Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2024)

Introduction

In Day 319 of Ascension's The Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into Luke chapters 17, 18, and 19, alongside Proverbs 26:13-16. This episode explores themes of faith, repentance, obedience, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Father Mike provides insightful reflections and guided prayers that encourage listeners to not only read but also understand and apply Scripture in their daily lives.

Overview of Scripture Readings

1. Luke Chapter 17

   • Teachings on forgiveness, faith, and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
   • Parable of the Ten Lepers.

2. Luke Chapter 18

   • Parables emphasizing persistent prayer and humility.
   • Stories of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus Blessing the Children, and the Rich Ruler.

3. Luke Chapter 19

   • The story of Zacchaeus.
   • The Parable of the Ten Minas.
   • Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and cleansing of the temple.

4. Proverbs 26:13-16

   • Reflections on laziness and folly.

Key Points and Discussions

1. The Seriousness of Sin and Responsibility (Luke 17:1-2)

Father Mike underscores Jesus' stern warning against causing others, especially the "little ones," to sin. He emphasizes the gravity of leading someone into wrongdoing by referencing the millstone metaphor:

"Woe to him by whom they [the little ones] come." (00:04)

2. The Power of Faith (Luke 17:5-6)

When the apostles request increased faith, Jesus illustrates its potency with the mustard seed analogy:

"If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, be rooted up, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you." (08:30)

3. Cleansing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks. This narrative highlights gratitude and faith beyond traditional boundaries:

"Your faith has made you well." (15:45)

4. Parables of Persistent Prayer and Humility (Luke 18)

• Widow and the Unrighteous Judge: Encourages never losing heart in prayer.

  "Hear what the unrighteous judge says." (20:10)

• Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Contrasts self-righteousness with genuine humility.

  "I tell you, this man went down to his house, justified rather than the other." (25:22)

• Jesus Blesses the Children: Emphasizes receiving the Kingdom of God with a childlike heart.

  "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (30:35)

• The Rich Ruler: Demonstrates the challenge of placing worldly wealth above following Jesus.

  "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (35:50)

5. The Story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector known for his wealth and questionable ethics, seeks Jesus. His encounter leads to repentance and generosity, showcasing the transformative impact of meeting Christ:

"Today salvation has come to this house." (45:25)

6. The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)

This parable illustrates faithfulness and accountability in stewardship, contrasting productive servants with one who failed to act:

"To everyone who has, more will be given." (50:15)

7. Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing (Luke 19:28-48)

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfills prophetic tradition, provoking mixed reactions. His subsequent cleansing of the temple signifies judgment against hypocrisy:

"It is written, my house shall be a house of prayer." (55:40)

Insights and Reflections from Father Mike Schmitz

• The Millstone Metaphor: Father Mike reflects on the severe imagery Jesus uses to describe the consequences of leading others into sin. He shares a personal anecdote from his seminary days about the lasting impact of this teaching.

• Gratitude Beyond Boundaries: Highlighting the Samaritan leper's return, Father Mike emphasizes that true gratitude and faith transcend cultural and societal divisions.

• Contrasting Responses to Jesus: By comparing the rich ruler and Zacchaeus, Father Mike illustrates that heart disposition, rather than outward righteousness, determines one's response to Jesus. The rich ruler's inability to relinquish his wealth leads to his sorrow, whereas Zacchaeus' willingness to change his ways brings joy and salvation.

• Call to Action: Father Mike encourages listeners to actively respond to God's call, urging them to entrust their hearts to Jesus and live out their faith with genuine commitment.

"It is not just about listening to the Bible. This is also about responding to the Bible." (70:00)

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

1. Father Mike Schmitz on Sin and Responsibility:

   "He is talking to all the guys who would hopefully be ordained priests... he spoke with authority." (10:15)

2. On the Transformative Encounter with Jesus:

   "The call is, come and follow me. The call is, come, give me your heart." (65:40)

3. Encouragement to Respond to God's Call:

   "Please pray for me that that's what I'm able to do today." (75:20)

4. Reflection on Faith and Obedience:

   "I hear the Lord's voice call your name and say, come down... receive him joyfully." (72:10)

Conclusion

In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz masterfully navigates through profound biblical teachings, urging listeners to deepen their faith, embrace humility, and respond wholeheartedly to Jesus' call. By intertwining scripture with personal reflections and practical applications, he offers a compelling guide for understanding and living out the Bible's timeless messages.

Prayer:

"Father in heaven, we give you praise. Thank you so much, we give you honor and glory, and we just praise you for your son, Jesus, and the revelation of the Gospel of Luke... In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." (80:30)

Thank you for listening to The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. May you continue to experience the transformative power of God's Word in your daily life.