Today’s reading: Luke 8:26-9:56
My selection:Luke 9: 23
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
My reflections: The disciples have seen Jesus’ mighty acts. Three of them even saw His transfiguration. Now Peter has confessed clearly what they must all have been thinking that Jesus is “the Christ of God” (9:22).
But Jesus’ response is not what they might have expected.
1. They are not to tell who He is. This was a temporary command which would be suspended after His resurrection when He commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. He is going to suffer, be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, be killed, and on the third day be raised.
3. If they want to come after Him, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Him.
The disciples probably thought that the full establishment of the kingdom would come at any moment, but instead there is suffering ahead. They knew who Jesus was but they must wait to announce it and suffer with Him in the meantime.
My challenge: The King has come and revealed Himself. We are in the last days but these last days are not few. The final culmination of His kingdom will come but meanwhile we are to be faithful, waiting for the end. This reality is further shown in Revelation. Be patient. Be faithful. Bear your cross. Repeat daily until further instructions.
Tomorrow’s reading: Luke 9:57-11:36
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