Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 22:63-64 (New Living Translation) 63 The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” This is part of the (hi)story of the crucifixion of Jesus. This incident of mocking Jesus tells us much about prophets and prophesying and […]

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Luke 10:21 (New Living Translation) 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased […]

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Luke 8:1-3 (New Living Translation) 1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, […]

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Luke 1:80 (New Living Translation) John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. John (the Baptist) was born the son of a Priest of the tribe of Levi. His father was a Priest. John was to be a Priest. We find […]

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Luke 4:22 (New Living Translation) Everyone spoke well of him (Jesus) and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Jesus had just begun the time in His life when we went to the local religious schools (synagogues) to teach. That was […]

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Luke 14:1 (New Living Translation) One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. The people were consumed with thoughts of Jesus—this fellow from Nazareth who walked around talking to people and doing things that were not believable if you […]

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Luke 1:17 (New Living Translation) He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly. In […]

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Luke 8:35 (New Living Translation) People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. Fear filled the crowd of people. What brought […]

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Luke 7:28 (New Living Translation) Pray for those who hurt you. Jesus is teaching large crowds of people. He tells them many simple yet powerful things—like the short sentence above. And I pause while I consider this. Pretty good advice. How often have I followed it? Not often. There is much to consider here. Praying—taking […]

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Luke 2:17 (New Living Translation) After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. The Messiah had been born in a stable and lay in a manger. Sheep herders, who were supposed to be working but had abandoned their jobs, were telling everyone […]

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