What Jesus Did! 'Fascination with the Savior' — Luke 9:7-9

Friday, June 2, 2023

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead.

"I beheaded John," Herod said, "so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?" And he kept trying to see him.

— Luke 9:7-9 NLT

Key Thought

Despite the fact that Jesus didn't do his miracles to impress people, [1] the miracles were impressive. They were so impressive that Herod learned about them. He was curious and fascinated. Those with whom Jesus was compared were also impressive. However, Jesus wasn't trying to be impressive; instead, he wanted — and still wants — to be the Lord and Savior of all people. He doesn't want to be just fascinating but liberating. He came to seek and to save the lost, not gain a reputation as just a great miracle worker. Like our Savior, we Christians need to be redemptive rather than trying to be impressive.

[1] In some sense, Jesus' miracles were done to impress people, or as John's gospel emphasized, they were signs to help people believe he is "the Messiah, Son of God" (John 20:30-31). Jesus didn't do miracles to show off but to help people with their great problems and reveal that he came from God.

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, thank you that Jesus didn't settle for just an impressive reputation among the crowds or for popularity with the politically important. I am so thankful that he chose to invest himself in the lives of all sorts of people to make your grace known to folks like me. Thank you! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 16:13-20
  • Mark 10:42-45
  • Luke 7:18-23

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:7-9 NLT — "I beheaded John," —— "so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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