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Gospel Reading for September 27, 2024 – Luke 9: 18-22
A GREAT WARRIOR
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
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Jesus had just communicated with his Father, and is now asking what the crowds thought of him. Was it because he wanted to know how far he had gone into his mission? Because of so many signs he performed, perhaps, it was fast-tracked or might be misunderstood? They were thinking he was John the Baptist and other ancient prophets risen from the dead, or Elijah who never died and was taken to heaven on a chariot of fire. They did not think he was the Messiah who was to come to redeem them from their enemies, because they did not expect the Messiah to be a healer, an expeller of demons, and a preacher. He had to be A GREAT WARRIOR. Perhaps this was why he rebuked Peter for giving the right answer. It had to be kept secret until the time God chooses it to be REVEALED.
A GREAT WARRIOR Jesus truly was, because his war against evil reached to the very ends of the earth. He has 2.38 billion soldiers all over the world today, and this does not include those who are not covered by statistics. If Satan has been unsuccessful in taking over the world, we have to thank Jesus, who started it all. And we, who are his soldiers have to continue the war he started all throughout our lives, and the only weapon we are allowed to carry is LOVE.
Lord Jesus, it is such great honor for us to be included in your army!
