Some people learn by reading about things; some by hearing about them. It seems a good way, though, to really learn and take in information is by doing and engaging in the process. 

Persistence is an admirable quality... ask any toddler. The widow's persistence against an unjust judge in Luke 18 is exactly the persistence needed by Christians today... 

"And I assure you of this:  If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I, the Son of Man, will openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God's angels."  v. 8 NLT

It is an amazing thing when the words of Jesus meet the action of humans. We live in a very broken world which is home to 8 billion broken people. We know God's word is the balm every human soul desires...

"'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people were completely silent." The world makes us choose to follow something... Jesus desires for us to choose HIM!

So many people were anxiously awaiting the 'Kingdom of God' and paying close attention and listening to Jesus' thoughts on the subject. What they actually heard, though, was entirely unexpected.

Who would've thought so much discussion could surround taking time, after the work is complete, to purposefully rest during the week? But what constitutes work? Conversely, what constitutes rest?

A sheep, a coin... a son. Jesus wants us to feel heaven's joy - His joy - when one lost soul repents and believes in Him. Consider the return of a son after his period of rebellion and 'freedom' from his family...

Jesus lays out how he pursues lost people and also his heart for those who wait for them. We see a couple of examples here in Luke - a lost sheep, highly valued by it's shepherd and a lost coin, a significant asset. But the joy is really not about the item's recovery...