The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Luke 13:1-21

The Lord again used a parable ("The Barren Fig Tree") and a miracle (healing a woman bent over for 18 years) to symbolically illustrate the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel.

The two main outline divisions for this lesson are: I. The Need to Repent of Fruitlessness (13:1-9) and 2. The Need to Repent of Faithlessness (13:10-21).

We get into a very important discussion of the Lord's words, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," which is much needed in our day when repentance of sin is not always included when witnessing to people about salvation.  TWO things are absolutely necessary for salvation: repentance and faith in Christ.  Without repentance toward God of our sin and faith in His Son, no one can be saved.

It is also important to understand the significance regarding Israel revealed in the Lord's "Parable of the Barren Fig Tree" by cutting it down, but leaving the roots.  There will again, you see, be a budding fig tree, as Christ spoke about in His "Olivet Discourse" (Matthew 24:31)!  The fig tree pictures Israel.  Yes, she was cut down because of her fruitlessness and faithlessness, but she will spring forth life again, from her roots, in the latter days prior to Christ's Return!

This is the third part of the Lord's "Five Warnings' Sermon" in which He warned against hypocrisy, covetousness, worry, and exhorted believers TO BE watchful and discerning.  Also, included is another one of Christ's predictions of His upcoming crucifixion and death (Luke 12:50).

Luke 12:1-59

This is the continuation of Part I of this three-part study entitled, "Five Warnings".  The warnings came from the Lord Jesus Christ and are to be taken by His followers, then and today, very seriously.  What are they?  (1) Beware of Hypocrisy, (2) Beware of Covetousness, (3) Beware of Worry, (4) Be Watchful, and (5) Be Discerning.  In this lesson, "The Parable of the Rich Fool" is discussed - a very convicting, powerful parable.   Make sure that, unlike the rich fool of the parable, you are NOT a "fool" in the eyes of God, for it is the worst possible place you want to be when it is your appointed time to die!

Luke 12:1-59

This is the first of a three-part study on Christ's five basic and very serious warnings!  They are:

 Beware of Hypocrisy

 Beware of Covetousness

 Beware of Worry

 Be Watchful

 Be Discerning

Included in this study on Luke chapter 12 are "The Parable of the Rich Fool" and "The Parable of the Faithful Servants".  There is also another occasion of Christ predicting His upcoming crucifixion and death (12:50).

Luke 11:1-54

There is a lot found in this lesson besides the Lord's "Six Woes," such as: 

The Lord's Prayer

The Parable of the Importunate Friend

Precepts on being Persistent

Parable of the Divided Kingdom

Parable of Subduing the Strong Man

Parable of the Empty House

Pronouncements of Blessing and of Judgment

Three Woes Against the Pharisees

Three Woes Against the Scribes (Lawyers)

The Healing of a dumb (mute) demoniac

Blasphemous accusation that Christ was in league with Satan