Scripture:
Luke 9:46-50 (English Standard Version)
Who Is the Greatest?
46(A) An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48and said to them, (B) "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and(C) whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great."
Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us 49(D) John answered, "Master, we saw someone(E) casting out demons in your name, and(F) we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us." 50But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him,(G) for the one who is not against you is for you."
Cross references:
Luke 9:46 : For Luke 9:46-48, Matt 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Matt 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45
Luke 9:48 : Matt 10:40, 42
Luke 9:48 : Luke 22:26
Luke 9:49 : For Luke 9:49, 50, Mark 9:38-40
Luke 9:49 : Luke 10:17; Matt 7:22; Mark 16:17; Acts 19:13; Matt 12:27
Luke 9:49 : Num 11:28
Luke 9:50 : Luke 11:23; Matt 12:30
Reflection:
Are you surprised to see the disciples of Jesus arguing about who is the greatest among them? Don't we do the same thing? The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Who doesn't cherish the ambition to be "somebody" whom others admire rather than a "nobody"? Even the psalms speak about the glory God has destined for us. You have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). Jesus made a dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God. What can a little child possibly teach us about greatness? Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their own. They were socially at the "bottom of the rung" and at the service of their parents, much like the household staff and domestic servants. What is the significance of Jesus' gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the presence of his disciples by placing the child in a privileged position of honor at his right side. It is customary, even today, to seat the guest of honor at the right side of the host. Who is the greatest in God's kingdom? The one who is humble and lowly of heart — who instead of asserting their rights willingly empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the lowly position of a servant or child.
Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Paul the Apostles states that Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). Jesus lowered himself (he whose place is at the right hand of God the Father) and took on our lowly nature that he might raise us up and clothe us in his divine nature. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which stands in the way — pride, self-seeking glory, vanity, etc. God wants empty vessels so he can fill them with his own glory, power, and love (2 Cor. 4:7). Are you ready to humble yourself and to serve as Jesus did?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your grace knows no bounds. You give freely to the humble of heart and you grant us freedom to love and serve others selflessly. May my love for you express itself in an eagerness to do good for others.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Daily Word - Crown Without The Cross? - Luke 9:43-45
Scripture:
Luke 9:43-45 (English Standard Version)
43And all were astonished at(A) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(B) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(C) to his disciples, 44"Let these words sink into your ears:(D) The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men." 45(E) But they did not understand this saying, and(F) it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32
Luke 9:43 : Luke 9:22
Luke 9:44 : Luke 9:43
Luke 9:45 : Luke 2:50; 18:34; Mark 6:52; John 10:6; 12:16; 16:17-19; Matt 17:13; Mark 9:10
Luke 9:45 : Luke 18:34; Luke 24:16
Reflection:
Do you know the majesty of God? When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. But with the miracles Jesus also gave a prophetic warning: There can be no share in God's glory without the cross. Jesus prophesied his own betrayal and crucifixion. But it did not make any sense to the disciples because it did not fit their understanding of the Messiah. And they were afraid to ask further questions. Like a person who might receive a bad verdict from the doctor and then refuse to ask further questions, they, too, didn't want to know any more. How often do we reject what we do not wish to see? We have heard God's word and we know the consequences of accepting it or rejecting it. But do we give it our full allegiance and mold our lives according to it? Ask the Lord to show you his majesty that you may grow in reverence of him and in godly fear of his word.
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to conform my life to your will and to follow in your way of holiness.
Luke 9:43-45 (English Standard Version)
43And all were astonished at(A) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(B) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(C) to his disciples, 44"Let these words sink into your ears:(D) The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men." 45(E) But they did not understand this saying, and(F) it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32
Luke 9:43 : Luke 9:22
Luke 9:44 : Luke 9:43
Luke 9:45 : Luke 2:50; 18:34; Mark 6:52; John 10:6; 12:16; 16:17-19; Matt 17:13; Mark 9:10
Luke 9:45 : Luke 18:34; Luke 24:16
Reflection:
Do you know the majesty of God? When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. But with the miracles Jesus also gave a prophetic warning: There can be no share in God's glory without the cross. Jesus prophesied his own betrayal and crucifixion. But it did not make any sense to the disciples because it did not fit their understanding of the Messiah. And they were afraid to ask further questions. Like a person who might receive a bad verdict from the doctor and then refuse to ask further questions, they, too, didn't want to know any more. How often do we reject what we do not wish to see? We have heard God's word and we know the consequences of accepting it or rejecting it. But do we give it our full allegiance and mold our lives according to it? Ask the Lord to show you his majesty that you may grow in reverence of him and in godly fear of his word.
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to conform my life to your will and to follow in your way of holiness.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Daily Word - Your Faith - Luke 9:37-43
Scripture:
Luke 9:37-43 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
37(A) On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for(B) he is my only child. 39And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but(C) they could not." 41Jesus answered, "O(D) faithless and twisted generation,(E) how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus(F) rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and(G) gave him back to his father. 43And all were astonished at(H) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(I) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(J) to his disciples,
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:37 : For Luke 9:37-42, Matt 17:14-19; Mark 9:14-28
Luke 9:38 : Luke 7:12
Luke 9:40 : Luke 9:1; Luke 10:17; Matt 10:1; Mark 6:7
Luke 9:41 : Phil 2:15; John 20:27
Luke 9:41 : John 14:9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 4:35, 39; Zech 3:2; Matt 8:26; Mark 1:25; Jude 9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 7:15
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32
Reflection:
What kind of faith does the Lord expect of us, especially when we meet set-backs and trials? Inevitably there are times when each of us disappoint others or disappoint ourselves when we suffer some kind of set-back or failure. In this gospel incident the disciples of Jesus fail to heal an epileptic boy. Jesus' response seems stern; but it is really tempered with love and compassion. We see at once Jesus' dismay with the disciples' lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of this troubled boy and his father. With one word of command Jesus rebukes the evil spirit that has caused this boy's affliction and tells the spirit to "never enter him again". God's works reveal his majesty and power. When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. When you encounter trials and disappointments do you turn to the Lord with confidence and trust in his mercy?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith and trust in your saving power. Give me confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer. And help me to bring your healing love and truth to those I meet.
Luke 9:37-43 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
37(A) On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for(B) he is my only child. 39And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but(C) they could not." 41Jesus answered, "O(D) faithless and twisted generation,(E) how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus(F) rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and(G) gave him back to his father. 43And all were astonished at(H) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(I) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(J) to his disciples,
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:37 : For Luke 9:37-42, Matt 17:14-19; Mark 9:14-28
Luke 9:38 : Luke 7:12
Luke 9:40 : Luke 9:1; Luke 10:17; Matt 10:1; Mark 6:7
Luke 9:41 : Phil 2:15; John 20:27
Luke 9:41 : John 14:9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 4:35, 39; Zech 3:2; Matt 8:26; Mark 1:25; Jude 9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 7:15
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32
Reflection:
What kind of faith does the Lord expect of us, especially when we meet set-backs and trials? Inevitably there are times when each of us disappoint others or disappoint ourselves when we suffer some kind of set-back or failure. In this gospel incident the disciples of Jesus fail to heal an epileptic boy. Jesus' response seems stern; but it is really tempered with love and compassion. We see at once Jesus' dismay with the disciples' lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of this troubled boy and his father. With one word of command Jesus rebukes the evil spirit that has caused this boy's affliction and tells the spirit to "never enter him again". God's works reveal his majesty and power. When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. When you encounter trials and disappointments do you turn to the Lord with confidence and trust in his mercy?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith and trust in your saving power. Give me confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer. And help me to bring your healing love and truth to those I meet.
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