2019-05-26
Jesus in the real world
26: Discipleship’s cost and reward, part 3
Luke 9:37-50
Over the last few weeks we’ve seen that a disciple:
* counts the cost and learns to say “no” to themselves and “yes” to life with Jesus
* has a personal conviction about Jesus
* prays and stays with Jesus
* looks for the cross of Jesus throughout the Bible
* learns to listen to Jesus before they speak or act
37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God.
A. Opposition and lack of faith (37-43)
* We all have to leave the mountain for the valleys
* We will face opposition continually
* We must respond by faith
But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
B. Let the truth sink in (43-45)
* Don’t forget to pay attention to Jesus
* Don’t neglect to think about what you’ve heard
* Don’t be afraid to ask
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” 49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
C. Competition vs humble cooperation (46-50)
* Comparison and competition are deadly
* Compassion is critical
* Cooperation is key
D. What do we learn about following Jesus from this passage?
* Disciples keep the faith in the midst of challenges
* Disciples value humble cooperation with other believers over competition for personal glory
* Disciples don’t let fear or awe keep the truth from sinking in
