Luke 9

 

Reading Luke and Acts in 2020


Week 9  |  Luke 9
 


Luke 9 Reflections and Questions


By Rev. Dr. Doug Thrasher

 

Luke’s version of the Gospel takes a significant turn in the ninth chapter. The preceding chapters have focused on Jesus, his life, his experiences, his miracles, his teaching. In this chapter, for the first time, Jesus is proclaimed as the Messiah, the Christ. And then, almost as soon as this truth is revealed, Jesus turns his face towards Jerusalem pronouncing that he will suffer and die there and after three days he will rise from the dead. The rest of the chapter focuses on this revelation.

Each day I am going to give you an opportunity to think and pray about the words of the chapter. I encourage you to write down your thoughts to help you go deeper in reflection.
 

Wednesday, February 26:  Read verses 1-6

Jesus sent out the 12 Disciples to preach the Kingdom of God.

  1. Write down a list of the names of people who shared the message of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God with you.
  2. Pray a prayer of Thanksgiving for them.
  3. On this Ash Wednesday, write down the name of at least one person that you will share the message of Jesus with sometime during the season of Lent. Pray for that person daily with the intention of inviting him or her to worship on Palm Sunday.

Thursday, February 27: Read verses 7-9

Herod’s reaction to Jesus.

  1. The Scripture says he was perplexed by what Jesus was doing and who Jesus was. Write down words that describe your reaction to what you have heard about Jesus.
  2. Who is Jesus to you?

Friday, February 28: Read verses 10-17

Feeding the 5,000. This is one of my favorite miracle stories.

  1. The boy offered what he had - 5 loaves and 2 fish. What are some of the things you offer to Jesus?
  2. Jesus blessed God for providing the food. Write down the blessing you will use before eating your meals today.
  3. How has God satisfied your hunger?

Saturday, February 29 (Leap Year!):  Read verses 18-20

Caesarea Philippi was the only Roman city in Israel in that day. There, temples were built to all the pagan Roman gods. In that city Jesus asks “Who do you say that I am?”

  1. Write at least five words that describe who Jesus is to you.
  2. What do you think enabled Peter to make this leap (leap year!) of faith?

Sunday, March 1:  Read verses 21-27

Jesus tells the Disciples what will happen to him in Jerusalem.

  1. How do you respond to this message?
  2. Write down how you take up your cross daily to follow him.
  3. Attend worship today!!!

Monday, March 2:  Read verses 28-36

The Transfiguration

  1. Try to put yourself in the scene. How does it feel to be there?
  2. Why did Jesus leave the mountain of Transfiguration?
  3. What is the most surprising thing to you in this story?

Tuesday, March 3: Read verses 57-62

Following Jesus

  1. What does it cost you to follow Jesus?
  2. What things of this world tempt you to not follow Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?


Rev. Dr. Doug Thrasher is Superintendent of the Atlanta-Roswell District.

 


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