Be Courageous (Luke 14-24): Take Heart in Christ's Example

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

Are You Ready to Go to Your Jerusalem?

In this study of Luke 14-24, Warren Wiersbe examines Luke's account of our Lord's journey to Jerusalem, reminding us that the major message for God's people today is BE COURAGEOUS!

By studying our Lord's journey, you will learn about:
• Discipleship--its cost and compensations
• Daily living--wasting, spending, or investing your life
• The right and wrong of riches
• Facing up to Christ's authority
• The power of a joyful life

Today the enemy pressures you to compromise, conform, and quit. But Dr. Luke explains how you can journey to your Jerusalem, carry your cross, and BE COURAGEOUS!

Genres: Christian, Reference, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Religion, New Testament

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 1989

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Krista Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some great insights and is helpful to read after studying the corresponding scripture passages. The beliefs and doctrine are sound and clear and easy to read for someone who is not a scholar.

I used the study questions to help in a group study, and I was disappointed with how it worked out. The questions directed me back to Dr. Wiersbe more so than Scripture itself and did not put a whole lot of emphasis on strengthening the reader/user on how to study. It didn't affect everyone in my group in the same way, so I can only speak to what my experience was.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiersebe, as always, gives you a lot to think about in his in his commentaries. Wiersbe reminds us the the Gospel of Luke begins and ends in Jerusalem. "The last thing our Lord did was to bless His people and the first thing they did was to worship Him!"

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into the second half of the book of Luke.

[Jan]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14062614

[Brandi]

Wiersbe commentaries are easy to read and understand. I gained some insights I had never though of before.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good commentary and overview of the second part of Luke.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gospel of Luke is so full of good things that Warren Wiesrabe divided his commentary on Luke into two books. I mentioned the first, Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13): Let the World Know Jesus Cares, earlier in the month. Its companion is Be Courageous (Luke 14-24): Take Heart From Christ’s Example.

Luke 14 drops us right in the middle of Jesus’ ministry, with His healing of a man and then teaching through several parables. The next several chapters continue in much the same way. In addition to parables, Jesus teaches His disciples about the need to take up their cross and follow Him. In chapter 21, Jesus prophesies about the future.

Up to this point, the Pharisees, scribes, etc., have been keeping a close eye on Jesus, trying to trip Him up with questions, challenging His actions. In Chapter 22, things escalate with Judas offering to betray Jesus.

The narrative slows down in the next few chapters to focus on the events leading up to Jesus’ death. He celebrates the Passover with His disciples, institutes the Lord’s supper, is arrested, tried, and is found innocent, yet He is still given over to be crucified. Chapter 23 tells of His crucifixion and burial, and chapter 24 tells of His resurrection, appearance to the disciples, and ascension back to heaven..

There’s a lot in each of those chapters. In our discussion of five chapters at a time at church, we could only hit a few highlights in each one.

Luke’s books were written to his friend, Theophilus, to provide “an orderly account . . . that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4).

Wiersbe ably explains things along the way, shares insights, and harmonizes Luke’s account with that of the other gospel writers. Some of his comments:

Our modern world is very competitive, and it is easy for God’s people to become more concerned about profit and loss than they are about sacrifice and service. “What will I get out of it?” may easily become life’s most important question (Matt. 19: 27ff.). We must strive to maintain the unselfish attitude that Jesus had and share what we have with others (pp. 21-22, Kindle version).

What does it mean to “carry the cross”? It means daily identification with Christ in shame, suffering, and surrender to God’s will. It means death to self, to our own plans and ambitions, and a willingness to serve Him as He directs (John 12: 23–28). A “cross” is something we willingly accept from God as part of His will for our lives (p. 26).

This chapter makes it clear that there is one message of salvation: God welcomes and forgives repentant sinners. But these parables also reveal that there are two aspects to this salvation. There is God’s part: The shepherd seeks the lost sheep, and the woman searches for the lost coin. But there is also man’s part in salvation, for the wayward son willingly repented and returned home. To emphasize but one aspect is to give a false view of salvation, for both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man must be considered (see John 6: 37; 2 Thess. 2: 13–14) (pp. 31-21).

