Luke 9

Read Luke 9

The Lord intended to work through “the twelve” to “proclaim the kingdom of God” throughout Israel. Therefore He gave them “power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.” King Herod heard about “all that was happening” and “he sought to see” Jesus.

Crowds came to the Son of God wherever He went. When thousands followed the Lord and His friends into the wilderness, concern was expressed about how anyone could supply food for such a large group of people. Jesus' solution: “You give them something to eat.” The disciples spoke of “all these people” in a way that showed that they were overwhelmed by the persistent and needy mob. Jesus had the right plan. He took the few loaves and fish were available, and then He “looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them.” A large number of people were fed and there was more food left over at the end than at the beginning.

Jesus was “the Christ of God.” Peter knew this, but he did not have an accurate assessment of what it would mean to Jesus and to His apostles to be part of a movement that would be not only glorious, but also extremely costly. He had to learn that “the Son of Man must suffer” and even “be killed.” Only later would he begin to appreciate the words that the Messiah spoke to His disciples: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

Three of the Lord's best friends were given a glimpse of the shining kingdom of God at the transfiguration of Christ. The “Chosen One” of God who was radiating heavenly glory came down once more into a world of strife. Soon the leaders that Jesus had appointed were arguing about who was the greatest and suggesting that their adversaries should be killed. They needed to learn that they were serving a King who had “nowhere to lay His head” and would soon die on a cross for their sins.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord God, You have power and authority over all things. You send us forward as representatives of Your goodness and mercy. Train us to be true ambassadors of Your Kingdom everywhere we go. Thank You for Your kind provision from on high. Open our hearts to the message of the Lamb. Show us how to know the truth and to live in it. We commit to a future of self-denial as we take up our cross and follow Jesus. Christ is coming again in glory. He has given us a glimpse of His heavenly majesty on the Mount of Transfiguration. Make us see heaven’s view of the ministry of our Redeemer. Teach us to listen to Him. He is the chosen One and we are Your people in a world that is full of disorder and unbelief. Help us to care and to act with the strength of the Man who had no sin. May the death and resurrection of our King be shining lights in our daily existence. As we receive even little children in the name of our Savior, we seek Your wisdom that we might understand who is with us and who is against us, lest we speak harshly to those whom You love. We will serve You wherever You lead. Lift us up as we walk in the Spirit.