Luke 9:46-48
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Luke 9:46-48, keep in mind that Jesus has just emphatically reminded the disciples of the grim future that awaits him.
There is a vast difference between hearing and listening. On the mountain where Jesus’ glory was revealed, Peter, James, and John heard God’s urgent command: “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” And Jesus has just repeated the command to all of the disciples: “Listen to me and remember what I say.” But the behavior of the disciples in this passage clearly demonstrates a failure to listen.
Listening involves an act of the will, and active listening changes us. When we actively listen we open ourselves up to new possibilities and are better able to examine our own thoughts and ideas.
Recall the teaching of Jesus below and imagine his voice speaking the words directly to you. Don’t just “hear” him; actively listen to him.
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” – Luke 9:23-25
Read Luke 9:46-48 again.
In first century Israel, children were meant to be seen and not heard. But Jesus sees all people as image-bearers of God regardless of age, gender, or status and welcomes them into his presence. And it is to a lowly child that Jesus points to illustrate God’s ideas about greatness.
In God’s view, greatness is not achieved through education, the acquisition of power, or the accumulation of wealth. Greatness is given to the one who stands in wide-eyed openness to Jesus.
Get quiet for a moment and picture yourself as a vulnerable, innocent child standing before Jesus. Stay with this image as you actively listen to whatever Jesus might want to say to you right now.
Is there anything Jesus is inviting you to do today?
Will you?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
