Monday, December 8, 2014

Day 9 Advent Reading: Luke Chapter 9

In  Chapter 9, the disciples become active participants in Jesus' ministry (9:1-6).

The following of the sending of the disciples with Herod being perplexed (9:7) suggests that as Herod hears about what the disciples are doing, eh connects it with Jesus.  A reminder to us that as we go into the world to serve Christ, people will come to understand and/or judge who Christ is by how we act on his behalf.  Herod thought when he beheaded John he had stifled this new thing happening -- little did he realize that John was just the beginning!

When Jesus has been teaching and healing all day, eating =time arrives (Luke 9: 10-17).  What should they do? The disciples go for the easy way out -- send the crowds away to get food.  But Jesus has a better idea:  "You feed them," he tells the disciples.  A sign of the disciples growing responsibility and Jesus' growing expectations of them.   In your life of discipleship, can you point to areas where you feel God is giving your more responsibility?

When Jesus asks who the crowds say he his, Peter has the correct answer:  "the Messiah of God" (Luke 9: 18-20). If someone asked you, who would you say Jesus is?

Jesus foretells his resurrection and he outlines the challenge of being a disciple (Luke 9: 21-27).

Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop (Luke 9: 28-36).  I find it curious that the disciples want to stay on the mountaintop and build dwelling places.  Apparently, they are willing to just hang out with Jesus, but Jesus has other things to do.  I also find it curious that the disciples kept silent and told no one about the transfiguration of Jesus.  Did they think no one would believe them?  Why do you keep silent about what Jesus has done in your life?

Jesus foretells his death again (9: 43b-45), which is matched by his persistent desire to get to Jerusalem, which is where his final conflict will take place (Luke 9: 52).  Note that Jesus does seem too upset that the Samaritan village did not receive him (9: 51-56).


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