The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

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.

John 10:22-42

In this lesson, we give a great background, history lesson about "The Feast of Dedication," more commonly known as Hanukkah!   It is a miraculous true story about the rededication of the Temple to God after it had been horribly desecrated by the Syrians under the wicked leadership of Antiochus Epiphanes, who served very definitely as a prophetic type of the coming Antichrist.

Learn about Jewish history during the inter-Testimental period between Malachi and Matthew.  Learn about the Maccabees and their great heroism!  Most excitingly, learn about the MIRACLE of the cruz of oil that lasted 8 days, when it was only enough for one day!  Also learn about the Lord's answer to the direct question, "If Thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" (10:24) and His crystal clear answer, which caused them to pick up stones to kill Him.  That answer was, "I and My Father are ONE" (10:30)!  Wow.  It couldn't be any clearer than that!

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).