How is this faith cultivated? It is cultivated by studying the Bible, by learning what God is like. As we study the Bible we get to know God, and our faith is made strong because it is in him.

While in Matthew and Mark the Transfiguration is usually seen as a preview of the glory Jesus will have at his second coming, for Luke the greater emphasis is on the heavenly glory he will receive at his exaltation to God’s right hand.

In the real-life crosses of the Roman world, no one took them up (suggesting a voluntary action). Instead, crosses were impressed upon people, quite apart from their willingness. Here Jesus said that those who follow Him must voluntarily take up their...

Luke’s Gospel reaches a climax in 9:20 when Peter, after witnessing the powerful words and deeds of Jesus, confesses Jesus to be the Christ. The confession represents an important first stage in Jesus’ self-revelation.

The lesson, intended primarily for the disciples, was, “Do not look to your own resources but look to and trust in Jesus’ ability to use whatever resources you have to meet the needs of others”

The focus of this training was initially and predominantly the identity of His person. Two other themes dominate this section, the sufferings that Jesus would endure and the necessity of His disciples’ following the same path of service that would...

“The most fundamental lesson in this passage is the combination of characteristics tied to faith. Faith should seize the initiative to act in dependence on God and speak about him, yet sometimes it must be patient. In one sense faith is full speed...

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both...

The disciples failed this test of faith because they did not lay hold of His word that He was going to the other side. It has well been said that faith is not believing in spite of circumstances; it is obeying in spite of feelings and consequences...

The need exists to respond with care to Jesus’ teaching, which comes with a promise: response brings more spiritual blessing. But a threat also is made: lack of response means losing spiritual insight. Neutrality is not possible.