Blue Letter Bible
Blue Letter Bible
Luke 9:1-17 – Witness of the Sent
Luke 9:18-36 – Witness of Moses and Elijah
Luke 9:37-62 – Witness of a Child
Luke 9 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand
Luke 9:1-17 – Witness of the Sent
Luke 9:18-36 – Witness of Moses and Elijah
Luke 9:37-62 – Witness of a Child
Luke 9 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand
What is the most important Teaching preached by Jesus in Luke Chapter 9
The central and most important teaching of Jesus in Luke Chapter 9:
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, KJV)
This call to radical discipleship—self-denial, daily sacrifice, and following Christ—is the core idea.
Here are 12 reasons why this is the most important teaching in Luke 9:
1. **Defines True Discipleship:**
Jesus draws a clear line: Discipleship isn’t just about following Him physically or believing in His miracles—it’s about a deep, personal change (Luke 9:23).
2. **Demands Daily Commitment:**
He specifies “daily,” highlighting that this is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and focus (Luke 9:23).
3. **Revolves Around Self-Denial:**
Disciples are to “deny himself,” putting God’s will ahead of their own, a foundational principle for spiritual growth (Luke 9:23).
4. **Reflects Jesus’ Own Example:**
Right before this verse, Jesus foretells His own suffering and death (Luke 9:22), modeling what it means to take up one’s cross.
5. **Promises Paradoxical Salvation:** [seemingly absurd or self-contradictory]
He teaches that “whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24).
True life is found in surrender.
6. **Presents an Eternal Perspective:**
Gaining the whole world is worthless if you lose your own soul (Luke 9:25).
This moves our focus from worldly success to eternal realities.
7. **Challenges Social Acceptance:**
Jesus warns against being “ashamed of me and of my words” (Luke 9:26).
Following Jesus might mean standing apart from the world, even when it’s hard.
8. **Offers Universal Invitation:**
The call is not limited—“he said to them all” (Luke 9:23).
Anyone can choose discipleship, regardless of background.
9. **Connects to Miracles of Feeding and Healing:**
In sending the twelve to heal and in feeding the five thousand (Luke 9:1–17), Jesus shows that true discipleship empowers people to serve and bless others.
10. **Prepares Disciples for Future Trials:**
He prepares them for hardship, persecution, and misunderstanding, which they’ll face after His death (Luke 9:44–45).
11. **Links to Glory and the Transfiguration:**
After teaching about the cross, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John (Luke 9:28–36), symbolizing the heavenly glory awaiting those who faithfully follow Him through sacrifice.
12. **Sets the Path to Becoming Like Christ:**
Taking up one's cross is the path to becoming like Him, which is the true goal of discipleship (Luke 9:23).
The events of chapter 9 were of Jesus' ministry on earth.
These events took place approximately 30-33 A.D.
Jesus
The Savior, son of God.
12 Apostles
Peter, James, and John are featured in this chapter.
Herod Antipas
This was Herod Antipas, who wanted to kill Jesus (13:31-32) and before whom Jesus eventually appeared during part of his trial (23:6-12).
His father, Herod the Great, ruled during the time of Jesus' birth.
Demon Possessed Boy
A boy tormented by an evil spirit who was brought to Jesus by his father.
The Samaritans
The people of Samaria, located between Galilee and Judea.
At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus sent His 12 Apostles into various cities to preach the gospel.
Jesus fed 5,000+ people outside the town of Bethsaida.
The Transfiguration occurred on a mountain but we are not told the name of the mountain.
Towards the end of the chapter, Jesus travelled through the region of Samaria.
Big Picture and Takeaways
This chapter ought to make anyone who wants to be a Christian consider the cost and sacrifice of the decision.
There are a lot of ideas in our world about what a Christian should be, about this is how Jesus described a disciple.
He told His disciples the job wouldn't give them earthly glory.
Jesus discussed His death.
He compared their work to carrying a cross, they would have to peacefully accept rejection from people who didn't like him (like the Samaritans), and they would have to give priority to the work of God above anything else.
Becoming a follower of Jesus is a serious commitment and shouldn't be entered into without some serious thought.
Luke 9:1-6
Jesus sending out His 12 Apostles to preach the Gospel.
What are 5 interesting things about their time going out and preaching the Gospel without Jesus.
**Some most interesting things about this story:**
It's fascinating how Jesus sends the Apostles out with almost nothing—no money, extra clothing, or provisions.
1.This underscores how much the early disciples had to rely on faith in the Lord’s power and the hospitality of others.
2. It’s a lesson in trust and humility.
3. The Lord was helping them to focus first on their spiritual priorities, rather than on earthly security.
4. Also, the charge He gives them—to proclaim that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7), and to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils” (Matthew 10:8)—shows the authority and responsibility that come with discipleship.
These same principles can inspire us to rely on the Lord as we serve and minister to others.
For further insights, you might enjoy cross-referencing these accounts and looking at what Jesus tells the disciples to expect regarding persecution and how He urges them to “fear not” (Matthew 10:28). There’s so much depth in this commission!
The story of Jesus sending out His 12 Apostles to preach the Gospel is found in the following places in the New Testament:
Luke 9:1–6
- Matthew 10:1–42
- Mark 6:7–13
Here’s the main introduction, as found in Luke:
9 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.
4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.
5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Here’s the main introduction, as found in Matthew:
**“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”** (Matthew 10:1)
10 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,
10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.
12 And when you go into a household, greet it.
13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’;
36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’
37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
Here’s the main introduction, as found in Mark:
7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts—
9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.
11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
Now, here are five interesting things about their time going out and preaching the Gospel without Jesus, drawing from the scriptural accounts:
1. **Jesus Gave Them Power and Authority.**
He specifically “gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1). This means their ministry wasn’t just preaching—they were empowered to perform miracles similar to those Jesus Himself did.
2. **They Were Sent Without Material Possessions.**
Jesus commanded: “Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat” (Matthew 10:9–10). This taught the Twelve to rely completely on God and the hospitality of those they served.
3. **They Preached Repentance and the Kingdom of Heaven.**
Their message was simple: “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7). Mark records, “And they went out, and preached that men should repent” (Mark 6:12). Their authority was to invite people to prepare for God’s kingdom.
4. **They Were Warned of Persecution.**
Jesus was clear about the challenges they’d face: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves … beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils … Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake” (Matthew 10:16–22). Yet, He promised the Spirit would guide them in what to say.
5. **Their Work Was a Pattern for Future Missionary Work.**
This “trial run” set the stage for missionary work both in the New Testament and in the restored Church.
Luke 9:1–6 - Sermon by R.C. Sproul
luke 9:1–6
When Jesus sent out His twelve Apostles, He commissioned them to proclaim His gospel in the world. In this sermon, R.C. Sproul continues his study in the book of Luke and explains the power and authority that Christ gave these men to fulfill their unique role.
Transcript
This morning, we will continue our study of the gospel of Luke. I will be reading from Luke 9:1–6. I would ask the congregation to stand for the reading of the Word of God:
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.
“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
The verses you just heard come to us from the divine authority and inspiration of God the Holy Spirit. This is the Word of God, given for your edification and instruction. Please receive it as such and be seated.
Let us pray.
Now, O Lord, we ask that You prepare us for the hearing of Your Word and prepare me for the proclaiming of it. Without You, our understanding is dim, and our proclamation is feeble. We ask now for Your kind and gracious presence in our midst. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Twelve Apostles Called and Sent
This passage you have just heard is brief, but it is extremely important in the history of redemption. It marks a transition point in the earthly ministry of Jesus that had radical ramifications for the whole future of Christianity. Notice in verse 1 of chapter 9, Jesus called His twelve disciples. He summoned them for a particular reason.
In Luke’s summation, we see a critically important transition in the lives of the twelve disciples.
The disciples were becoming Apostles.
We have a tendency to think that, since the Scriptures speak of the twelve disciples and of the twelve Apostles, the terms disciple and Apostle are mere synonyms.
However, that is not the case at all.
A disciple—in Greek, a mathētēs—is a learner, a student, one who followed Jesus and learned at His feet.
But to be an Apostle is something quite different.
An apostle, “one who is sent,” is one commissioned and called by a superior, such as a king or a general in the army, or in this case a person called by the Lord of glory and sent out from Him, carrying the authority of the One who sent him.
Such an ambassador may have been authorized, in the ancient world, to speak with the authority of the king who sent him. If we bring that over into the church, Jesus selected His Twelve—the twelve men whom He would send with His authority.
As He would say elsewhere, “He who receives you receives Me, and if they reject you, they are rejecting Me.”
The first and supreme Apostle in the New Testament was Jesus Himself, who was very conscious that He had been sent by the Father.
When He was engaged in controversy with His contemporaries, such as the Pharisees who repudiated Him and claimed to be followers of God, Jesus’ response was:
“You can’t have it both ways.
If you believe the Father, you have to believe the One whom the Father sent. You cannot have the Father and not have the Son.”
In like manner, you cannot have the Son and reject His Apostles.
