In his book Mere Christianity, CS Lewis uses an illustration to note how different it is to learn something than it is to apply that thing. His illustration centered on the difference between a map and being out on the water. In two dimensions, a map can look quite straight forward. You can see various points along the way. But being out on the water, the distances have a different feel. The shoreline may have been adequately delineated on the map, but seeing it from a boat and navigating it is challenged by other factors. You see the map doesn’t point out the wind direction or speed. It doesn’t take into accounts the currents. The map doesn’t include any other boaters. Studying the map prepares you for the experience of the water, but putting knowledge into practice by navigating the waters adds complexity. Missing a point or landmark on a map is a matter of adjustment. Missing a point or landmark on the waters can get you into trouble.
I bring that up because as we’ve been studying the book of Luke, we’ve seen Jesus spending some time with his disciples, teaching them about himself and his mission. He was in essence showing them the map. But we’ve also found some moments where He has sent them out on the water alone, allowing them to test what they have learned. Today, we’ll find that there is still so much for them to learn as in practice they miss the point of what Jesus is teaching. Which is encouraging for us, because as we navigate the waters of the Christian life, we will miss the point too.
If you have your copy of Gods word, let me encourage you to open them to the passage that Alec read. Because it’s such a large section, I’m not going to re-read most of it - so having a point of reference with you will be helpful. We’ll be in Luke 9:23-62.
This morning as we walk through this text, we are not going to do so strictly sequentially like we normally would. We are beginning with a step back to reflect a bit on what it means to follow Christ and then look at the final section as they both deal with this topic of discipleship and devotion. Then we will consider a few things that Jesus reveals about Himself and His mission in several sections. Finally, we will seek to understand some of the priorities that Jesus has for us - as we navigate the waters of life as Christians.
Following Jesus requires that we first of all…
Commit to Christ Alone (23-27, 57-62)
We saw this briefly a few weeks ago, but Jesus ramps up what it means to follow Him - noting that it requires a measure of self-denial in order to truly be His disciple. This self-denial looks like daily taking up a cross or crucifying ourselves for his glory.
Now, I don’t think this is an ascetic action - one where we hurt ourselves physically - like some sects of the faith might promote, but rather a willingness to lay aside our own rights or privileges. A delight to withhold some pleasures and freedoms. It’s a new outlook on life that has as it’s aim to please Jesus.
It’s tempting for us to want to see our relationship with Christ as a means to avoid eternal judgment - a sort of fire-insurance if you will. While receiving Christ as our Savior does that, it misses the point. He is more than a transactional Savior, He is an abiding friend and guide. He is our companion through life. He is our Lord.
(possible navigating illustration from vacation)
But as we see at the conclusion of this passage (verses 57-62), Jesus discusses this commitment from the standpoint of comfort and security. Thabiti Anyabwile notes that these three people who say they want to follow Jesus seem to want some assurances.
One is looking for comfort (a place to lay his head) - to which Jesus replies that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head. Think about that for a moment, this second person of the Trinity, this One who was begotten of the Father from eternity past, this One who deserves worship laid down everything in order to serve. He is the epitome of “humility and sacrifice.” He calls those who follow Him to do the same.
The second person that Jesus addresses seems to be looking for security - presumably waiting for an inheritance as he wanted to bury his father. There is a risk for us in following Christ. The confidence that we place in riches or wealth is not guaranteed. In Kingdom economics, when we take the first 10% of our income and offer it as an act of worship to God, we ultimately force ourselves to live on less. Some will be called to go above and beyond that. Jesus does guarantee security - eternal security - but it may not look like the security that financial analysts and wealth consultants tout. What’s more, as this man is nobly waiting to bury his father, there is a time factor as well. Years and decades can pass before that burial comes. It’s not that Jesus wants us to dishonor our parents, but that following Him should take priority.
The final person seemed to want to have more time with his family and friends. While saying “good-bye” may seem like a simple task - you know how difficult it can be to say farewell. How often do people get up from a gathering and then stand by the door for 30 minutes or more - not wanting to leave the fellowship. I can imagine in a culture where hospitality was valued, like it was in Jesus day, that sometimes these good-byes could take days.
In a story of long good byes, Judges 19 recounts a story of a man and his concubine who were delayed 5 days before continuing their journey. Ultimately, that story ended in tragedy.
It seems that in following Him, Jesus is calling us to have the attitude that Paul has in…
Philippians 3:13–14 ESV
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
When we come to faith in Christ as one of His followers, He becomes the hub around which the wheel of our lives spins. The way we love is centered on Jesus. The way we serve follows His example. The affections of our hearts are shaped by Jesus. The direction of our lives is guided by Jesus.
