20: Generation of Ignorance and Unbelieving (Luke 9:18 – 43)

Though Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, his understanding was of an earthly king. Therefore, Jesus revealed what the Messiah would truly do: bring about an exodus from the power of sin and death. However, they were slow to believe that the Kingdom of God has come.

👉 Read Luke 9:18 - 43

Q1. After Peter's confession, Jesus disclosed what the Messiah would do. What is the task of the Messiah?

ANS: Suffering many hardships and being abandoned and killed by Jewish leaders. Resurrection in three days.

Note that Peter confessed Jesus as ‘the Christ of God’ while Jesus called himself ‘the Son of Man.’ Though both refer to Jesus, Jesus uses this title on purpose to correct Peter’s misunderstanding about the Christ.

Q2. What would be the life of the Messiah's disciples? (three) And what are the two kinds of attitudes that distract such life? (v23-26)

ANS: Self-denial, take the cross, follow the Lord.

To be afraid of death, to be ashamed of God's way. 

Those are clinging to present life and earthly glory.

Q3. After Jesus said, "Some of you will see the kingdom of God before death," he went up the mountain with his three disciples. Jesus' appearance changed there, and he talked about (                                ) with (                    ). Then there was a sound coming from the clouds saying, (                                               ). 

ANS: Jesus' appearance changed there, and he talked about (  his departure ) with ( Moses and Elijah ). Then there was a sound coming from the clouds saying, ( This my my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him ). 

His “departure” (Greek: Exodus) points to His work of deliverance. Just as Moses led Israel out of Egypt, the Messiah will lead His people out of the power of sin and death. This salvation will be accomplished in Jerusalem.

Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, showing that all Scripture points to Christ. As foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15, God would raise up a prophet like Moses. Now Jesus is the prophet, and they needed to listen to Him, not Moses.

“Master, it is good for us to be here.” Peter was captivated by the glory of Christ that was momentarily revealed on the mountain, while Jesus was speaking about departure. 

We should not be blinded by the temporary glory of ministry in this world. Instead, we look forward to the greater glory to come, while faithfully serving those still in darkness.

Q4. What did Jesus say when He healed the boy after coming down from the mountain?

“You unbelieving and perverse generation! How long must I be with you and endure you?”

Jesus’ rebuke is directed at both the disciples and the whole generation:

• the disciples, who failed to cast out the demon despite being given authority

• the father and the crowd, who showed weak or incomplete faith

The exorcism was not only a display of Jesus’ power, but more importantly a sign that the Kingdom of God had arrived. Therefore, they should have believed that they too could cast out evil spirits in the name of the King. However, they confined the exorcism only to Jesus’ personal power.