“Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” (Luke 21:34)

Christ’s words in this passage carry a threefold warning — calling us to precaution, purity, and preparation. It’s a reminder to stay watchful over our character, guard against the pull of worldly cares, and live ready to meet the Lord at any moment.

“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1)

In this short but powerful verse, Jesus teaches three truths about prayer — that it is our duty, it requires dedication, and we must not discontinue it. Prayer isn’t optional or reserved for when life gets hard; it’s essential to our spiritual health and strength.

“Not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” (Luke 15:13)

The story of the prodigal son is one of the most familiar in Scripture, yet it’s still painfully current. Butler points out the swiftness of the son’s fall, the distance of his separation, the corruption of his conduct, and the high cost of his sin. What begins as independence quickly turns into isolation and loss.