Scripture:
Luke 9:23-27 (English Standard Version)
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
23And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him(A) deny himself and(B) take up his cross(C) daily and follow me. 24For(D) whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25(E) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26For(F) whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed(G) when he comes in(H) his glory and the glory of the Father and of(I) the holy angels. 27But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not(J) taste death(K) until they see the kingdom of God."
Cross references:
Luke 9:23 : 2 Tim 2:12, 13
Luke 9:23 : Matt 10:38, 39
Luke 9:23 : 1 Cor 15:31
Luke 9:24 : Luke 9:23
Luke 9:25 : Luke 12:20
Luke 9:26 : Rom 1:16; 2 Tim 1:8, 12, 16; Heb 11:16; 1 John 2:28; Matt 10:33
Luke 9:26 : Dan 7:10, 13; Zech 14:5; Matt 24:30; 25:31; 26:64; John 1:51; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess 1:10; 4:16; Jude 14; Rev 1:7; Deut 33:2
Luke 9:26 : Matt 19:28; 25:31; Mark 10:37; John 17:24
Luke 9:26 : Acts 10:22; Rev 14:10; Matt 13:41; 16:27
Luke 9:27 : John 8:52; Heb 2:9
Luke 9:27 : Luke 21:31, 32; Matt 10:23; 23:36; 24:34; Mark 13:30
Reflection:
What is the most important investment you can make with your life? Jesus poses some probing questions to challenge our assumptions about what is most profitable and worthwhile. In every decision of life we are making ourselves a certain kind of person. The kind of person we are, our character, determines to a large extent the kind of future we will face and live. It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important things of all. Of what value are material things if they don't help you gain what truly lasts in eternity. Neither money nor possessions can buy heaven, mend a broken heart, or cheer a lonely person. Jesus asks the question: What will a person give in exchange for his life? Everything we have is an out-right gift from God. We owe him everything, including our very lives. It's possible to give God our money, but not ourselves, or to give him lip-service, but not our hearts. A true disciple gladly gives up all that he has in exchange for an unending life of joy and happiness with God. God gives without measure. The joy he offers no sadness or loss can diminish. The cross of Christ leads to victory and freedom from sin and death. What is the cross which Jesus Christ commands me to take up each day? When my will crosses with his will, then his will must be done. Are you ready to lose all for Jesus Christ in order to gain all with Jesus Christ?
Prayer For The Day:
"Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and all my will, all that I have and possess. You have given them to me; to you, O Lord, I restore them; all things are yours, dispose of them according to your will. Give me your love and your grace, for this is enough for me." (Prayer of Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Daily Word - Who Is He To You? - Luke 9:18-22
Scripture:
Luke 9:18-22 (English Standard Version)
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
18(A) Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" 19And they answered,(B) "John the Baptist. But others say,(C) Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen." 20Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered,(D) "The Christ of God."
Jesus Foretells His Death 21(E) And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22(F) saying, (G) "The Son of Man must(H) suffer many things and(I) be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on(J) the third day be raised."
