December 28, 2022
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 28 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Growing Opposition
Read Sections 4.17 through 4.20 (pages 82-85)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Advent Day 28
It’s not hard to understand why Jesus’ followers did not understand what He was saying. So many strange things were happening like driving out evil spirits and talking to Elijah. It must have been very confusing. They just had to learn to believe and trust—just like we do.
Jesus continues to foster belief in his followers. He continues to tell them of his death and resurrection. It must have been hard to accept. I do see that his apostles faith and belief growing. I also feel my own belief in Jesus growing with each reading. Knowing something is going to happen does not compare with truly believing in Christianity.
Day 28
4.17 – 4.20
Peter tries to protect Jesus. Can’t blame him for that. Doesn’t see the big picture. How many times I’ve been guilty of that. To just look at what is before us and not seeing completely. The apostles certainly knew what to pick up your cross and follow me meant. Crucifixion was very well known. Tough pill to swallow. How do we feel? Perfect following verses as Jesus points out. Gaining the whole world but to lose your soul. So do we live for Christ or the world? A few apostles see a glimpse of the glorified Jesus. Too much for a human to absorb. Peter has no idea what to say. Should have just worshipped. Thank God for Peter. I can and do relate. Apostles can’t drive out demon from a boy. Thinking about this I would guess they were trying in their own power, not the power of God
A sight to see Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah on that mountain. Such an amazing thing the next part of God’s plan for salvation, the next leader of His people here on earth also come to die for His work.
The reminder to the disciples that we all must be prepared to die for God’s work and while we may not be in a position where we will physically be killed we must die to sin and our old ways daily to truly follow God. We must set aside the idols and things that come before God in order to serve and bring glory to Him in all parts of our lives.
Jesus is amazing and clearly is no charlatan and is not concerned about PR, but rather His mission. Just imagine, after this great revelation about who He is…the Son of God…and He is granting them authority…..and yet the next conversation….let’s talk about the real reason this is all happening. I am going to die….and then three days later, rise again. What leader does that except the one who is aware of and committed to His mission and not concerned about popularity. And poor Peter, after the great revelation…maybe I have to tell Jesus what is up, maybe He has got it wrong….get thee behind me satan. How quickly any of us can be turned from speaking for God…and then be speaking…well…for satan. But then Jesus lays it out. Yes I have my cross, He says, but if you follow me, you are going to have your cross too. I really like how this translation puts it. “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want.” Selah.
But just in case that engagement caused His main guys Peter, James and John, to lose heart…let me show you my true glory..with a personal word from God the Father…and I’ll throw in Moses and Elijah for good measure. How utterly amazing that conversation must have been, as Jesus talks to the mediator of the law and one of the great prophets of the very thing they saw dimly, but in Jesus it all unfolds…Messiah was to die to accomplish what the law could not. How privileged Moses and Elijah were….how privileged these apostles were….OMG….literally!!! Jesus did all He could to make sure they knew He was who He claimed to be!
And I guess we should never be surprised that there are some things we can’t handle and we need to call on Jesus…ok that’s everything. What a great statement…I do believe…help me believe more. So Jesus emphasizes faith once again, but reenforces to that spiritual work requires spiritual resources…and for some things we need to dig deeper..and pray harder….And then time away…let me say it again, because He knows they will struggle….Jesus is going to die and then be raised….it will be a major theme as the clock winds down on Jesus’ life here on earth…
Jesus says we must stop thinking about what we want and think about what God wants. When we take up our cross, we are not letting worldly pressures influence our decisions. Instead we do what Jesus did, pray for direction and guidance continually. When we do this, we strive to fullfill the purpose God prepared for us to do regardless of what other people think.
It’s hard to mentally process all that is in these sections of scripture.
– Jesus tells the disciples He must die and Peter corrects Him. Our default is that this bad stuff must be out of God’s plan and will for us. As the world goes crazy, I think more and more about how we will probably be persecuted for our faith very soon. Even as Americans, we are so privileged to have our nation and laws that protect our religious freedom, I guess it makes it all the more obvious what is going on is spiritual, when our own government breaks the law against its people.
– Jesus has a conversation with Moses and Elijah. Peter again gets it wrong and has plans for a tent for Moses and Elijah. What an amazing experience! But this is not about the Old Testament leaders and prophets, this is about Jesus. “This is my Son, the One I love. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!” God makes the message clear.