Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Luke-What do others say?

Luke 9:18  And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?  

Following the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus and his disciples were alone and praying. I imagine them up on a mountain, it is late and the crowds are sleeping. Perhaps they were warming by a fire praying and sharing of the apostles experiences amidst the people, witnessing and healing. I can see Jesus lying on his back, looking up at the stars, all were now reclining. Jesus asked them a question. Whom say the people that I am? Do they know Jesus and why he came and who he was? I myself ask this question as a beginning to witnessing to someone seeking God. Are you seeking? Have you heard of Jesus and do you know why he came?

Luke 9:19  They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.  

The people did not know, they thought Jesus was a resurrected prophet. So many do not know today who Jesus is. They know that he is not welcome in our cities and our government, but they do not know the spiritual reason, Jesus is Lord and the world serves the devil.

Luke 9:20  He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.  

Each must answer this question. Who do you think Jesus is? Luke briefly mentions that Peter answered correctly. Matthew tells us more;  

Mat 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

I believe this is the only one place where Peter is called the rock. Was Peter called the rock? Everywhere else, God is the Rock, Jesus is the Rock. Jesus is the foundation of the church. Jesus is the head of the church. Never in any other place is Peter spoken of as the one with all the power from heaven. Jesus gave all power and authority to his disciples for ministry, especially after the Holy Ghost was given.  

Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
 

 It is our relationship to Jesus that brings to us God's power.  His power works in us to do his will. We are not to be like those of the world, using our power to rule over people. God's power rules over satan and his powers. Our manner of life is to be as a servant to others.  

Mark 10:44  And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.   Earlier, when the multitude gathered and it was late, the disciples told them to go. Jesus said feed them, meet there needs. Jesus showed miracles, but he also showed a servants heart. He put the needs of the crowd above his own needs of rest and fellowship. All power is given unto Jesus and he was meek and gentle, a servant giving himself for us. Jesus is the Lord of peace, our best friend.

Luke 9:21  And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;  

 He commanded the disciples not to  tell others that he was the Messiah, the savior from God. His time was not yet come.   What do others say? Does it matter if people do not see you and I as a person of God's power, a child of God? It is best to be a humble servant, not seeking to have prominence. Perhaps then they will see Jesus, not us. Jesus knew who he was and why he came. All need to know Him, He is the hope of eternal life. Eaglewings Daily Bible

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Who do you say that He is? It is THE question we must answer. No one else can answer it for us. The bumper stickers say WWJD ( What Would Jesus Do ) But the real question is What Will You Do With Jesus? Jesus is THE Son of God. Some people do not believe this; some do. For those of us who know that Jesus is God's Son. Let us press on to know Him in fullness. To know Him; we must devote time to Him. We can read many books and come away with nothing more than a book report or a theory. We must spend time seeking Him. Just me and God. I do not believe we ever rise above our prayer life. The person that truly wants to know God will seek and we know that God will respond to our efforts to know Him. "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]." - Hebrews 11:6 AMP Grace and Peace, space