The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

John 11:1-16

This is the first in a two-part study on a spectacular miracle - the raising of a four-day dead man named Lazarus (brother of Martha and Mary of Bethany).  This miracle took place within weeks of the cross.  It was a climactic testimony of Christ's Deity given - the mightiest work He performed apart from His Resurrection (infinitely greater, for He arose in a new glorified body; Lazarus rose in his old human body).

If Jesus could not defeat death, we would remain forever hopeless.  But He did defeat it, both totally and permanently!  Because of that, we who believe are NOT the most miserable of men (see I Corin. 15:19); we are the most blessed and should be the most thankful, the most joyful, and the most HOPEFUL of all people!  It is most appropriate the greatest miracle Christ performed was against man's greatest enemy, death!

In this lesson, we discuss the "Saviour's Delay" and "Skeptical Didymus".  GREAT TWO-PART STUDY YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS.

Luke 15:1-32

Luke chapter 15 opens with Jesus affecting two groups of people in two different ways - He attracted sinners, but repelled the religious rulers (who were also, of course, sinners).  The rulers "murmured" about Him because He received sinners and did not even object to eating with them.  Their accusation of Him only revealed their own attitude toward "sinners," not the Lord's attitude.  They revealed their hearts of pride and self-righteousness, which caused them to have very little concern or compassion for others. 

In response to the murmuring Pharisees, the Lord masterfully spoke three parables so as to reveal "God's Attitude Toward Sinners" - which was in direct contrast to the Jews' attitude.  The parables discussed in this lesson are: "The Parable of the Wanted Lost Sheep," "The Parable of the Woman's Lost Silver," and "The Parable of the Wasteful Last Son" (aka "The Prodigal Son").

Luke 16:19-31

Continuing with His teaching on the responsibility of Christians to be good stewards of that which is entrusted to them by God, the Lord Jesus gave the very famous, "Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus" (likely NOT really a parable - we explain why).

In this study, we get into a discussion about Hades (and the two sections).  We talk about the false teaching of "soul sleep," and how the Old Testament (Moses and the prophets) revealed to sinners how to repent and be saved.

Luke 14:1-24

This is the last recorded Sabbath in the earthly ministry of Christ prior to His final arrival in Jerusalem (for the Passover).  Included in this lesson, "Instruction at a Pharisee's Table" are the Lord's healing of a man who had dropsy, "The Parable of the Seats at a Wedding Feast," and "The Parable of the Great Banquet".

The Lord's instructions were given to four people or groups of people.  With each person or group, He address a different subject matter.  Thus, our four-point outline looks like this:

Jesus Instructs the Religious Leaders about Sabbath Hypocrisy

Jesus Instructs the Guests about Sincere Humility

Jesus Instructs the Host about Selfish Hospitality

Jesus Instructs an Unidentified Man about Salvation Hindrances

Luke 13:22-35

During the Lord ministry among the Pereans, He was asked the question, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" (Luke 13:23).  Part of His answer to the man contained these words, ". . . for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (13:24).  The reason many will be unable to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and the reason people should give the utmost attention to this matter of God's eternal Kingdom is because  the opportunity does not continue forever!  There is an opportunity-limit to enter through "the strait gate" that leads to life, for there comes a time when "the Master of the house" shuts the door (13:25) - just as there came a day when God shut the door (after a long period of grace) to Noah's ark.  THIS IS A SERIOUS LESSON.

Included are three prophecies by Christ and they deal with:  (1) Gentiles in the Kingdom of Heaven, (2) His death in Jerusalem and His third-day resurrection, and (3) the desolation of Jerusalem (A.D. 70), but also her eventual belief in Christ at His Second Coming.