Luke 9 :1-45

 Jesus sent out the twelve to preach and to heal.  Even Herod heard about what was happening and wanted to see Jesus.  Herod confessed that he had John the Baptist killed and was "perplexed" because some thought that Jesus was John, risen from the dead.  Others thought that Jesus was Elijah or another prophet.  But, God revealed to Peter that Jesus was "the Christ of God".  The Messiah, the Anointed One.  Jesus referred to Himself as "The Son of Man".

"Son of man" - this man, this particular man of flesh and bone.. who came to bring the good news of God's Kingdom, and to die at the hands of men who refused to believe Him.  "Who is this man..?" 
they asked... He is the One that they never expected.

Jesus fed the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and then asked the disciples who the multitude thought He was... and who they thought He was. Then He revealed the fact that He would be rejected and would suffer. "But, they did not understand..."  He was transfigured on the mountain before Peter, James, and John.. but they didn't understand that He would suffer before He would be glorified.

God calls us to listen to Jesus.  To let His words sink into our ears. He came to this earth as a man, so that we could be saved. His salvation would come, not by the overthrowing of a government, but by a cross. He would deny Himself, take up His cross, lay down His life and taste death.. for us.  And to follow Him, requires us to do the same.. "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."  

Daily.. we must choose to be "all in"...every day.

O Lord, help us to understand and to do Your good will.  Your love is great and we have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ our King. Today.. we commit ourselves to follow Jesus.  Help us to accomplish this by Your Spirit at work in us.  Thank You. Amen.