Be Humble and Don’t Stumble
Luke 9:1-27 is recognized for Jesus giving His disciples power over all demons, authority to cure disease and the division of
the fishes and loaves. However, we can not miss the message in the miracles. Jesus is teaching dedication, humility, and
service to His followers. His instructions for the disciples were not to trust in normal provisions, but to rely on God. “Take
nothing for your journey, neither staffs, nor bag, nor bread, nor money…” [verse3] Two things are accomplished when the
disciples obey this command, [1] they learn how to live utilizing supernatural supply, and [2] God receives all the glory for the
miracles that take place. Everything worked great . . . almost.
The disciples returned with stories of miracles, signs and wonders, but also with an at-`ti-tude. They were (at least in their
own opinion) the dream team, “The miracle 12”. They rejoin Jesus in a healing service for 5000 men, plus women and
children. The disciples commanded Jesus to “send the multitude away . . .and get provisions” [verse12] Instead, the Son of
Love tells them to feed the crowd. They responded with, “we only have a little provision unless we go and buy food” [with the
miracle prosperity they received while they were out ministering.] For them to buy food, they must have had enough provision
to buy at least 10,000 dinners!
Jesus, being aware of the real issue, commands the disciples to have everyone sit down [an act of humility] in groups of
fifties. They are now no longer “The miracle-12”, but humble waiters: “party of 50, may I take your order?” They also had to be
patient. Seating 10,000 people, by fifties would a long time, even if everybody cooperates. Jesus then takes the fish and
bread and “blessed and broke them and gave…” [verse 16]. Through this example, He demonstrates that we all must seek
God for blessing, be broken of pride, and become givers. Only then does miracle provision result. “They all ate and were filled
with 12 baskets left over.” [verse17]
Now, Jesus gives the life impacting message for those who desire to live in the Kingdom of God here on Earth. He asks,
“who do the people say I am? [verse18]. The disciple/waiters heard the people refusing to believe Jesus was the Messiah,
but rather, a reincarnation of John the Baptist, Elijah or some other prophet. These are the same exact, unbelieving words
Herod the tetrarch used to describe Jesus in verse 7 and 8. Jesus ministered the Word, healed all the sick, and miraculously
provided for them, yet they esteemed Him lightly. This is also our cross to bear. If it happened to Him, it will happen to us
[see John 15:18-20]
Remember! Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light”.[Mt. 11:30] Please don’t confuse carrying a cross with being
nailed to one. Jesus paid that price forever. Carrying a cross should be something we can do daily. It can be uncomfortable
when people deny your faith. Being mocked may sting. However, if we remain humble, we won’t stumble! We refer back to
step one . . . bless, break, give [and wait for miracles].
If we desire to operate in God’s way of doing things, we will seek His blessing, humble ourselves, and become Spirit-led
givers. Once this process is established, we are in place for The Miraculous to occur, though staying humble is essential.
Even while the Messiah was operating in the manifestation of the gifts of God, many would not believe He was the One.
Likewise, people may not respect you, recognize you, your faith, or that you are used by God, even with the evidence of healing
and provision all around you. Stay humble [so you won’t get too hurt], pick up the “leftover pieces”, and then move on.
People may think you are “spending too much time” praying to God or serving in Church. KNOW THIS: “He who loses His life
[spends time] for my sake [in My service] will save [your] life.” [verse 24] “Truly there are some standing here [you] who shall not
taste death till they see [experience in their lives] the kingdom of God [Gods power operating in your life].” [verse27]
Love In Christ,
Gregory & Linda Emler
Luke 9:1-27 is recognized for Jesus giving His disciples power over all demons, authority to cure disease and the division of
the fishes and loaves. However, we can not miss the message in the miracles. Jesus is teaching dedication, humility, and
service to His followers. His instructions for the disciples were not to trust in normal provisions, but to rely on God. “Take
nothing for your journey, neither staffs, nor bag, nor bread, nor money…” [verse3] Two things are accomplished when the
disciples obey this command, [1] they learn how to live utilizing supernatural supply, and [2] God receives all the glory for the
miracles that take place. Everything worked great . . . almost.
The disciples returned with stories of miracles, signs and wonders, but also with an at-`ti-tude. They were (at least in their
own opinion) the dream team, “The miracle 12”. They rejoin Jesus in a healing service for 5000 men, plus women and
children. The disciples commanded Jesus to “send the multitude away . . .and get provisions” [verse12] Instead, the Son of
Love tells them to feed the crowd. They responded with, “we only have a little provision unless we go and buy food” [with the
miracle prosperity they received while they were out ministering.] For them to buy food, they must have had enough provision
to buy at least 10,000 dinners!
Jesus, being aware of the real issue, commands the disciples to have everyone sit down [an act of humility] in groups of
fifties. They are now no longer “The miracle-12”, but humble waiters: “party of 50, may I take your order?” They also had to be
patient. Seating 10,000 people, by fifties would a long time, even if everybody cooperates. Jesus then takes the fish and
bread and “blessed and broke them and gave…” [verse 16]. Through this example, He demonstrates that we all must seek
God for blessing, be broken of pride, and become givers. Only then does miracle provision result. “They all ate and were filled
with 12 baskets left over.” [verse17]
Now, Jesus gives the life impacting message for those who desire to live in the Kingdom of God here on Earth. He asks,
“who do the people say I am? [verse18]. The disciple/waiters heard the people refusing to believe Jesus was the Messiah,
but rather, a reincarnation of John the Baptist, Elijah or some other prophet. These are the same exact, unbelieving words
Herod the tetrarch used to describe Jesus in verse 7 and 8. Jesus ministered the Word, healed all the sick, and miraculously
provided for them, yet they esteemed Him lightly. This is also our cross to bear. If it happened to Him, it will happen to us
[see John 15:18-20]
Remember! Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light”.[Mt. 11:30] Please don’t confuse carrying a cross with being
nailed to one. Jesus paid that price forever. Carrying a cross should be something we can do daily. It can be uncomfortable
when people deny your faith. Being mocked may sting. However, if we remain humble, we won’t stumble! We refer back to
step one . . . bless, break, give [and wait for miracles].
If we desire to operate in God’s way of doing things, we will seek His blessing, humble ourselves, and become Spirit-led
givers. Once this process is established, we are in place for The Miraculous to occur, though staying humble is essential.
Even while the Messiah was operating in the manifestation of the gifts of God, many would not believe He was the One.
Likewise, people may not respect you, recognize you, your faith, or that you are used by God, even with the evidence of healing
and provision all around you. Stay humble [so you won’t get too hurt], pick up the “leftover pieces”, and then move on.
People may think you are “spending too much time” praying to God or serving in Church. KNOW THIS: “He who loses His life
[spends time] for my sake [in My service] will save [your] life.” [verse 24] “Truly there are some standing here [you] who shall not
taste death till they see [experience in their lives] the kingdom of God [Gods power operating in your life].” [verse27]
Love In Christ,
Gregory & Linda Emler
