Luke 9:1–20

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         The early part of Jesus’ ministry was focused on what came to be called the Twelve apostles. After some period with Him, He gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal.

2.         Jesus sent the twelve out then to first proclaim the kingdom of God, which is what the faithful Jewish people were looking for, and also to heal people of diseases.

3.         They were to travel ‘light,’ depending on God to supply their needs. He prepares them for not being received by all.

4.         Herod, a son of Herod the Great, heard about the activity of Jesus, and some thought Jesus was actually John the Baptist come back to life, as Herod had earlier beheaded John. Some thought Jesus was Elijah or another one of the prophets of old.

5.         When the Twelve returned from their mission, Jesus and the Twelve went out into a desolate area, and a large crowd followed them there. Well along in the day, Jesus’ disciples suggest He send them on their way home, but Jesus has something else in mind.

6.         He instructs the disciples to divide the thousands of people into groups of 50. Then with only 5 loaves of bread and two fish, the host of people are feed.

7.         At some later point following the feeding of the 5000, Jesus is alone with His disciples, and He asked them who the crowds think He is. John the Baptist, Elijah, or another of the prophets are mentioned by the disciples. Jesus however asks them who they think He is.

8.         Peter, likely speaking for them all states, “The Christ of God.” Or, to put it another way, The Messiah.