Luke 9:27-62 What Was Lacking

After the Transfiguration, Jesus said to His followers, “How long shall I stay with you and put up with you?”  That makes us wonder what caused him to say that.  My commentary said, “He was grieved over the failures of His followers.  He had given His apostles authority over Satan, yet they were too weak to cast out a demon.  In feeding the 5,000, Jesus gave them an example of compassion, yet they persisted in manifesting selfishness and lack of love.  He taught clearly what it meant to follow Him, yet the volunteers turned out to be “me first” disciples.  No wonder He was grieved!”

Regarding their lack of power, it said faith was lacking in their lives (Matt 17:19-20), they were part of an unbelieving generation and had lost the confidence that they needed in order to use their power.  Prayer and fasting were also lacking (Mark 9:29).

As to their lack of love, they were arguing over who was the greatest – just like a bunch of guys!  “In His kingdom, the example of greatness is a little child – helpless, dependent, without status, living by faith.”

They also lacked discipline.  “Three men could have become disciples, but they would not meet the conditions that Jesus laid down … The first wouldn’t deny himself … The second wouldn’t take up the cross and die to self… The third … was looking back … when a loving farewell gets in the way of obedience, it becomes sin.”

How amazing that 2 Tim 1:17 says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”  Exactly what they were missing, and available from God.

Father, help me not to doubt that You have empowered me, taught me how to love, and that You expect self-discipline from me.  Stoke up the areas where I am lacking.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford