The Absolute Necessity of the Christ Jesus – Luke 9:37-39

In this two-part series on The Absolute Necessity of the Christ Jesus, the text will be separated by the negative and the positive aspects of rejecting and believing in Jesus Christ. This week, the negative aspect will be covered. A person and society that does not heed to the words of Jesus Christ and lives by them only end in tragedy and powerlessness.

Tragedy Without Jesus

The father of a demon-possessed son approaches Jesus and begs him to help as Luke describes in detail what the son is going through. Although the description is physical, the problem is spiritual. When the boy was suffering a spiritual attack, Jesus was absent. In other words, the boy’s story shows the tragedy of the world as most reject Jesus Christ. If there is no Jesus, the order in society dissipates. If there is no Jesus, there is no lasting satisfaction.

The Christian is “against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). No one can overcome them except Jesus Christ. Therefore, everyone needs Jesus to fight against and defeat these evil forces. The person or world without Jesus remains in darkness. But when Jesus is present, the darkness is removed as it was in the demon-possessed boy’s case.

Powerlessness Without Jesus

There is a warning for Christians in this text (v 40). Just as the disciples were unable to cast out the demon, Christians that are not abiding in the Lord Jesus become powerless (Jn. 15:5). Without Jesus, believers are able to do nothing. Consequently, believers will succumb to Satan’s schemes and circumstances.

Why are Christians victims rather than victors in today’s world? The sobering point Jesus makes is to have practical faith by listening to Jesus’ words. Even Christians mix Jesus’ words with so many other voices that deter or distract them from living by faith. Living by faith is to deny self, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus Christ alone (Matt. 16:24). When Jesus is the only object of faith, he can use the believer to powerfully work for his glory. Therefore, the believer must hang onto Jesus alone as he is able to do all things.

There are two ways God deals with believers and unbelievers who are not abiding in Jesus. Believers are chastised whereas unbelievers are punished. Unbelievers are punished in different ways. God leaves them alone and he does not give the heart of repentance. For believers, God is Father and chastises those that fall under the temptation of their fleshly desires. God’s discipline is always beneficial and profitable for the Christian for his glory. It also brings the believer nearer to him and reminds them of the necessity of remaining in the Lord.

Disconnected from Christ Jesus, unbelievers remain in the darkness and believers can be swayed this way and that. But when the Christian abides in the Lord Jesus Christ, they hear his words and put their trust in him. The God who did not spare his only Son calls the believer to live by faith and obedience in Christ Jesus as he is absolutely necessary not just for salvation, but for ongoing sanctification and growth.