It has become clearer, that Luke's work is not only about Jesus but about the people around him---his questioning opponents, his curious students, and his needy neighbors. Chapter 9 is a transitional chapter. John is dead. Jesus is at the height of his popularity. And his public work has been identified as the work of God, the prophet, or the Messiah--the divinely anointed King of Israel. But we also see Jesus handing over his work to his disciples. We hear him talk about losing one's life, taking up the cross, following him toward death. His mission is changing from giving life to others to accepting death from and for others. He is resolute and laser-focused on his mission, his vocation, his life purpose. He has been divinely identified and called as God's chosen messenger. Nothing will prevent him from fulfilling his duty. He exemplifies a passionate obedience to God.
Here we see Jesus on the move, in large crowds, among his handful of disciples, and in prayer. He is handing over responsibility for his mission and activity to the disciples--sending them ahead to heal and proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. This good news or evangelium is a direct counter-narrative to the imperial news that would have dominated the headlines. The emperor, his army, his exploits, his wealth, his activities always dominates the news cycle. It seems that Jesus' activity is at least heard by the local leadership (Herod Antipas). Herod is intrigued by Jesus, as he was by John. He does not like to be publicly shamed by a loud prophet or publicly overshadowed by the good works of an itinerant Jewish preacher.
Jesus' disciples are supposed to imitate Jesus, doing what they have seen and heard him do and say. But they are easily intimidated by large hungry crowds or the demonic behavior of a young man. Once again, Jesus suggests that faith, or the lack of it, prevents the disciples from acting with power. Faith is the key to unlocking the power of God among them. Jesus' faith does not leave room for competition or for dismissive attitudes toward children, certain ethnic others, hungry crowds, or discouraged fathers. He has a quick retort for anyone who will prevent him from acting with consistent, compassionate concern for those who encounters on the way. And that is the things about him. He is integrated and consistent in his dealings with those he encounters on the road. From the least to the greatest, he sees people as they are. Their individual selves. Not as a group to dismiss. He sees people, especially those society wants to make invisible.
We hear a story of Jesus' on the mountaintop, alongside Moses and Elijah. He takes his place among the great liberator and law-giver and the great prophet. Both of them encountered God on the mountain and brought the Word of God down with them to the people in both actions and words. Jesus stands in their midst. But they are observed by Peter, James, and John. These three stand in contrast to the great men of God. And yet they are present on the mountain. They are bearers of the vision and hearers of the voice. Jesus is glorious and humanly vulnerable. And he invites friends, people, to walk with him. he does not operate alone. He forms a community.
To follow Jesus faithfully is to surrender, to abandon one's own pursuits, and to journey on toward God in a community of sojourners. Feeding hungry people, healing and liberating people, welcoming children, and drawing near to God in mountaintop experiences are all part of discipleship. Prayer is not so much conversation as a kind of personal intimacy with God or knowing closeness. A sense that God is near. Jesus has this kind of faith and it powers his life's work. May it power yours and mine, too.
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