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WEEKEND RECHARGE!
July 18, 2026
Monday, July 13–Luke 5:33–39
Tuesday, July 14–Luke 6:1–11
Wednesday, July 15–Luke 6:12–16
Thursday, July 16–Luke 6:17–26
Friday, July 17–Luke 6:27–36
DAILY DEVO SUMMARY | July 13-17
LUKE 5:33–39: OLD WAY GONE
Jesus called Levi, a despised tax collector, to leave everything behind and follow him, demonstrating that God's grace reaches those whom others reject. The Pharisees measured righteousness by outward religious performance, but Jesus revealed that a relationship with God is found through him, not through man-made rules. By calling himself the Bridegroom and comparing his kingdom to new cloth and new wine, Jesus declared that he was bringing the long-awaited new covenant—something that could not be squeezed into the old system of legalism. While the Pharisees clung to familiar traditions, Jesus invited people into a completely new life marked by grace, forgiveness, and transformation. Everyone who follows Christ is made new today and looks forward to the day when he will make all things new.
LUKE 6:1–11: THE LORD OF THE SABBATH
Jesus confronted the legalism of the Pharisees by revealing the true purpose of the Sabbath. Pointing to David eating the bread of the Presence, he declared himself "Lord of the Sabbath,” claiming the authority of the Creator who established the Sabbath from the beginning. He showed that God's commands are meant to reflect his heart of mercy, not become burdensome rules. By healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of religious leaders who valued their traditions over compassion. This passage calls us to recognize Jesus as Lord, to embrace God's grace over legalism, and to examine whether our own hearts reflect his mercy.
LUKE 6:12–16: CHOSEN WITH PRAYER. SENT WITH PURPOSE.
Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing the twelve apostles, reminding us that God's work is accomplished according to his wisdom, not human preference. From among many disciples, Jesus selected twelve ordinary men from very different backgrounds to represent him and carry his message to the world. As apostles—"those who are sent"—they were entrusted with Christ's authority and became the foundation of the New Testament church. Their lives demonstrate that God delights in using imperfect but willing people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Just as Jesus called and sent the apostles, he continues to call his followers today to know him deeply, represent him faithfully, and make him known.
LUKE 6:17–26: LIVE FOR WHAT LASTS
Jesus spoke directly to his disciples, revealing that God's definition of blessing is very different from the world's. Those who experience poverty, hunger, sorrow, and even persecution for following Christ are promised both his sustaining grace now and the fullness of his kingdom to come. In contrast, those who find their ultimate satisfaction in wealth, comfort, pleasure, and human approval apart from Christ are warned that such rewards are only temporary. “The beatitudes and the woes” challenge believers to examine where they are seeking fulfillment and to live with an eternal perspective. True blessing is not defined by present circumstances, but by belonging to Jesus and trusting his promises.
LUKE 6:27–36: REFLECTING THE FATHER
Jesus called his followers to a radically different way of living— loving their enemies, blessing those who mistreat them, practicing generosity, and extending mercy. These commands are not an invitation to tolerate abuse or abandon wisdom, but a call to reflect God's character instead of responding with revenge or selfishness. The Golden Rule offers a practical standard for evaluating how we treat others, and the examples Jesus gives show what God's love looks like in everyday relationships. The distinguishing mark of a disciple is not loving those who already love us, but showing kindness and mercy to those who do not deserve it. As children of the Most High, we imitate the love of our Father through the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the transforming work of Christ in our lives.
Evangelism and Sovereignty of God
Luke 6:12–16 explains Jesus’ choosing the twelve apostles. He prayed all night before the decision in order to seek God’s sovereign will. And yet…one of those chosen was Judas Iscariot who would betray Jesus. The tension between God’s sovereignty and humanity’s responsibility is real and deserves honest discussion. Check the two podcasts linked below as Jill Kowalski, Tom Rojahn, and I deal with this subject.
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