September 9, 2023 - Luke 9-12

Jesus was doing amazing things, casting out demons and healing the sick. When he was alone with his disciples, he said to them, “Let these words sink in. The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men” (9:44). Let these words sink in, consider this, think on this, wrap your mind around this, wrestle with this truth . . . Though he had already told them about his death, Jesus tells them again, knowing that they have not yet fully grasped what he told them.

This is an amazing thing, that the Son of Man, who has taught only truth and has done so much good, would be betrayed and murdered. That's hard to grasp. But maybe even more difficult to sink in is the truth that by his death he will bring salvation to his people. We often hear people say, “But everyone is responsible for his own sin! How could one die for another?” And each time, we must say to them, “Yes, that's the amazing news of the gospel, and that’s why it’s such good news. Another has died for us so that we do not have to die and face the wrath of God!” It almost seemed as if the news was too good to be believed. They couldn’t grasp it. They wouldn’t grasp it. We must always pray, though, that people with whom se share will allow the words of the gospel sink in and will draw close to the Savior. And, so, Jesus sent his disciples out two by two tell the good news. Like them, what good news we have!

Let us talents and tongues employ,

reaching out with a shout of joy:

bread is broken, the wine is poured,

Christ is spoken and seen and heard.

Jesus lives again,

earth can breathe again,

pass the Word around:

loaves abound.--Fred Kaan (1975)