Luke 9:1-26 Rules of Engagement

My commentary said Jesus was sending out His disciples on their solo flights as this chapter opens, and He gave them the equipment needed to get the job done.  He gave them power and authority.  “Power is the ability to accomplish a task, and authority is the right to do it.  They were able to cast out demons and heal the sick, but the most important ministry He gave them was that of preaching the gospel.”

Jesus later began to teach them clearly about His sacrificial death.  He also said, “If people want to follow Me, they must give up the things they want.  They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me.  Those who want to save their lives will give up true life.  But those who give up their lives for Me will have true life.”

My commentary said, “Jesus laid down the stern requirements for discipleship.  We must first say no to ourselves – not simply to pleasures or possessions, but to self – and then take up our cross and follow Christ daily.  This means to be identified with Him in surrender, suffering, and sacrifice.  You cannot crucify yourself;  you can only yield your body … and let God do the rest … To save your life is to lose it, and how can you ever get it back again?  But to give your life to Christ is to save it and to live it in fullness … Discipleship is a daily discipline; we follow Jesus a step at a time; a day at a time.”

Father, thank You for that all-important verse today, “If people want to follow Me, they must give up the things they want.”  Drill that into my brain and my heart, Father.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford