Luke Bible Study, Day 19
Today’s passage: Luke 9:1–27
Focus verse:“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” (Luke 9:20)
Jesus asks his disciples an interesting question, “Who do people say I am?”
This is an easy question that they don’t have to think about. They quickly give him the top three answers.
“Some say you’re John the Baptist,” says one.
“Others say you are the incarnation of Elijah,” adds another.
A third disciple offers a third view, that Jesus is “one of the ancient prophets who has come back to life.”
Having now covered what the masses say about him, Jesus zeroes in on the disciples’ perspective. “Now, what do you say?” he asks pointedly. “Who do you think I am?”
Peter answers first. Though often impetuous, this time his words are profound. “You are the Messiah, the one God promised to send.”
Jesus affirms Peter’s answer. Then he does something strange. He begs them not to tell anyone.
Why would Jesus say this?
If he wants to get the word out about the kingdom of God, wouldn’t he want his disciples to tell everyone who he is?
How can he advance his cause if people hold misconceptions about him? Being an updated version of John the Baptist, Elijah, or another ancient prophet hurts the truth that he is the Messiah, the Savior of the people.
But if the word gets out that Jesus is the Messiah, the Romans could view him as a threat and prematurely execute him for sedition or inciting a rebellion.
Though Jesus knows his death will come, it must happen at a different time and through different events. That’s why he wants his disciples to keep quiet about this for now.
Thinking about his future, Jesus tells his disciples what’s going to happen. He will suffer much.
The religious leaders will reject him and see to his execution. But there’s good news, too, because three days later he will rise from the dead and live again.
Then he reminds them that they—and by extension, us—need to live a life of self-denial and follow him.
“If you want to save your life, you’ll lose it,” he says, “but if you give up your life for me, you’ll save it.” Then he warns them not to pursue worldly things at the expense of their spiritual future.
“If you are ashamed of me and the things I say,” Jesus adds, “I’ll be ashamed of you after you die.”
Then he adds a curious promise. “Some of you won’t die until you first see the kingdom of God.”
Questions:
Who do we say Jesus is?
Are we willing to admit it or are we ashamed?
[Discover more in the parallel accounts of this story in Matthew 16:13–20 and Mark 8:27–30.]
Read the next lesson or start at the beginning of this study.
Tips: Check out our tips to use this online Bible study for your church, small group, Sunday school class, or family discussion. It’s also ideal for personal study. Come back each Monday for a new lesson.
Read more about the book of Luke in Dear Theophilus: A 40-Day Devotional Exploring the Life of Jesus through the Gospel of Luke, now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.