Category: Today’s Devotional

In life, we often face moments of rejection or opposition, especially when we’re pursuing what we believe is right. How do we respond in those moments? Do we react with anger, or do we stay focused on our mission with a spirit of grace? In Luke 9:51-56, Jesus provides a powerful example of how to navigate these challenges with unwavering resolve and compassion. This devotional explores how we can follow His example and stay true to God’s purpose, even when the road is tough.

Scripture Reading:

“It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem and sent messengers before his face. They went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. They didn’t receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky and destroy them, just as Elijah did?’ But he turned and rebuked them, ‘You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.’ They went to another village.” — Luke 9:51-56 (WEBBE)

Reflection: In this passage, we see Jesus steadfastly setting His face towards Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaited Him there. His resolve was unshakable, knowing that His mission was to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Along the way, He encountered rejection from the Samaritans, who refused to welcome Him because He was headed to Jerusalem.

In response, the disciples, James and John, were quick to react with anger, suggesting a destructive solution by calling down fire from heaven. But Jesus rebuked them, reminding them of the true nature of His mission. He had not come to bring destruction but salvation. Jesus’ response teaches us a profound lesson about staying true to God’s purpose, even in the face of rejection or opposition.

When we encounter resistance or hostility, it can be tempting to respond with anger or seek retribution. However, Jesus’ example shows us that we are called to embody the spirit of love and grace. Our mission, like His, is to bring life, hope, and salvation to those around us, not to destroy or condemn.

Application:

• Examine Your Reactions: How do you respond when faced with rejection or opposition? Are you quick to react in anger, or do you seek to respond with the grace and love of Christ?
• Stay Focused on God’s Mission: Just as Jesus set His face towards Jerusalem, we too must remain focused on the mission God has given us, even when the path is difficult.
• Embrace a Spirit of Grace: Jesus came to save, not to destroy. Let this spirit of grace guide your interactions with others, especially when you are met with hostility.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for setting Your face towards Jerusalem and embracing the cross for our salvation. Help us to follow Your example, staying true to the mission You have given us. When we encounter rejection or opposition, give us the grace to respond with love rather than anger. May our lives reflect Your saving grace to everyone we meet. Amen.

Scripture:
Luke 9:46-50 (WEBBE)
“There arose an argument among them about who was the greatest of them. Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.”

Reflection:

In this passage, we encounter a moment of revelation about true greatness and inclusion in the Kingdom of God. The disciples are arguing about who among them is the greatest, a reflection of their struggle with pride and status. Jesus uses this moment to teach them—and us—a profound lesson about the nature of true greatness and the inclusivity of His mission.

The Quest for Greatness: The disciples’ argument about who is the greatest reveals a common human tendency to seek status and recognition. Their focus on greatness is misplaced, as it reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus’ teachings about leadership and service.

The Lesson of the Child: Jesus takes a child and places him beside Himself, using this act to illustrate a radical redefinition of greatness. In Jesus’ view, greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about power or status but about humility, receptivity, and service. By receiving and valuing a child—someone considered insignificant in society—Jesus shows that true greatness comes from a heart that embraces the least and serves others selflessly.

Receiving Jesus and the Father: Jesus connects receiving the child with receiving Him and, by extension, the One who sent Him. This teaches us that our treatment of others, especially those considered lowly or insignificant, reflects our relationship with Jesus and God the Father. It underscores the idea that our faith and relationship with God are expressed in how we treat and serve others.

Inclusivity of the Mission: John’s report about stopping someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group reveals an attitude of exclusivity. Jesus corrects this by stating, “He who is not against us is for us.” This highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ mission and the need to recognize and support those who are working to advance God’s Kingdom, even if they are not part of our immediate circle.

Personal Application: As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to reconsider our own attitudes toward greatness and inclusivity. Are we seeking status and recognition, or are we embracing humility and service? How do we respond to those who are working for God’s Kingdom, even if they are not part of our immediate group? Are we treating others with the love and respect that reflects our relationship with Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for teaching us about true greatness through the example of the child. Help us to embrace humility and service in our pursuit of greatness, and to recognize that true greatness comes from valuing and serving others selflessly. Guide us to be inclusive in our support of those who work for Your Kingdom, regardless of their affiliation with us. May our actions reflect our relationship with You and the Father, and may we live in a way that honors Your call to greatness through humility and love. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on your own understanding of greatness. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking status or recognition? How can you shift your focus to embrace humility and service?
• Consider how you respond to those who are working for God’s Kingdom. Are you supportive and inclusive, or do you tend to exclude those who are not part of your immediate group?
• Evaluate your treatment of others, especially those who are considered lowly or insignificant. How can you better reflect your relationship with Jesus through your interactions and service?

