Luke 9:46-62
Q.1. In what ways did the disciples of Jesus misunderstand His mission? – (Lk.9:46-56)
This passage reveals several misconceptions that the disciples had about the mission of Jesus: (i) As Jesus was nearing Jerusalem to lay down His life, the disciples argued about – which of them might be the greatest (Lk.9:46 c.f. Lk.9:51). Jesus – knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child … and said, Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great (Lk.9:48). (ii) Their exclusive attitude was later exposed by John’s opposition to a man, not part of their group, who was operating in the name of Jesus. Jesus welcomed all who were for Him, saying – Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you (Lk.9:50). (iii) When the Samaritans would not receive Jesus, James and John wanted to command fire to consume them from Heaven (Lk.9:54). However, Jesus reminded them –the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them (Lk.9:56).
Q.2. How did Jesus model and explain His mission to His disciples? – (Lk.9:51-56)
The disciples were aware of the hatred towards Jesus that was being stirred up by the religious leaders. Because of this, they were surprised that – He was determined (set His face) to go to Jerusalem (Lk.9:51). Jesus would not shun this – ‘ascension’, that spoke about Him being ‘lifted up’ on the Cross (c.f. Jn.8:28; 12:32-33) He was determinedly going to Jerusalem to die for us. There was no love lost between the Jews and the Samaritans (c.f. Jn.4:9). However, the disciples should have known better, because of the previous interaction between Jesus and a Samaritan woman (Jn.4:1-30). The Samaritans – did not receive Him because He was travelling through toward Jerusalem (Lk.9:53 c.f. Lk.9:52-55). The suggestion by James and John to incinerate the Samaritans, was at odds with the mission of Jesus, which was to die for the sins of the whole world (Lk.9:54-56 c.f. Jn.3:16).
Q.3. What aspects of our lives must we weigh up when committing to following Jesus? – (Lk.9:57-62)
Along the road to Jerusalem, a number of prospective disciples expressed their desire to follow Jesus (Lk.9:57, 59, 61). These encounters highlighted the main costs and considerations involved in being a follower of Christ. The responses of Jesus showed us that to allow distractions and diversions will often derail our commitment to follow Him. The first encounter revealed that to place Jesus first may cost us our SAFETY and SECURITY (Lk.9:57-58). The second encounter showed that to follow Jesus closely will require us to rearrange our LIFE’S PRIORITIES (Lk.9:59-60). The third encounter unveiled the cost that we may pay, in terms of FAMILY TIES (Lk.9:61-62). Our new priority needs to be to – go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God (Lk.9:60). We must deny ourselves and take up our cross, because – no one, after putting his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Lk.9:62). The following of Christ demands that we re-prioritize our whole lives.