Christ’s Authority to Preach the Kingdom
Rejecting the Apostles is commonplace in our culture, particularly in the movement of radical feminism, which has a distaste for the teaching of the Apostle Paul and says: “Jesus we like, but we don’t want anything to do with Paul. He was a misogynist.” If you reject Paul, however, you reject the One who sent him. You cannot reject Paul and keep Jesus, just as you cannot reject Jesus and believe the Father.
According to our text, Jesus called the Twelve to Himself for this purpose: to give them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. The Twelve had no power in and of themselves. They had no authority in and of themselves. The authority and power by which they were to exercise the ministry of healing and preaching was the power and authority of Christ, who distributed that power and authority to His Apostles.
In the book of Acts, when Peter and John healed the man by the Gate Beautiful, they were dragged before the Sanhedrin, and the leaders of Israel asked, “By which power have you done this thing?” They responded, “By the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified.” They were saying, “The power by which this man was healed was not ours; it was Christ’s.” The authority by which the New Testament was written was of Christ. If you reject the New Testament Apostolic witness, you reject the One who commissioned the Apostles to write the Word of Jesus.
After Jesus gave the Twelve power and authority, He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, which was the central theme of Jesus’ own preaching. Just as John the Baptist had come on the scene earlier and said, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” Jesus came with the same message. This was a new time in history. This was the time of the breakthrough of God’s kingdom. Why? Because God’s anointed King had come.
Jesus had been preaching the kingdom of God throughout His earthly ministry, but the time of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee was coming to an end. Before that ministry was completed, He sent His disciples as Apostles to preach His message through every village and town in Galilee.
Rely on Hospitality
Jesus told the Apostles: “Preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick. Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs [plural] nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.” One of the other Gospel writers has Jesus saying, “Do take a staff,” so the critics say, “Here is a contradiction.”
Jesus was saying: “Yes, you can have one staff, but not two. You can have one tunic, but not two tunics.” In other words, the mandate Jesus gave was: “You’re to go out and travel light. You’re to be on the move every moment. Don’t even take anything to meet your own basic needs.”
Jesus went on to say that the Apostles were to depend upon the Jewish principle of hospitality that was part of the law of Moses.
If a stranger was in your gates, you were to give shelter, food, and hospitality to him.
Jesus was sending His representatives to the Jewish people, and He said, “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.” That is: “When you’re finished with your ministry in that particular village, leave that house. But I don’t want you going into one house and, if you don’t like the menu there, going to another house to seek better quarters or food. Go to one place and stay there until your mission is done. It’s the people’s responsibility to support you while you’re involved in this mission.”
Shake the Dust from Your Feet
Here is the part of the text I want to focus on, because it is scary. Jesus said, “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Even if you have never read the Bible, you probably have heard this idiomatic expression of “shaking the dust off your feet.” Where does that come from?
On this occasion, Jesus used an idiom that He did not invent. This was an idea with which His disciples were already familiar. When God called Moses out of the Midianite wilderness and spoke out of the burning bush, He said, “Moses, Moses, take off your shoes from off your feet.” Why? “Because the ground on which you are standing is holy ground.”
To this day, we refer to the land of Israel as the Holy Land. It was the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. The Holy Land, which began to be inhabited and owned by the Jewish people in the Old Testament, was considered sacred. Everything outside the borders of Israel was pagan. The pagans were considered unclean. So, when a Jew went on a journey that would take him over the borders of Israel into a pagan land, he would stand on ground that was not holy. Rather, it was contaminated by the sin of the residents in the pagan regions. When the Jew came back to the border of Israel, before he crossed into the Holy Land again, he would stop and literally shake the dust off his feet, lest he bring pagan contamination to the Holy Land.
Jesus’ directive was radical because He was sending His people not into Gentile countries or to the pagan communities, but to Jewish villages and towns to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God. He said to His Apostles, “If you come to a village and they do not receive you, if they reject you, before you leave, shake the dust off your feet.” That action would be a testimony to the paganism of a village within Jewish land.
When It Is Too Late
If we follow up on the point of this text, we see a scary concept found throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation: God’s patience and long-suffering will not last forever. We tend to postpone our repentance and say: “I will be committed to God tomorrow. I will change my ways tomorrow. I will give my life to Christ tomorrow. But not yet.” It is like the young Augustine’s prayer in the ancient world, where he prayed to God: “Oh God, change me, and make me righteous. But not yet.” He was taking advantage of God’s patience and long-suffering.
The Bible warns us that God’s patience does not endure forever. There is a limit to it. There may come a time in a person’s life where it is too late. Before I say anything more about that, let me say that I personally know at least five or six people who came to Christ on their deathbeds. They repented of their sins and came to Jesus in their dying moments. I believe that such deathbed repentances can be genuine, authentic, and that many people have been converted in waning deaths. In light of that, we might say, “It’s never really too late.” However, there are two things I want to say about that idea.
First, after you die, it is too late. You can have 150 Masses said for you after you are dead, but the Bible tells us it is appointed for man once to die, and then the judgment. After you die, it is too late. So, if you are going to postpone your repentance, make sure that you do not postpone it till after you die, because then it is too late.
Second—and here is the scary one—in some instances, friends, it may be too late before you die. Let us go back to the Old Testament, to the book of Genesis, to a familiar story of the flood that wiped out the whole world except for the family of Noah. God made a comment right before the flood, in Genesis 6:3, when He saw that the earth was completely corrupt: “And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not strive with man forever.’”
In Genesis 6, for the people on earth, the end of God’s patience had come. He destroyed the whole creation except for the family of Noah. When you go all the way to the end of the New Testament, to the book of the Revelation, Jesus announces in the judgment: “All who are wicked, let them be wicked still. Let all who are immoral, let them be immoral still” (Rev. 22:11).
What do these texts mean? There is a point we see in Genesis and Revelation, not to mention the Old Testament prophets, that there comes a time when God gives impenitent sinners over to their sin. Let us please not tempt the Lord in His grace and His patience. There are people who have heard the gospel time after time, and every time they hear it, their necks become more stiff, greater calluses grow on their soul, their hearts are hardened and become like stone.
You cannot hear the gospel and be neutral to it. If you receive it, you enter into heaven forever. If you reject it, you have hardened your heart, and you are heaping up wrath against the day of wrath.
Even in this life, God may give you over, which is poetic justice. He says: “You don’t want Me? Okay, you don’t have to have Me. You love your sin more than you love Me? Go ahead. Take your sin. Let him who is wicked be wicked still. You love your immorality? You love your adultery and you don’t love Me? Fine. Take your adultery. But you can’t have Me and the adultery.”
So, I plead with you today, do not ever expose yourself to the point where the Lord God Almighty will shake your dust from His feet.
1. (1-2) Jesus calls His twelve disciples [Apostles] and sends them forth.
[Luke 9:1–6; Matthew 10:1–42; Mark 6:7–13]
1.Then He called His twelve disciples [Apostles] together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
2. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
[Mark records, “And they went out, and preached that men should repent”]
Matthew Records:
1.“Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.
2. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
3. “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves
4. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
5. He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
**Who went?**
All Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:2–4).
**What did they do?**
Preached repentance and that the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
Healed the sick, cleansed lepers, raised the dead, cast out devils (Matthew 10:5–8; Mark 6:12–13).
**How long were they gone?**
The exact length is not specified in scripture.
What is the "Kingdom of God", as taught by Jesus
1.The “Kingdom of God” refers to the reign or rule of God both in heaven and on earth.
2. Jesus taught that this kingdom is spiritual:
it begins within the hearts of believers who accept His gospel,
but ultimately, it will be fully established on the earth at His Second Coming.
3. It encompasses God’s people, His laws, and His power—both now in the Church and in the future fullness of His reign.
Why Was teaching about the "Kingdom of Heaven", So Important?
1. It Is the Centerpiece of Jesus’ Teaching Jesus began His ministry preaching the Kingdom:
> “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)
His parables like the “mustard seed,” “leaven,” and “pearl of great price” (Matthew 13) all revolved around teaching principles of God's kingdom.
2. It Offers True Belonging and Purpose
Being part of the Kingdom of God means we become the people of God, receiving meaning and identity: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
3. It Is the Path to Eternal Life
Jesus taught that entrance into this kingdom brings everlasting life, which is the ultimate purpose of the gospel: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
Being part of the kingdom now is preparation to inherit it eternally.
4. It Promises Ultimate Justice and Peace
The fullness of the kingdom means Christ’s reign on earth, bringing peace, justice, and an end to suffering: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
Also, as Daniel prophesied:
> “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed... and it shall stand for ever.” (Daniel 2:44)
How Can Further Study Benefit You?
Digging deeper into these scriptures helps you see God’s big-picture plan and your place in it.
As you study more about the kingdom, your sense of identity and hope grows, and you’ll be better prepared to share that hope with others.
You: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Is this the only way to enter God's Kingdom? What about there is No Condemnation for those who believe in Jesus? Please explain and help me understand.
