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1 Corinthians 15:12-20

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

An Unromantic View -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
Valentine’s Day isn’t likely a prominent part of our liturgical calendar, and it doesn’t factor into
Judgement and saving grace -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2001.
Leaning into God's Future -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
There is a powerful scene in Robert Bolt’s play A Man for All Seasons.
In vane, in vain, in vein -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
These texts deal with the vanity of life. Jeremiah lived in a time when the world, as he
What do you trust? -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1998
The theme for this day might be expressed in the question, "In what do we put our trust?" Individual
Winners and losers -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1995
Woody Guthrie, whose ballads reflected the plight of the poor, voiced in one of his songs an enigma
Upside-down kingdom -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
In his classic book, Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift takes the reader on an adventure thro
Opposites -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
The traditional symbol for drama was two masks, one for comedy with the mouth wide and corners turne

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Leaning into God's Future -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
There is a powerful scene in Robert Bolt’s play A Man for All Seasons.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The "Woke" Gospel -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
For February 16, 2025:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

CSSPlus

Be filled with joy -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be
Haircuts -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to get your hair cut?
Fact or fiction? -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Good morning! I have some books with me this morning. This
"Follow the leader" -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
How many of you like to play games? (Let them answer.) So

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrec

Drama

SermonStudio

What's In It For M-E-E-E-E? -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (OT 6) Cycle C (2025) -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (OT 6) Cycle C (2022) -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (OT 6) Cycle C (2019) -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
Jeremiah 17:5-10
If we don't do surgery... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
"If we don't do surgery soon, you're in for real trouble."
D. L. Moody, the great... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
D. L. Moody, the great evangelist of the nineteenth century, assigned some ministerial
The year was 1799, the... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
The year was 1799, the armies of Napoleon were conquering all in their path. They
Funny time for an Easter... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Funny time for an Easter sermon. How can we possibly preach on resurrection when
The resurrection is like a... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2001
The resurrection is like a traveler's check.
In the movie Contact... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2001
In the movie Contact Jody Foster portrayed an astronomer named Ellie who deeply believed in t
Nathan had just turned twelve... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2001
Nathan had just turned twelve when he died of a brain hemorrhage.
Janet Jones went to church... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1998
Janet Jones went to church all her life. She was raised in the church.
In his Resurrection of... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1998
In his Resurrection of Jesus, Pinchas Lapide (pronounced PinSHAW LaPEED), an Orthodox Jewish
The dictionary definition of witness... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1998
The dictionary definition of "witness" is one who has personal knowledge and gives specific evidence
In the 1860s a man... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1998
In the 1860s a man named Job Smith was convicted for some offense and sentenced to die.
I believe in the resurrection... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1995
I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I do believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The believers in Corinth, Greece... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1995
The believers in Corinth, Greece, were a part of a culture that held that there was no resurrection
Several people died, others were... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1995
Several people died, others were injured, and there was significant structural damage when the World
A pastor tells of a... -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1995
A pastor tells of a woman who stopped into his office to talk with him about the most devastating ev

The Immediate Word

The "Woke" Gospel -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
For February 16, 2025:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

StoryShare

Beyond the Sunset -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those

Prayer

SermonStudio

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The "Woke" Gospel -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
For February 16, 2025:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Epiphany 6 -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The "Woke" Gospel -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
For February 16, 2025:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

SermonStudio

Raised To New Life Today -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
William Wilberforce was a privileged man.
You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
The Son Also Rises -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
When it comes to the resurrection, one of the things that all of the Gospel writers agree upon is th
A Note To Fearful Hearts -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
The frail, tired woman had experienced a sleepless night in her hospital bed.

The Village Shepherd

Eternal Life -- What Is It Like? -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Novels about science fiction have been popular since before the days when human beings first walke

Stories

StoryShare

Beyond the Sunset -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those
A Messianic Message? -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- David O. Bales -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Messianic Message?” by David O. Bales
Is It True? -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- David E. Leininger, David O. Bales -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Is It True?" by David Leininger

SermonStudio

Life After Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
In an ever-lengthening pastoral ministry, I have had occasion to officiate more funerals than I can
Get Busy Living In Hope -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
Epiphany 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
When I was in college my professor and good friend Dr.

Worship

The Immediate Word

The "Woke" Gospel -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
For February 16, 2025:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-10Theme: Trust in God, not in manCall to Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

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