Sin promises freedom, but it only brings slavery (John 8: 34); it promises success, but brings failure; it promises life, but “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6: 23). The boy thought he would “find himself,” but he only lost himself! When God is left out of our lives, enjoyment becomes enslavement (p. 36).

Peter’s self-confident boasting is a warning to us that none of us really knows his own heart (Jer. 17: 9) and that we can fail in the point of our greatest strength (p. 129).

I never noticed this before, but both the ESV Study Bible and Wiersbe point out that Luke begins and ends in the temple. In the first chapter, the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, is announced to his stunned father, Zechariah. In the last, Jesus’ followers “worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.“

May we follow in their footsteps, joyfully worshiping and blessing Him.

[Tina Comerate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and Helpful Commentary on Luke

This book was incredibly helpful in deepening my understanding of Luke 14-24. It provided valuable insights that helped me see the connections and themes within these chapters more clearly. My Bible is now filled with notes from what I learned while reading!

I used this book for personal study and didn’t engage much with the questions at the end of each chapter. When I did, I found I had to go back and search for the answers, which might be great for a group setting but wasn’t my preferred approach. Instead, I found it most beneficial to read the Bible passage first and then the corresponding chapter in the book. Now, I just skip the questions altogether.

Overall, this is a great resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of Luke!

[Tina Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A study of the The final days of Jesus's walk on the earth. This book is wonderful in that it has scriptural references all throughout. Words of encouragement and study questions complete each chapter. I learned more about His last days and his resurrection and return than I knew before. I like the way the author presents and breaks down each chapter. A great study for all the read.

[Brian Kondracki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

When first introduced to Warren Wiersbe’s “BE Series” I was a younger Christian in age and spiritual maturity. The more I’ve read, the more I’ve learned and grown closer to the God of my salvation. This book helped me glean insights on scripture that continued my growth.

[B Millet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great in-depth read with actionable next steps

Loved this book and the depth it went into about what it means to be a true Christian. It is definitely a reread for me to get more insights. Perfect book for a small group study with all the thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. Highly recommend it!!

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

So many good insights. I like the way he talked about Dr. Luke and how who he was influenced what he chose to tell about Jesus. I am reading the Gospels through along with reading his commentaries. It is like reading it with fresh eyes.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

14/50 of be series. i read alphabetically.
not theologically deep as most of the book in this series, there are no explanation of cross talks like other commentary for example. but you could find different perspectives here for the book compiled under the theme courageous.

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Luke series and another Be book from Wiersbe is another great devotional commentary. Don't try and read these as a technical book, they are purely for devotions, for light study group discussions with friends, and to challenge and inspire you for your Christian walk.

[chris broniste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple straightforward and solid

This is a short but powerful treatise every student of the bible should read at least once. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was impacted by It.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I appreciate the author’s Bible commentary series, which are excellent. He provided many good insights in the book of Luke, with focus on chapters 14-24. Worth reading it!!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this commentary to be as much as I have come to expect of the Be series by Warren Wiersbe. Highly recommended for those who want something to go along with their Bible reading.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying working through the "Be" series by Warren Wiersbe. I enjoy his knowledgeable commentary. This particular book was the second half of the book of Luke.

[Rikitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful book. Help me understand scriptures even more. Would definitely reread.

[Dawn Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commentaries

I love how He talks about Luke. Giving more of an in depth appreciation and understanding. I highly recommend his commentaries.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first book so much Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13) that this one didn't quite have the same effect. Basically solid except for a few differences in interpreting the end times.

[Kay Herrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Courageous

Be courageous - Take Heart from Christ’s example is a very inspiring book. Please take the time to read the book.

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful!

[Kristin Henderson]

Warren Wiersbe masterfully guides his readers with commentary from the various books of the Bible. His books on Luke have been so insightful and helps you understand the Bible more deeply.

[Sandy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Warren W. Wiersbe has inspired me with his words. I read this book as a supplement to my Bible reading in The MacArthur Daily Bible. I always get such a blessing from the BE Series. Tomorrow I'll begin a study of the Book of John and will be reading BE Alive along with the reading of John's gospel. I highly recommend all of the BE books!

[R. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is an excellent Bible study of the last half of the Gospel of Luke and I highly recommend it.