The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2025)
Date: November 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike reads and reflects on Luke 17, 18, and 19 and Proverbs 26:13–16. The theme centers on the call of Jesus to “come, follow me,” as seen in encounters with the rich ruler and Zacchaeus, highlighting the contrast between those clinging to what they love and those joyfully surrendering themselves to Christ. Fr. Mike explores Jesus' teachings on sin, forgiveness, faith, and discipleship, urging listeners to respond actively to God’s call in their own lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Seriousness of Leading Others to Sin (Luke 17)

• Millstones & the Responsibility of Influence
  • Jesus warns, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to him by whom they come.” (00:40)
  • Fr. Mike shares advice from Dr. Chris Thompson:

    “Gentlemen, when it comes to leading others into sin, I have one word for you, and that word is millstones.” (23:00)

  • Insight: The gravity with which Jesus treats sin and leading others astray, illustrated by the weight of the millstone (“over 2,000 pounds... you’d go down pretty fast”).
  • Key takeaway: We must never lead others into sin; the responsibility is immense.

2. Faith, Forgiveness, and Humble Service (Luke 17:1–10)

• Faith as a Mustard Seed
  • “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.” (01:35)
• The Unworthy Servant
  • “We are unworthy servants. We have only done what was our duty.” (04:20)
  • Insight: Service to God involves humility; we do our duty without seeking thanks.

3. Gratitude and the Outcast (Luke 17:11-19)

• Ten Lepers Healed; the Grateful Samaritan
  • Only the Samaritan returns to thank Jesus.
  • Fr. Mike emphasizes the history of Samaritans as outsiders, “worse… than the Assyrians, worse than the Romans,” yet Jesus uses them as examples of faith and gratitude. (25:50)
  • Key line (Jesus): “Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (07:35)
  • Insight: Jesus’ mercy extends beyond pedigree or birthright—grace is for those who know their need.

4. The Coming of the Kingdom and Readiness (Luke 17:20–37)

• The Kingdom is in Your Midst
  • “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed… For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (08:55)
• The Suddenness of the Son of Man’s Return
  • “At that night there will be two men in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.” (11:45)
  • Fr. Mike: Jesus calls for vigilance and readiness, not for seeking signs.

5. Persistent Prayer & Humility Before God (Luke 18)

• The Widow and the Unrighteous Judge
  • “They ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (13:20)
  • God’s justice and attentiveness outshine even the unjust judge’s grudging response.
• The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
  • “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (15:20)
  • The truly justified is the one recognizing his own sinfulness.

6. Receiving the Kingdom as a Child (Luke 18:15–17)

• Jesus Blesses the Children
  • “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God… whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (17:20)
  • Insight: Simplicity, openness, and trust are required to follow Christ.

7. The Rich Young Ruler: The Good Kid Who Goes Away Sad (Luke 18:18–30)

• The Encounter
  • The rich ruler keeps all commandments but is unwilling to part with his wealth when Jesus calls him to “sell all that you have… and come, follow me.” (19:00)
  • Fr. Mike: “He goes away sad, not just kind of bummed out. He goes away grieved, he goes away wounded… almost crushed.” (36:10)
  • The “sadness” here mirrors Jesus’ own coming agony in Gethsemane.
• The Call to More
  • Jesus wants not just obedience, but our hearts.
  • “What Jesus is asking for is not just, 'Hey, obey the commandments.' He’s saying, 'I invite you… what’s one thing you lack? Give me your heart.'” (36:48)

8. Zacchaeus: The Joy of Surrender (Luke 19:1–10)

• Contrast with the Rich Ruler
  • Zacchaeus, seen as a “sinner” and outsider, responds instantly and joyfully, surrendering what he has:

    “‘Zacchaeus, come down… I must stay at your house today.’ And this is the key… he received him joyfully.” (40:00)

• True Conversion
  • Zacchaeus voluntarily pledges restitution and generosity:

    “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone… I restore it fourfold.” (41:35)

  • Insight: The one who gives his heart to Christ walks away joyful; the one who holds back leaves grieved.

9. Parable of the Ten Pounds (Minas): Faithfulness and Accountability (Luke 19:11–27)

• Good stewardship leads to greater trust; fearfully “burying” God’s gifts leads to loss.
• “To everyone who has, will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (43:50)
• Insight: God expects us to respond actively and fruitfully to the talents/gifts we’ve received.

10. Final Journey and Tension in Jerusalem (Luke 19:28–48)

• Entry into Jerusalem
  • Joyful welcome: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (47:20)
  • Jesus’ reply to the Pharisees:

    “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (48:15)

• Jesus Weeps for the City
  • “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace, but now they are hidden from your eyes.” (49:00)
• Cleansing the Temple
  • “My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” (50:10)
• The people are captivated: “All the people hung upon his words.” (51:00)

11. Proverbs on Laziness and Self-Deception (Proverbs 26:13–16)

• The sluggard makes excuses, is unreasonably lazy, and thinks himself “wiser in his own eyes.” (53:10)
• Reflection: Avoid spiritual laziness—authentic discipleship calls for active response.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Chris Thompson’s advice:

  “When it comes to leading others into sin, I have one word for you, and that word is millstones.” (23:00)
  (Fr. Mike recalling his professor on the seriousness of influencing others)

• On the Sadness of the Rich Young Man:

  “He goes away sad, not just kind of bummed out. He goes away grieved, he goes away wounded… almost crushed.” (36:10)

• On Zacchaeus’ Joyful Surrender:

  “The bad kid, the kid who was lost, the kid who everyone would have disqualified… comes down, receives Jesus joyfully, and gives him everything.” (42:00)

• On Responding to God’s Call:

  “The call is the same. And the call is, come and follow me. The call is, come, give me your heart. What matters to you the most? What do you love the most? Come and follow me and entrust your heart to me.” (44:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------|--------------| | Reading of Luke 17 | 00:35–13:00 | | Jesus warns about causing others to sin | 00:40–02:00 | | Cleansing of 10 lepers | 06:50–08:40 | | The kingdom in your midst | 08:55–12:00 | | Parables: Widow/Judge, Pharisee/Tax Collector | 13:20–16:30 | | Blessing of children | 17:10–18:20 | | Rich young ruler | 19:00–22:40 | | Reflection: Millstones | 23:00–26:00 | | Zacchaeus' conversion | 38:45–42:00 | | Entry to Jerusalem, Jesus weeping | 47:20–50:00 | | Cleansing of the temple | 50:10–51:30 | | Proverbs reading and reflection | 53:10–54:30 | | Reflection: “Come, Follow Me” | 36:00–45:00 |

Concluding Reflection & Call to Action

Fr. Mike personalizes the message: Whether you feel like the “good church kid” or the outcast, the invitation is the same—“come, follow me.” Responding to God’s word means not only hearing, but also acting, giving your heart to Christ, and doing so joyfully. “To receive joy,” he urges, “hear the Lord’s voice call your name and say, ‘come down… I want to stay at your house today,’ and receive him joyfully.”

He closes by asking for prayers and reminding listeners that they need each other’s support in their journey of faith.

Quote to Remember:

“It’s not just about listening to the Bible. This is also about responding to the Bible… hearing the word of God and acting upon it.” (44:30)