Tuesday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:12-19
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:
14 Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), 16 Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Crowds Follow Jesus
17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:
14 Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), 16 Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Crowds Follow Jesus
17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
6:17 he came down. Jesus had been on a mountain (v. 12). Now he preaches on a level place (hence “the Sermon on the Plain”). Among the listeners are three groups: them (the apostles); a great crowd of his disciples; and a great multitude of people. “A great multitude” emphasizes Jesus’ ever-growing popularity (see 4:37). People from Tyre and Sidon would likely have included Gentiles. Cf. 10:13–14.
6:18–19 The crowd’s purpose is to hear Jesus and to be healed of their diseases. In addition, those with unclean spirits come and are cured. For the distinction between disease and demon possession, see 4:40–41 and the note on 4:41. sought to touch. Cf. 8:44–47; 18:15. For the association of power and healing, see 5:17.
6:18–19 The crowd’s purpose is to hear Jesus and to be healed of their diseases. In addition, those with unclean spirits come and are cured. For the distinction between disease and demon possession, see 4:40–41 and the note on 4:41. sought to touch. Cf. 8:44–47; 18:15. For the association of power and healing, see 5:17.
Study Questions:
- As we see in verse 12, Jesus goes up the mountain. Why? To pray. What does he need to pray about? He has a HUGE decision to make... choosing his apostles. This is a habit of Jesus' that we see throughout the Gospels. Every chance he gets he withdraws from the crowds to get alone with his Father. In this particular case, however, it seems he is praying for a specific purpose. Such a practical example for us! What are you facing in your life that could use a little alone time with God? What decisions are coming at you that need HIS input? Have you prayed about it? God promises us that if we ask for wisdom he will give it to us. Take some time today to do just that and invite God into your everyday life.
- The first takeaway from Sunday was that FOLLOWERS are committed to a PERSON. FANS are committed to a PRODUCT. Following Jesus means a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. It's not a system or a program or even a lifestyle. It's not committing to a new set of rules, it's having a relationship with a new person. It's natural for us to forget this simple truth. The busyness and stress of life has a way of grinding us down, pounding us into submission. Our relationship with Jesus that was once rich and vibrant can easily become dull and mechanical. Have you ever found yourself in this place? Are you there now? How do we get that fire back? How do we keep the fire going?
Pray:
- That you would be faithful to get alone and pray for God's help.
- That you would have a rich, vibrant relationship with Jesus.
No Comments