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Christ Followers - Christ, Our Great Example
Luke 9 and 14
March 12, 2006
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Luke 9:37-43a (Monday)
“The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. A man in the crowd called out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not." "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.” (NIV)
1) Let’s go back a little further in these scriptures (Luke 9:1-6) and learn that Jesus had already empowered His disciples to heal and to cast out demons. So, what was the problem? Mark 9:14-29 gives a little more insight into the developments of that day. The gospel of Mark shines some much needed light on why the disciples were “unable” to drive out this demon spirit. What two “insightful” bits of information are given? (If you can, read this in the KJV, which reads by prayer and fasting!)
2) Let’s start with number one and personally, I think this might have been the most important factor at work this day. Should the disciples have ever gotten into discussion as to the “legality” or the “when, how, whys, etc.” of healing a demon possessed person? Why or why not?
3) How could arguing with those “teachers of the law” have hindered the work of God (Galatians 5:14-16?)
4) Do you think this “arguing” could have lead to some doubt on the part of the disciples—even after all they had experienced with Jesus? Explain.
5) Now, come on! Can you argue the “grace—unmerited favor” of God and the law of Christ (love) with those who would rather keep themselves, not to mention dragging others along with them straight into spiritual bondage and death that comes from trying to live up to the letter of the law (Luke 6:39-40!) What should the disciples have done instead? What would you have done?
6) Good question from this week’s Transformation! Who is Jesus addressing as an “unbelieving and perverse generation?” At least, in the gospel of Mark, the boy’s father admitted his need—how about us?
7) Who received the honor and glory for this miracle?
8) Was there any response from Jesus (see John 5:19?) Explain.
9) How does this speak anything to you about any gifts or talents you may possess?
Luke 9:43b-50 (Tuesday)
“While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 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." "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." (NIV)
1) This is actually the second time Jesus mentioned his certain death (Luke 9:22.) What were Jesus’ disciples expectations regarding His coming kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16-29?) How would this mind set have hindered them from understanding His mission—the cross and His kingdom?
2) Did you have any expectations about your walk with Jesus that you now know He chose to not fulfill or perhaps met in some other way? Were you—are you disappointed? Share.
3) Misconceptions as to God’s purposes for our lives are often the direct result of our own pride and/or selfish ambition, as it was in this instance with Jesus’ disciples. We humans miss the point! Jesus does not rebuke His disciples for not understanding, but seizes the opportunity to teach them a great lesson. Greatness does not come as the result of human ranking, but rather, by becoming the least in our willingness to put God and others first! God ways are truly not our ways!
4) Why a child?
5) One thing is for sure—having the mind of Christ is essential to life change (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16! At this point, Jesus was indeed with them—loving them, leading them, teaching them—but, He was not yet living on the inside of them (Ephesians 3:16-21; Colossians 1:27!) We see the importance of these truths because just moments after teaching this life altering lesson, John (called the beloved disciple, or as he referred to himself—the disciple that Jesus loved) is complaining because someone outside their circle of influence was daring to drive out demons in Jesus’ name. The audacity!
Luke 9:51-56 (Wednesday)
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them ?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.” (NIV)
1) I love how one translation of verse 51 reads, “Jesus set His face like a flint toward Jerusalem.” Wow! Picture that! The will, the determination! What was awaiting Jesus in Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21-23?)
2) Now, on one hand you might possibly could dismiss James and John’s comments because indeed Elijah prayed and holy fire fall from heaven (1 Kings 18:1-39 and 2 Kings 1:6-18), proving that the LORD is God! Still, you have to question motive—the heart here. What do you think was the motive behind James and John’s question? Oh, go back over Tuesday’s lesson!
3) Why do you think Jesus rebuked them? By what motive is Jesus always driven?
Luke 9:57-62 (Thursday)
“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God. "Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
1) Here we see them different men expressing their willingness to follow—only one of which Jesus personally called out. Each one had what appears to be legitimate excuses, but is delay in responding to Christ’s invitation ever wise (Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalms 95:6-11; Hebrews 3:12-19?) Christ must come first. We have today—only the now. These men may never again been given opportunity to follow! Life and death—the eternal salvation of their souls were at stake! With that thought in mind, do you think Jesus was too harsh?