Beloved, have you fully committed to Jesus? Are there areas of your life that need to be crucified? Is He your Savior and Lord?
Our commitment to Christ is not based on hearsay or rumors. In this passage secondly, we get to seek to…
Comprehend Christ's Glory and Mission (28-36, 43-45, 51)
A little over a week after instructing His followers on the cost of discipleship, Jesus ascends a mountain with Peter, James and John for the purpose of praying. This theme of prayer is one that Luke reiterates throughout his gospel. So Jesus, being an excellent disciple-maker, invites some of his closest followers to the mountain with Him. And yet, they demonstrate an all-too-common ability to miss the point of what Jesus is doing in a couple of ways.
Prayer
First of all, they miss the point of prayer by falling asleep. When my body is ready to rest, there is no stopping sleep. I can’t tell you how many times I’ll kiss Danielle good night, close my eyes and be out within a few seconds. She’s still reading, the lights are on, but that doesn’t keep me from catching some zzz’s. Now for the disciples they could not stay awake during this time of prayer. Of course, this will not be the last time as Jesus will find them sleeping again on the night He is arrested on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:46).
During Jesus time of prayer with his disciples sleeping nearby, Jesus is visited by Moses and Elijah. In the midst of this process, Jesus body is transfigured as His divine glory is revealed. He glowed in much the same way that Moses did when God revealed His glory to him (Ex. 33:12-22; 34:29-35).
Some have speculated as to why Moses and Elijah were the OT figures who met with Jesus on this mountain. Interestingly, both of them had encounters with God on Mt. Horeb, also known as Mt. Sinai. It was on that mountain that God gave the law to Moses and revealed his glory. It was on that mountain that God revealed himself to Elijah - not through a storm or a great earth quake, but in still silence. It was on that mountain that God in his grace, allowed a discouraged and disheartened Elijah to pass along his ministry to another. Shortly after that, Elijah was taken up to heaven, leaving Elisha to continue his ministry (1 Kings 19:9-21; 2 Kings 2).
So here, these two men who met with God on a mountain, meet with the Son of God on a different mountain. Their topic of conversation is Jesus’ departure or exodus, “which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” (31) It’s as though they have been given some insight into the divine plan of redemption. Jesus time on earth was coming to an end.
When we pray, we get to converse with the Triune God. We get to interact with Him we get to bring our concerns but also get to listen to his voice as we discern his will. We get to delight in him as he delights in us.
Identity
When Peter, James and John awake, they see this marvelous sight - heroes of the faith. Rather than watching and learning and simply being still, Peter wants to make something of this moment and suggests making tabernacles or tents for each of them. Luke notes that Peter did not know what he was saying (33). While well intentioned, He missed the point of this revelation of Jesus’ identity.
So then, in order to make things crystal clear…
Luke 9:34–36 ESV
As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
This night on the mountain became an opportunity for the disciples to understand a bit more about Jesus identity and mission. This scene helps us to understand that Jesus is more than just a good teacher or sacred leader - he is the Son of God and His mission will involve a departure.
Mission
So they come down the mountain and experience some things together. Eventually, Jesus gets a bit more clear about His mission. I wonder if the tensions are beginning to rise as people expected Jesus to be with them on earth for the foreseeable future.
Luke 9:43–45 ESV
But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Now here, they missed the point of Jesus’ mission, but they can’t be completely faulted for this - it was kept from them. They were somehow divinely hindered from comprehension. Now frankly, this is kind of puzzling to me. Why would the Spirit of God hinder their understanding? I almost wonder if this is one of those situations where the disciples needed a data point, but did not have all of the necessary information or knowledge in order to put everything together. In fact, much of that would not come until after the resurrection when Jesus visits with some disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). In that encounter as He teaches about himself from the OT, He opens their minds and grants them understanding.
For us, I think it’s important to recognize that Jesus will make Himself known in a variety of ways through our lives. We may not always understand why He’s working in the ways that He is, but as we patiently wait, watch, and continue to walk in faithfulness, I believe God will grant us greater understanding in His perfect time.
Direction
There is one final thing in Jesus’ glory and mission that we need to look at and that is his direction. Moses and Elijah spoke of his departure, Jesus told of His soon-coming arrest. Luke notes in verse 51 that the trajectory of Jesus ministry is making a turn:
Luke 9:51 ESV
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Up to this point in the book, Luke has noted many of the places in and around Galilee where Jesus ministered, and yet from this point forward, Jerusalem is His destination. This becomes a point of contention among some of the Samaritans that He encounters as we’ll see in a few moments. But it also seems to become a point of befuddlement to his followers as they don’t yet understand why He must be crucified. Why can’t He just come as the conquering King overthrow the Roman rulers? Why can’t He take His rightful place on David’s throne?
