Living Vertizontal

In this episode we explore the Advent theme of Hope. while working through Jonah 1:1-8. This passage explores Jonah fleeing from God’s call, and the great storm that Jonah encounters. From our conversation on Jonah 1:1–8, we see that Jonah’s limited understanding of God’s presence may have shaped his reluctance to respond to God’s call. Believing he could escape God, Jonah attempted to flee from the Lord’s presence. Yet the hope in this passage is unmistakable: God is ever-present, and God pursues. God pursued Nineveh through Jonah, and God pursued Jonah through the storm. Just as God sought to draw near to Nineveh by inviting Jonah to participate in restoring their relationship through his prophecy, God still desires to draw near to all people today. The question, then, is this: Are we willing to answer God’s call in our own lives and allow ourselves to be instruments of relational restoration?

In this episode we look at Luke 10:25-37, we move into Jesus’ parable on the good Samaritan as Jesus responds to an expert in the law who asks about inheriting eternal life. From this we discuss how Jesus uses questions and parables to slow people down and allow a truth to move beyond head knowledge and into heart knowledge, increasing the likelihood of life transformation. From the parable, we hear Jesus’ invitation to “do and do likewise,” to participate in the kingdom even now, open to interruptions and opportunities to care for those around us, as an active reflection of the heart of God.

In this episode, we pick up in Luke 10:21-24 and look at Jesus’ prayer of thanksgiving, following the sending out of the 72. From this passage, we explore the different aspects of Jesus’ prayer of thanksgiving — from His praise for who God is, to His recognition of what God has done, and finally to a benediction that reaffirms God’s authority. As we walk through the text, we see several key themes emerge: the vital role of humility in God’s Kingdom, the authority of Jesus, the intimate relationship between God the Father and God the Son, and the open invitation for all who are willing to listen and enter that relationship. With Jesus as our model, we are reminded of the clear call to live in such a way that others may see, experience, and participate in the upside-down Kingdom of God.

In this episode, we jump back into the discourse happening between Jesus and the 72 both before their sending out, and after their return in Luke 10:13-20. Together, we reflect on the sense of expectation that comes with experiencing God’s Kingdom. When we encounter Jesus—when the Kingdom of God draws near—we face a choice: to embrace it or to turn away. Further, Jesus also deepens the mission blueprint by grounding both the disciples and their work in their identity as full representatives of the Kingdom. As appealing as fruit may be, it cannot flourish unless it is rooted in our identity in Christ. Therefore, as we seek to participate in and proclaim the Kingdom, our efforts must first and foremost be anchored in who we are in Christ.

In this episode we continue to walk with Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem through Samaria and watch as He sends out 72 on mission in Luke 10:1-12. Together, we reflect on how this passage echoes the sending of the Twelve, following the mission blueprint Jesus established in Luke 9:1–9. Yet, this passage also invites a shift in perspective as the disciples enter the mission field. Rather than focusing on the hopelessness that opposition can bring, Jesus draws attention to the potential within it. In the same way, as Jesus sends us out to participate in and proclaim the Kingdom of God, we are called to move with urgency, humility, and dependence—while also embracing the invitation to see potential in every encounter, even when the situation appears hopeless.

In this episode we move into Luke 9:51-62 where we see Jesus and His disciples rejected by Samaritans, and also two interactions with others about the cost of following after Him. Together we start by exploring the importance of prioritizing people over principles. When we choose to keep relationships at the center, we leave room for the Spirit of Jesus to keep working in the lives of those who may hold different convictions. From there, we unpack some of the common barriers that can keep us from fully participating in God’s Kingdom here and now—our desire for security, our struggle to surrender control, and our divided loyalties. Jesus’ invitation to follow Him is immediate, urgent, and all-encompassing. The real question is: will we answer that call and step fully into His Kingdom here and now?

In this episode, we reflect on Jesus’ patience with the crowds and His disciples, who once again fail to grasp what it truly means to fully participate in the kingdom of God, even though He had taught and modeled it many times. In the end, we recognize that the way of humility—following Jesus step by step—is the only path to fully participate in and embody His kingdom here and now.

In this episode, we read about the event known as the Transfiguration, found in Luke 9:28-36. Together talk about the difference between the static and dynamic message from God. We identify that unlike the Law and the Prophets, Jesus is present and dynamically leading us through life. Our invitation is into a dynamic relationship with Jesus, over a static dependence on the tools that were meant to point us to Jesus in the first place.

In this episode, we move to Luke 9:18-27. Within this set of verses we read about Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus’ prediction of His death, and Jesus' explanation of the cost of following Him. Together, we talk about how important it is for us as Jesus’ disciples to have a clear understanding of who He is. Who we understand Jesus to be will impact what we think Jesus does and says, and what we think Jesus does and says, influences what we do and say. We must set aside our misconceptions of dominance and overthrowing within the context of culture and politics and embrace the reality of suffering and rejection. Living in the way Jesus lived, His upside down Kingdom is put on full display for all to see.