Cross references:
Luke 9:18 : For Luke 9:18-20, Matt 16:13-16; Mark 8:27-29
Luke 9:19 : Luke 9:7; Matt 14:2; Mark 6:14
Luke 9:19 : Luke 9:8; Mark 6:15; Matt 17:10; Mark 9:11; John 1:21
Luke 9:20 : Luke 23:35; Acts 3:18; Rev 12:10; Matt 1:17
Luke 9:21 : Matt 16:20; Mark 8:30; Matt 12:16
Luke 9:22 : For Luke 9:22-27, Matt 16:21-28; Mark 8:31–9:1
Luke 9:22 : Luke 18:31; Luke 13:33
Luke 9:22 : Luke 24:7; Matt 17:12, 22, 23; Mark 9:30, 31
Luke 9:22 : Luke 17:25; 1 Pet 2:4; Luke 20:17
Luke 9:22 : Luke 18:33; 24:7, 46; Matt 27:63; John 2:19
Reflection:
Who is Jesus for you? Many in Israel recognized Jesus as a mighty man of God, even comparing him with the greatest of the prophets. Peter, always quick to respond, professed that Jesus is truly the Christ. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter, but only God. Through the eyes of faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to publicly recognize Jesus as the Anointed One (also translated Messiah or Christ). Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew word, Messiah. Peter's faith, however, was sorely tested when Jesus explained that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die in order that God's work of redemption might be accomplished. How startled the disciples were when they heard this word! How different are God's thoughts and ways from our thoughts and ways! Through humiliation, suffering, and death on the cross Jesus broke the powers of sin and death and won for us our salvation. If we want to share in Christ's victory, then we must also take up our cross and follow him where he leads us. What is the "cross" that I must take up? When my will crosses with God's will, then his will must be done. To know Jesus Christ is to know the power of his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith to know Jesus personally, power to live the gospel faithfully, and courage to witness to others the joy and truth of the gospel. Who do you say that Jesus is?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, I believe and I profess that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Take my will, my life, and all that I have, that I may be wholly yours now and forever.
Luke 9:18-22 (English Standard Version)
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
18(A) Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" 19And they answered,(B) "John the Baptist. But others say,(C) Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen." 20Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered,(D) "The Christ of God."
Jesus Foretells His Death 21(E) And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22(F) saying, (G) "The Son of Man must(H) suffer many things and(I) be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on(J) the third day be raised."
Cross references:
Luke 9:18 : For Luke 9:18-20, Matt 16:13-16; Mark 8:27-29
Luke 9:19 : Luke 9:7; Matt 14:2; Mark 6:14
Luke 9:19 : Luke 9:8; Mark 6:15; Matt 17:10; Mark 9:11; John 1:21
Luke 9:20 : Luke 23:35; Acts 3:18; Rev 12:10; Matt 1:17
Luke 9:21 : Matt 16:20; Mark 8:30; Matt 12:16
Luke 9:22 : For Luke 9:22-27, Matt 16:21-28; Mark 8:31–9:1
Luke 9:22 : Luke 18:31; Luke 13:33
Luke 9:22 : Luke 24:7; Matt 17:12, 22, 23; Mark 9:30, 31
Luke 9:22 : Luke 17:25; 1 Pet 2:4; Luke 20:17
Luke 9:22 : Luke 18:33; 24:7, 46; Matt 27:63; John 2:19
Reflection:
Who is Jesus for you? Many in Israel recognized Jesus as a mighty man of God, even comparing him with the greatest of the prophets. Peter, always quick to respond, professed that Jesus is truly the Christ. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter, but only God. Through the eyes of faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to publicly recognize Jesus as the Anointed One (also translated Messiah or Christ). Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew word, Messiah. Peter's faith, however, was sorely tested when Jesus explained that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die in order that God's work of redemption might be accomplished. How startled the disciples were when they heard this word! How different are God's thoughts and ways from our thoughts and ways! Through humiliation, suffering, and death on the cross Jesus broke the powers of sin and death and won for us our salvation. If we want to share in Christ's victory, then we must also take up our cross and follow him where he leads us. What is the "cross" that I must take up? When my will crosses with God's will, then his will must be done. To know Jesus Christ is to know the power of his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith to know Jesus personally, power to live the gospel faithfully, and courage to witness to others the joy and truth of the gospel. Who do you say that Jesus is?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, I believe and I profess that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Take my will, my life, and all that I have, that I may be wholly yours now and forever.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Daily Word - 5000 - Luke 9:10-17
Scripture:
Luke 9:10-17 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