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5 (KJV)
Here, "born of water" is commonly understood in the to refer to baptism by immersion.
"Born of the Spirit" refers to receiving the Holy Ghost, or in other words, being spiritually reborn.
This is seen as an essential ordinance and covenant—a step that everyone must take to fully enter God's kingdom.
2. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus..."
This comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans. The scripture says:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1 (KJV)
Paul is teaching that through faith in Jesus Christ, and by living according to the Spirit (not the flesh), believers are freed from the condemnation brought by sin because Christ’s Atonement covers them.
Reconciling the Two
Both statements are true, and together they teach a more complete picture of salvation as found in the scriptures.
- Jesus teaches that entrance into God's kingdom requires both faith and the ordinances of the gospel (like baptism).**
Paul adds that believers, who have committed their lives to Christ and live by the Spirit, will not be condemned.**
Being "in Christ" involves more than intellectual belief; it means putting His teachings into practice, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, and following Him.
In summary:**
Belief in Christ (faith) is absolutely essential, and true faith leads us to act: to repent, be baptized (born of water), and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (born of the Spirit).
These steps are part of the process of becoming “in Christ,” and as we do so and continue to walk in His ways, there is no condemnation—we are on the path to entering God’s kingdom.
If you’d like to dive deeper, studying all of John 3, Romans 8:2 will really enrich your understanding and give you the Spirit’s guidance. And you might find it meaningful to ponder what it means, personally, to be "born again."
a. He called His twelve disciples together:
The selection of the disciples was described in Luke 6:12-16.
They had been with Him together as a group for some time, and now Jesus delegated some of His work to them.
b. And gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases:
Answer:
Jesus did not only call the twelve.
He also gave them power and authority to do what He had called them to do.
The same principle holds true today: whom God calls, God equips.
The equipping may not be completely evident before the ministry begins, but it will be evident along the way.
i. Jesus didn’t delegate the work without also delegating the power and authority to do that work.
ii. “The reader will please to observe:
1. That Luke mentions both demons and diseases; therefore, he was either mistaken, or demons and diseases are not the same.
2. The treatment of these two was not the same: the demons were to be cast out, the diseases to be healed.” (Clarke)
c. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God:
To preach simply means to proclaim, to tell others in the sense of announcing news to them.
The disciples were sent with the work of proclaiming that the kingdom of God was present, and what the character of that kingdom was like.
i. Their work of preaching might happen in open-air settings, such as street corners or marketplaces.
It might happen in synagogues, as they found opportunity to speak.
It might happen in small groups or one-on-one conversations.
ii. Whatever the setting, the message was essentially:
The King has arrived; Jesus the Messiah is present.
His kingdom is different from what we expected.
He gathers a kingdom community of those who will repent and believe.
iii. It’s not too much to say that Jesus used the available media of His day.
They didn’t have newspapers or podcasts or internet or any number of other media opportunities we have today.
Yet, Jesus did use the media that was available to Him and used it well.
d. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick:
Jesus sent the disciples to do more than present a message, but to also to do good with supernatural empowering; to bless the whole person, and to heal the sick.
i. This power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases was vitally connected with preaching the gospel.
The two go together.
1.Then He called His twelve disciples [Apostles] together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
2. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
[Mark records, “And they went out, and preached that men should repent”
(Mark 6:12).]
[This is an important part of the Apostle's ongoing training, and will raise several questions in their minds for which they will seek answers as they return to the Master Teacher for more instruction.]
2. (3-6) The Kingdom they preach is marked by simplicity, urgency, and sincerity.
3. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.
4. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.
5. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
6. So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Why did Jesus say to take nothing? 9:3
Jesus wanted the Twelve to be completely dependent on God for their provision.
He wanted them to see that God would provide for them through the hospitality of others.
In fact, the New Testament churches were repeatedly encouraged to support those who ministered to them (Philippians 4:14-19; Tim5:17-18; 3 James 5-8
Why were they to Shake The Dust Off [Their] Feet?
Luke 9:5; Matthew 10:9-15; Mark 6:8-11
Jews returning to Israel from a foreign land shook the dust from their sandals and clothing to avoid defiling the land they considered Holy.
The disciples were delivering a similar warning to the people of Israel. If they rejected the message of Jesus the Messiah, they would face the same judgment as unbelieving foreigners.
a. Take nothing for the journey:
The disciples didn’t need sophisticated equipment to preach a simple message.
Too many things would get in the way of their urgent message.
The disciples were engaged in such holy work (preaching the gospel and bringing God’s healing) that they could not give the impression that they have any other motive.
b. Neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money:
Travelling light also kept them dependent upon God.
If they did not take much with them, they had to trust the Lord for everything.
If the preacher himself doesn’t trust God, how can he tell others to trust Him?
c. And whoever will not receive you:
Their job as preachers wasn’t primarily to change people’s minds.
They were to persuasively present the message, but if their listeners didn’t receive it they could leave and shake the very dust from your feet as they left.
d. So they departed:
They actually did what Jesus told them to do.
They were preaching the gospel and healing everywhere, with both the mission given to them by Jesus and the power and authority to fulfill that mission.
3. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.
4. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.
5. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
6. So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
3. (7-9) Herod hears of Jesus’ ministry and is perplexed.
7. Now Herod the tetrarch [ruler in Galilee, under Roman authority] heard of all that was done by Him; [Jesus] and he was perplexed, [worried] because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, [Some people were saying that Jesus was John the Baptist, come back to life, whom Herod had had beheaded.]
8. and by some that Elijah had appeared, [some said that Jesus was Elijah the Prophet] and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.
9. Herod said, “John [the Baptist] I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him. [wanted to see Jesus]
Who was this Herod? 9:7
Answer
This was Herod Antipas, who wanted to kill Jesus (13:31-32) and before whom Jesus eventually appeared during part of his trial (23:6-12).
His father, Herod the Great, ruled during the time of Jesus' birth.
Technically, the term tetrarch referred to someone who governed one-fourth of a country, but sometimes the title was used simply as a synonym for "prince" or "king."
Herod Antipas ruled over the regions of Galilee and Perea (setting of the Gospels [Mt 1:1] from approximately 4 BC to AD 39.
Link He was perplexed 9:7-9
Matthew 14:1-2; Mark 6:14-16
a. He was perplexed…[worried] said by some that John had risen…by some that Elijah had appeared… by others that one of the old prophets had risen again:
There is no indication that Herod (Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great) was a man of sincere spiritual interest.
Yet he was interested in Jesus as a famous man, a miracle worker, and perhaps as a rival.
Herod absorbed the popular thinking about who Jesus was (as in Luke 9:19).
i. Some thought Jesus was a herald of national repentance, like John the Baptist.
Some thought Jesus was a famous worker of miracles, like Elijah (whose return before the coming of the Messiah was promised in Malachi 4:5-6).
Some thought Jesus was one of the old prophets, perhaps the one Moses promised would come (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).
ii. The popular rumors and speculations about Jesus left Herod perplexed [worried] – especially because of his guilty conscience over the murder of John the Baptist.
A bad conscience brings confusion and perplexity.
b. It was said by some that John had risen from the dead:
The last time Luke wrote of John the Baptist, he was in prison and wondered if Jesus really was the Messiah (Luke 7:18-23).
Now we learn that Herod executed John in prison, because John rebuked Herod about his sin with his brother’s wife (Matthew 14:1-12).
c. So he sought to see Him:
Herod wanted to see Jesus, but not as a sincere seeker.
He either wanted to indulge idle curiosity or to do the same to Jesus as he had done to His cousin John.
Luke noted this to emphasize the increasing danger surrounding the work of Jesus.
i. Luke records a second reference to this Herod.
Later, Jesus was told that this Herod wanted to kill Him.
Jesus replied, Go, tell that fox, “Behold I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” (Luke 13:32)
ii. Luke also told us that Jesus finally met this Herod, on the morning of His crucifixion.
Herod was in Jerusalem at the time, and when He heard that Pilate was sending Jesus to him, he got happy and excited –
Herod wanted Jesus to perform a miracle for him.
Yet Jesus did no kind of miracle for Herod, and when he asked Jesus many questions, Jesus answered him nothing.
Herod then treated Jesus with contempt, mocked Him with a purple robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.
7. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; [Jesus] and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,
8. and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.
9. Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.
[The Twelve Report Back from Their Missions]
4. (10) The apostles return.
10. And the apostles, when they had returned, [from their missions as mentioned in verses 2-6] told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. [Jesus wanted to have some private time with His Apostles.]
Link 9:10-17 They All Ate and were satisfied
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; John 6:5-13
a. And the apostles: When they left Jesus in Luke 9:1, they were called disciples – that is, “learners.”
When they came back after their preaching mission, they were called apostles – that is, “those sent with authority and a message.”
They certainly remained disciples but knew both the message and the authority in a much better way after their work.
b. Told Him all that they had done:
Jesus wanted to know how they had done.
Jesus is concerned with the results of our work for Him.
c. He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place:
Jesus did this to serve and bless those to whom He delegated His work.
