Luke 9

As I read through Luke 9, I realize there are many short stories and conversation narratives that I would consider myself familiar with. There’s the feeding of the five thousand in versus 10-17 and Jesus healing the epileptic boy in versus 37-43. There’s the lesson on what it means to be “great” in verses 46-48. We read about the cost of following Jesus in verse 23-27 and again in verses 57-62. And we have the story of Jesus’ transfiguration verses 28-36. There’s also a story in this chapter that I’m not as familiar with, it’s when Jesus is rejected by the Samaritan village in verses 51-55.

The thing I really enjoyed about this chapter, and all the other readings we’ve done actually, is the detail within those stories. Some of the details show me how broken I really am. Some of them provide me encouragement that there is hope. Some show me how to serve and encourage others. Some of them even make me laugh and think, “Wow, these disciples are idiots.” But they all lead me to sit in awe and wonder of the majesty of Jesus. As I started to write this blog entry I thought I would just pick one of the stories and write about it, but this chapter seems to be too dynamic to just focus on one story. Instead, looking at the chapter as a whole helps me to see those things I just mentioned more clearly, mainly how awesome Jesus is.

One of the first times I read through this chapter, most of my observations were on how people responded to Jesus. Jesus’ ministry had created quite a buzz in the region, so much so that Herod had heard about it and was asking, “Who is this?” I think even now, when people hear more details about Jesus and his ministry, people are intrigued even if for a moment, because of how different he is from everyone else. Unfortunately, some people will reject him like the Samaritan village. But those that walk with him daily, like Peter, correctly identify him as the Christ.

When I read the chapter again with a new perspective, one where I focus on Jesus, it becomes really easy to agree with Peter’s conclusion. On three occasions in this chapter we read how Jesus gave. The first occurrence is in verse 1.

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.”

The second part of verse 16 says,

“Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.”

Finally in verse 42

“But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.”

In each of these instances, Jesus freely gave to meet the greatest needs of the recipients. With the disciples, he equipped them with all they needed to go out on mission trips. He even told them not to take anything else, and he would still provide for them through the service and generosity of others. In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, all those people had spent most the day outside in the sun and probably didn’t plan on staying there all day. Anyone who has ever taken a road trip with hungry kids knows the difficulty and stress level this can create. So he provided them with nourishment for the trip back home. And finally after healing the boy, Jesus gives him back to his father. The text tells us that the boy is the only child of the father, and in that culture the only heir and descendent to carry on the family lineage. So Jesus gave the father his successor and the assurance that his family line would continue.

We read of his compassion and patience. When his disciples asked him if they should call down fire on the Samaritan village for rejecting him, he corrects them and they move on. That scene is the one that really makes me laugh, because earlier they weren’t able to cast out the demon from the boy despite being given the power and authority to do so, but now they want to “flex their muscles”. But I digress; we also see examples of his compassion by the warnings that he gives, first of his imminent death (v 21-22, 44), but also the warning about what it means to follow him (v 23-27, 57-62). He makes no promise that following him would be easy and all things roses. Instead he makes it very clear, that it would be a life full of selflessness and service, of persecution and sacrifice. So that also speaks to his integrity.

In this chapter we also see Jesus’ examples of his divinity and authority. There are the miracles of healing the boy and feeding the multitude, but we also have God the Father declaring Jesus’ divine nature, stated in verse 35.

“This my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”

Just before this though, we read about Jesus having a meeting with Moses and Elijah. Keep in mind how honored and revered Moses and Elijah were considered, but Peter, James and John hear God make this declaration, which communicates how much greater Jesus is.

So as I think about all that we see of Jesus and his character in this chapter, I feel myself getting drawn in more and more by the splendor and holiness of Jesus. I find myself wanting to know and experience more of Him. I find myself needing to be more like Him. I find myself willing to give up things that I used to hold near and dear in exchange to be with Him, because He is compassionate and patient. He gives and provides freely and graciously exactly what I need in abundance; and He does this daily. He gives me more grace and mercy than I need to make it through my days so that I can give those to others. But more importantly, He has given us a way to commune with God today and for all eternity. Gifts are wonderful and great, but the Giver is so much greater.

  Marty Pina | Elder

Marty and Cecily began attending Hutto Bible Church in August of 2008. They both began living out their faith in 2003 while attending Gateway Community Church in Austin. They were married there in 2004. Marty serves in children's ministry, as a small group leader, small group coordinator and as a shepherd. Cecily has served as a C-group leader in student ministry in the past. She currently serves on the worship team and co-leads a small group and co-shepherds with Marty. Marty is currently employed as a network engineer for Time Warner Cable. Cecily is a medical billing software trainer for Brightree. They have two daughters, Alexis (19) and Zoe (8).