10On their return(A) the apostles told him all that they had done.(B) And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he(C) welcomed them and(D) spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12Now(E) the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him,(F) "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place." 13But he said to them, (G) "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than(H) five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." 14For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16And taking the five loaves and the two fish,(I) he looked up to heaven and(J) said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Cross references:
Luke 9:10 : Mark 6:30
Luke 9:10 : For Luke 9:10-17, Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; John 6:1-13; Matt 15:32-38; Mark 8:2-9
Luke 9:11 : Luke 8:40
Luke 9:11 : Luke 9:2
Luke 9:12 : Luke 24:29 (Gk); Jer 6:4
Luke 9:12 : Matt 15:23
Luke 9:13 : 2 Kgs 4:42-44
Luke 9:13 : Matt 16:9; Mark 8:19
Luke 9:16 : Mark 7:34; John 11:41; 17:1
Luke 9:16 : Luke 24:30; 1 Sam 9:13; Matt 26:26; Mark 8:7; 14:22; 1 Cor 14:16
Reflection:
How do you treat those who make unexpected demands on you? When Jesus and the disciples sought a lonely place to regroup and rest, they found instead a crowd of more than five thousand people waiting for them! Did they resent this intrusion on their hard-earned need for privacy and refreshment? Jesus certainly didn't but welcomed them with open-arms. Jesus put human need ahead of everything else. His compasion showed the depths of God's love and concern for all who are truly needy. Jesus gave the people the word of God and he healed them physically as well as spiritually. We can never intrude upon God nor exhaust his generosity and kindness. He is ever ready to give to those who earnestly seek him out. Do you thirst for his saving word and for his healing power?
Why did Jesus command his disciples to do what seemed impossible-- to feed such a large and hungry crowd when there were no adequate provisions in sight? Jesus, no doubt wanted to test their faith and to teach them to rely upon God for their provision. The signs which Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God the Father had indeed sent his only begotten Son as the anointed Prophet and King for his people. Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers. Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who lack?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, you satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and you feed us with the finest of wheat (Ps 81:16). Fill me with gratitude and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others what you have given to me.
Luke 9:10-17 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
10On their return(A) the apostles told him all that they had done.(B) And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he(C) welcomed them and(D) spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12Now(E) the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him,(F) "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place." 13But he said to them, (G) "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than(H) five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." 14For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16And taking the five loaves and the two fish,(I) he looked up to heaven and(J) said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Cross references:
Luke 9:10 : Mark 6:30
Luke 9:10 : For Luke 9:10-17, Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; John 6:1-13; Matt 15:32-38; Mark 8:2-9
Luke 9:11 : Luke 8:40
Luke 9:11 : Luke 9:2
Luke 9:12 : Luke 24:29 (Gk); Jer 6:4
Luke 9:12 : Matt 15:23
Luke 9:13 : 2 Kgs 4:42-44
Luke 9:13 : Matt 16:9; Mark 8:19
Luke 9:16 : Mark 7:34; John 11:41; 17:1
Luke 9:16 : Luke 24:30; 1 Sam 9:13; Matt 26:26; Mark 8:7; 14:22; 1 Cor 14:16
Reflection:
How do you treat those who make unexpected demands on you? When Jesus and the disciples sought a lonely place to regroup and rest, they found instead a crowd of more than five thousand people waiting for them! Did they resent this intrusion on their hard-earned need for privacy and refreshment? Jesus certainly didn't but welcomed them with open-arms. Jesus put human need ahead of everything else. His compasion showed the depths of God's love and concern for all who are truly needy. Jesus gave the people the word of God and he healed them physically as well as spiritually. We can never intrude upon God nor exhaust his generosity and kindness. He is ever ready to give to those who earnestly seek him out. Do you thirst for his saving word and for his healing power?
Why did Jesus command his disciples to do what seemed impossible-- to feed such a large and hungry crowd when there were no adequate provisions in sight? Jesus, no doubt wanted to test their faith and to teach them to rely upon God for their provision. The signs which Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God the Father had indeed sent his only begotten Son as the anointed Prophet and King for his people. Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers. Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who lack?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, you satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and you feed us with the finest of wheat (Ps 81:16). Fill me with gratitude and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others what you have given to me.
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