DAY #106: Luke 9:18-26

One particular day, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” The disciples’ answer echoes what the crowds had been saying and what Herod had heard. This belief may have come from Deuteronomy 18:18, where God said he would raise up a prophet from among the people. All of these responses were incorrect, revealing that the people still didn’t recognize Jesus’ true identity.

Peter, who often acted as the spokesman for the disciples, answered. Peter’s said, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” Peter did not understand the exact nature of Jesus’ ministry, but he knew one fact for sure—Jesus was the Messiah.

Jesus responded to Peter’s confession that he was the Messiah with a prophecy of his own death and resurrection and then went on to warn the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ because at this point they didn’t fully understand the significance of that confession of faith. Even though Jesus was the Messiah, he still had to suffer many terrible things, be rejected, and be killed. Jesus then added that after all those tragic events occurred, three days later he would be raised from the dead.

When the disciples saw all this happen to Jesus, they would understand what the Messiah had come to do and the kind of Kingdom he was preparing. Jesus didn’t make following him sound very easy. Denying one’s personal desires and taking up a cross in order to follow this man was not what most of them had bargained for. To put aside one’s selfish ambition means a willingness to let go of selfish desires and earthly security. “Self” is no longer in charge; God is.

To shoulder one’s cross daily means to follow Jesus to the death if necessary. To follow Jesus means recognizing that belief is only the beginning of discipleship. Following Jesus doesn’t mean walking behind him, but taking the same road of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Because Jesus walks ahead, he provides an example and stands with his followers as encourager, guide, and friend.

Those who invest their life for Christ and his Kingdom will receive eternal life, as well as the satisfaction of serving God on earth. Those who give up control to God find that he fills their lives with himself. Many people are willing to turn away from Christ in order to stay in a relationship, hold on to a sin, or stay on a career path. Jesus explained, however, that even if someone could gain the whole world, it would be of no benefit if it means losing his or her soul in the process.

Drowsily, Peter, James, and John awoke to an extraordinary sight—Moses and Elijah, with Jesus, standing together in a moment of glorious heavenly splendor. Stunned—Peter blurted out that he would build three shrines. Peter’s instant reaction was to commemorate this moment of glory, at this very site. But God himself answered Peter. No shrines were needed; instead the disciples needed to recognize Jesus’ unique identity—that he was God’s Son—and obey what he told them to do.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Anytime, anyplace with anyone at whatever cost - I will follow Jesus. That is the essence of Luke 9:23. Would to God that this would be the legacy of my life and the legacy of the my family and the legacy of the people of COV. Deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow wherever He leads.

God, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would continue to work in the hearts of people at COV. That they would be drawn into a closer walk with You. That they would increasingly have a sense of Your call upon their lives. That they would surrender in submission to Your will and Your ways.

Lord, raise up true disciples. Men and women and students and children who will pay the price to be Your people.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)