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Jesus Is Worth Following - Luke 9
Jesus Is Worth Following - Luke 9
The 9th chapter of Luke is one of those chapters that includes many different events in the life of Jesus. Here Jesus sends out the 12 apostles to preach the gospel of the kingdom. They thus became an extension of the very work that Jesus was doing. Yet in such preaching they were, in fact, calling people to discipleship - to follow the teaching and demands of Jesus (vs. 23-28, vs. 57-62). These demands are ‘life inclusive’ and would affect the whole of one’s life. Such discipleship was said to potentially include the giving up of life’s comforts, one’s family, and even losing one’s life FOR Jesus (24).
The question that should be asked is simply why would anyone follow Jesus? He was declared by those that walked with Him to be “the Christ of God” (vs. 20). He showed his power and approval by God the Father in being able to feed 5000 people from 2 fish and 5 barley loaves. He further demonstrated such glory and power by casting out demons simply by commanding them. He showed his innate power and authority by giving power to do signs and wonders to the apostles (1-9). On the mount of transfiguration, the true glory of Jesus was displayed unto the chosen disciples. They not only saw his glory but they heard the voice of God the Father say: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (35).
Having experienced, heard, and seen all of these things it is of little wonder that the apostles' lives were forever altered. They left all and lived the rest of their lives not only being disciples of Jesus but persuading others to become disciples (cp. Matt. 28:18-19). They didn’t do this ignorantly or blindly. They had faith in Jesus but such faith was built on the evidence that was displayed to them concerning Jesus.
Peter would later state: "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain” (2 Pet 1:16-18).
John would write: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:1–4).
Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. He calls everyone to be His disciple and live his or her lives unto Him. Those who do will live with Him forever. Those who refuse will die in their sins. Brethren, we have chosen the course that leads to eternal life - don’t ever turn back or grow weary.
Hugh DeLong
