Luke 9:18-27
Jesus separated from the crowd and asked His disciples who the people were saying He was. Though
varied, most saw Him as a very significant person of history, but He was more. “And He said to therm,
‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered and said, ‘The Christ of God.’” (20). The crowds
perception of Jesus differed from those closest to Him. Jesus knew Peter’s answer was accurate, but
His following statements indicated their expectations were not. His kingdom was not political but
spiritual. Their expectations of both Him and His kingdom were in error. Denying self and taking up our
cross [instrument of death, not an ornament] are essential prerequisites for following Him. If, however,
they adjust their expectations, they would see the kingdom in their lifetime. Wrong expectations lead to
disappointment, discouragement and depression, but embracing these prerequisites enable us to see
God’s kingdom in our present reality!