“Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand on the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Jesus’ departure was approaching fast. The time of His ministry around the sea of Galilee was coming to an end. We read that following the mountain top experience, Jesus “resolutely … [Read more…]
“Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest” (Luke 9:48). It was a day like no other…a unique day! Peter, James and John accompanied Jesus … [Read more…]
When Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say I am?” the Holy Spirit was at work revealing to them Jesus’ Messianic mandate. Peter’s answer, “God’s Messiah” was a revelation from God (Matthew 16:17). The things of God (1Corinthians 2:10) – known only to Him – are revealed to His people. We are not able to “peek” … [Read more…]
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1, 2). The expression “be imitators” is the English translation of the Greek mimetai from which we have the word … [Read more…]
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20). The most important part of our section this morning is Peter’s confession/affirmation of Jesus’ Messianic mandate – Jesus as God’s Messiah. Our English translation uses the term “Christ” which is the transliteration of the Greek … [Read more…]
What stops you being baptised? A question that many of you have asked. A question that many of you have been asked. It is an interesting question… As I pondered over this question and its implications, I concluded that, while it appears to have an element of genuine concern, there is a better alternative. And … [Read more…]
Earlier in chapter 9, Luke tells us that Jesus sent his disciples to preach the Gospel, to drive our demons and to heal all kinds of diseases. What is quite striking is the fact that Jesus sent them in this missionary journey with the command to take nothing with them; no bag, no money, no … [Read more…]
”Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead…” (Luke 9:7). During the early days of Jesus’ ministry we read that at times He instructed people not to reveal is identity. Initially Jesus was focused on helping … [Read more…]
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1, 2). The word about Jesus of Nazareth was spreading rapidly, mainly by word of mouth. It … [Read more…]
“Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:50). Last we have made aware that Jesus has authority over the demonic forces/the powers of darkness. A few things to note. The powers of darkness knew who Jesus was (Luke 8:28); They knew that a time has … [Read more…]