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 Luke 9:12 “When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

   I’m sure others must wonder the same thing I do when I read this. Were the disciples of Christ in the habit of telling Him what to do? It does seem rather strange the way they worded their suggestion. It sounds like a command. We know the disciples had a pretty high opinion of themselves, and they had just come back from a whirlwind of a ministry where they healed people and cast out demons.

   Possibly they were feeling as we often do after a string of successes. We think that God is lucky to have us and that we know exactly what ought to be done. I suspect this was the case. But, if so, as always Jesus responded to the situation perfectly. As we will see in the next verse, rather than caving to their childish impression of themselves, He called them to a deeper faith.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us truth in our lives. You constantly call us beyond ourselves to a life that is deeper and fuller. Thank You for not allowing us to be content with our flesh in its desires. We must be challenged so that we may truly live. I love You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

 Luke 9:11 “But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.”

   The ministry of the truth is the primary work. We must never forget that. It is tempting to make it secondary or coincidental to our ministry to people’s needs. But, it must never be so. Why? Because regardless of our perception, it fulfills the greatest need.

   Heavenly Father, You have given us so much in the Word from You. Thank You for giving us a body of truth from which to draw. You know us better than we know ourselves. You know what we really need, and what we truly desire if we were true to ourselves. I love You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 9:10

 Luke 9:9 “Herod said, ‘John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?’ So he sought to see Him.”

   Wouldn’t it be altogether bad for the kingdom of darkness for king Herod to be so interested in Christ? Doesn’t this preoccupation of Herod bring glory to Jesus? Why does the old serpent so often use fakes, phonies and frauds rather than directly opposing the working of Christ?

   Here we understand the nature of the enemy. Though fantastically intelligent and fabulously powerful, the old devil is by his bond to sin not much higher than the beasts. He is caught in a pattern of self-destruction that is morbid beyond belief. Though he knows his doom is sure, he runs headlong into it as if it was the most wonderful thing he could hope for.

   As I have studied the gospels over the last many years I have learned in greater depth two things. First, I have learned much more about the nature of Christ. Second, I have learned more of the nature of the enemy destined for damnation. Jesus will be glorified in any case. No matter what happens, it is all in His plan. The evil guy, on the other hand, will spite his own face. Every attempt to bring glory to himself will only contribute to his shame.

   Herod’s preoccupation with Christ was energized by that wicked one. He is indeed the author of confusion. He tries his hardest to confuse humanity. But, it is this very propensity for deception that shows how limited and incapable he is. And nobody understands him better than Jesus. Jesus over and over has defeated this disgusting foe.

Heavenly Father, we will sing Your praise for ever and ever! You are worthy of the best of all and everything. Your power is complete. You are the One Who Exists. You will never cease. Without You, all would fall apart and come to nothingness. It is only by You that the universe is held together. Thank You for Who You are, that is the most wonderful thing about You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 9:8

 Luke 9:7 “Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,”

   Herod didn’t know what to do with himself. He never liked to feel out of control. He needed to have the inside scoop on everything. He was the classic control freak. The ministry of Jesus right on the heels of the ministry of John was just too much for this bloated tyrant. He had ended John’s ministry, but now there was another. And Herod was at a loss.

   Heavenly Father, thank You for confidence in You. We don’t have to worry about the things that this world is worried about. We don’t have to be ‘in control’ if we are Yours. We can just depend upon You, and that is a position of power and peace, and joy. To be Your servant is a great privilege. But also as we serve we rest in You. Thank You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

 Luke 9:6 ” So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”

   The disciples went to where the people were. These ‘towns’ were the small regional villages made up of the domiciles of simple farmers and herdsmen. The disciples preached, sharing the truth with these folks. They also used the power the Lord gave them to bring healing to the sick and hurting.

   The word we find here for healing can also mean to serve. This is appropriate. Our mission as the church today is the same. We are to preach the gospel. But we serve people as we do so. Charitable hearts and preaching mouths go together. We should not fail to share and serve in our world as the salt and light.

   Heavenly Father, You are amazing beyond all that we can understand. You have given us truth and love and we can rest in Your care. Being content in Your provision and guidance leads to great joy. It is so wonderful that in spite of the sinful state that we are born into You reach into our lives and give us the peace that we can have if we seek it from You. Oh Lord, make us experts in You! Give us knowledge of You! To live in sync with the creator of all we see is the right way to live. I will praise You all my days Lord, for You are worthy! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 9:5

Luke 9:4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.”

   This is the kind of hospitality the disciples could expect from Jewish families who recognized them as messengers of God. It was considered rude and an affront to deny Jewish travelers this convenience. Thus, if the disciples were not given this basic consideration, it would mean they were unwelcome.

Heavenly Father, there is always room for You in our lives. If we make no room for You, we don’t know where we are. Because truly, You don’t just need space in our hearts, You are to be the Sovereign in us. We must put You on the throne. Only You are worthy of all honor and glory and power! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.