Luke 9
Summary. In this chapter, the Lord Jesus continues His ministry by teaching the good news, healing, casting out demons, feeding multitudes of people, and teaching and preparing His disciples for the things to come. Also, two important events happen in this chapter, namely Peter is the first disciple to confess Jesus as the Christ and Jesus' transfiguration takes place on a mountain where the Voice of the Father speaking from the cloud testifies"This is My Son, My chosen One: hear you Him". Luke 9:1-9. Jesus gives power and authority to His apostles and sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal. News isspreadingeverywhere about Jesus' ministry. Luke 9:10-17. Jesus feeds five thousand men plus many women and children in a desolate place. Luke 9:18-20. Peter is the first disciple to confess Jesus as "The Christ of God". The true light about Christ has been revealed by the Holy Spirit, starting with one disciple and that light will be shared with others. Luke 9:21-27. Jesus foretells His death and resurrection on the third day. Then He teaches the disciples to take up their cross and follow after Him. Luke 9:28-36. Jesus goes on a mountain with Peter, John and James to pray. There He was transfigured, and Moses and Elijah appeared to Him. Then the Voice from the Father came out of a cloud saying, "This is My Son, My chosen One: hear you Him". Luke 9:37-43. Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit which the disciples could not heal and teaches the disciples about the healing. Luke 9:43-62. Jesus foretells again about His death, and He teaches: a) who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven; b) anyone that is not against us is for us; c) that He came to bring salvation to all not only to the Jews; d) when you want to follow the Lord, if you truly want to dedicate your life to serving the Lord, you must leave everything behind.
[1]
Then having called the twelve together, He gave them power and authority over all demons, and to heal diseases,
Comments Luke 9:1
See Comments Matthew 10:1.
[2]
and sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God , and to heal the sick.
Comments Luke 9:2
See Comments Matthew 10:5-8, specifically Comments Matthew 10:5.
[3]
And He said to them, Take nothing for the way, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, nor have two shirts.
Comments Luke 9:3
The event described here in Luke 9:1-6 is the same event as the one described in Matthew 10:5-14 but different from the event described in Mark 6:7-13. For verses 3 to 6, see Comments Matthew 10:9-14 and Comments Mark 6:7-13. This command was given to the disciples to develop trust in the Lord. Also, by this command, the Lord wants the disciple to realize whom they are working for, they are working for themselves living in this world, or they are working for the Lord serving Him for the world to come. And also, to take their minds away from worrying about the earth's living troubles.
[4]
And into whatever house you enter, there remain, and from there go forth.
[5]
And as many as might receive you not, going forth from that city, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.
[6]
And going forth, they passed through the villages, proclaiming the gospel, and healing in all places.
Comments Luke 9:3-6
More details about this event are given in the Gospel of Matthew 10:9-14, see Comments Matthew 10:9-14.
[7]
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done, and was troubled, because it was said by some, that John has been raised out of the dead;
Comments Luke 9:7
For verses 7 to 9, see Comments Matthew 14:1-12 and Comments Mark 6:14-29.
"Been raised". Meaning that someone raised him out of the dead.
"Been raised". Meaning that someone raised him out of the dead.
[8]
and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the ancient prophets was risen.
[9]
Then Herod said, John I beheaded; but who is this, concerning whom I hear such things? And he was seeking to see Him .
[10]
And the apostles, having returned, they declared to Him how much they had done. And having taken them, He withdrew by Himself into a city called Bethsaida.
Comments Luke 9:10
For verses 10 to 17, see Comments Matthew 14:13-21, Comments Mark 6:30-44, and Comments John 6:1-13.
[11]
Now the multitudes having learned followed Him ; and having received them, He spoke to them concerning the kingdom of God , and those having need of healing H e cured.
[12]
And the day began to decline; and the twelve came, and said to Him , Dismiss the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, and lodge, and get provisions; for we are here in a desolate place.
[13]
But He said to them, Give you them to eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy food for all this people.
[14]
For they were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.
[15]
And they did so and made all recline.
[16]
Then having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, H e blessed them, and broke; and kept giving to the disciples to set before the multitude.
[17]
And they ate and were all satisfied; and was taken up that which remained of broken pieces, twelve hand-baskets.
Comments Luke 9:10-17
As we showed in Comments Mark 6:30-44, this passage of Scripture describes the same feeding event as given in Matthew 14:13-21 and Mark 6:30-44, but not the same feeding event as given in John 6:1-13. Please consult the PDF file 6. pdf from the Gospel of Mark section on our website where we present a map of Jesus' travels around the time of these two feeding events.
