Luke 9: 18-27 ( Daily Bread of 19/6/2018)

YOU ARE THE CHRIST

Key verse 9: 20

We have reached the mid-term of the formation of Jesus' disciples.  On the mountain Jesus received the confession of the disciples, as the answer to their midterm examination.  It was also an important time for Jesus, for he now had to teach the cross.  
  
1.  But,you, who do you say I am (18-22)

The subject matter to be taught now was therefore very serious.  Jesus gave the disciples the opportunity to learn about the cross for the first time. He had to repeat it so that they could accept it. It was a scary subject. However, Jesus wanted to teach it to them and he therefore asked them to tell him who they thought he was. This question was aimed at helping them have a clear sense of faith in him. First, they had to tell what the others thought, and that was rather easy.  Then they had to tell him what they themselves thought of him, and that was a bit more difficult.  Peter answered, "You are the Christ." He confessed that he is the King anointed by God.  He is the Sovereign Lord.  He is also the Saviour of the world.  Jesus then began to teach them that the Christ was to be rejected and put to death.  Without the cross there is no the crown.  Jesus wanted the disciples to accept this fact.  Nevertheless, they were reluctant to use those words.   
   2. If you want to come to me

Jesus explained what the Christ's life was like and what the disciple's life was like also. Their life is just an imitating the path of their master's.  Jesus followed the way of the cross; he preached the Word, healed the sick, casted out demons and finally died on the cross.  The disciples must follow this rough path.  To give up oneself means overcoming ones pride and to take up ones cross is to carry out ones mission in one's life.  To follow is to humbly learn the master's merit and character and manner.  Jesus says that the disciples have a very different value system than men.  Men seek what can become the immediate gain.  However, the disciples must seek the value that would last forever.  This is the most expensive treasure.  They must aspire to it throughout their life and publish it without shame.