October 13, 2015

Methods and Miracles

By: Anthony Mathenia Topics: Uncategorized

Methods and Miracles (Luke 9:1-27)
Sermon Link

Verses 1-11

Jesus sent the disciples out to preach and to heal, caring both for souls and bodies as they minister in word and in deed. It was not enough for them to only observe Jesus, they must now apply what they had learned from Him and proclaim the kingdom. Preaching is the principal work of their ministry and it is the chosen instrument of God for doing good to souls. The disciples are given specific instructions with regard to their going, being told to go out in simplicity and contentment, and they are assured that they will find opposition and rejection in their mission. By shaking off the dust of their feet, which is a symbol of ridding oneself of Gentile defilement, they were declaring that Israelites who reject Christ are no better than unclean Gentiles. As the Kingdom continued to spread and multiply causing no small stir in the region, Herod asked the question that we see repeatedly in Luke’s Gospel, “Who is this man?” Herod’s desire to see Jesus was only an idle curiosity and interest in observing His miracles. After the disciples return from their mission, Jesus withdraws together with them for rest, which should serve as a reminder to us of the importance of taking time to withdraw and be alone with our Savior.

– What does it look like in our own lives to follow the disciples pattern of simplicity and contentment in fulfilling the mission that was assigned to them? In what areas do we struggle with contentment or simplicity in obedience to Him?

Verses 12-17

This is the only miracle that is recorded in all four of the Gospel accounts. If Jesus was able to take the 5 loaves and 2 fish and multiply them to feed 5000 people, then undoubtedly He would have also been able to distribute it to the people Himself. However, He has providentially determined to work through His people to accomplish His purposes. The 12 baskets, one for each disciple, are a reminder of the wonderfully sufficient provision of Christ. The food was given to all, and all were satisfied. God is not limited in His ability to meet every need we have.

– In what other ways in Scripture do we see that God, while able to do all He pleases independent of anyone, uses His disciples to accomplish His purposes? How should this affect how we view our purpose in this life, and the confidence we have in fulfilling that purpose?

Verses 18-27

There was no consensus at this time regarding who Christ was. Most people did not understand the Messiah’s mission, and even the disciples who acknowledged Him as the Christ were still much in the dark about the full implications, namely that He would suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised on the third day. Jesus’ predictions about His death make it clear that His sufferings are voluntary and that they are the direct result of the eternal counsel of God. He was fully aware of the type of death that He would die. Not only does He tell them how He will die, but He makes it clear that it is also the pattern for our own everyday living as well. We must deny ourselves, being self-forgetful and self-oblivious, daily. We are to take up our cross on a one way journey to death, dying to sin and living to God, daily. We are to follow Him, taking the path that He Himself took, daily. Christians will gladly lose their lives, because in doing so they gain Christ, heaven, glory, and happiness, eternally. On the other hand, the worst and most painful diseases, financial crisis, or a shipwrecked life are a superficial scratch compared with the terrible reality of losing the soul. Those who are ashamed of Christ, continuing in unbelief, craving man’s praise, and walking in ingratitude, will be denied by Him when He returns.

– What opportunities are you faced with on a daily basis to deny yourself and your own interests for the sake of following Jesus? Are there any areas in your life where you are refusing to take up your cross and die to sin?