Multiple references are made to the Kingdom of God in Chapter 9, starting with Jesus' purpose in sending the disciples out to preach in v. 2. We've encountered this term several times so far in Luke, including 4:43 and 6:20. What do you think it means? I connect the kingdom's coming to the purpose Jesus states for his ministry in 4:18-19 (when he reads from Isaiah in the synagogue). Throughout the chapter, I see a number of incidents that give us pictures of the kingdom and help us understand what it means.
In the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 (v. 10-17), I hear echoes of "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied" (6:21), for example. And when the disciples gathered the leftovers from those satisfied people (v. 17), I see God's abundance. I look at those as pictures of the kingdom. Do you see any more in this story or others from the chapter?
But Jesus also makes a very conscious shift in this chapter -- predicting his betrayal, death, resurrection and departure (v. 22, 30, 44, 51). Perhaps John the Baptist's death and executioner King Herod's interest in Jesus clarified his ultimate purpose (v. 7-9). Jesus is seemingly preparing the disciples in a number of ways to continue his ministry. Does it surprise you that the disciples are suddenly given the authority to heal, drive out demons or even preach (v. 1-2)? After all, in the last chapter, they had needed Jesus' help to understand the meaning of a parable.
It looks a little bit like a test of their faith and trust in Jesus. The disciples must believe that they can do the things Jesus commissions them for, and they are commanded to take nothing on the journey -- no provisions or supplies. Instead, they must build relationships with people or move on if no hospitality is offered (v. 3-6). Jesus later probes the disciples to see if they understand what he has been saying about himself all along. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, passing the test.
The disciples don't always measure up in this chapter, though. After their success in healing and driving out demons, Jesus is exasperated that he has to take the lead in healing the boy convulsed by an evil spirit. He aims some very harsh words at the disciples (v. 41). He intervenes as they squabble about who will be the greatest with an object lesson about humility (v. 46-48). Then he rebukes James and John for suggesting destruction of an unwelcoming Samaritan village (v. 54-55). Though Jesus talked about his own execution and the self-denial expected of his followers (v. 22-25), they didn't seem to understand his path wasn't violence and retribution.
What do you think of Jesus' talk about self-denial, taking up your cross and losing your life to gain it (v. 23-27)? Any ideas about how we should carry that out as followers of Christ? It's interesting that Jesus later rebuffs someone who at least sounds like he's taking the first steps toward self-denial (v. 57-58). And then he seems to find two other potential followers unworthy of the calling (v. 59-62). Jesus' objection appears to relate to placing family concerns above following him, which recalls his teaching about the family-like bond between those who put into practice the word of God (8:19-21).
The three disciples with the closest bond to Jesus witness his spectacular transfiguration (v. 28-36), which gives them further insight into who the Christ is. I'd like to hear what you think of that incident and what its point was.
Youths! Here's a suggestion to read chapter 9 over five days if you're having trouble making time to sit down and read it at one time. First day -- 9:1-11; second day -- 9:12-22; third day -- 9:23-36; fourth day -- 9:37-50; fifth day -- 9:51-62. Or you could make your own plan to break it up over even more days. When you read, think about having a pen and paper beside you to note your responses to some of the questions I posed above. Or you could just note questions you have, what you think is interesting, what stands out for you or your observations. Then bring that on Sunday. That will ensure you remember something so you can tell us about it on Sunday March 20.
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