Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 18, 2024
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 9:1-27. These verses outline a pattern of identifying God’s provision and recognizing the response to that provision. Jesus gives authority to the 12 disciples and feeds the 5,000. Between each provision Luke injects a question — who is the Lord? Peter ultimately answers with a bold declaration that Christ is Lord. Luke follows the declaration with a somber reality check of what that confession means — death.
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1. Read Luke 9:1-6. Today we are studying about Kingdom authority. In this passage, Jesus is giving his disciples the authority to cast out demons, heal the sick and to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God. This giving of authority is a lesson to us about how we are to do the same. Authority is not a position or power to be lorded over others. If a place of authority has been given to you, it is a gift from the Lord and should be treated as such. Are you the type of person who is willing to delegate authority to others? Do you see the gifts that those around you have and find ways to help them use those gifts, or do you prefer to hoard your authority?
2. The disciples could help more people by dividing up instead of only being where Jesus was. Jesus knew that one day soon He would be leaving them, and they would need to be able to minister to the people with boldness in their faith. As a spouse, parent, boss or ministry leader, are you equipping others to continue on in confidence if you are not physically with them? Are you a person who feels the need to always be in control? Do you enjoy the feeling of power or superiority over others? We like the feeling of being needed, liked or esteemed by others. However, this gets in the way of helping others learn and grow into what God has called them to accomplish. How is the Lord prompting you to give authority to those around you? Pray and be obedient as to how He is leading you to lead and equip others. Fair warning here – not everyone will do it the way you would have done it. Keep in mind this is not about you building a kingdom for yourself – it’s about building God’s Kingdom!
3. What does Jesus tell the disciples to take with them? Nothing! He is teaching them what real faith looks like. He is their provider! Marshall reminded us today that the message from Genesis to Revelation is that GOD WILL PROVIDE! I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself of that every day! Are you currently going through a challenging time, physically, financially or circumstantially? Are you willing to trust that God will provide? He is all we need, and He has the answers to every circumstance we face! He knows our needs before we do, and He has already provided before we even see it. Don’t lose hope, faith or trust in Him!
4. Read Luke 9:10-20. Jesus uses the feeding of the 5,000 to prove this very point! The Lord provided in abundance! Look at Peter’s response when Jesus asked Him, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered correctly. What is your answer? Who is Jesus to you? We are reminded that He is our Creator, Provider, Deliverer, Healer…! HE IS ALL WE NEED!! Preach this to your heart!! Everything we have is from Him. What is your response to all that He has given? Will you give it back to Him and let Him use it for His glory? Will you fully surrender ALL and live for Him rather than self?
5. Read Luke 9:21-27. In this passage Jesus tells of His death and resurrection. He goes on to tell the people that if they want to follow Him, they must turn from their selfish ways and leave this world behind for a much greater reward. Taking up our cross means putting away selfish desires, understanding that we belong to Christ, and we live to serve His will and purpose in our lives. Anything less is not being a disciple of Christ; it is merely superficial lip service.