Jesus has a special care to bless and serve those who serve Him.
10. And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
The miracles Jesus performed demonstrated His deep compassion
for each of us.
5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fishes.
1.(11) Jesus serves the multitude
11. But when the multitudes knew it, [when they found out where Jesus was], they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
What was Jesus’s reaction:
Jesus “received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.”
Instead of turning the crowds away or seeking solitude, He welcomed them, taught doctrine, and blessed them with healing.
Why was this important?
This is important because it shows Jesus’s compassion and His willingness to serve and teach even when He might have sought some quiet time.
It teaches us that Jesus always has time for those who seek Him, and He meets both spiritual and physical needs. It’s also a powerful example for us to serve others selflessly.
Four Questions and Answers about Luke 9:11
1. What did the people do when they learned where Jesus was?
Answer: “The people, when they knew it, followed him.” (Luke 9:11)
2. How did Jesus respond to the people who followed Him?
Answer: “He received them.” (Luke 9:11)
3. What did Jesus teach the people about?
Answer: He “spake unto them of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:11)
4. Besides teaching, what else did Jesus do for the people?
Answer: He “healed them that had need of healing.” (Luke 9:11)
a. When the multitudes knew it, they followed Him:
Jesus had gone to Bethsaida to bless and serve His disciples [Apostles] after their work for Him.
They could not keep the multitudes away for long; they followed Him there also.
b. He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed:
Jesus served the seeking, needy multitudes in three ways.
1.He received them:
This speaks of His attitude. He didn’t run from the crowd or tell them to go away. With love and service, He received them.
2. Spoke to them about the kingdom of God:
This speaks of His teaching. As was the emphasis in His work, Jesus proclaimed a message to the multitudes.
3. And healed those:
Jesus did not only give them spiritual instruction, but He also did good among them with supernatural empowering.
11. But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
2. (12-15) Jesus challenges His disciples to provide for the need of the multitude.
12. When the day began to wear away, [was about gone], the twelve [Apostles] came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; [food] for we are in a deserted place here.”
13. But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” [This must have startled the Apostles!] And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.”
14. For there were about five thousand men. [Matthew 14:21 says there were about 5,000 men plus women and children.] Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”
15. And they did so, and made them all sit down.
a. Send the multitude away:
After the long day (when the day began to wear away), the disciples saw the crowd as a bother.
Like Jesus, they came to Bethsaida to get away from the multitudes, not to serve them.
i. Actually, it’s not entirely fair to criticize the disciples for their recommendation to send the multitude away.
They probably could not even conceive that Jesus could or would miraculously feed the crowd.
They felt they were doing good for the multitude by sending them away to lodge and get provisions.
b. You give them something to eat:
To the disciples, this request must have sounded strange or even shocking.
It was obvious to them that they did not have the resources to feed even a fraction of the multitude.
With this statement, Jesus challenged both their faith and their compassion.
i. Both Jesus and the disciples were aware of the great multitude and aware of their needs.
Yet it was the compassion of Jesus (Matthew 14:14) and His awareness of the power of God that led Him to go about feeding the multitude.
The people are hungry, and the atheists and skeptics try to convince them that they aren’t hungry at all.
The people are hungry, and the empty religionist offers them some ceremony or empty words that can never satisfy.
The people are hungry, and the religious showman gives them video and special lighting and cutting edge music.
The people are hungry, and the entertainer gives them loud fast action, so loud and fast that they don’t have a moment to think.
The people are hungry – and Jesus has the bread of life.
c. Make them sit down in groups of fifty:
Jesus wanted them to do this work in an orderly, organized way, and He also wanted them to enjoy the meal.
This command suggests that this was more than just putting food in their stomachs; that could be done standing up.
The idea was that there was something like a banquet-like atmosphere of enjoyment.
i. Organizing them in groups of fifty also made it possible to much more easily count the multitude, giving more reliability to the number of about five thousand men.
12. When the day began to wear away, the twelve [Apostles] came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”
13. But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.”
14. For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”
15. And they did so, and made them all sit down.
3. (16-17) The multitude is fed.
16. Then He [Jesus] took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.
17. So they [all the people] all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
a. He took the five loaves and the two fish:
Jesus took the little that they had (first mentioned in Luke 9:13) and He thanked God for it.
It would be easy to think that such a small amount of food was worthless to feed such a large crowd, but Jesus used what He had at hand.
i. In John’s account (John 6:8-9) we learn that these five loaves and the two fish came from a young boy.
The small amount of food they started with was borrowed from a young man who brought the food with him.
ii. In 2 Kings 4:42-44, Elisha fed one hundred men with some barley loaves and ears of grain – with some left over.
The feeding of the 5,000 shows us that Jesus is greater than both the prophets and Moses (under whom a multitude was fed in the wilderness).
b. Looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them:
When Jesus blessed before the meal, He wasn’t blessing the food.
He blessed God for supplying it.
The idea of praying before a meal isn’t to bless the food; it is to bless – that is, to thank – God for blessing us with the food.
i. Though it wasn’t much, Jesus blessed the Father for the food that He did have.
He may have prayed a familiar Jewish prayer before a meal:
“Blessed art Thou, Jehovah our God, King of the universe, who bringest forth bread from the earth.”
c. He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude:
This miracle displayed Jesus’ total authority over creation.
Yet He insisted on doing this miracle through the hands of the disciples.
He could have done it directly, but He wanted to use the disciples.
i. No one knew where this bread actually came from.
Jesus showed that God can provide out of resources that we cannot see or perceive in any way.
It is easier to have faith when we think we know how God might provide, but God often provides in unexpected and undiscoverable ways.
d. So they all ate and were filled:
Jesus miraculously multiplied the loaves and fishes, until far more than 5,000 were fed.
Seemingly, the miracle happened in the hands of Jesus, not in hands of the disciples – they simply distributed what Jesus had miraculously provided.
i. If someone left hungry, it was either because they refused the bread from Jesus, or because the apostles didn’t distribute the bread to everyone.
Jesus supplied plenty for everybody.
ii. The assurance that Jesus can provide – even miraculously – for all of our needs should be precious to us; it was to the earliest Christians.
On the walls of the catacombs, and other places of early Christian art, loaves and fishes are common pictures.
iii. What we have in ourselves to give others is insignificant, but when we put it in Jesus’ hands, He can do great things with our gifts and talents to touch the lives of others.
iv. “In a remarkable way, that feeding is a parabolic illustration of the method by which those who serve Him are to reach the needs of humanity.
Their duty is to yield all they have to Him, and then to obey Him, no matter how mere prudence and worldly wisdom may question the method.” (Morgan)
16. Then He [Jesus] took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.
17. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
1. (18-20) Peter Bears Testimony that Jesus Is the Christ.
18. And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19. So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
Link Who do you say I Am? 9:18-20
Matthew 16:13-16; Mark 8:27-29
a. As He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him: This scene began with Jesus praying, and the disciples joining Him. We don’t really know if they joined with Him in prayer, or if they interrupted His time of prayer. When Jesus was done praying, He asked them a question: Who do the crowds say that I am?
i. Jesus didn’t ask this question because He was ignorant on this point and needed information from His disciples. He asked because He would use this question to introduce a more important follow-up question.
ii. G. Campbell Morgan was convinced that the disciples interrupted the prayer of Jesus. “A careful study of the Gospel narratives has led to the justifiable conclusion that our Lord never prayed with His disciples. Often He left them when He would pray. When in their company He prayed, it was not in association with them, but in separation… His praying was on a different plane.” (Morgan)
b. John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again: People who thought that Jesus was John the Baptist didn’t know much about Him, because He and John worked at the same time. Both John and Elijah were national reformers who stood against the corrupt rulers of their day, and the similarity with the courage and righteousness of Jesus may have suggested the connection.
i. Perhaps in seeing Jesus as John or Elijah, the people hoped for a political messiah, one who would overthrow the corrupt powers that oppressed Israel.
c. Who do you say that I am? It was fine for the disciples to know what the crowds thought about Jesus. But Jesus had to ask them, as individuals, what they believed about Jesus.
i. Jesus assumed that the disciples would have a different opinion of Him than the crowds. They didn’t just receive the conventional wisdom or the popular opinion. They should know who Jesus was.
ii. This is the question placed before all who hear of Jesus; and it is we, not He, who are judged by our answer. In fact, we answer this question every day by what we believe and do. If we really believe Jesus is who He says He is, it will affect the way that we live.
d. The Christ of God: Peter knew Jesus better than the crowds did. He knew that Jesus is the Christ of God, God’s Messiah, the promised redeemer from the Old Testament, the Messiah from the heart of God, not the Messiah from the desire of man.
18. And it happened, as He [Jesus] was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He [Jesus] asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19. So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
2. (21-22) Jesus reveals the true nature of His mission.
21. And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one,
22. saying, “The Son of Man [Jesus] must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, [the religious leaders of the Jews], and be killed, and be raised [resurrected] the third day.”
a. He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one:
Jesus was pleased that His disciples were coming to know who He was in truth, but He still didn’t want His identity popularly known before the proper time.
