Luke 9a Commentary
No food? No problem, go to town and buy food. Manage the problem. Or avoid it completely; send the people away. These are all human solutions. Quite logical. What else does the LORD Jesus expect us to do?
He knows our limitations, but He is not happy with our solutions. It could be that the LORD Jesus has readied a miracle for us when He asks us to do the impossible. A partnership is formed. He performs the miracle but men must do things like settling the people and distributing the food. Interestingly, the LORD involves us in big things as bit-part players!
King Herod wanted to see Jesus. Such was the impact of the ministry of the LORD Jesus! John and Elijah are mentioned in the same breath because Israel understood the scriptures concerning the ministry of Elijah. The atmosphere had all the indications of God’s special appearance. But who exactly is Jesus?
Peter spoke up. Jesus was God’s Messiah. But they must keep silent. Why? Are they not to proclaim the good news to the poor? And isn’t the news of the Messiah central and in fact everything to this good news?
We probably understand why. Peter’s version of Jesus wasn’t complete. About eight days later, Jesus would take Peter, James, and John for a ride up the mountain. There He would reveal who truly Jesus is. He is the El-Shaddai God, the Creator God whom Moses met on Mount Sinai. He is Yahweh, the LORD God Almighty whom Elijah interacted with at Horeb (Sinai). Little wonder these two characters show up during this special presentation we call the Transfiguration. Both great prophets are known to have never died!
They spoke about His departure – the exodus. Instead of the blood of lambs on the doorposts, it would be Jesus’ blood. The exodus is heavenly freedom for the captives. Slavery comes to an end! Off on a trip to Gloryland! Humanity is free at last! A new page opens!
Here and now, this is a place to be. Let us make the tents! But not yet, Yahweh isn’t done yet. The disciples hear the same voice as the “baptism voice”, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him”. Jesus’ true identity comes from Yahweh. Forget people’s views, including Peter’s correct but limited version!
Who is Jesus? Logic cannot answer that question. Only the LORD God answers that question. For Peter and team, the LORD God takes them on a trip to the Law (Moses) and the prophetic writings (Elijah) – the Old Testament. Do we see Jesus in the Old Testament? Things become heavier when you realize that Jesus is the God in the burning bush. He is the God on Mount Sinai whose face Moses cannot see.
He is the God who is walking with Adam in the Garden of peace and tranquility. He is the Creator God! Before Abraham was, I AM.
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