Introduction: In this lesson we read of Jesus giving power to the twelve over devils and sending them on a mission to "preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick." (Lk. 9:1-2). He told them NOT to "take" anything for their journey, but to abide with those who received them and when people would not receive them to "shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them." ( vs.3-5) They departed as instructed and "went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing every where." (V. 6.)
King Herod heard of Him and had misgivings about what was happening, thinking that John (whom he had beheaded) had risen from the dead (vs. 7-9).
When the apostles returned they told Jesus what had occurred on their journey/mission (v.10). Jesus takes them "privately" into a "desert place belonging to the city of Bethsaida." But people knew and followed, which set the stage for Jesus to feed a large group "about five thousand men" with a small amount of food: "five loaves and two fishes" (Vs. 11-17).
While He was alone praying, His disciples came to him and He asked them "Whom say the people that I am?" The answer varied. So He ask them "whom say ye that I am?" Peters answered correctly: "The Christ of God." (Vs. 18-22) He told them that the Son of man
"must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priest and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." This was plain and direct, yet we’ll see later that evidently they did not fully grasp what He said.Jesus points to the need for any/all who would follow Him to "deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Vs. 23-27).
Jesus goes into a mountain to pray, taking Peter, James and John, and while there He is transfigured (vs. 28-36).
As Jesus returns from the mountain, a man comes asking that He look on his son, who is possessed with an evil spirit (vs. 37-42) Jesus heals the person and people are amazed (vs. 43-45).
There arose a reasoning among the disciples concerning who was the greatest, and Jesus taught some wonderful principles about greatness (vs.46-48).
Being not received by Samaritans, He taught a lesson that His mission was to save rather than destroy (vs. 49-56). Then He pointed to the need and cost of following Him for the right reason (vs. 57-62).
QUESTIONS:
1. What did Jesus give the apostles to do and where did He send them (Lk. 9:1-2)?
2. How were the twelve to react to people who would not receive them (Lk. 9:3-5) ?
3. What was King Herod's concern (vs. 7-9)
4. Where did Jesus take the twelve after their return, what miracle did he perform )vs. 10-17)?
5. What question was dealt with (vs. 18-22)?
6. What is the matter under consideration in vs. 23-27 and 57-62?
7. What happened on the mountain (vs. 28-36)?
8. What occurred as the four came down from the mountain (vs. 37-45)?
9. Who is "great" according to Jesus (vs. 46-48)?
10. What is discussed in vs. 49-56?
