Day 290, October 17 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Mark 8:31–9:37; Matthew 16:21–17:23; Luke 9:22-48; Matthew 18:1-5
Executors of the Estate
When a person knows he will die, he often takes into his counsel one or perhaps even a few trusted individuals to handle his estate. Sometimes these individuals can be pretty surprised at just what investments and property this includes. New revelations of the owner’s character and connections may also appear.
This was true of Jesus when he chose executors of his estate. He didn’t call them that since he didn’t own property or other assets. Still, they were executors of his spiritual ministry.
The Executors Privately Meet with Jesus
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus continues a public teaching and healing ministry to large crowds of people. They throng him everywhere, but Jesus also turns his attention to the private teaching of his twelve apostles. To do this, he must periodically get away from the crowds. In particular, he meets with three of his apostles —Peter, James, and John.
Jesus’ estate, his ministry, is the mission of reaching people for the kingdom of heaven. He will soon hand this mission over to the apostles. Afterward, he will give it to the church, which the apostles will superintend when the Holy Spirit comes (Acts 2). Jesus says many things to the twelve to prepare them for coming events. We will cover them over several Bible studies.
Jesus’ Executors are Prepared
When significant changes come to a family, group, or organization, what is most important must be introduced, discussed, and often repeated. Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for his death, burial, resurrection, and return to his Father in heaven.
The disciples don’t understand Jesus’ talk about dying. They are looking for a savior from Roman oppression. When Jesus refers to his coming death, he is not reacting against the pressures of life, speaking from exhaustion or out of his mind. Jesus is serious. His death for the Jews and the rest of us is why he came into this world (John 12:27).“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring [us] to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18, NIV).
Being Executors Involves Total Commitment
The Lord needs loyalty from his disciples. He warns them, “If they persecuted me they will also persecute you” (John 15:20b, NIV). He also challenges them, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24, NIV).
What does Jesus mean? Just what he said—following Christ is challenging. We must deny ourselves —restrict our passions, desires, and will to follow Christ’s way. The disciples knew what the cross was (see more).Death by Crucifixion was a Roman capital punishment designed for the worst of criminals. The crucifix was in the shape of a cross. In a short while, Jesus would be crucified. Will the disciples continue to follow him or fall away? What about us—will we follow Jesus all the way to our deaths, if necessary, or abandon him when times get tough?
We know from Biblical history that all the disciples initially abandoned Christ (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50-51). When Jesus rose from the dead, he forgave them. After the Lord returned to heaven and the Holy Spirit came, all the apostles were willing to lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel. Almost all of them died a martyr’s death.After Jesus introduced the topic of suffering and death, he wanted to encourage them concerning the Kingdom of God (heaven). Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28, NIV). Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured from his earthly form to his glorified body a week later. Moses and Elijah appeared with him, and somehow, the apostles recognized them. The three apostles got a peek into the glory of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus Reveals Himself to his Executors
Through the transfiguration, Jesus shows Peter, James, and John who he is, the Son of God who came from heaven, the one who will be king.
Why were Peter, James, and John the only ones to see Jesus in his glorified state? The three were leaders in the group of twelve apostles. They would later be leaders in the early church. They would become the executors of Jesus’ estate, taking over his ministry. For more insight into the transfiguration of Christ, see more.Perhaps James and John misinterpreted the reason why they and Peter were chosen to see their Lord glorified. They were not listening to Jesus when he talked about dying. No, they were expecting him to become king and deliver them from their Roman oppressors.
Later, there were arguments about positions in the kingdom. James and John wanted to sit at Jesus’ right and left side on thrones, ruling with him. They even got their mother to try and convince Jesus. The other disciples were angry and jealous. Jesus, however, says that those who want to come into his kingdom must have the humbleness and faith of a little child. Furthermore, it is not Jesus’ responsibility to give kingdom positions but God, his Father. Then Jesus tells them they need to take the attitude of a servant as he himself is doing.
What about us? Have we accepted Christ as our Savior in simple faith? (more) Are we greedy for gain or position, or do we humbly give preference to others, serving them?
Discussion
How were Jesus’ twelve apostles like executors of an estate?
