As a Christian, getting to know Jesus personally is the goal of our faith. It changes everything. And as we get to know Him more and more, we are transformed into His likeness through the Holy Spirit working within us. What a beautiful thing! Reading the Bible especially helps us to learn more about Christ and the ways in which He lived as a human here on the earth. And as we read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), we get a glimpse of Jesus’ heart and a deeper understanding of who He is. By looking closer at one chapter of a particular gospel, my hope is that we will become more aware of His person, fall in love with His goodness, and strive to emulate who He is in every area of our lives.

Luke 9: Summary

Jesus summons the disciples to cast out demons, feeds 5000+ people, predicts His death and resurrection, is transfigured on a mountain in front of Peter, James and John, casts out demons, journeys towards Jerusalem, and talks with His disciples about what it means to follow Him.

You can also read Luke chapter 9 here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9&version=HCSB

Jesus in Luke 9:1-62

• Jesus wants to empower us (verse 1-2)
• Jesus isn’t worried about his present needs (v. 3-4)
• Jesus is intriguing (v. 9)
• Jesus makes time for people (v. 11)
• Jesus welcomes us (v. 11)
• Jesus wants us to know about God (v. 11)
• Jesus heals (v. 11)
• Jesus recognizes others’ needs (v. 13-17)
• Jesus challenges us to take action (v. 13)
• Jesus partners with us and tells us our next step in taking action (v. 14)
• Jesus acknowledges the Father in everything He does (v. 16)
• Jesus wants to hear our response (v. 20)
• Jesus teaches us what is necessary to follow Him (v. 23)
• Jesus is radiant with glory (v. 29)
• Jesus is God’s Son (v. 35)
• Jesus has power and authority to rebuke demons (v. 42)
• Jesus reflects the greatness of God (v. 41-43)
• Jesus knows the thoughts of our hearts (v. 47)
• Jesus does not force Himself into places where He is unwelcome (v. 55)
• Jesus filters through our optimism and challenges us to recognize what we must give up in order to follow Him wholeheartedly (v. 57-62)

Questions for today:

• After reading Luke 9, how has my perception of Jesus changed?
• What surprised me?
• What do I most admire about Jesus in Luke 9?
• What practical step can I take today to become more like Him?
• What is it Jesus is asking me to give up to follow Him?

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” –Luke 9:23-