Verse for Meditation:
“Whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” (Luke 9:48, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 (WEBBE)
“John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he wasn’t following us.” But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able soon after to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. “Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having your two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, than having your two feet to be cast into hell. If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell, where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.”

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus addresses issues of inclusion, humility, and radical commitment to discipleship. He uses vivid imagery and strong language to convey the seriousness of following Him and the importance of recognizing those who are working in His name.

Inclusion and Unity: John reports that they tried to stop someone who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group. Jesus rebukes this narrow-mindedness, emphasizing that anyone who does mighty works in His name is on their side. This teaches us about the broad scope of God’s work and the need for unity within the body of Christ. We should recognize and support those who are genuinely advancing God’s Kingdom, even if they are not part of our immediate circle.

Small Acts of Faithfulness: Jesus highlights that even a small act of kindness, like giving a cup of water in His name, will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. This underscores the value of simple, faithful actions done for His sake. It’s a reminder that every act of service and every expression of support for His mission matters.

Seriousness of Sin: Jesus uses stark, graphic imagery to illustrate the gravity of leading others astray and the seriousness of dealing with sin. The warning about causing “one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble” indicates the importance of safeguarding the faith of others, particularly those who are new or vulnerable in their belief.

Radical Commitment: The call to cut off a hand, foot, or eye if they cause us to stumble highlights the radical nature of discipleship. Jesus is not advocating literal self-mutilation but is emphasizing the need for serious and decisive action against sin in our lives. The metaphor underscores that it is better to make difficult sacrifices now in order to gain eternal life than to cling to sin and face eternal consequences.

Personal Application: As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to evaluate our own attitudes and actions in light of Jesus’ teaching. Are we inclusive and supportive of others who are working for God’s Kingdom? Are we attentive to our own actions and how they affect others’ faith? How are we addressing sin in our own lives, and are we willing to make radical changes to follow Jesus more faithfully?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your teachings on inclusion, humility, and the seriousness of discipleship. Help us to recognize and support those who work in Your name, even if they are not part of our immediate group. Teach us to value even the smallest acts of kindness and service done for Your sake. Guide us in making serious and decisive actions against sin in our lives, so that we may live in a way that honors You and leads others faithfully. Give us the courage to embrace the radical call to discipleship and to pursue Your Kingdom with all our hearts. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on your attitude towards those who serve God in different ways or from different traditions. Are you open and supportive, or do you tend to exclude those who are not part of your group?
• Consider the small acts of service and kindness you can offer in Jesus’ name. How can you be more intentional in serving others and advancing His Kingdom?
• Evaluate how you address sin in your life. Are there areas where you need to make radical changes to live more faithfully and avoid causing others to stumble?

Verse for Meditation:
“Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Luke 9:43-45 (WEBBE)
“They were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, he said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men.” But they didn’t understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it. They were afraid to ask him about this saying.”

Reflection:

In this passage, we encounter a moment of profound amazement and confusion. The crowd is in awe of Jesus’ miraculous deeds, but Jesus uses this opportunity to reveal a crucial aspect of His mission: His impending suffering and betrayal.

Marveling at God’s Works: The people are astonished by the greatness of God as demonstrated through Jesus’ miracles. Their amazement reflects the powerful impact of Jesus’ ministry and the divine authority He carries. However, their focus on the miracles highlights a common human tendency to be captivated by visible displays of power rather than understanding the deeper message behind them.

The Revelation of Suffering: Jesus addresses His disciples directly, emphasizing the importance of understanding His upcoming suffering. He instructs them to let His words “sink into their ears,” signaling the need for deep comprehension. Jesus reveals that He will be “delivered up into the hands of men,” a reference to His impending betrayal and suffering. This statement is a critical aspect of His mission but contrasts sharply with the public’s focus on His miraculous works.

