Luke 9:37-50

Luke 9:37-50

From the mountain top experience to a “life is the pits” experience is what happens to Jesus and the three apostles with Him. After the Transfiguration they have to first face a stubborn demon. The spirit did not come out at the disciples’ command. We get the idea that chaos was about to erupt in the crowd. When the boy is brought to Jesus the spirit seizes the boy. The word used here was used of Olympic boxers who delivered a knockout punch. Jesus heals a boy and three related events occur. First, everyone is amazed and marveling at God's great blessings. Second, Jesus begins talking about going to the cross and the disciples did not understand Him. Third, an argument breaks out among the disciples about who is going to be the greatest, at which point, Jesus sits the child beside Him.

While these are not unrelated events, though at first glance that may seem to be the case. The power of God being manifested and the support of the crowds cause the Twelve to think of the coming Kingdom. In their mind, that means a political kingdom, it means political power and they all want to have an important role in that Kingdom and a part of that power. Jesus emphasizes the cross, but the disciples could not understand how that would fit into the Kingdom plan. They are driven by their own agenda. They could not comprehend the Lord’s agenda. Jesus places a child at his side. Remember the place of honor and power is beside the king. Power in the kingdom is derived from the cross not from popular support. Power in the kingdom is expressed in service not in the ability to command. Power in the kingdom is not for the benefit of those in authority but for the benefit of the helpless. The only way not to lose sight of our calling as disciples is to constantly focus on the cross.

“Lord, never allow my agenda to cause me to loose sight of the Cross. AMEN”