Making Sense of Jesus – Requires Change

Devotional based on Bible reading: Luke 9:10–27

If you’re trying to make sense of who Jesus is and what He can do for your life, you must fit into His plan—not the other way around. It requires CHANGE!

Introduction

Today we look at a subject that springboards off last week’s message when my friend, Rev. Howard Robbins, was with us. He encouraged us to understand what it means to go to the “edge with God” and discover God’s plan for our lives. He mentioned several people in the Bible who went to the edge and discovered God’s plan for their lives. He stated, “Everyone God ever used, He took to an edge.” (We will continue this theme on Wednesday nights with a study in Hebrews 11. Join us!)

Today, I want to get practical with you about Jesus.

While we may divert slightly from the previous subject, we will come to a greater understanding of who Jesus is and what He wants for our lives. It will be as if He takes us to the edge—for His glory.

Today’s message is titled:

Making Sense of Jesus: It Requires Change

If we back up a bit in our reading, we see a curious insertion by Luke about Herod. Luke notes that Herod took an interest in Jesus, stating that “Herod was perplexed by Jesus.” He also said that he sought to see Him. This passage sets up the framework for this message and others flowing from Luke 9.

Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus

Now Herod the tetrarch (which means governor of one of four territories) heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed. Some were saying that John had been raised from the dead; others that Elijah had appeared; and still others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see Him. (Luke 9:7–9)

Soon after Herod beheaded John the Baptist, he heard about a man performing miracles. Some rumored it was a resurrected John the Baptist; others said Elijah.

The word perplexed comes from the Greek word διηπόρει (diēporei), from diaporeo, meaning to be thoroughly perplexed, at a loss, or in doubt. It implies being “at a dead end.” Herod, having murdered John, could not understand or cope with the reports of Jesus’ miracles.

Luke helps us understand who Jesus is through illustration and story. Like many today, people are trying to make sense of Jesus.

Herod sought to understand Jesus—but his motivation was power and control. He only saw Jesus’ popularity and influence.

Many in this world are trying to make sense of Jesus:

• Why Jesus?
• Who is Jesus?
• How can He help?

But often they try to fit Him into their lives without making the changes needed to understand His ways.

Is He simply a good-luck charm?

A popular personality?

An icon to hang around your neck?

A religion to follow?

Or is He personal and relational to you?

Many try to press Jesus into their worldview or lifestyle—trying to control Him like a puppet on strings.

Jesus is more than a man who once lived or a clever idea. He is Savior and Lord.

Many follow Jesus for the benefits but not the responsibilities. We enjoy the blessings, the good feelings, and the virtues that come with following Him—but what about the values and commitments?

In Luke 9, we find a deeper understanding of who Jesus is.

Consider the crowd that followed Jesus longing for more. Many settled for bread and fish; others wanted to go deeper.

Three Key Concepts About Making Sense of Jesus

A. Benefits Versus Bearing Responsibility (Luke 9:10–17)

In verse 12 we read: “…for we are here in a desolate place.”

This was the edge of civilization.

I can relate. When we moved to Indiana from Chicago, we settled in a rural community. Having been in a metropolis surrounded by buildings, houses, sidewalks, and street lights, we came upon a field of farms and fields of corn and sow beans. My children were in shock of the change. They commented and complained that we moved them to the middle of nowhere! 

When we reach the edge, we feel vulnerable and insecure.

Most people enjoy the benefits. Membership benefits keep people connected—it’s the deals that meet our desires.

Luke shows us that if we want to make sense of Jesus, it requires change. We don’t fit Him into our lifestyle; we fit into His. Jesus changes us.

In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples witnessed something incredible. Feeding 5,000-plus with only a few fish and loaves would leave anyone perplexed.

“People without the Word of God are in a desolate place spiritually. The ‘feeding’ to come is a picture of feeding God’s Word to those who are spiritually desolate. The most loving thing a Christian can do is feed them God’s Word.” – Discipler’s Commentary

Jesus required one thing: an act of faith.

He told the disciples, “You feed them.”

They had to take responsibility. Imagine their surprise!

Many depend on Jesus but fail to understand that we must respond in faith. The faith of a child was all it took.

Jesus met them at the edge—but they had to trust Him.

B. Icon Versus Identity in Christ (Luke 9:18–20)

We come to the question: Who is Jesus? And how does that knowledge impact our lives?

Jesus asked Peter, “Who do people say that I am?”

The world constantly redefines identity. People cluster themselves into groups and classifications, searching for meaning apart from Christ.

Jesus was not having an identity crisis. He was addressing the rumors—John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet. He was not merely an icon or symbol.

He is the Christ.

Peter got it right.

Jesus gives us identity. Though Christianity as a brand has been confused by culture, history, and tradition, Jesus’ identity remains clear.

He is Savior and Lord of all.

Jesus foretold His death:

“And He strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, be killed, and on the third day be raised.’” (Luke 9:21–22)

He did not come to be a celebrity. He came to save.

C. Fan Versus Follower (Luke 9:23–27)

Luke shows us that following Jesus requires taking up our cross.

This is the dividing line. There is no fence-sitting.

A fan is fickle.

A fan follows what is popular.

A fan has little commitment.

A follower is committed.

A follower is centered on Christ.

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23

Jesus requires the cross.

Fans depart quickly; followers remain.

Pastor Joe Wittwer illustrates this with Babe Ruth near the end of his career. As fans booed him for striking out, a small boy ran onto the field, wrapped his arms around Babe’s legs, and wept. Babe picked him up and carried him to the dugout. The crowd fell silent.

Fans seek what they can get. A true follower loves beyond performance.

As Wittwer writes:

“Fans can be fickle… The same thing happened to Jesus: they cheered as He entered Jerusalem and five days later shouted, ‘Crucify Him!’ … Are you a fan of Jesus or a follower of Jesus?”

Closing

“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” — Luke 9:25

While the world chases shiny things, God calls us to shine for Christ.

While the world gathers possessions, God calls us to surrender and be possessed by Christ.

While the world strives for self, God calls us to be found in Him.

To make sense of Jesus—like Herod, the crowds, the disciples, and us—it requires change. We cannot stay the same and truly understand who He is.

It goes beyond benefits to bearing responsibility.

It is not about an icon—His identity is real.

It is more than being a fan—we must become followers.

The cost of discipleship is real.

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

Making sense of Jesus requires change.

And that change begins with surrender.