Luke, Chapter 9
Welcome to week nine of Luke/Acts 2020! Our structure is the same as week eight: 1) I give an introduction to the reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by questions & an explanation; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read if you'd like, and 5) we'll close with a prayer. If you have a Bible, open it to Luke, chapter nine. If not, you can find Luke chapter nine online. Let's get started! And if you have questions or thoughts at the end, leave a comment or send me an email.
1) Introduction: With all that we've read in Luke, how much time has passed since Jesus began his ministry? Luke doesn't specifically say. He only tells us that Jesus was about thirty years old when he started (Luke 3:23). In chapter nine, for the first time, Jesus sends out his apostles to preach and heal. Also, for the first time in Luke, Jesus begins prepping the disciples concerning his death and resurrection.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of Luke, chapter nine.
| luke_9.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: Did anything catch your eye in these verses? Do you have a favorite or least-favorite section? It's interesting that what Jesus was sent to do (Luke 4:43), he then employed others to do the same: to travel to towns and preach the gospel and heal. Crowds of people were still following him, and they were making predictions about who he was. Jesus confirmed that Peter gave the correct answer, and he charged the disciples to tell no one, for he had yet to go to the cross. For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms.
4) Hymn: Here is the hymn "How Firm a Foundation." The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along :)
| how_firm_a_foundation.m4a |
How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you He has said
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
"Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
"The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never, forsake!
"When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,
My grace all sufficient, will be your supply.
The flames will not hurt you; I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
"Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne."
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you He has said
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
"Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
"The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never, forsake!
"When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,
My grace all sufficient, will be your supply.
The flames will not hurt you; I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
"Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne."
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for sending out the apostles to preach and heal. Thank you that many people sought to hear you and be healed by you -- crowds followed, and you welcomed them. Thank you for Peter's confession. You are the Christ! Some of your words in this chapter are difficult (e.g., about taking up our cross), and some words are glorious (i.e., about your transfiguration). Thank you for proclaiming the "least" as greatest, even using the example of a little child. Please help us to follow you. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I am reading an ESV edition in this recording. The majority of hymns I choose are in the public domain as this one is, and I reference the Lutheran Service Book a lot. If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. I will be posting these devotions each Friday, throughout the year 2020. May they be a blessing to you! Enjoy the journey! Have a wonderful week. -Tessa
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.