2) Do you think any one of these men would have indeed followed Jesus? I have to confess, sometimes I
question my own loyalty in this regard. How far am I willing to follow Christ? Remember, He is our role model and that’s a tough act to follow (I mean that with the utmost respect!) The cost of following or not following Christ must carefully be weighed in the balances! Consider the ions of time Christ had to think about what it cost to bring you and me into a right relationship with God the Father (Revelation 13:8!) Yes, from the foundation of the earth, both God the Father and God the Son knew it would take humility, sacrifice, death, and shame—the cross—to redeem (buy us back) mankind from the penalty or wages of sin, which is eternal death. We see the full magnitude of that cost to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mathew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46 ) We see Our precious Savior facing “His cup,” alone, sorrowing to the point of death, in such anguish Jesus was sweating drops of blood! We see Jesus pleading with His Father, “If there be any other way—Father, find it, use it—anything instead of the cross!” How did Jesus respond to His cross? Can we take up our cross this same selfless way?
3) I have been reading Kay Arthur’s book, “Our Covenant God,” and I have to tell you it is one of the most sobering books I’ve ever encountered. I wanted so much to put the book down (really, to throw it as far away from me as possible) because what following Christ, putting Christ first, truly requires from us is our everything! Kay calls following Christ our own personal “walk into death.” Now, we all “know” that we are to die to ourselves and live for Christ (Romans 6:3.) But, believe me, along the way, we have all somehow watered down all that that statement truly entails! Kay connects this “walk into death” to the real meaning behind “covenant” in a way that just brings you to your knees. Dear ones, if you have never studied the Old Testament (really, covenant) you are missing the richness of what it truly means to walk in holy blood covenant with your God.
a) Covenant is as old as mankind. It is important for us to understand that covenant originated with God Himself (Genesis 3, particularly verse 21. Note: This is probably where man the true worth of one’s life blood. After all, for the first time ever, death—through the shedding of innocent blood—became necessary as a garment or covering for sin (Hebrews 9:22!) From this point forward, the shedding of blood became an extremely important part of both worship and sacrifice to the Lord God (Genesis 4:1-7.) Take time to read Genesis 6, especially verse 18—the very first mention of covenant; Genesis 9; Genesis 15; Genesis 17) While it is true that not all covenants were “cut” in blood, know that the “blood” covenant was the most solemn and binding of all covenants! “Blood” covenant was not to be entered into lightly because breaking such a covenant required the life blood of the offending partner. Now, man did not necessarily take another’s life—although, in some cultures this was highly likely—but, quite often God was called upon as Witness between the covenanting parties (Genesis 31:42-54) as an assurance that the covenant was upheld. In other words, if covenant was broken, God would “see” and judge the offending party accordingly! During Biblical times, those that entered into a “blood” covenant either “cut” animals in pieces, with each partner “passing” between the flesh, sprinkled themselves with the blood (Exodus 24:1-8) or “cut” themselves and the parties mingled their blood together. Why blood—because life is in the blood (Deuteronomy 12:23!) Now, in passing through the pieces, or being sprinkled or cutting ones self and/or by the mingling of blood,--the parties, by oath, actually became as one--each equally responsible for to uphold their part in the covenant agreement. Usually, covenant also included the sharing of a covenant meal. Blood covenant was so binding and went further than any other covenant, because the parties became closer than brothers or blood relations. The friends and family of the one, became the friends and family of the other and more, the enemies of one became the enemies of the other. Each party swore to defend and protect the interest of the other—important point to remember! We see this spiritual mystery more fully explained in the marriage covenant. The two become one flesh. (This is ideally a blood covenant—since both parties are meant to be virginal, thus the shedding of blood.) And, of course, we see it in the church being “one” with Christ Jesus (a covenant “cut” in the shedding of Christ’s own blood on the cross!) Oh, don’t mess the richness of covenant!
b) That brings us to the Old Covenant (the Law (Ten Commandments)—Exodus 20:1-17) that God “cut” with the Israelites upon bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 24:1-8.) This too, was a blood covenant. However, this covenant was conditionally based upon the obedience of the Israelites (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 11:26-32 and Joshua 1:13-18!) It came with blessing if the Israelites obeyed and cursing if they disobeyed! Under this covenant, the shedding of innocent blood was a repetitive part of the Israelites daily lives. The tabernacle and later the temple were the places to offer up blood sacrifice as atonement for sin and even as part of praise and worship. The high priest was the only one who could enter into the very presence of God (called the Holy of Holies) and that, only once a year. He offered blood sacrifice for the sins of Israel and also for himself. Blood was also necessary for cleansing and washing the utensils used in sacrifice and the altars, etc. etc.