The crowds couldn’t understand that Jesus really was the Messiah yet had to suffer – the disciples had to learn this first.
i. “Before they could preach that Jesus was the Messiah, they had to learn what that meant.” (Barclay)
b. The Son of Man must suffer many things:
After hearing what the crowd thought of Him, Jesus then told them what He had really come to do: suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised the third day.
This wasn’t what His disciples or the crowds expected or wanted at all.
i. This was an unbelievable shock to all who expected or hoped that Jesus was the national and political messiah.
By analogy, we can imagine a presidential candidate announcing towards the end of his campaign that he was going to Washington, but to be rejected and executed.
c. Must suffer many things:
An important word here is must.
This wasn’t just a plan or an idea or a prediction; this was the fulfillment of what was planned before the world began for our salvation (1 Peter 1:20 and Revelation 13:8).
d. And be raised the third day:
The resurrection was as much a must as any other aspect of His suffering; Jesus had to rise from the dead.
21. And He [Jesus] strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one,
22. saying, “The Son of Man [Jesus] must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised [resurrected] the third day.”
3. (23) Jesus calls everyone wanting to follow Him to do what He will do.
23. Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [sacrifice whatever is necessary] and follow Me.” daily,
What Does Take Up Their Cross Mean? 9:23
This phrase probably startled Jesus' listeners, for in that culture "taking up a cross" meant facing the horrible pain and humiliation of Roman crucifixion --a punishment usually reserved for condemned criminals.
Jesus laid down his life voluntarily, and he asks us to do the same -- to commit our lives whole-heartedly to him, accepting any hardship the choice may bring.
Why is self-denial a prerequisite to being a Christian? 9:23
Authentic discipleship means dying to self and living wholly for Jesus.
Jesus humbled himself and gave up his home in heaven to save humankind.
Now he calls followers to "die" each day to self-reliance, self-sufficiency and self-justification and to depend on him.
This death to self-centeredness is an essential part of salvation because we cannot save ourselves through human effort.
Salvation comes by dying to the old life and rising again to new life in Christ Jesus. (Romans 16:1-11; Col 3:1-4)
a. Then He said to them all: It was bad enough for the disciples to hear that Jesus would suffer, be rejected, and die on a cross.
Now He told them that they must do the same; or at least have the same intention.
b. Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me:
As Jesus spoke these words, everybody knew what Jesus meant.
In the Roman world, before a man died on a cross, he had to carry his cross (or at least the horizontal beam of the cross) to the place of execution.
i. When the Romans crucified a criminal, they didn’t just hang them on a cross.
They first hung a cross on him.
ii. Carrying a cross always led to death on a cross.
No one carried a cross for fun.
The first hearers of Jesus didn’t need an explanation of the cross; they knew it was an unrelenting instrument of torture, death, and humiliation.
If someone took up his cross, he never came back.
It was a one-way journey.
iii. In the real-life crosses of the Roman world, no one took them up (suggesting a voluntary action).
Instead, crosses were impressed upon people, quite apart from their willingness.
Here Jesus said that those who follow Him must voluntarily take up their cross.
iv. This isn’t to suggest that we can choose our way to die a living death as followers of Jesus;
but as the unchosen circumstances come into life, we choose to bear them as a way to daily die for Jesus’ glory.
c. Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily:
Jesus made deny himself equal with take up his cross.
The two phrases expressed the same idea.
The cross wasn’t about self-promotion or self-affirmation.
The person carrying a cross knew they couldn’t save themselves, and that self was destined to die.
i. Denying yourself means to live as an others-centered person. Jesus was the only person to do this perfectly, but we are to follow in His steps.
d. Take up his cross daily:
Jesus made it clear that He spoke spiritually when He added the word daily.
No one could be crucified literally everyday. Daily they could have the same attitude as Jesus had.
i. This is following Jesus at its simplest.
He carried a cross, so His followers carry one.
He walked to His self-death, so must those who would follow Him.
23. Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” daily,
4. (24-27) Why we must take up our cross and follow Jesus.
24. “For whoever desires to save his life [preserve his own worldly lifestyle rather than following the Savior] will lose it, [will ultimately lose that way of life]: but whoever loses his life for My sake [will change his lifestyle and follow the Savior], will save it. [will keep the rich blessings of a righteous life forever].
25. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed [lose his soul] or lost? [be cast away from heaven on Judgment Day]?
26. For whoever is ashamed of Me [will reject me] and My words, of him the Son of Man [Jesus] will be ashamed [will be rejected by Jesus], when He comes in His own glory, [at the Second Coming], and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
27. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
What does verse 27 mean?
"But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God." — Luke 9:27 What does not mean?
a. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it:
We must follow Jesus this way because it is the only way that we will ever find life. It sounds strange to say, “You will never live until you walk to your death with Jesus,” but that is the idea.
You can’t gain resurrection life without dying first.
i. This is a strong and sure promise of the afterlife.
If there is no life after death then what Jesus said makes no sense, there is no reward for either the dying martyr or the living martyr.
ii. You don’t lose a seed when you plant it, though it seems dead and buried.
In truth, you set it free to be what it was always intended to be.
b. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world:
Avoiding the walk to death with Jesus means that we may gain the whole world – and end up losing everything.
i. Jesus Himself had the opportunity to gain the whole world by worshipping Satan (Luke 4:5-8) but found life and victory in obedience instead.
ii. Amazingly, the people who live this way before Jesus are the ones who are really, genuinely happy.
Giving our lives to Jesus all the way, and living as an others-centered person does not take away from our lives, it adds to it.
c. For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory:
It isn’t easy to walk death row with Jesus.
It means that we have to associate ourselves with someone who was despised and executed – but if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us.
i. This is a radical call to personal allegiance to Jesus.
He wanted to know if we would be ashamed of Him or of His words.
If Jesus were not God, this was an invitation to idolatry; because He is God, this is a call to worship.
ii. Ashamed of Me: It’s no wonder that some were ashamed of Jesus during the days of His earthly ministry; it is astounding that any would be ashamed of Him today.
Jesus, revealed in the full glory of His sacrificial love.
Jesus, revealed in the full power of His resurrected glory.
Jesus, ascended to heaven and honored.
Jesus, loving and praying for His people from heaven.
Who could be ashamed of that?
iii. Yet, some are ashamed. The ashamed man believes; you can’t be ashamed of something you don’t believe in. He believes, but doesn’t take satisfaction and confidence in his belief.
Ashamed means that you don’t want to be seen together in public.
Ashamed means that you don’t want to talk about Him.
Ashamed means that you avoid Him when possible.
iv. Some are ashamed out of fear, some out of social pressure, some out of intellectual or cultural pride. Objectively considered, such shame is a strange phenomenon.
d. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God:
After this extreme call to follow Jesus unto death, He added a promise of significant glory (till they see the kingdom of God).
Jesus wanted them to know that it wasn’t all suffering and death, the end of it all wasn’t death.
24. “For whoever desires to save his life [preserve his own worldly lifestyle rather than following the Savior] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, will save it.
25. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?
26. For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man [Jesus] will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
27. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
1. (28-29) Jesus is transfigured before Peter, John, and James.
28. Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He [Jesus] took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
29. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening [shining].
Link The Appearance of His Face Changed 9:28-36
Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8
What did Moses and Elijah represent?
Moses represented the Law
Elijah represented the Prophets
They demonstrated their approval for Jesus and his new covenant, which was superior to the earlier covenant (Heb 8:6)
[Three of his Apostles, Peter, James, and John will experience tremendous additional training now as the Master takes them with Him up on the mountain which is referred to as the Mount of Transfiguration.
There, they will see Christ transfigured (shine with brilliant heavenly light) before their eyes, will hear the Father's voice, and will see the great prophets Moses and Elijah, who will minister to Jesus.]
Transfiguration of Jesus.
It highlights Jesus taking Peter, John, and James to a mountain to pray.
The timing suggests a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, just after predicting his suffering.
It emphasizes the importance of prayer and preparation before divine revelation. Context:
In the preceding verses, Jesus speaks about his impending suffering and the cost of discipleship.
The Transfiguration serves as a pivotal moment where Jesus' divine nature is revealed to his closest disciples, strengthening their faith and understanding of his mission. Related verses: Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2, 2 Peter 1:16
a. He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray:
What started as a mountain top prayer meeting quickly changed into the shining forth of the glory of Jesus, and as He prayed, Jesus was transformed right before the eyes of the disciples.
i. “Although Luke does not name the mountain, ever since Origen some have identified it as Mt. Tabor, which is west of the Sea of Galilee.
Others, however, equate it with Mt. Hermon, north of Caesarea Philippi, the place of Peter’s confession.” (Pate)
b. The appearance of His face was altered:
After carefully setting the context of prayer, Luke explained what happened to Jesus.
He changed in His appearance in what has become known as the transfiguration.
i. White and glistening translates a word that has the idea of “flashing like lightning.”