Concealed Understanding: Despite Jesus’ clear statement, the disciples do not understand this revelation. The passage notes that this understanding is “concealed from them,” implying that there is a divine purpose in their lack of comprehension. This concealment is part of the larger plan of God and may be intended to prevent premature or incomplete understanding of Jesus’ mission.

Fear and Confusion: The disciples’ fear and reluctance to ask Jesus for further clarification underscore their struggle to grasp the full implications of His words. This response reflects the challenge of reconciling the reality of Jesus’ suffering with their expectations of a triumphant Messiah.

Personal Application: As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider our own response to Jesus’ teachings and mission. Are we more focused on the visible and miraculous aspects of Jesus’ work, or are we seeking to understand the deeper, often challenging aspects of His mission? How do we respond to the difficult or mysterious elements of His message?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for revealing the greatness of God through Your works and for speaking truth about Your mission. Help us to understand and embrace the full scope of Your message, including the challenges and suffering You endured. Give us the courage to seek deeper understanding and to confront the mysteries of Your mission with faith and trust. May we not be solely captivated by the miraculous but remain committed to understanding and following Your path, even when it is difficult. Guide us to live in light of Your suffering and to share in Your mission with clarity and purpose. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on your own understanding of Jesus’ mission. Are there aspects of His suffering and sacrifice that you need to grasp more fully?
• Consider how you approach the challenging or mysterious elements of Jesus’ teachings. Are you willing to seek deeper understanding and confront these with faith?
• Evaluate your focus in your spiritual life. Are you more captivated by the miraculous or committed to understanding and living out the full message of Jesus?

Verse for Meditation:
“Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Luke 9:18-22 (WEBBE)
“It happened, as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist, but others say Elijah, and others that one of the old prophets has risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.”

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus engages in a moment of profound revelation and reflection with His disciples. He begins by inquiring about public opinion regarding His identity, then shifts to a more personal and crucial question: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter’s response, “The Christ of God,” is a pivotal moment in the disciples’ understanding of Jesus’ true nature and mission.

Public Perception vs. Personal Revelation: Jesus first asks about what the crowds say about Him, revealing the varied and speculative views people have. Some think He is John the Baptist returned from the dead, others believe He is Elijah or another prophet. These responses highlight the confusion and differing expectations surrounding Jesus’ identity. However, public opinion is not sufficient for a true understanding of Jesus.

Peter’s Confession: Jesus then focuses on His disciples, asking them directly for their understanding. Peter’s declaration that Jesus is “The Christ of God” is a moment of clarity and divine revelation. Peter recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the anointed one sent by God. This confession is significant because it acknowledges Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the central figure in God’s plan for salvation.

The Cost of Discipleship: Following Peter’s confession, Jesus explains the necessary suffering and rejection that lies ahead for Him. He speaks of His impending suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. This revelation underscores the cost of His mission and the reality of the path He must walk. It also prepares the disciples for the challenges ahead, revealing that following Jesus involves understanding and embracing His sacrificial mission.

Keeping the Revelation: Jesus instructs His disciples to tell no one about His identity as the Christ. This command reflects the need for His mission to unfold according to God’s timing and plan. It also emphasizes that understanding Jesus’ identity is not just about proclaiming it publicly but involves grasping the deeper implications of His suffering and redemptive work.

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider our own understanding of Jesus. Do we recognize Him as the Christ of God, and how does this understanding impact our lives and our following of Him? Are we prepared to embrace the cost of discipleship, as Jesus described?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for revealing Yourself as the Christ, the Messiah sent by God. Help us to understand the significance of this truth and to live in light of Your identity and mission. Give us the courage to embrace the cost of following You, including the challenges and sacrifices that may come our way. Teach us to keep Your revelation at the center of our lives, to live faithfully in response to Your call, and to follow You with a clear understanding of the path You have set before us. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on your personal understanding of Jesus as the Christ. How does this recognition influence your daily life and decisions?
• Consider the implications of Jesus’ suffering and mission. Are you prepared to follow Him through the challenges and sacrifices that may arise?
• Evaluate how you respond to the revelation of Jesus in your own life. Are you keeping this understanding central to your faith journey and daily actions?

Verse for Meditation:
“Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’” (Luke 9:20, WEBBE)