LUKE #7

DEVOTED TO JESUS

Luke 9:18-20

Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”  Luke 9:18-20 (ESV)

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32 (ESV)

God created us to desire, to be passionate, to be devoted… 

“Who do you say I am,” speaks to our devotion!

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.  Luke 9:23-26 (ESV)

When Jesus collides with our life, our devotion is revealed!

What does devotion to the world lead to? indifference, apathy, lack of concern, hopelessness

What does devotion to Jesus lead to? wonder, astonishment, being awestruck

How can we be devoted to Jesus?

1. See Jesus for who HE is!

He is Savior:

What is He saving us from? 
Will you allow Jesus to save you or are you going to continue to try and save yourself? 

2. See ourselves for who we are!

We are part of God’s story:

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.  Luke 9:28-36 (ESV)

God chooses to have us part of His plan!

He uses the good and He especially uses the failures.

3. See others for who they are!

When we see Jesus for who He is, it allows us to see ourselves for who we are, which gives us the ability to see others as they are!

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

God made us/others just the way He wanted to! 

You are part of others’ stories, not the god of their story! 

It all starts with who you say Jesus is!

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV)