Luke 9

In terms of things I need to give up, I think back to where it talks about denying self. My study Bible says this phrase isn't merely just talking about a couple of behaviors or items we have to give up for Jesus (although it does include that), but rather the ultimate point is a call to give up and deny ourselves of personal control of our lives. I don't know how many times I have prayed "Lord, I want you to lead and take control" for me to take it back later that day. This is a big struggle for me, especially where I am in such a transitional period of life moving into true adulthood.

Sometimes I read and do not stop to comprehend it all: the local ruler made it known that he wanted to talk to Jesus; the people about town thought he was a prophet, or John the baptist, or Elijah. And then picture a large field full of men, women and children coming to follow and listen to Jesus. And we aren't even speaking yet about the invisible heart change that was happening for many! When Jesus works, the impact is far and wide and deep, isn't it?

I've heard verses 23-26 many times and understand the importance of taking up my cross each day as tough as that is to do some days because of selfishness. But I really like the quote you shared about perspective of this life being the closest thing to hell for us as believers. That's comforting to think about and encouraging to keep pressing on in sharing the gospel and serving bc this is just temporary.

Verse 59-60 always seems harsh when I read it. "But the man replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' ".

That seems so harsh until you realize that there is no indication that the man's father is already dead or dying. That may simply be an excuse that he came up with to delay obedience.

Delayed obedience = Disobedience.

'shake its dust from your feet"



This may seem like a strange question but does this segment of verse 5 apply to believers today? Jesus told them to go from place to place and share the gospel but if they are not welcomed or received they should move on. Have you ever tried to share the gospel and been completely rejected? Could it be that God has prepared someone else to be the vehicle for sharing the gospel with that person? I'd love to hear thoughts on this? The Bible tells us that in the end times men won't stand for sound doctrine and will surround themselves with teachers their itching ears want to hear. The progressive church movement is a prime example. We are still charged with proclaiming Biblical truth and salvation through Jesus alone. Have a great weekend JumpStart readers.

Thank you for your thoughts today, Brice! Following Jesus costs everything, but at the same time is worth everything. I think in today's culture, we tend to avoid things that require a lot of work or commitment. People don't like to hear that following Jesus requires the cost of your life (v. 24), so it becomes tempting to shy away from stressing that part of the Gospel message.



Yes, a relationship with the Lord and salvation from sin is a gift (February memory verse- Ephesians 2:8-9), but it is a gift that requires our life. We must pledge our allegiance to the King by taking up our cross daily to follow Him. And yet it's only in giving up everything that we can truly receive all the Lord has for us.

Verse 62 the last of the chapter leaped off the page at me. Don't look back...I was entertaining a client the other not and it could have been a witnessing opportunity instead it went in the opposite direction. I found myself approving of his behaviors because they were once my own. It is so easy to be lured away from witnessing because sin in so attractive. Yet, clearly this verse states that we are not to look back on our former selves and we are to focus on him moving in a forward direction!

Such a great reminder. Thanks Brice!

In verses 37-43 a man gives Jesus his son - broken and hopeless. Jesus gave him back to his father whole. That's what Jesus does when we give Him broken things. God, please help me not to forget this.

Ever since March 2013 when I fully woke up from my initially-fatal October 2012 accident - and when I became truly self-aware, realizing my new life was real and not just some terrible dream - I have prayed hard and tried hard in therapy, in hopes of getting as much back as possible. And God HAS brought me a very long way from my helpless/bedridden state back then! But there are still a few things I don't know if I'll ever get back (like driving, running, better short-term memory & multitasking, etc). I think maybe I need to give up at least somewhat on looking for those things to return in this life, so that I can be happier/more content in the life God has given me for His own purposes. Then I think I would be a better follower and a better testimony to others....

Love that quote, Brice!

What stands out to me in this chapter, once again, is how polar opposite the Kingdom of God is from our human understanding of reality, existence and truth. Very humbling.

I can't help but think how much it cost the disciples...most of them died because they followed Jesus. When was the last time you knew of someone that died for the Gospel? We hear stories of this happening around the world, but I would guess that not one of us has known someone in the U.S. who has died for the Gospel. To me, this should be a motivator. God has blessed us to be in a country where that type of persecution doesn't exist, so sharing the gospel should be easier because we don't have the threat of death hanging over our heads. I think we can get comfortable at times because of this, and we have no urgency like they might elsewhere. I pray that God will help me to see things differently, to see that I need to share with those around me because he has made it so "easy" for me to do so. I pray for those who don't have it as easy as I do, those who can face persecution for their faith. Thanks for walking us through this today, Brice!

Verse 45 stuck out to me. It is showing me that everything that I understand about God and the Bible is because God is letting me see and understand. None of my learning is because of my own effort and it is all because of God softening my heart and allowing me to understand his word.