Focal Passage: Luke 9:18-26
Luke’s account of Jesus’ mission and ministry varies a little from the other accounts in the Gospels. While the other Gospels follow a chronological path of events, Luke takes a slightly different approach. We see him more interested in the theology than the chronology.
So, some of his accounts may not appear to follow in linear progression. He presents the same events with same details but not always in the same order. Luke was more focused on helping Theophilus and his readers understand who Jesus was, rather than giving them a historical perspective of what Jesus did.
As we begin to unfold this passage, we see Jesus affirming the question of His identity in His disciple’s minds. Their understanding of who He was would affect their ability to follow Him, serve Him and later carry the Good News to the world. If they did not grasp who He was, then His words would not have the full effect He desired in their life.
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He begins by asking them what the people around them were saying about who He was. We are often persuaded in our opinion by what other people are saying. Truth is often abandoned by the small seed of doubt. Jesus wanted them to do a self-examination and to look at what others were saying so they could compare that to what they were thinking. He wanted to know if the people’s understanding of who He was affected the disciples’ understanding of Him.
He asks each of us the same question and we must answer. We hear what the world says, but how well are we holding on to the truth? Are we remaining strong in our faith towards Him? Our answer is important because our understanding of His identity will govern our life and our eternity.
In verse 21, something odd happens. We see Jesus telling His disciples not to tell anyone who He was. Some might find this a little confusing after just asking them to confess His identity. But we must remember, God has a plan and a timetable.
The Scripture often refers to Jesus admonishing someone to remain quiet stating, “my time has not yet come.” What Jesus was saying is that some things had to happen before the truth would be revealed. We see this in the very next verse. Here, He outlines what has to take place before the truth of His identity would be completely revealed to the world.
In verses 23-26, Jesus shifts attention to those that would follow Him. To follow Him means we have to identify with Him. We must strive to be like Him. And that means there will be consequences. Jesus came to give His life for us. We must be willing also to give our lives for Him.
Just as Jesus identified with the Father and obeyed Him completely, we should do the same for Him. And, just as Jesus was glorified by the Father, so we also will be glorified by Jesus when He returns. To identify with Jesus, means we must give up our identity and put on Christ. Jesus’ question to us is, “Who do you say I AM?” B&R
