Nehemiah 11 and 12 opens with lists of where the people live. One tenth of the people live in Jerusalem, the rest live in their own towns. Those involved with governing and the temple also live in Jerusalem. All of the Levites and worship leaders gather around the walls of Jerusalem at its dedication. Sacrifices of thanksgiving are offered. People are appointed to serve the city and temple according to the law of God.

In Luke 9 Jesus sends the disciples out to cast out demons, heal and proclaim God’s kingdom. King Herod hears about Jesus and his followers. Some are saying that Jesus is John the Baptist come back to life. Herod had killed John the Baptist so he was confused.

Jesus teaches a large crowd into the evening. The disciples want to send them home so they can eat but Jesus tells them to feed the people. All they have is five loaves and to fish. Jesus blesses the food and all are fed with twelve baskets left over.

Jesus begins to reveal who he is and why he has come to his disciples, particularly Peter, James and John. At this point he wants this knowledge to be kept secret.

The disciples argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus stops the argument by saying it is the least among them who will be the greatest. They tell Jesus that someone else is casting out demons in his name even though he is not one of the twelve. Jesus says that is alright because whoever is not against you is for you. They come to a Samaritan town but the people don’t invite them in. The disciples want to destroy the town but Jesus stops them.

Some people want to follow Jesus but offer excuses why they can’t do it right now. Jesus does not accept their excuses. If they are not ready now they are not willing to follow him.

We see in this chapter many incidents where people do not understand what it means to follow Christ. Even the disciples seem confused. They do not understand that it involves having faith and being willing to follow whenever and wherever the call is given. It doesn’t matter who one is. If Jesus is calling us to do his work, to follow him, we must be willing to respond. Any other response is tantamount to rejection.