Change is Hard

N.T.#548 "Change is Hard"

May 13, 2025 

Luke 9-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Do you have an agenda, plans, goals? Sometimes we need to be flexible for the Lord to change them. Change is hard. Jesus was telling His disciples His plans, which were not how they thought He should be living/dying.

Peter's great confession, at Caesarea Philippi near Mount Hermon, occurred approximately six months prior to the crucifixion. (verse 20) Verse 20 marks the beginning of any mention by Christ that He was going to be killed. Then we read of the very first mention by Christ of the fact that He would establish His church. (Matt. 16:18)  (Liberty Bible Commentary)

How did Jesus break the news to His apostles?

• The Son of man must suffer many things. Jesus was Isaiah's "suffering servant." (chapters 52-53)
• He will be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes. Jesus was the stone rejected by Israel's religious leaders and has become the chief stone. 
• He will be slain. Jesus freely gave His life as a living sacrifice for us sinners. 
• He will be raised the third day. (verse 22) Over 500 witnessed seeing the Risen Savior. 

Jesus is the foundation and corner stone for the church and for our lives. It is by faith that we believe those things previously mentioned. Such love that the Son of God would leave His throne in heaven, walk among people, live a perfect life, and be our perfect sacrifice. Have you trusted in this Precious Jesus?

LET IT GROW

That was not the agenda the apostles had in mind for Jesus' life as their leader. They witnessed His healing thousands, put demons to flight, taught fantastic lessons, preached the Truth, and fulfilled the Old Testament prophets' prophecies. He was their hope of a new kingdom. 

 

The apostles were commanded to tell no one who He is, at that time.  It wasn't in God's plan for Jesus to be the new political deliverer, nor to raise up an army. Jesus' kingdom was out of this world. (One day He will return to establish His kingdom on earth to reign 1,000 years as King, but that was not the time.)

LET IT GO

How can I keep from singing Your praise?

How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love Lord Jesus!