Jesus’ entire appearance was transformed in a brilliant radiance of light.
ii. Matthew says that Jesus’ face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2), and both Matthew and Mark used the word transfigured to describe what happened to Jesus.
For this brief time, Jesus took on an appearance more appropriate for the King of Glory than for a humble man.
iii. This was not a new miracle, but the temporary pause of an ongoing miracle.
The real miracle was that Jesus, most of the time, could keep from displaying His glory.
c. The appearance of His face was altered:
This was important at this point in Jesus’ ministry because He had just told His disciples that He would go the way of the cross, and that they should follow Him spiritually.
It would have been easy for them to lose confidence in Jesus after such a seemingly defeatist statement.
Yet in His transfigured radiance, Jesus showed His glory as King over all God’s Kingdom.
i. If they would listen, this would give great confidence to the disciples.
Jesus knows what He is doing.
He promised that He would suffer, die, and rise again, but He is still the King of Glory.
ii. Jesus showed in an acted-out way that cross bearers would be glory receivers.
The end isn’t the cross; the end is the glory of God.
28. Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He [Jesus] took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
29. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.
2. (30-31) Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus.
30. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah,
31. who appeared in glory and spoke of His [Jesus] decease [death] which He [Jesus] was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
"And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." (Matthew 17:8, KJV)
This verse comes from the account of the Transfiguration on the mount, where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus speaking with Moses and Elias (Elijah).
After the voice of God the Father bore record of Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 17:5), the disciples fell on their faces in fear.
When Jesus comforted them and they looked up, Moses and Elias were gone, and only Jesus remained.
This moment underscores the divine role and significance of Jesus Christ as the central figure of our worship and faith.
While Moses and Elijah were great prophets representing the law and the prophets, only Jesus remains as the Savior and Redeemer—He is the One to whom all must look.
a. Two men talked with Him: Jesus was not alone in this display of glory. Two men also appeared with Him, whom the disciples seemed to immediately recognize as Moses and Elijah.
i. Their immediate recognition of these men who appeared in glory without prior introduction gives some evidence that we will also be able to immediately recognize others in heaven. There won’t be a need for nametags.
ii. They seemed to have a wonderful time together as they talked with Him. “Possibly that transfiguration was an example of the way in which Adam and all his race might have passed into heaven, and not death come upon us all through sin.” (Meyer)
b. Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory: Many wonder why it was these two particular men from the Old Testament, and not two others. It wasn’t Abraham or David or Joshua or Joseph or Daniel; it was Moses and Elijah.
i. It may be because Moses and Elijah represent those who are caught up to God (Jude 9 and 2 Kings 2:11). Moses represents those who die and go to glory, and Elijah represents those who are caught up to heaven without death (as in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
ii. It can also be said that they represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The sum of Old Testament revelation came to meet with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration.
iii. Moses and Elijah also figure together in prophecy, because they are likely the witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13.
c. Spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem: Of all the things they might have discussed, they chose this topic. It seems that Moses and Elijah were interested in the outworking of God’s plan through Jesus; they spoke about what Jesus was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
i. We can almost picture Moses and Elijah asking, “Are You really going to do it?” Moses might say, “I offered to be judged in the place of the people, but God wouldn’t have it. Can You go through with this, Jesus?” Elijah might add, “I was persecuted terribly by Ahab and Jezebel, and I hated it – sometimes I went into a deep spiritual depression. Can You go through with this, Jesus?”
ii. Spoke of His decease: “Greek, of his exodus; in reference to that expedition or departure of Israel out of Egypt.” (Trapp) “The term, in large part, portrayed Jesus’ suffering and death as the means to His receiving divine glory.” (Pate)
30. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah,
31. who appeared in glory and spoke of His [Jesus] decease which He [Jesus] was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
3. (32) The disciples sleep in the presence of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
32. But Peter and those with him [James and John] were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His [Jesus] glory and the two men who stood with Him. [Moses and Elijah]
a. Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep:
This leads us to believe that perhaps the disciples saw and heard only a small part of this meeting of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
It perhaps lasted much longer, and they discussed many more things.
i. “It is very probable that, on this occasion, he had been engaged in earnest prayer for several hours before the transfiguration came, and it is worthy of note that he was transfigured while he was praying.
Every blessing comes to the great Head of the Church, and to all the members of his mystical body, through prayer.” (Spurgeon)
b. Heavy with sleep:
It’s remarkable to think that one might be in the presence of tremendous glory, yet still be heavy with sleep.
By analogy we note that spiritual sleep keeps many from seeing or experiencing the glory of God.
c. When they were fully awake, they saw His glory:
The glory was present all the time, yet they only saw it when they awakened.
Awake, they saw His glory – not even mentioning the glory of either Moses or Elijah. Compared to the glory of Jesus, it was as if they weren’t even there.
i. “The apostles saw the greatest of the prophets, and the great law-giver, after whom there was never the like till Christ himself came, yet the inspired record concerning the event is, ‘They saw his glow, and the two men that stood with him.’” (Spurgeon)
d. The two men who stood with Him:
In the mental conception many have of this event, they imagine Jesus floating in the air with Moses and Elijah. Instead, the text clearly says that they stood together.
32. But Peter and those with him [James and John] were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His [Jesus] glory and the two men who stood with Him.
4. (33-34) Peter’s unwise offer to build three tabernacles.
33. Then it happened, as they [Moses and Elijah] were parting from Him, [Jesus] that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: [small booths, typically used among the Jews for private worship during the annual Feast of Tabernacles]; one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”; not knowing what he said.
34. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud.
a. Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: Like many since, Peter made trouble for himself when he spoke, not knowing what he said.
i. As they were parting from Him makes it clear that Peter said what he said when Moses and Elijah began to leave.
Peter didn’t want the scene of glory to stop.
ii. Perhaps his thinking went something like this:
This is how it should be! Forget this idea of suffering, being rejected, and crucified; let’s build some tabernacles so we can live this way with the glorified Jesus all the time.
Peter’s suggestion meant that not only would Jesus avoid the future cross, but so also would Peter.
iii. Also, in suggesting three tabernacles, Peter made the mistake of putting Jesus on an equal level with Moses and Elijah, with one tabernacle for each of them.
b. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them:
As Peter said this, they were overshadowed with the cloud of God’s glory called in the Old Testament the Shekinah.
i. This is the same idea of overshadow in Luke 1:35, when the glory of God came upon Mary and she received the child Jesus.
c. They were fearful as they entered the cloud:
Peter and the apostles at first felt it is good for us to be here, but as the glory intensified, it began to create in them the awe and dread that sinners feel in the presence of God.
i. Peter may not have known what he said, but he knew what he saw – the cloud of glory was real, and he was wide-awake when he and the apostles saw it.
ii. “We have not dreamt our religion, it has not come to us as a vision of the night; but when we were fully awake, we saw Christ’s glory.” (Spurgeon)
33. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, [Jesus] that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”; not knowing what he said.
34. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud.
5. (35-36) The voice from the cloud of glory.
35. And a voice came out of the cloud, [the Father's voice] saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
36. When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
a. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” The voice from the cloud of glory made it clear that Jesus was not on the same level as Moses and Elijah. He is the beloved Son – so Hear Him!
i. Moses and Elijah were great men, and each have an important place in God’s unfolding plan of the ages. Yet compared to Jesus the Messiah, to God the Son, they were insignificant – so all the focus and attention should be focused upon Jesus. None of these noble servants can compare to the beloved Son, so Hear Him!
ii. Peter may not have known what he said, but he knew what he heard – the voice from heaven was real, and he was wide-awake when the apostles heard it.
b. When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone: God made it impossible to focus on them any longer. Jesus deserved all the focus.
c. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen: After it was all over, Peter, John and James told no one – after all, who would believe them?
i. They told no one in those days, but they couldn’t keep quiet about it. Peter clearly remembered and referred to this event in 2 Peter 1:16-18. John probably referred to it in John 1:14. They remembered this powerful experience that showed Jesus in both His glory and singular role as Messiah, greater than even Moses and Elijah.
ii. As impressive as this experience was, it in itself did not change the lives of the disciples as much as being born again did. Being born again by the Spirit of God is the great miracle, the greatest display of the glory of God ever.
35. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
36. When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
1. (37-40) The request from the father of a demon-possessed boy.
37. Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, [from the Mount of Transfiguration],that a great multitude met Him. [Jesus]
[An Evil Spirit Is Cast Out]
38. Suddenly a man from the multitude [in the crowd] cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore [beg of] You, look on my son, for he is my only child.
39. And behold, a spirit [an evil spirit] seizes [possesses] him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him.
40. So I implored [begged] Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”
Link Jesus...Healed The Boy Luke 9:37-45
Matthew 17:14-18; Mark 9:14-27
Why Couldn't The Disciples Drive Out This Spirit? (9:40)
The disciples, frustrated and confused by their failure, asked the same question (Mt 17:19; Mk 9:28).
