Luke 9:18-36 - Jesus Identity and Mission - Research Paper Example

Luke 9:18-36 (Jesus Identity and Mission) Introduction The passage of Luke 9: 18-36 is believed to be the literal andpivotal point in Luke’s gospel. This is precisely because the passage entirely reveals Jesus real identity. The passage also challenges man on two critical decisions; need to make light on Jesus identity and mission (Bible.org). The term identity basically refers beyond just a name. Many people refer Jesus as the carpenter, the son of Mary and Jesus of Nazareth. However, the gospel reveals more than just that. It reveals Jesus’ roles in God’s plan. This paper intends to analytically discuss the passage in Luke 9: 18-36 noting important key concepts. This generally includes focus on Jesus life and ministry (Bible.org). The paper also discusses Luke chapter 9 as the passage that introduced Jesus to the nation of Israel as the messiah. This was revealed and confirmed during his transfiguration. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ is considered to be the turning point for both our lord and his disciples (Bible.org). The context In the New Testament, the gospel of Luke 9: 18-36 speaks more on Jesus identity being revealed. The entire 9th chapter of the gospel Luke has shed more light regarding Jesus identity revelation and transfiguration. Transfiguration of Jesus is the time he changed his physical form and became glorious while still on earth. This is the moment the whole world revealed that he is God. It is recorded that because of his preaching, Jesus was even rejected and sent away from his own home town, Nazareth. Nevertheless, this never stopped him from preaching and spreading the gospel. He marched far and wide, throughout every city and villages preaching and shewing the glad tiding of the Kingdom of God (Luke 8:1). This is the moment God revealed his intention to save man kind through work of Jesus. All this time, he was with his 12 disciples. The ministry Jesus led saw demons being casted out, the sick being healed and his name became very popular due to the miracles he performed. The book of Isaiah 42:1 prophesized that Jesus Christ would come, and who will be the messiah and servant of the lord. Luke 8:6-56 entirely describes Jesus miraculous activities. He drove away demons, stopped storm, healed the sick and even raised the dead back to life. This was entirely done in the presence of his 12 disciples. They kept murmuring, “Who is this man even nature obeys him?”(Luke 25). This means that not everybody will know Jesus as God. It required the grace of God to know Jesus. Even today, one must accept salvation in order to understand God work and intention to mankind. Chapter 9 of Luke begins with a statement regarding king Herod doubts on the rumors about Jesus Christ. The king got information about Jesus miracles and he was troubled. He sent his spies who revealed that Jesus was John the Baptist. Herod was puzzled since he had beheaded John the Baptist. Luke 9:10 narrates how Jesus fed five thousand people in the town of Bethsaida with only five loaves of bread and two fish. In regard to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, back in Old Testament, the same history repeats itself. This is when God fed the Israelites with quails and manna which rained from heaven (Exodus 16:2). This is the same way Jesus fed the 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Bible.org). This teaches us that nothing is impossible before the eyes of God. No one imagined that from 2 fish five thousand men would be fed. In real life, it teaches us that God can perform wonders from very small thing. We just need to believe that God is able. Chapter 19 relates Jesus to Elijah, who was a famous and respected prophet of the Old Testament. Elijah was known for his miracles for example the contest with Baal prophets where fire came down from haven. Additionally, John the Baptist was another prophet equally being compared to Jesus. Although the miracles and works of Jesus surpassed John, this forced Jesus to put his disciples into a test. In chapter 20, Jesus asked his disciples a point focal direct question. Nevertheless, Peter was the one who comes out and boldly explained his knowledge concerning Jesus identity. It is revealed that after being with Jesus for more than three years, Peter knew that he was more than a prophet. Peter answered the verdict and proclaimed that Jesus was the messiah and son of God. This teaches us that only those with desire to seek Gods kingdom will het it. As Peter was always on the fore front in whatever Jesus dis, his desire and thirst enabled him to realize that Jesus was God’s son, the messiah. Very strangely, Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about it. The big question is why would Jesus keep quite over his real identity? The main reason was that he was sure that his disciples were aware of his identity, but they did not know his mission on earth. He wanted people to find out his mission on their own. This teaches us that having a relationship with God is not a forceful decision, it is a calling and one has to make personal decision. Not everybody respond to Gods calling. This means tat each person has to seek the kingdom of God by himself without being coerced by others. The gospel of Luke also record Jesus statement when he warned them never to reveal his identity. He also revealed to them of his planned suffering, crucifixion, resurrection and exodus (Luke 9: 23-27). Verses 28-36 of Luke reveal Jesus true and glorious identity. His communication with old prophets, Moses and Elijah revealed his purpose on earth. The fact that three of his disciples Peter, John and James saw him in his glorious form assured him of their trust. He was sure that they would know his purpose on earth. This shows us despite Jesus being God; he sacrificed himself to be tortured by men for the sake of mankind. He offered his position to die for man to be forgiven. After critically analyzing the literature of Luke 9: 18-36, the transfiguration of Jesus literally symbolizes life of a Christian (Bible.org). This is a crucial point in life and to the ministry of Gods work. This is because it sums up and collectively reveals Jesus previous ministry and his anticipated death (Bible.org). It is revealed that transfiguration of Jesus was the consummation of human life and other natural issues that had preceded it (Bible.org). Preceding the transfiguration, Jesus had openly been talking about his coming death through parables. From this point, after the transfiguration he continued to openly speak about his approaching crucifixion and death. The call of Jesus to the three disciples to go with him to the mountain and pray was very symbolic. Alternatively, this could also be related to the incident of the Old Testament when Moses also visited the Sinai Mountain to meet God. With him, Moses also called the company of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (Exodus 24:1). This is similar to Peter, John and James as documented in the book of Luke to have been called to go up the mountains and pray with Jesus. To expand on this, the presence of the three disciples may also symbolize an inner circle (Luke 9. 