#187

[@bunabear]

Another blessing, and perfect timing. Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@robschwartz1676]

Thank you, Sherry!

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

Thank you both and prayers for warmer weather here; how anyone gets the so-called Prosperity Gospel from any of this is beyond me.

[@robschwartz1676]

The prosperity gospel certainly seems to run counter to what Jesus regularly teaches! Thanks for watching, Yvonne!

[@anncarter5172]

I’ve always been puzzled about Jesus cursing the fig tree because it didn’t have ripe figs on it, even though the scripture admits that it wasn’t the season for ripe figs. This came to mind because, in your discussion, you said something about not ever making things worse. ‘‘Tis a puzzlement.

[@stmarksnewcanaan]

🤔

[@DDahling]

The pericope for Lutherans is much longer Luke 4:16-30 Another intriguing text…Luke will focus on Joseph’s genealogy (chapter 3) and now Jesus returns to Nazareth where he had been raised. These are the people who saw Him grow up. “Is this not Joseph's son?” Has Jesus returned because Joseph was ill or had died? Jesus’ response is telling: “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself’. What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown (fatherland) as well.’” The people respond with indignation. From this text are more questions. How does faith respond to unanswered prayer, disappointment, pain, or loss? When your life takes turns that you never expected? When reality runs contrary to expectations? How does one trust God when everything is seemingly going wrong?

[@robschwartz1676]

Some very powerful and important questions, Dan! I spent time as a hospital chaplain and saw a lot of people grappling with these very things.