Seeing the Kingdom of God

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 24 to study Luke 9:18-36.  This passage will cover Jesus' questioning of His disciples and the Transfiguration.  There are some challenging elements here, especially for application to our lives.

Read through the passage with as many translations as you have available.  Look for where they differ the most and see if you can see why that might be (look up words on the Blue Letter Bible site for instance).  Make notes of questions and insights you gain as you read.

After reading it through and making your own notes, go to a commentary of some sort.  See what questions this answers and what questions they raise.  Adjust your notes, and then go back through with the questions below:

• In other Gospel accounts, Jesus takes the to Caesaria Philippi.  Luke isn't that specific, only that, once again, Jesus is praying.  Why do you think Luke leaves out the location here?
• Jesus asks the same question in all three accounts, "Who do people say that I am?"  Why do you think Jesus might be interested, concerned, or otherwise want to know what the disciples had heard of what other people thought of Him?
• Then, in all three accounts, Jesus asks, "Who do you you think I am?" which puts the challenge on them.  While the first question is debatable, for this one, what's the obvious reason for His asking?  On the other hand, what not so obvious reasons can you think of Jesus might ask?
• In all three accounts Peter answers for the group.  But only in Matthew is it the long version we normally hear.  In all three cases there are slight differences.  Why do you think there was such inconsistency among the three writers?
• Jesus then warns them to tell no one about Him.  He has just sent them out to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God, why do you think He now tells them to tell no one He is he Christ (Messiah)?
• Jesus then explains (but in varying detail) that He will suffer, be killed, and raise on the third day.  At this point Luke deviates completely from the other two Gospels. While the other Gospels have Peter's "rebuke" of Jesus, Luke skips to Jesus launching into a challenge about discipleship.  Why do you think Luke would leave out Peter's "rebuke" here?
• Matthew and Mark state that Jesus began to teach them about His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection.  Luke doesn't.  It's possibly a small point, but why do you think Luke wouldn't include such a detail?
• Jesus then says a famous statement about taking up a cross and following Him.  In Matthew and Mark, it seems to mean literally in Jerusalem to come.  Luke adds "daily" which puts in a more metaphorical sense.  Why do you think (what do commentators say) Luke would or might make this small addition?
• Then follows the reversal of saving versus losing our lives.  How do you save or sacrifice your own life?
• Then Jesus asks about the value of a soul.  But Luke skips the possibility of something in exchange for his soul.  Why do you think Luke would leave that out?
• Next Matthew leaves out the part about Jesus being ashamed of those who deny Him in this world (but see Matthew 10).  Considering these differences, what do you think the Gospel writers are doing with this material or what sort of material are they using?
• In all three Gospels, Jesus now makes a statement that some will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.  What do you think that means?  When did the Kingdom of God show up for them to see if Jesus hasn't returned yet?
• In three Gospels Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain.  In Luke it was to pray, and they fall asleep.  In Matthew and Mark Jesus is transfigured immediately.  Why do you think Luke makes this adjustment in his account?
• Luke includes the detail about the topic of the discussion between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  Why do you think he might include that?
• Peter says it's good for them to be there, and that they should make "booths" for the three of them.  Even though the three Gospel writers say he didn't know what he was saying, why would he say that?  Why booths (or tents or tabernacles)?
• A cloud comes down and obscures everything, and a voice comes out of the cloud.  What is the "cloud"?
• Luke skips the discussion about Elijah, and summarizes with the comment they kept this to themselves until after Jesus rose.  Why do you think Luke would make such a change in his account?

There's a lot here to discuss, but the real point is how it impacts each of us.  What about this passage Awakens something in you?  Be Honest about what you see in yourself and your relationship with Jesus.  What Action do you need to take in response to what you see in yourself?