Text: Luke 9: 1- 36
Apart from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the feeding of the 5,000 men (v. 16) is the only miracle that is reported by the four gospels: Mat. 14:15-21, Mark 6: 35-44, John 6: 11-13. The actual number, including women and children, came closer to 20,000 people!
It is important to note that Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone that He was Christ (v. 21) because the disciples had not grasped what their confession meant, let alone anyone else. They all looked forward to a Messiah who would come as a conquering King; so they would not understand why Jesus, a Messiah, had to suffer, be rejected, killed and rise from the dead. The disciples would appreciate the Messiahship of Jesus Christ after seeing all these. At that future epoch, they would understand and be equipped to share the good news that the Messiah had brought; to bring God’s Kingdom in the hearts of people.
When Jesus told His disciples that some would not die until they saw the Kingdom of God (v.27), He referred mainly to three instances: (i) Peter, James and John who witnessed the Transfiguration eight days later; (ii) All those people who witnessed the resurrection and ascension; (iii) All those who would be involved in expanding the Church after Pentecost. Therefore, those who were listening to Jesus were not to wait for another future Messiah for the Kingdom of God had come!
Jesus took Peter, James and John (vv. 28-30) to the top of the mountain to show them that, indeed, Jesus is the Son of God and not merely a great Prophet. Moses and Elijah representing the Law and Prophets, respectively, appeared with Jesus as His Son (v. 35). Both Moses and Elijah had foretold the death of Christ and now they were discussing it with Jesus and encouraging Him. Jesus was now going to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets (Mat. 5:17). So, do you realise that the entire Bible is all about Christ, all about the redemption of man. Is Christ your Saviour and Lord? Receive and believe in Him today.
Meditate on verse 23. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Our Almighty and heavenly Father in heaven, as we come to the end of the
first Quarter of the year 2020, we pray and beseech You, in the precious name of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, that You instill in us a spirit of trusting and obeying Your Word. Amen.