Day 16 Saturday March 6, 2010

Day 16 Saturday March 6, 2010

TODAY’S INTRO
Do you notice how there are at least 15 minutes of previews/coming attractions at any movie these days? There are at least 5-7 movies previewed- all which have similar endings- “Coming Soon” or “Thanksgiving 2010” or “July 4”. The point is the same—the advertisers want to drill it in your head that this is “around the bend” or something you should start to anticipate.! Today, we anticipate the next phase of Jesus’ ministry. It’s coming soon!

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 9:28-62
28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesusf took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake,g they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings,h one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen;i listen to him!" 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon
37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once hej shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." 41Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, 44"Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands." 45But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
True Greatness
46 An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. 47But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, 48and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest."
Another Exorcist
49 John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us." 50But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you."
A Samaritan Village Refuses to Receive Jesus
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"k 55But he turned and rebuked them. 56Thenl they went on to another village.
Would-Be Followers of Jesus
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." 58And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." 59To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 60But Jesusm said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." 62Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

What’s around the corner for Jesus? a dramatic journey to Jerusalem.
What’s around the corner for some of people who encountered Jesus? A choice on whether to follow or not.

What’s around the corner for those who chose to follow Jesus? An exciting adventure, lots of great teaching on the ways of the kingdom. Ups and down and a lot of challenge.

What’s around the corner for us? Time will tell but one thing is certain, God promises to be there and walk with us. He will invite us into his group time and time again. He will send us out time and time again. He will watch over us and teach us how to be examples of Kingdom living.

Closer to Jesus and his ways—coming soon (for you and me!)

FRIENDS ADDED

Boy with demon and his father.
Children



OPPONENTS
Those who make excuses to follow or put their discipleship on hold


CAUSES
Peace—Jesus will not speak for violent ways and aggression. Notice how he calmed down the disciples who encountered opposition in Samaritan Village

Greatness is seen in service


OTHER NOTES
*Jesus’ Journey from 9:51- chapter 19 is being featured in our Sunday and Thursday evening worship services at Good Shepherd during Lent 2010