On Line Bible Study - For the week September 27-October 3, 2010

Lesson 459

We are considering a large amount of text this week - so you can link to the passage by clicking here - Luke 9:37-62.

This passage immediately follows the story of the 'Transfiguration' - Luke calls it the "altering of the appearance of [Jesus'] countenance." There are a couple themes that run consistently through this section.

First, the disciples still had a lot to learn.

• They are impotent against an evil spirit (9:37-43). [When St. Mark tells this story (Mark 9:14ff), the disciples who are not on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus are arguing with some scribes over their inability to deliver the boy. See Raphael's The Transfiguration - note at the base of the mountain the disciples arguing.]
  
• The disciples do not understand (Luke 9:45) ...
  
• and do not have the power (Luke 9:40).
  
• Their faith is weak (Luke 9:41) and ...
  
• their priorities are wrong (Luke 9:46; 57-62).
  
• They thought in exclusive terms (Luke 9:49), and
  
• perceived the world in "us against them" terms (Luke 9:51ff).
  

Second, the glory of the Transfiguration, or image-altering experience is meaningful only in terms of Jesus determination to deliver, heal and include. The chapter concludes with these words: No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. (9:62.)

Just what is it this Jesus expects of us? What is it he invites us into? What does he demand of us if we are going to call ourselves his followers? Do I understand? Are my priorities consistent with Jesus' teachings? Would I be in the ring throwing my metaphorical punches in order to prove who was greatest? How do I define "greatest"?

It is so much easier to second-guess the Gospel than it is to simply do it. It is so much easier to rationalize our lack of forgiveness than to forgive. Of course, one of the most amazing things about Jesus is this: he did not wait for his disciples to be perfect before he put them to work! Isn't it just like him - he did not wait for there to be enough food before he invited the people to sit down. He did not wait for storms to cease before he walked on the water. Why would he wait for the perfect human specimen to come along before he sent out disciples to do his work?

Next time we'll look at two manifestations of the Christian Church as we head into Luke 10.