Essentially, His crown only comes through a cross. His throne is a awarded after suffering.
Incidentally, if you were to read both Luke and Acts together, you would find this turn to Jerusalem a common element between the books as both Jesus and Paul make Jerusalem a specific destination and it is there that they both face extreme opposition.
We’ve reflected on the facts that our discipleship requires a commitment to Christ above every thing else and urges us to see Him in His glorious splendor and seek to understand the mission that He is on.
Finally, our discipleship requires that we…
Cultivate Kingdom Priorities (37-43, 46-56)
This is really where we see the disciples missing the point of kingdom life, and yet I wonder if we are really all that different from them. Over the course of several pericopes, the disciples seem to take one step forward and two steps back in faith, humility, tribalism, and grace.
First of all, we need to cultivate Kingdom priorities…
In faith (37-43a)
In these verses, we learn of a man who brings his only son to Jesus’ disciples in order to get relief from the torment of demon possession. The disciples could not fulfill the requested healing or cleansing. Whether Jesus is referring to the man or His own disciples, He references a “faithless and twisted generation.” For whatever reason, where the disciples were able to heal and cleanse when Jesus sent them out on their short mission trip (Luke 9:1-6), they were unable to do that here.
In our own lives, we can experience God’s working through faith in one instance and then practically forget that He is able to work in the next. Calvin rightly said that “our faith is never perfect…we are partly unbelievers.”
In the storms of life, do we have faith in Jesus to believe that He is able to calm the wind and the waves?
In season of need, do we have faith to believe that Jesus is able to take our meager offering and multiply it, the way that he did with the loaves and fish?
In our sickness, do we have faith to believe that Jesus will bring healing - whether through a miracle or through medicine?
In all of this, we have to recognize that it is in the object of our faith that we find hope and that is Jesus alone.
Secondly, we need to cultivate kingdom priorities…
In humility (46-48)
In these verses we learn of the disciples arguing about who is the greatest. It could be that they are assuming, if Jesus will be arrested, someone is going to have to take over. Maybe they were trying to brag about how many verses they memorized or how much they were tithing or how many people they had healed or how many people came to faith because of their witness.
This is truly part of human nature. We often want people to notice us, to praise us, to encourage us.
And yet Jesus, in his own subtle way, rebukes and instructs them with a simple object lesson.
Luke 9:47–48 ESV
But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
While the OT urges that parents would teach their children the ways of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), the general teaching from the religious leaders was that teaching or talking with children was of little value. Bock notes in his commentary that “in Judaism, children under twelve could not be taught the Torah, and so to spend time with them was considered a waste. [In the Midrash] m. ‘Abot 3:11 reads: “Morning sleep, midday wine, chattering with children, and tarrying in places where men of the common people assemble destroys a man.” [Bock continues…]Jesus action reverses cultural expectations.”
Children are a value to Jesus. Their openness to learn, their eagerness to grow, their sponge-like minds allow them to soak in knowledge in valuable ways. What’s more, their innocence brings with it a general posture of humility.
Jesus urges His disciples and us to have that same sort of humble posture and welcoming outlook.
Greatness in the Kingdom comes through serving others. Helping the helpless. Loving the outcast. Learning with eagerness.
Thirdly, we should learn Kingdom Priorities in what Thabiti Anybwile calls tribalism.
In tribalism (49-50)
As if pointing out how much he is missing the point of what Jesus is teaching, John does what Peter is so often known for - putting his foot in his mouth.
Luke 9:49–50 ESV
John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
I’ve heard people ask, “why are there so many denominations?” or “If Jesus’ prayer is that we would be one (John 17), why are we so divided?”
Yes, there are lots of denominations. Over the centuries, we’ve divided along lines where we found certain levels of importance. Some people call these tiers of issues - first tier, second tier, and possibly third tier and so on.
Jonathan Leeman defines these tiers in this way:
“Doctrines that are necessary for salvation we call first-tier. Doctrines that are necessary for organizing a church we call second-tier.”
So, where we are all united or considered truly Christians would be around Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (First tier). For many, included in that would be things like the doctrine of God, doctrine of humanity, doctrine of Scripture, - because those all inform what it means to be a Christian or what it means to be saved.
Second-tier issues would include things like polity - (congregationalism vs. presbyterianism vs. Episcopalianism), baptism (credo vs. pedo), to some degree the Lord’s supper, spiritual gifts, end-times beliefs, etc.
Denominations exist because of second and third tier issues. I think what Jesus seems to be urging John and us to pay attention to is those who are genuine followers and celebrate that. Here in town, we have several different churches all from different “tribes.” Many, even most, would truly be united on first tier issues - belief in a holy God and fallen humanity - salvation through Jesus Christ. Where we divide is on less important issues. We are united with these other churches in Christ - the other issues are less important.
