A Devotional Reflection on Luke 9:28-62

Following Jesus is more than just acknowledging who He is. It requires a radical shift in our priorities, our faith, and our willingness to surrender to His way. In Luke 9:28-62, we witness powerful moments that reveal Jesus’ divine nature, His compassion, and His expectation of true discipleship.


The Transfiguration: A Clear Revelation

When Jesus took Peter, John, and James up the mountain to pray, something miraculous happened—His appearance changed, and He radiated glory. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appeared and spoke with Him about His coming sacrifice. Peter, in his excitement, suggested building shelters for them, but a cloud covered them, and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him” (Luke 9:35).


That moment was a divine reminder: Jesus is the fulfillment of all that has been promised. Yet, how often do we, like Peter, rush to respond to spiritual moments without fully understanding what God is revealing? Are we truly listening to Jesus above all the noise of life?


Reflection:

  • What is the loudest voice in your life right now—God’s truth or the world’s distractions?
  • Are you taking the time to listen to Jesus through Scripture and prayer?


Struggles of Faith and Understanding

Coming down from the mountain, Jesus is met with a crowd where His disciples have failed to cast out a demon. They had once been empowered to do so, yet now they lacked the faith. Jesus rebukes the spirit and heals the boy, but He also rebukes the faithlessness around Him.


We won’t always get it right. There will be moments when our faith wavers. But Jesus doesn’t abandon us in our failures—He calls us to trust in His power, not our own.


Reflection:

  • Have you ever felt like you failed in your faith? How did Jesus respond to you?
  • How can you shift from relying on your own strength to trusting in God’s power?


True Greatness in God’s Kingdom

The disciples argued about who was the greatest. In response, Jesus brought a child before them and said, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me…for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great” (Luke 9:48).


The world measures greatness by power, influence, and success. But Jesus redefines it—greatness is found in humility, in serving the least, in lifting others up instead of seeking recognition.


Reflection:

  • In what ways have you been tempted to measure your worth by the world’s standards rather than God’s?
  • How can you embody the humility Jesus calls us to?


A Call to Radical Commitment

At the end of the passage, three individuals approach Jesus with a desire to follow Him—but they all have conditions. One wants to delay because of family obligations, another isn’t ready to leave behind the life they’ve known. Jesus responds, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).


Jesus isn’t calling us to a casual faith. He calls us to radical commitment—a willingness to surrender comfort, security, and personal plans to follow Him wholeheartedly.


Reflection:

  • What excuses or delays have kept you from fully committing to following Jesus?
  • What is God asking you to surrender so you can follow Him more completely?


Final Thoughts & Prayer

Following Jesus is not about convenience, comfort, or status—it is about surrender, faith, and trust in His way. The question remains: Are we willing to follow Him on His terms?


Prayer:

God, I want to follow You with all my heart, but I confess that I often let distractions, doubts, and my own desires get in the way. Help me to listen to Your voice above all else. Teach me humility, faith, and commitment so that I can walk in Your ways. Strengthen me when I fail, and give me grace to keep going. May my life reflect Your love and truth to those around me. Amen.