In this episode we continue on in Luke 9:10-17. Within this set of verses we read about the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. Together, we jump into the topic of sabbath. Viewing this miracle account through the lens of sabbath challenges us to recognize sabbath as having more to do with dependence than sleep. When we grow more and more in our dependence on Jesus for everything, we enter the rest He has for us. This points us to the reality that sabbath is not just a moment we set aside; instead, sabbath is something we can experience on a moment by moment basis as we depend on Jesus. Sabbath carries with it more of a connotation to rest in, rather than rest from.

In this episode, we move on into Luke 9:1-9 where we read of Jesus sending the 12 apostles out on ministry, and King Herod’s desire to see Jesus and understand who He is. Together, we reflect on the missional blueprint that Jesus laid out—both for His apostles then and for us today. As we live on mission, we not only proclaim the Lordship of Christ but also embody it in our daily lives. In doing so, the attractive nature of the Kingdom is revealed, drawing the world irresistibly toward Him.

In our episode this week, we cross back over the Sea of Galilee and read from Luke 8:40-56. Within this passage we read of two different miraculous encounters. First, the healing of the bleeding woman, and second, the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Together we discuss the implications of the way we choose to live our lives. When our life is oriented to Jesus in every way, we confess our desperation for Jesus to all those around us. The only hope that we have in finding restoration and resurrection is through dependence on and desperation for Christ alone.

In this episode, we look at Luke 8:26-39. In this passage we read about the story of the demon possessed man in the Gerasenes. Together we talk about the importance of following Jesus into the difficult places of life, meeting people where they are, to participate in the upside down kingdom that Jesus initiated.

In this episode we turn to Luke 8:16-25. In this passage, we read about the lesson of the lamp, Jesus’ interaction with his mother and brothers, and Jesus’ calming of the storm. Together we walk together through three key parts of the passage. First, we consider how Jesus, though speaking in parables, was still clearly revealing the Kingdom of Heaven—and how coming to Him in humility opens us to receive His wisdom and understanding. Second, we reflect on Jesus’ ability to use every day moments, even interruptions, as opportunities to teach, expanding our view of who truly belongs to His family. Finally, we look at how Jesus calming the storm shows us, through creation itself, what it means to respond with humility and obedience to what Jesus says.

In this episode we move on to look at Luke 8:1-15. In this passage, we read of the involvement of women in Jesus’ ministry and also encounter Jesus’ parable of the sower and its explanation. Together we discuss two main themes. First, we again address just how far Jesus’ upside down kingdom reaches and how not only does the kingdom welcome everyone and anyone, but it invites all to play a part as well. Second, we talk about the open door of parables, and Jesus’ invitation for us to ask the question, “what soil am I?”

In this episode we are finish Luke 7 with a look at Luke 7:36-50. In this passage, Jesus is invited over to Simon, the Pharisee’s house, and is encountered by the sinful woman. Together we again discuss the role of dependence in our lives and the importance of our undivided dependence on Jesus in everything we do. When our dependence is divided among multiple things, we find anxiety and fear, but when our dependence is focused on Jesus alone, despite the uncertainty around us, we can find true peace.

In this episode we remain in the seventh chapter of Luke, exploring Luke 7:24-35. In this passage, Jesus continues to speak about John the Baptist and call out the fickle nature of so many of those gathering. Together we discuss the implications of this upside down kingdom that Jesus introduced. Within Jesus’ kingdom, all are lifted up, positions disappear, and justice reigns. In Jesus’ kingdom, we are invited to set aside our expectations of others, and see them for who they were created to be, rather than what they have been defined as by the world. We are invited to see people right, rather than set people right.

In this episode we continue on into Luke 7:18-23. In this passage we see John the Baptist send his disciples to Jesus to ask an important question. Together we discuss the different possibilities as to why John the Baptist would be sending his disciples to ask Jesus if He is in fact the Messiah. As a result of our conversation, we realized the potential validity of each option and how the ambiguity points towards the importance of humbly coming to Jesus to get to know Him.

In this episode, we move on into Luke 7:1-17. Within this passage we see two different miracles, one involving a centurion, and one involving a widow. Together we discuss these two different healing stories and all that Jesus demonstrates about His upside down kingdom. Following His Sermon on the Plain, we have the opportunity to see Jesus live out these teachings. Living in Jesus’ upside down kingdom, we are invited to love, to see, to care for, to trust others, and to identify all Jesus is doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

In this episode we finish up the sermon on the plain, looking at Luke 6:46-19. In this passage, Jesus asks a question of those around Him, emphasizing the importance of hearing His words and listening and then issues a warning through the example of the wise and foolish builders. Together we discuss just how important it is for our foundation to be rooted in Christ alone, both for our own lives, and the lives of those around us.