I think this is where the attitude of humility is important as well. As we each grow in our own knowledge of God and His Word, we may be tempted to prioritize second-tier issues over first-tier issues. We may even be tempted to raise second-tier issues to first-tier issues - which would then prompt a measure of pride and exclusivity among people who are truly brothers and sisters in Christ. We would be wrong to call people who baptize Children non-believers - it’s a second-tier issue. We would be wrong to call pentacostals non-believers because of their belief and expression of gifts - again that’s a second-tier issue. We would be right to call universalists non-believers - because they would deny the authority of Scripture and reject salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
John 14:6 ESV
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(salvation call)
There is one final Kingdom Priority that seems to be a place where the disciples miss the point and where we should grow, that is…
In grace (51-56)
Luke notes that Jesus had set his face to go to Jerusalem. In order to get there, he would go through Samaria - a region and a people group that was often at odds, even hated by the Jews. Most people would go around, but Jesus sent his disciples through. When the Samaritans learned that Jesus’ destination was Jerusalem, they rejected Him. In response, the disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven in judgment on them. It’s as though they assumed that there is no hope for them.
So Jesus rebuked them and moved on to another village.
Jesus seemed to rebuke the judgmentalism of the disciples. Sure, these Samaritans rejected Jesus, but that’s ultimately on them. Yes, there will be a time of judgment, but that day had not yet come and the disciples certainly would not be the ones to usher that in.
But I wonder, where are we tempted to be like the disciples in this? I learned this week that we live in the most religiously diverse county in the country. Frankly, I think we’re also the most ethnically diverse as well. Where are tempted to write off people of other religions/ethnicities/economics and deem them unworthy of hearing the gospel?
We are called to extend grace, even to those who reject the call of the gospel. Judgment will come, but it’s not ours to give.
Closing thoughts
So the disciples have clearly missed the point of what it means to follow Jesus. They have misunderstood grace and mercy.
Michael Wilcock notes in his commentary:
“What then can Jesus do with a group of disciples still so unbelieving, slow-witted, swollen-headed, and narrow-minded, except take them with him on another year’s course of teaching? In this way Luke rounds off his first main section, and introduces the long middle section of the Gospel (9:51–19:44). It is sometimes called ‘The Journey to Jerusalem’, but within the loose framework of a sort of travel diary it is more exactly a course of instruction for the disciples.”
Thankfully, we get to journey with them and learn right alongside of them as they grow in faith and practice, because we have the Word of God. Thankfully Jesus, by His Spirit is with us helping us navigate the waters of life his disciples. Thankfully, we also have each other - we can learn from more experienced sailors. We are not alone.
Let’s pray
Benediction:
Luke 9:35 ESV
And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Read: Luke 9:23-62
1. How often is our allegiance to Christ demanded? (9:23)
2. What are the conditions for discipleship with Jesus? (9:23)
3. What special events in your life do wish could have lasted forever?
4. Why did Jesus and His disciples go up the mountain? (9:28)
5. How did Moses and Elijah describe Jesus’ departure? (9:31)
6. What did the voice from the cloud say about Jesus? (9:35)
7. What does “bring to fulfillment” imply about Jesus’ departure? (9:31)
8. To what did Jesus attribute the disciples’ failure to heal the boy? (9:41)
9. How did Jesus respond to the people’s admiration? (9:43–44)
10. What could have kept understanding hidden from the disciples?
11. What can we do when we are confused or uncertain about God?
12. About what did the disciples argue? (9:46)
13. How did Jesus find out what was happening? (9:47)
14. What connections between the child and God did Jesus make? (9:48)
15. How did John change the subject? (9:49)
16. What reason did Jesus give for not stopping the man who was driving out demons? (9:50)
17. How can you foster a spirit of teamwork/Kingdom cooperation in your church or among other Christians in the weeks ahead?
18. Where was Jesus going? Why? (9:51)
19. Why didn’t the Samaritans welcome Jesus? (9:53)
20. What did Jesus think of His disciples’ suggestion? (9:55)
21. From this account (verses 57-62), how would you summarize the costs of following Jesus? What were these prospective followers looking for? What does Jesus expect?
22. What loyalties conflict with our allegiance to God?
Sources:
Anyabwile, Thabiti. Exalting Jesus in Luke. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2018.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke 1:1-9:50. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Leeman, Jonathan https://www.9marks.org/article/are-ecclesiological-convictions-and-catholic-affirmations-mutually-exclusive/
Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
McKinley, Mike. Luke 1–12 for You. Edited by Carl Laferton. God’s Word for You. The Good Book Company, 2016.
Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.