[18]
And it came to pass, as He was praying in private, the disciples were with Him , and He questioned them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?
[19]
And they answering said, John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the ancient prophets has risen.
[20]
And He said to them, But who do you say that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God .
[21]
But He strictly warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one,
[22]
saying, It is necessary for the Son of M an to suffer many things and to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and to be killed, and on the third day to be raised.
[23]
Then He said to all, If anyone desires to come after M e , let him deny himself, and let him take up his cross every day, and let him follow M e .
[24]
For whoever desires to save his life, will lose it; but whoever will lose his life on account of Me , the same will save it.
[25]
For what is a man profited, if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself?
[26]
For whoever will be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him the Son of M an will be ashamed, when H e comes in His own glory, and of the Father , and of the holy angels.
Comments Luke 9:26
See Comments Matthew 10:32-36.
[27]
Now I say to you, truly, There are certain of those standing here, who will in no way taste of death, until they may see the kingdom of God .
[28]
Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, and having taken Peter and John and James, He went up into the mountain to pray.
Comments Luke 9:28
For verses 28 to 36, see Comments Matthew 17:1-8 and Comments Mark 9:2-8. The Comparison Analysis in Comments Mark 9:2-8 presents a detailed text analysis of all these three passages of Scripture.
[29]
And it came to pass in His praying, the appearance of His face became altered, and His garment became white and dazzling.
[30]
And behold, there talked with Him two men, who were Moses and Elijah.
[31]
Those having appeared in glory, spoke of His departure which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
[32]
Now Peter and those with Him were heavy with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory, and the two men standing with Him .
[33]
And it came to pass, as they were parting from Him , Peter said to Jesus , Master , it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for Thee , and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he is saying.
[34]
Then as he is saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they feared in their entering into the cloud.
[36]
And as the V oice came, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told to no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
[37]
And it came to pass on the next day, on their coming down from the mountain, a great multitude met Him .
Comments Luke 9:37
For verses 37 to 42, see Comments Matthew 17:14-19 and Comments Mark 9:14-29. For this portion of Scripture see "Passage Analysis" in Comments Mark 9:14-29.
[38]
And behold, a man from the multitude cried out, saying, Teacher , I beg Thee to look upon my son, for he is my only child.
[39]
And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him with foaming, shattering him, and hardly departs from him.
[40]
And I begged Thy disciples that they might cast it out; and they were not able.
[41]
And Jesus answered and said, O unbelieving and corrupted generation, until when will I be with you, and bear with you? Bring here your son.
[42]
Then while he was coming near to Him , the demon threw him down, and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the demonic spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
[43]
Then were all amazed at the majesty of God . But of all marveling at all which He did, He said to His disciples,
Comments Luke 9:43
"Then were all amazed at the majesty of God". People have seen the glory of God through the work of the beloved Son of God. All these people have seen God on earth with them.
[44]
Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of M an is about to be delivered up into the hands of men.
[45]
But they understood not this saying, and it was hidden from them, that they should not understand it. And they were afraid to ask Him concerning this saying.
Comments Luke 9:43-45
For verses 43 to 45, see Comments Matthew 17:22-23 and Comments Mark 9:30-32. The Lord often reminds the disciples concerning His death and resurrection because He knows that their faith will be tested after His departure.
[46]
Then came up a debate among them, which of them may be the greatest.
[48]
and said to them, Whoever may receive this little child in My name, receives Me ; and whoever may receive Me , receives Him that sent Me . For he that is least among you all, this shall be great.
Comments Luke 9:46-48
For verses 46 to 48, see Comments Matthew 18:1-5 and Comments Mark 9:33-37. See Comparison Analysis in Comments Mark 9:33-37.
[49]
And John answered and said, Master , we saw someone casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us.
[50]
Then Jesus said to him, Forbid not, for whoever is not against us, is for us.
Comments Luke 9:49-50
For verses 49 to 50, see Comments Mark 9:38-40.
[51]
Then it came to pass, when the days drew near that He should be lifted up, H e steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,
[52]
and He sent messengers before His face. And having made their way, they entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him .
Comments Luke 9:52
"He sent messengers before His face". The messengers that have been sent were angels who took the form of humans. If these angels did not take the form of humans, people would not be able to communicate with them.