Jesus reminded them that faith and prayer are necessary to overcome the power of the enemy (Mt 17:20; Mk 9:29).
See Why didn't the disciples have enough faith? (Mt 17:20)
and Why didn't the evil spirit immediately obey Jesus' command? (Luke 8:28)
a. When they had come down from the mountain:
Immediately after the radiant glory of the transfiguration, Jesus and the disciples came down from the mountain and were met by demonic trouble and opposition.
i. “There the mountain; now the valley.
There glorified saints; here the lunatic.
There the King in His heavenly glory; here the representatives of baffled and beaten faith.” (Morgan)
b. Teacher, I implore You, look on my son:
The father felt (rightly so), that all Jesus had to do was look on his son and the compassion of the Savior would lead Him to help the afflicted boy.
c. A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him:
The description fits what we would call an epileptic seizure.
In this case, Jesus knew (and it was demonstrated) that a demonic force brought it on, not merely physiological causes.
d. I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not:
The disciples had previously had some success in casting out demons (Luke 9:1).
It may be that this was a stronger or more stubborn case of demonic possession.
i. There are ranks of demonic powers (Ephesians 6:12), and evidently, some demons are stronger (more stubborn, resistant) than others. In Matthew 17:21, Jesus said that their failure was due to a lack of prayer and fasting.
It isn’t that prayer and fasting make us worthier to cast out demons.
The idea is that prayer and fasting draw us closer to the heart of God and put us more in line with His power.
ii. Their failure was in fact good for them. Their failure taught them.
It taught them not to get into a rut of mechanical ministry.
It taught them the great superiority of Jesus.
It taught them to wish for the presence of Jesus.
It taught them to come to Jesus with the problem.
iii. “They were confounded at their want of success-but not at their want of faith, which was the cause of their miscarriage!” (Clarke)
37. Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. [Jesus]
[An Evil Spirit Is Cast Out]
38. Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child.
39. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him.
40. So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”
2. (41-42) Jesus casts out a demon that His disciples were unable to cast out.
41. Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse [wicked] generation, [people] how long shall I be with you and bear with you [put up with your lack of righteousness and faith]? Bring your son here.”
42. And as he [the man's son] was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him [threw him around some more]. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, [commanded the evil spirit to leave], healed the child, and gave him back to his father.
a. O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? There is a sense that Jesus was frustrated with His disciples. His season of ministry before the cross was coming to an end, and perhaps He felt frustration that the disciples did not have more faith.
b. As he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him: Even when the father brought the boy to Jesus, at first he did not seem to get better, but the problems showed themselves as bad as ever. This was the last, desperate effort of the possessing demon to hold on to the boy and cast the father, the disciples, and all into despair.
i. The demon threw him down: “As he was coming to Jesus, the demon dashed him down. It is the word used of a boxer dealing a knock-out blow to his opponent or of a wrestler throwing someone.” (Barclay)
ii. In a sermon titled The Devil’s Last Throw, Spurgeon considered how the devil often strikes hard against a person just as they begin to come to the Savior. “I have seen men, just when they were beginning to hear and beginning to think, taken on a sudden with such violence of sin, and so fearfully carried away by it, that if I had not seen the same thing before I should have despaired of them.”
iii. Spurgeon considered some of the lies that Satan uses to throw men down just as they are coming to Jesus:
“You’re not elect.”
“You’re too big of a sinner.”
“It’s too late.”
“There’s no use in trying – give it up.”
“This won’t work for you.”
c. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child: Not intimidated by this last display of demonic power, Jesus delivered the demon-possessed boy instantly. What was too hard for the disciples was not too hard for Jesus.
41. Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you Bring your son here.”
42. And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.
3. (43-45) Jesus reminds His disciples about His mission.
43. And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples,
[Jesus Prophecies His Arrest]
44. “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man [Jesus] is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” [arrested and turned over to wicked men].
45. But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; [understand] and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying. [were afraid to ask Him to explain what He meant].
a. And they were all amazed at the majesty of God:
Jesus had just revealed His glory in two spectacular ways – the transfiguration and the casting out of a difficult demon. Yet, He reminded His disciples that His mission had not changed; He still had come to die on the cross for our sins, and the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.
i. Let these words sink down into your ears: “To other words, you may lend occasional attention-but to what concerns my sufferings and death you must ever listen. Let them constantly occupy a place in your most serious meditations and reflections.” (Clarke)
b. But they did not understand this saying: Though they were frequent, the disciples forgot these reminders about Jesus’ suffering and resurrection until after His resurrection (Luke 24:6-8).
i. They did not understand: “So besotted they were with that carnal conceit of an earthly kingdom.” (Trapp)
43. And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples,
[Jesus Prophecies His Arrest]
44. “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man [Jesus] is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”
45. But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.
1. (46-48) True greatness shows itself in being like a child, and in being the least, not in the popular conceptions of greatness.
46. Then a dispute [a debate] arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.
47. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him,
48. And said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives [accepts] Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him [the Father] who sent Me. For he who is least [humbly considers himself to be the least] among you all will be great.”
a. As to which of them would be greatest: The disciples were often concerned about the question of greatness. They seem to ask this question thinking that Jesus has already chosen one of them as greatest, or as if they wanted Jesus to decide among them.
i. “Long ago the Venerable Bede suggested that this particular quarrel arose because Jesus had taken Peter, John, and James up into the mountain top with him and the others were jealous.” (Barclay)
ii. We can imagine the disciples arguing among themselves about which one was the greatest (as they did later again in Luke 22:24 and other places), and then saying, “Let’s let Jesus settle this.”
iii. They probably thought in terms of position and advancement in the glorious administration of Messiah the King. “He spoke of his abasement, they thought of their own advancement; and that ‘at the same time’.” (Spurgeon)
b. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him: Jesus might have answered the question, “who is the greatest?” by pointing to Himself. Instead, Jesus drew their attention to His nature by having them look at a little child as an example.
i. Jesus overheard their conversation, but more importantly understood the thought of their heart behind the conversation. He understood their motives and impulses.
ii. The little child was the model of greatness. By this act, Jesus said to the disciples: “If you want to be great, learn something from this little child.” Especially in that culture, children were of little importance, were not threatening, unconcerned for social status, and not jaded by success and ambition. When we most fulfill the humble place a child had in that culture, we are then on our way to greatness. No one should think that a little child shows us everything about greatness and the kingdom, but certainly some things, and important things at that.
iii. “The principle being established by Jesus was that in the kingdom of God there is a reversal of values involved. The last will be first; the least will be the greatest.” (Pate)
iv. Jesus pointed to a little child, and did not point to Peter. If Peter really was to be regarded as the first pope in the way Popes are regarded by Roman Catholic theology and history, Jesus should have declared that Peter was the greatest among them.
c. Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me: Jesus said that the child was a representation or reflection of Himself, and that Jesus is a reflection of His Father in heaven. Using the child as an example, Jesus indirectly pointed to Himself as the greatest in the kingdom.
i. We know that one Man was actually the greatest among them and among all: Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus Himself was humble like a little child. He wasn’t concerned about his own status. He didn’t have to be the center of attention. He could not deceive, and He didn’t have an intimidating presence.
ii. Since the nature of Jesus is like one of these little children, how we treat those who are humble like children (whoever receives this child in My name receives Me) shows what we think of the nature of Jesus.
iii. “There is a tradition that the child grew to be Ignatius of Antioch, who in later days became a great servant of the Church, a great writer, and finally a martyr for Christ.” (Barclay) Clarke indicates that this tradition comes from the Christian writer Nicephorus, who wrote that Ignatius was killed by Trajan in AD 107. Yet Clarke also writes of Nicephorus, that he “is not much to be depended on, being both weak and credulous.”
iv. We can contrast what the devil does with children (Luke 9:39) and what Jesus does with children.
d. For he who is least among you all will be great: Jesus then challenged His followers to be the least. The desire to be praised and to gain recognition should be foreign to a follower of Jesus. Jesus wants His followers to embrace least as a choice, allowing others to be preferred, and not because we are forced to be least.
i. It is easy to actually despise humble people. They are the losers; the kind who will never make it in our competitive and aggressive and get-ahead world. Yet when we despise humble people, we actually despise Jesus.
ii. This aspect of humility and giving preference to others in the Christian faith has been often derided and despised. Nietzsche and others glorified the will to power and looked down on Jesus and His followers as weak and worthy of disregard. Yet Nietzsche is gone and largely discredited; Jesus and His followers live and transform lives and cultures through the power exemplified (in some ways) by a child.
46. Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.
47. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him,
48. And said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him [the Father] who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
2. (49-50) True greatness isn’t cliquish.
49. Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone [a person] casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him [told him not to], because he does not follow with us.” [he is not one of us].
50. But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, [don't tell him not to]: for he who is not against us is on our side.”
a. Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us:
This must have been frustrating to the disciples, because it showed that other followers of Jesus were able to cast out demons when they sometimes were not able (Luke 9:40).
No wonder John wanted them to stop!
b. Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side:
Jesus taught them to have a more generous spirit.