4) Now, what does that have to do with us today? Well, let’s go back and read Genesis 15, especially verses12-21. Who were the covenanting parties? Who initiated the covenant? Who walked through the pieces? What role did Abram play?
5) This is an everlasting covenant with Abram (Abraham)—“cut” solely by God (Hebrews 6:9-20!) It is important to note that this covenant was implemented 430 years prior to the giving of the Law, or Old Covenant, to the Israelites! Its foundation was and still is solidly built on God’s faithfulness and unconditional promises! It was brought about as the result of Abram’s unwavering faith in his God (Romans 4:13-16!) This was the covenant was to Abram and his heirs, but Israelites would not! Enter the Law, or the Old Covenant! Circumcision was the outward sign of obedience in following this covenant—shedding of blood!
6) Throughout scripture, God promised His children the coming of a new and better covenant, not written on tablets of stone, but rather, a covenant written on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-40!) Oh, this “new” covenant has its basis in the everlasting covenant “cut” with Abraham—not the Law. It is a covenant based solely on God’s faithfulness! How freeing is God’s grace and lovingkindness toward us! Isaiah 61:1-9!
a) We see a beautiful example of this “grace” covenant with the anointed, but not yet established king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-23) David, and the friend who unconditionally loved him, Jonathan. Now, Jonathan was the son of the present king Saul, whom David was sure to eventually replace when God removed Saul from his throne and kingdom because of his sin (1 Samuel 12:13-25 and 1 Samuel 13:1-4.) Let’s take a look into this love covenant by reading 1 Samuel 17:12-58; 18:1-4), because this is the type, or picture of the covenant we have entered into with our Lord, Jesus Christ!
i) What type of agreement did they enter into?
ii) Who initiated the covenant?
iii) Who “loved” first?
iv) In the beginning of this relationship, was there anything that indicated that young David loved at all?
v) What did Jonathan have to offer as son of the king?
vi) What did David have to offer or bring into this covenant?
vii) What is the significance of Jonathan exchanging garments with David? Oh, can’t you just see Jesus exchanging His Kingly garments with us?
viii) Go back and carefully re-read verse 1. What took place spiritually between these two men?
7) So, what happened to the Law, or the Old Covenant (Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 3:21-24; Romans 7:4, 6; Romans 10:4 and Hebrews 7:18-28?)
8) Of what value was the Law (Romans 3:20; Romans 5:20-21; Romans 7:7?)
9) What purpose does the Old Covenant Law have today (1 Timothy 1:8-11?)
10) What do the following scriptures tell us is the basis of our New Covenant with God (Matthew 22:34-
40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; Romans 8:1-16; 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13?)
11) Where does this God kind of love come from (Galatians 5:16-25?)
12) Remember, Adam and Eve—Jonathan and David—we are to clothe ourselves with Christ (Romans 13:14!)
13) Beloved, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have become heirs to the all the rich promises of God (Galatians 3:11-28!) We are the spiritual seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29!) So, what part do we have in being in covenant with God?\
14) Jesus introduced the New Covenant during the last Passover supper (here’s that covenant meal!) He spent with His disciples (1 Corinthians 11:23b-32 we should carefully examine ourselves, and not take the bread and wine unworthily, less judgment come upon us!)
a) I’ve jump around a bit here, and some areas are yet to be delved into, bear with me, please! We will continue this subject in upcoming weeks!
Luke 14:25-26 (Friday)
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. (NIV)
1) Examine Christ’s words in the concept of “comparison.”
2) Did it cost you something when you first accepted Christ into your life? Did you suffer loss? Has following Christ, or putting Him first cost you anything recently? If you feel free, please share with the group.
3) Looking back, do you have any regrets?
4) Was what you thought you were giving up in anyway comparable to what you gained in Christ? Explain.
5) Would you go back?
6) Oh, finish well!