Day 18: Luke 9:18-36

Prepare your heart for God’s word…

18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Out of the many unique characteristics of Jesus, one is Jesus’ lack of concern for his reputation. He seems quite comfortable with being misunderstood. The crowds had many different ideas of who Jesus was. But Jesus cared to know- but who do YOU say I am.

Today, the crowds still have many opinions of Jesus, but what about you? Take this moment now to leave the crowds and opinions behind, and simply tell Jesus in your own words who Jesus is to you. “Who do you say I am?”

Luke’s Gospel continues…

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

This section of scripture is often called the transfiguration. That word is used to describe when something transforms into that which is more beautiful or elevated. But Jesus wasn’t transforming as much as revealing- revealing his true radiance, glory and power.

Obviously, this moment caused Peter and the disciples to wake up. Peter desired to prolong this divine moment, but he was interrupted by God. The Father’s voice declared for a second time in this Gospel, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen.” But this time, God included one more statement. “Listen to him!”

God cared deeply that these disciples learned to listen to Jesus. So it is with you.
What does it mean today for you to more carefully listen to Jesus?

Throughout your day, bring to Jesus a simple desire- to hear from him. Begin now by giving your undivided attention to Jesus- so you might hear from the One who loves you and gave himself up for you.