Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 10, 2024
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 11:1-36. These verses cover a series of teachings that Christ gave the disciples. Jesus teaches on prayer, the spiritual realm, and the connection between your eye and your inner self.
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We encounter a moment where the disciples approach Jesus with a request: "Lord, teach us to pray." Their inquiry stemmed from a dual motivation. On the one hand, they observed devout groups of their time engaging in unique forms of prayer, and on the other, they sought guidance on how to pray correctly. In response to their plea, Jesus answers, illuminating prayer from two perspectives: a conversation with a father and a dialogue with a friend.
Prayer is likened to talking with a father. We approach God with reverence, acknowledging His holiness and surrendering our desires to His will. It's an intimate conversation where we express our needs, seek forgiveness, and invoke divine protection.
However, Jesus doesn't stop there. He reveals another facet of prayer, likening it to a conversation with a friend. God eagerly awaits our prayers, not as a begrudging obligation but with open arms. The parable of the persistent friend at the door underscores the importance of boldness and persistence in our approach to God. We're encouraged to emulate the audacity of the man who persistently sought help, confident in the goodness of the One we're addressing.
He is the perfect Father and faithful Friend, surpassing any human comprehension. If we know how to give good gifts and respond to bold requests, how much more will our Heavenly Father graciously meet our needs and answer our prayers? Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne of grace, boldly presenting our petitions before God, knowing He delights in our time with Him. Let our prayers be marked by audacity and expectancy, for we serve a God who not only hears but responds to the cries of His children. May we, like the disciples, continually seek to deepen our understanding of prayer and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. May we learn to always pray in all things, in every conversation, before every decision – “Pray without ceasing.”
In the Gospel of Luke, we find many stories about Jesus casting out demons. Some may wonder why Luke includes so many of these accounts. However, we begin to understand the answer when we grasp the visible world is intertwined with the invisible realm, as outlined in Ephesians 6:12-13.
Satan and his demonic forces are not distant entities; they actively engage in spiritual warfare. Their attacks target the mind and body, seeking to exert control and sow chaos. Through these stories, Luke points us to the reality of the spiritual battle and our need to heed Jesus' teachings concerning it.
Jesus rebukes those demanding more signs, declaring that an evil generation seeks signs instead of responding to the truth presented. Jonah preached repentance to Nineveh without signs, and Solomon imparted wisdom to the Queen of Sheba without miraculous displays. Now, someone greater than Jonah or Solomon stands before them, and yet they demand further proof.
The parable of the lamp reveals this demand for signs. The eye, like a lamp, illuminates the inner self. A healthy eye perceives light, filling the inner being with brightness. Conversely, an unhealthy eye covers the inner self in darkness. Likewise, our perception shapes our reality; a greedy eye fixates on yourself, while a judgmental eye sees only problems. What are you looking for? May we fix our eyes on Jesus!
Jesus' exhortation underscores the transformative power of embracing His light. When our entire being is filled with His radiance, we become beacons, illuminating the dark world around us. The only way for us to be filled with His radiance is to sit in His presence, consume His Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, meditate on His Word, day and night, and shine forth His light in a world desperate for Jesus.