There are many that are wrong in some aspect of their presentation or teaching, yet they still set forth Jesus in some manner.
Let God deal with them.
Those who are not against a Biblical Jesus are still on our side, at least in some way.
i. Paul saw many men preaching Christ from many motives, some of them evil motives – yet he could rejoice that Christ was being preached (Philippians 1:15-18).
49. Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.”
50. But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”
3. (51-53) True greatness is marked by steadfast determination.
51. Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, [perform the Atonement, be crucified, resurrected and taken up into heaven], that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,
52. And sent messengers before His face [ahead of Him]: And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him [to prepare things for Him to rest, eat, etc.].
53. But they [the Samaritans in the village] did not receive Him, [were rude to Jesus and would not allow Him and his followers to buy provisions], because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. [because they knew He was a Jew and was heading toward Jerusalem].
a. When the time had come for Him to be received up:
This is the beginning of a new section of the Gospel of Luke. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to be received up.
He would be received up to the higher-elevation city of Jerusalem.
He would be received up on a cross.
He would be received up to heaven in a glorious Ascension.
b. He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem:
Jesus undertook this final journey towards Jerusalem with steadfastness fitting the difficulty of the task ahead of Him.
i. Isaiah 50:7 speaks prophetically of the Messiah, the Great Servant:
For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.
This is Jesus, who steadfastly set His face – like a flint, as Isaiah wrote – going to Jerusalem to suffer and die.
ii. Jesus hardened His face; not in the sense of becoming a hard or angry man, but in the sense of having focus, and having focus through a difficult time.
iii. There are two kinds of courage –
the courage of moment, which requires no previous thought, and a planned courage, which sees the difficulty ahead and steadfastly marches towards it.
Jesus had this kind of courage; He saw the cross on the horizon, but still steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.
iv. Spurgeon had a wonderful sermon on Isaiah 50:7 text titled, The Redeemer’s Face Set like a Flint. In it, he considered how severely the steadfast resolve of Jesus was tested.
By offers from the world.
By the persuasions of His friends.
By the unworthiness of His clients
By the ease at which He could have backed out if He had wished to.
By the taunts of those who mocked Him.
By the full stress and agony of the cross.
v. Sent messengers before His face: “Angels, literally; but this proves that the word angel signifies a messenger of any kind, whether Divine or human. The messengers in this case were probably James and John.” (Clarke)
c. They entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him.
But they did not receive Him: Because Jesus was going to Jerusalem these particular Samaritans did not welcome Jesus.
They didn’t have good relations with the Jews, and were prejudiced against them.
We may also see this as the opposition (knowing or not) that comes the way of all who set their face steadfastly to do God’s will.
i. “The origin of the Samaritan people seem to have been the intermarrying of Jews from the Northern Kingdom with imported non-Jewish colonists after the conquest of 722 B.C. (2 Kings 17:24).
These mixed Jews-Gentiles:
developed their own translation of the Pentateuch (Samaritan Pentateuch),
built their own temple of worship on Mt. Gerizim (see John 4:20), which was later destroyed by John Hyrcanus (128 B.C.),
and celebrated their own Passover.” (Pate)
ii. “For Jesus to take that way to Jerusalem was unusual; and to attempt to find hospitality in a Samaritan village was still more unusual.” (Barclay)
51. Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,
52. And sent messengers before His face, And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him
53. But they did not receive Him, [were rude to Jesus and would not allow Him and his followers to buy provisions], because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.
4. (54-56) True greatness is marked by mercy, not judgment
54. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, [these Samaritans], just as Elijah did?” [is it OK with You if we command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them like Elijah did to the fifty soldiers and their captain who were rude to him; see 2 Kings 1:10]?
55. But He turned and rebuked [scolded] them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of [you don't realize how awful your attitude is].
56. For the Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.
a. Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?
James and John, outraged by the poor reception Jesus received among the Samaritans, offered to destroy the city in spectacular judgment for Jesus’ sake.
i. It’s interesting and perhaps amusing that James and John were so confident that they could do this, especially after their recent failure with the demon-possessed boy.
Their angry reaction shows why Jesus sometimes called them Boanerges, meaning Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17).
ii. “It were to be wished that we would first consult with Christ in his word, ere we stir hand or foot to revenge.” (Trapp)
b. He turned and rebuked them:
Their offence – even on behalf of Jesus – was not appreciated.
The determination of Jesus mentioned in the previous verses did not mean that He was tough or angry.
i. They saw the flint-face of Jesus and thought it meant mean or tough.
They didn’t understand that it meant focus and being more focused on love than ever before.
That flint-like face will end up on the cross in the ultimate demonstration of love, not the ultimate demonstration of anger.
ii. “I resolved to use every possible method of preventing…a narrowness of spirit, a party zeal…that miserable bigotry which makes many so unready to believe that there is any work of God but among ourselves.” (Wesley, cited in Barclay)
c. You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.
For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them:
Jesus explained their failing at this point came in two ways.
i. They didn’t know themselves.
Perhaps they thought they were being like Jesus, or showing the character of God.
They were mistaken, and did not represent God and His heart.
He loved the Samaritans and wanted them to repent and be saved.
ii. They didn’t know Jesus and His mission.
He came to save the lost, not to burn them up with fire from heaven.
iii. Following Jesus means being merciful to others, instead of harsh with them.
Especially, we should remember that God says Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord (Romans 12:19).
“The disciples of that Christ who died for his enemies should never think of avenging themselves on their persecutors.” (Clarke)
54. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”
55. But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.
56. For the Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.
5. (57-58) True greatness is shown in sacrifice.
Next, Luke will use examples for his account that emphasize that one must commit one hundred percent in order to successfully follow Christ.
57. Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
58. And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man [Jesus] has nowhere to lay His head.”
a. Lord, I will follow You wherever You go:
With the miracles associated with the ministry of Jesus, following Him might have seemed more glamorous than it really was.
Jesus perhaps received many spontaneous offers like this.
b. Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head:
c. [QUEST] What did Jesus mean about having no place to lay His head?
It meant he had no permanent home.
Jesus lived as a traveling teacher wholly committed to preaching the kingdom of God.
Though God does not necessarily call everyone to live that same way, He [God] does expect believers to commit every possession and relationship to him, serve him, and live a life of dependence on him.
57. Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
58. And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man [Jesus] has nowhere to lay His head.”
6. (59-60) True greatness means that we give Jesus the top priority in our lives.
59. Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
60. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
a. He said to another, “Follow Me”:
The man described in Luke 9:57-58 offered to follow Jesus. In contrast, Jesus asked this man to follow Him.
b. Lord, let me first go and bury my father:
Actually, this man did not ask for permission to dig a grave for his deceased father.
He wanted to remain in his father’s house and care for him until the father died. This was obviously an indefinite period, which could drag on and on.
i. “He was not torn between the right and wrong.
He was torn between the right and right. He hesitated between two rival claims, both of them stamped with the seal of the divine.” (Morrison)
ii. The man wanted to follow Jesus, but not just yet.
He knew it was good and that he should do it, but he felt there was a good reason why he could not do it now.
The previous man was too quick to follow Jesus; this man was too slow.
c. Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God:
Jesus pressed the man to follow Him now, and clearly stated the principle that family obligations – or any other obligation – must not be put ahead of following Jesus.
Jesus must come first.
i. Jesus was not afraid to discourage potential disciples.
Unlike many modern evangelists, He was interested more in quality than in quantity.
In addition, Jesus was merely being honest.
This is what it meant to follow Him, and He wanted people to know it at the beginning.
59. Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
60. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
7. (61-62) True greatness means that we follow Jesus wholeheartedly, without delay.
61. And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
62. But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” [Ultimately, we have to be committed to follow the Savior at all costs. If we achieve this level of commitment, all other things of eternal value, including family, will be ours forever.]
a. Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house: The previous man offered to follow Jesus after an indefinite, perhaps long delay. This man offered to follow Jesus after a relatively short delay.
i. “O young man, when you are thinking of leaving the world, be afraid of these farewells! They have been the ruin of hundreds of hopeful people. They have been almost persuaded; but they have gone to their old companions just to give them the last kiss, and the last shake of the hand, and we have not seen anything more of them.” (Spurgeon)
b. No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God: Jesus stressed to this man the commitment necessary to follow Him. One must have a similar determination as a farmer plowing a field, who must do it with all his strength and always looking forward.
i. In plowing a field in that day, a farmer kept the rows straight by focusing on an object in front and in the distance (such as a tree). If the farmer started to plow and kept looking behind, he would never make straight rows and do a good job plowing. In following Jesus, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus, and never take our eyes off Him. “No ploughman ever ploughed a straight furrow looking back over his shoulder.” (Barclay)
ii. Plowmen also do something else of great importance: they hold on. A plowman who lets go is no plowman at all. “Ploughmen are not usually learned persons, nor are they often poets in disguise. But there is one virtue they possess pre-eminently, and that is the virtue of quietly holding to it.” (Morrison)
ii. More than anyone else, Jesus lived this; He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).
61. And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
62. But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”