November 29, 2021 – Monday
Luke 9:31 KJV
31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:31 CJB
31 They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke of his exodus, which he was soon to accomplish in Yerushalayim.
Luke 9:31 NASB
31 who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:31 ESV
31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:31 NIV
31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
Comment.
This past Sunday I taught on Luke 9:18-36 which has Jesus’ transfiguration and a discussion between Jesus and Moses and Elijah from which we have the verse of the day. What really captured my attention with this verse was Jesus’ decrease (KJV), exodus (CJB), departure (NASB, ESV, NIV). Turns out they are all from the same Greek word exodos.
Looking up the definition of the word exodus as given by Strong’s Dictionary, I discovered decrease or departure were the definitions given. Then discovered it was only used two other times in the New Testament (h/t Phil Tice). Here in 2 Peter 1:15 where Peter is writing about his future death and departure from this life, And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. And also, in Hebrews 11:22 where it’s meaning is much different, By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones. This shows us it can be used for the departure of one or of an entire people.
If we look at the Septuagint or LXX, a Greek translation of the Old Testament for Jews who no longer read Hebrew, we find the same word used to describe Moses leading the exodus from Egypt. Or as the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary put it, As Moses led the first Exodus, so Jesus, the new Moses, will lead a second one. God’s end-time salvation is often described in the Old Testament prophets as a new and greater exodus. With this in mind, I believe Jesus’ departure should be called an exodus where He is leading the way for us to a far greater, more wonderful promised land – heaven.
Jesus is leading an exodus that has been ongoing for 2,000 years. And we, who believe and follow Jesus, are part of that exodus departing the Egypt or Babylon of this life on earth for a much richer and eternal life with Jesus in heaven.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, It is wonderful to know that Jesus is leading an exodus of believers to heaven to spend eternity with Him, You, and the Holy Spirit along with all our other brothers and sisters in the faith. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton in Beavercreek