32). Alternatively it also initiated special calling of the apostles to follow Christ. This shows that Jesus had strong faith in the three and believed they will follow him in light even without the nine. Moreover, when Jesus was approached by his disciples requesting to make three shelters for Moses, Elijah and himself, clouds from heaven came down and overshadowed them. This was followed by a voice from amidst the cloud saying that “This is my son, listen to him” (Luke 9:35). Similarly, back during Moses old testament when Moses used to go up the Sinai mountain, the bible revealed that Moses “Entered the clouds” (Exodus 24: 18). In addition to this, when the Israelites were leaving Egypt, God was leading their way in form of clouds during the day. To supplement this concept, the incident is similar to the baptism of Christ when the Holy Spirit descended down on him as dove (Luke 3: 21). There was also a voice from heaven saying “This is my beloved son.” The same voice was heard out of the clouds during Jesus transfiguration. The clouds symbolized God’s presence, it was holy and was one way how God used to present himself to man. The structure Many authors globally have developed unique different sentence construction styles. We have parallel structures where the sentence elements are composed alike and possess similar grammatical form. In the context of Luke 9: 18-36, there are several areas where the author employed parallel sentence construction structure. From chapter 9:20 to 26 of Luke, it is evident that the author used parallelism style of writing with regard to the preceding context. For example “Jesus identity” as stated in verse 20, “Jesus death” in verse 22 and his “Jesus future coming” and “Jesus in glory” in verse 26. Parallelism in this case shows the repetitive style of explaining the event revolving around the main character. Additionally, parallelism is also easily distinguished during the revelation of Jesus suffering, Jesus death and Jesus glory (Luke 9: 22). Again the same sentence is mentioned in Luke 9. 31. The words are repeated in a parallel manner yet they symbolize different incidents of the same character. There are various changes exhibited in the passage. The best example is the fact that Luke document how Jesus went to the mountain with the three disciples; Peter, John and James after eight days. This according to Luke this is the eight days after he deliberately asked them to reveal his identity and also foretold them about his death. Contrary, the apostle of Mark and Mathew reports differently. It state that Jesus went up the mountain with his three disciples after six days (Mathew 17:1 and Mark 9:2). The author might have altered the days to possibly allude to the Jewish feast of brooth (Lev. 23). Theological analysis The passage reminds Christians that it is important to have a close relationship with God. This should be mainly accomplished through prayers. It is important to frequently be engaging in daily prayers as a way of maintaining close relationship with God. Noting is the fact that the great confession was preceded by prayers (Bible Gateway). In comparison, Jesus transfiguration was also powered by prayers he made in the mountains. Therefore, prayer is a vital tool every Christian should embrace for a better life. It is believed that in Christianity, There is also the lesson on suffering. The passage also reminds us that once a Christian establishes a tight relationship with God, there are challenges accompanied with the decision. Suffering is an essential, inseparable part of any Christian faith (Bible.org). Suffering is one of the prerequisite of true discipleship of Jesus Christ. Just as our Christ suffered on the cross for us, Christians should also expect the journey to be tough. Christ himself told his disciples that whoever decides to follow him must carry his own cross. The passage reveals to us that through suffering glory is reached. In addition to this is the fact that we have to be forgiving. The fact that Jesus was chased away from his home town by his own people would be enough for him to abandon man king. But he did not. He still went ahead and discussed with Moses and Elijah about his death and exodus. In real life situation, as a Christian one has to be perseverant. Christian life is not easy and many people will plan worst against you. Jesus through the book of Luke is showing us that we have to forgive. Forgiveness will help one to see the promised kingdom. Revenge should never be an option in Christianity (Worthington 14). When the apostle Luke was writing the passage, his main message to Christians was that our lord Jesus will always be supportive to those who believed in him. This will happen even when a Christian falls down, Jesus will help him up. This is seen when Peter, John and James went with Jesus to pray in the mountain. The disciples slept while he prayed. But when he came down, he woke them up and asked them to pray. The main point is to inform Christians that we need to watch over each other. When a brother or sister is weak, we have to support them instead of blaming them. Jesus never blamed his disciples for sleeping. Conclusion In summary, after scrutinizing the book of Luke chapter 9 there is no doubt that it is one of the most vital chapter in New Testament. The chapter is full of important lessons that Christians can learn from. The story of Jesus transfiguration has vital lessons Christians can learn and which can help Christians improve their daily lives. The passage also symbolically reveal many forms God has ever revealed himself to man. It is in Luke chapter 9 where we see Jesus best disciples who he had strong faith in. it also show how he was preparing his disciples to take over him after his exodus. Works Cited Bible Gateway. “Luke 9 (King James Version).” 2013. Web. 29 March 2014. Bible.org. “The Transfiguration (Luke 9: 18-36).” 2013. Web. 29 March 2014. Knohl, Israel. The Messiah before Jesus: the suffering servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls. California: Univ of California Press, 2000. Print. New International Version. (Colorado Springs): Biblica, 2011. Bible Gateway.com. Web. 29 March 2014. Worthington, Everett L. Forgiving and reconciling: Bridges to wholeness and hope. Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2003. Print. Read More