.
Pontius Pilate – Roman governor who presides over Jesus’ crucifixion.
The women disciples – Especially Mary Magdalene and other women who play a prominent role in supporting Jesus’ ministry and witnessing His resurrection.
Theophilus – The individual to whom Luke’s Gospel is addressed; believed to be a high-ranking official or patron.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Luke concludes with Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, confirming His identity as the risen Messiah and Son of God. It emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the unstoppable nature of God’s salvation plan. Luke ends with a call to witness: Jesus commissions His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations, starting from Jerusalem (Luke 24:46–49).
The Book of Luke shines as a Gospel of hope, compassion, and divine purpose, inviting believers to see Jesus as the Savior who came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). It bridges the Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Christ and prepares the stage for the global mission of the Church continued in Acts. It is a testimony that the light has come into the world—not for one nation only, but for all humanity.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Luke 19
In Luke 19, God is revealed as compassionate, seeking, and just. Through Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, we see God’s heart toward the lost, demonstrating that no one is beyond reach or redemption. His weeping over Jerusalem shows a God who deeply desires repentance rather than judgment, proving that He is patient and merciful. Yet, His cleansing of the temple displays His holiness and justice, showing that God will confront sin and demand purity in worship.
God teaches that salvation requires repentance and a transformed heart, not just religious appearance. He reminds us that He holds us accountable for what He has entrusted to us, as seen in the Parable of the Minas. We learn that genuine worship must be pure and centered on God’s glory, not personal gain or tradition. Jesus’ triumphal entry also teaches that acknowledging Him as King demands surrender and obedience.
Luke 20
In Luke 20, God is revealed as sovereign and full of wisdom, unshaken by human attempts to challenge His authority. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of religious leaders, showing that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the heart. God’s truth cannot be manipulated or defeated, and His authority stands above political and religious systems. He is also righteous and just, declaring consequences for rejecting His messengers and ultimately His Son.
God teaches that rejecting Christ leads to spiritual destruction, as symbolized in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. We are reminded to give to God what belongs to Him—our lives, worship, and obedience. Jesus teaches that resurrection is real and that God is the God of the living, calling us to live with eternity in mind. We are warned against pride and superficial religion and called to live in humility and sincerity before God.
Luke 21
In Luke 21, God is revealed as omniscient and sovereign over time, history, and the future. Jesus’ prophetic teaching shows God’s control over world events and His faithfulness to warn His people so they can be spiritually prepared. God is attentive to the lowly and honors sincere devotion, as seen in His acknowledgment of the widow’s offering. He is also a protector who promises endurance and ultimate deliverance for those who remain faithful.
God teaches us to be watchful and faithful in times of trial, knowing that He has already prepared the end from the beginning. Jesus warns of coming judgment and urges believers not to be distracted by the world but to remain rooted in faith. We learn that trials are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities to testify of His power. This chapter calls us to live ready for Christ’s return, trusting in God’s sovereignty and promises.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus’ pursuit of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 reveal God’s heart toward the lost and spiritually overlooked?
In what ways does Jesus weeping over Jerusalem demonstrate God’s compassion, even toward those who reject Him?
How does Jesus’ authority in the temple and over religious leaders in Luke 19–20 show God’s sovereignty over human institutions?
What do Jesus’ teachings about the resurrection in Luke 20 reveal about God as the God of the living and not the dead?
How does the widow’s offering in Luke 21 reflect God’s character in valuing the heart over outward abundance?
What does Jesus’ prophecy about future events in Luke 21 teach us about God’s omniscience and control over history?
How do these chapters collectively show God as both merciful to the repentant and just toward unrepentant hearts?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of stewardship in the Parable of the Minas challenge our understanding of responsibility in the Kingdom of God?
In what ways do these chapters highlight the contrast between true worship and corrupted religion?
How does Jesus’ conflict with the religious leaders in Luke 20 expose the theme of rejecting God’s authority?
What theme is emphasized through Jesus’ prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction and the end times in Luke 21?
How does the triumphal entry (Luke 19) contribute to the theme of Jesus being the promised King?
What theme is presented through the widow’s offering in Luke 21 about sacrificial faith?
How do these chapters collectively illustrate the theme of accountability to God for how we live and what we believe?
Reflective Application Questions:
How does Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus challenge you to make visible changes in your life that reflect true repentance?
If Jesus looked at your heart and actions today, would He find a temple of worship or a place distracted by selfish motives?
In moments when God confronts you with truth, do you respond with humility or defensiveness like the religious leaders?
How are you stewarding the gifts, time, and influence God has given you in expectation of His return?
When facing uncertainty or signs of the times, are you living in fear or in faithful readiness as Jesus instructed?
What does the widow’s offering teach you about trusting God with everything, even when your resources are limited?
If Jesus returned today, would He find you spiritually alert and faithful, or distracted by worldly cares and comforts?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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