Advent Devotional: The Gospel of Lukeનમૂનો

*Written by Sandy Nduwimana

In Luke 9, Jesus reveals profound truths about who He is and what it means to follow Him. As we journey through this chapter, we encounter both the extraordinary power and challenging call to discipleship. From the Transfiguration to the sending of the Twelve, from the feeding of the 5,000 to the moment of self-sacrifice, Luke 9 portrays a Jesus who is both Savior and Teacher, calling His followers to understand and embrace the radical nature of the kingdom of God.

1. Jesus, the Christ of God Luke 9:18-20

In this pivotal moment, Jesus turns the question directly to His disciples: "But who do you say I am?" While the crowds have their opinions (some see Jesus as a prophet, others as a resurrected figure), Jesus wants to know the personal convictions of His followers. Peter's response is profound: "The Christ of God" (Luke 9:20).

This question, "But who do you say I am?" is one that every person must answer. It’s not enough to know what others think of Jesus; each of us must come to our own understanding of His identity and significance. Is He simply a good teacher, or is He the Savior of the world? Our response to this question shapes the way we live and the choices we make.

2. Jesus, the Son of God Luke 9:28-36

The Transfiguration is a powerful moment that reveals Jesus' divine glory. When Peter, James, and John accompany Jesus up the mountain, they witness a dramatic transformation. Jesus' appearance changes, and His face shines with heavenly radiance. Moses and Elijah, two key figures from Israel's history, appear and speak with Jesus about His upcoming departure in Jerusalem.

This moment of glory is significant because it offers a glimpse of Jesus' divine nature. The disciples, at this point in their journey, have witnessed His teachings and miracles but have not fully grasped the depth of His identity. In this moment of Transfiguration, Jesus confirms His Luke 9:23-25unique role as the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), establishing Him as the central figure in God's redemptive plan.

3. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:23-25, Luke 9: 57-62

In these passages, Jesus lays out the foundation of true discipleship. The invitation to follow Him demands personal sacrifice and radical transformation. To “deny yourself” means to surrender our own desires, ambitions, and plans in favor of God's will.

The cross symbolizes suffering, rejection, and even death. So, when Jesus speaks of taking up our cross daily, He's inviting us to embrace the hardships, the rejection, and the personal cost that often accompany following Him. In a world that often prioritizes self-preservation and comfort, Jesus flips our understanding of life upside down and reminds us that the pursuit of personal gain or worldly success can never bring lasting fulfillment, but surrendering to God's purposes leads to eternal rewards.

Luke 9 challenges us to view discipleship through the lens of both divine power and personal cost. Jesus’ teachings in this chapter make it clear that following Him is not a passive journey but an active, daily decision to surrender ourselves, embrace His glory, trust in His provision, and respond to His identity as the Son of God. True discipleship means giving up the temporary for the eternal, laying down our lives in order to find life in Him.

As you reflect on this chapter, remember that Jesus is not asking you to follow Him in your own strength. He provides the power, the grace, and the Holy Spirit to help you walk this path. The question remains: Will you follow Him wherever He leads?

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for the profound call to follow You. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow You with a willing heart. Open my eyes to Your glory, and deepen my faith in Your power and provision. May I boldly proclaim, as Peter did, that You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Strengthen my resolve to live for You and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. How would you answer the question, “Who do you say I am?” Reflect on the significance of Jesus in your life and consider how your actions reflect that belief.
2. Do you see Jesus as more than a teacher or a moral example? Reflect on His divine glory, and allow His majesty to deepen your awe and worship.
3. How can you embrace the daily challenge of taking up your cross? What specific sacrifices is God asking of you today?