Comments Luke 9:53
By tradition, Jews do not associate with the Samaritans, because the Jews consider them as outsiders. The direction of travel the Lord had taken made the Samaritans understand only that He was not coming for them, so they felt that the Lord rejected them as well and that is why they acted this way.
[54]
And having seen the disciples James and John, said, Lord , wish Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?
[55]
Then having turned He rebuked them.
Comments Luke 9:55
As the Lord rebuked the disciples, we ourselves must also rebuke in the name of the beloved Son of God any anger coming upon us. When someone wishes bad or does bad to you, pray for them and ask the mercy of God to cover them, so that their hearts will be open and see the light of mercy.
Note: This verse, as given here, is part of the original Gospel, no other later additions (See Greek NT: Westcott and Hort 1881).
Note: This verse, as given here, is part of the original Gospel, no other later additions (See Greek NT: Westcott and Hort 1881).
[56]
And they went to another village.
Comments Luke 9:51-56
The time of departure for the beloved Son of God has come closer, but until that time arrives, the beloved Son of God will go on to fulfil His work. The Samaritans, even though they are not His people, but they all have come from Him, and the Lord Himself has plans for them as well. The disciples did not understand the extended love of the Lord towards all humans, not just only to His people alone, because all people belong to Him, and the disciples needed to learn about this.
Note: This verse, as given here, is part of the original Gospel, no other later additions (See Greek NT: Westcott and Hort 1881).
Note: This verse, as given here, is part of the original Gospel, no other later additions (See Greek NT: Westcott and Hort 1881).
[57]
And as they were making their way, someone said to Him , I will follow Thee wherever Thou might go.
Comments Luke 9:57
For verses 57 to 60, see Comments Matthew 8:18-22. These portions of Scripture in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke have the same meaning. When you want to follow the Lord, if you truly want to dedicate your life to serving the Lord, you must leave everything behind. The past of your life put it behind. This you can compare as you have cut off the past from that point, and you become a new person in the Lord.
Note: The "in the road" portion of this verse that is present in some translations is not part of the original text.
Note: The "in the road" portion of this verse that is present in some translations is not part of the original text.
[58]
And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of M an has nowhere to lay His head.
[59]
Then He said to another, Follow M e . But he said, Lord , allow me first to go off to bury my father.
[60]
Then He answered him, Leave the mortal to bury their own dead; but you, going forth, declare the kingdom of God .
[61]
Then another also said, I will follow Thee , Lord ; but first allow me to say farewell to those at my house.
[62]
Then Jesus said to him, No one, having laid the hand upon a plow, and looking behind, is fit for the kingdom of God .
Comments Luke 9:61-62
"allow me to say farewell to those ...". Think of yourself when you first commit your heart to the Lord, but you also feel that you are not ready yet to leave all things behind. You tend to use the responsibility towards the life left behind to be the reason for telling yourself that you are not ready, and the time is not now to respond to the Lord's call for work.
"No one, having laid the hand upon a plow ...". Think in an easy way. When you have free time, your hand can reach to open the Bible, but you tell yourself that you will be able to do only a few pages, so better leave it now and go do something else so you will have more free time all at once to read a big portion. But if you find the reason to stop reading, for the things on this earth that you value, then your heart is not there yet to follow the Lord, and you do not see yourself fit to be the Lord's servant. But those are prices in shadow, not true value; the true value is the Word of God. As the verse said, "laid the hand upon a plow, and looking behind"; you have work to do for the Lord, but you turn to look back, you take your heart off from the work of the Lord, because of the things left behind, because the things in behind have more value for you.
"No one, having laid the hand upon a plow ...". Think in an easy way. When you have free time, your hand can reach to open the Bible, but you tell yourself that you will be able to do only a few pages, so better leave it now and go do something else so you will have more free time all at once to read a big portion. But if you find the reason to stop reading, for the things on this earth that you value, then your heart is not there yet to follow the Lord, and you do not see yourself fit to be the Lord's servant. But those are prices in shadow, not true value; the true value is the Word of God. As the verse said, "laid the hand upon a plow, and looking behind"; you have work to do for the Lord, but you turn to look back, you take your heart off from the work of the Lord, because of the things left behind, because the things in behind have more value for you.
Life and Faith Applications. 1) As a servant of the Lord Jesus, put your trust for all your daily provisions in the Lord. 2) Do not be ashamed of the Lord Jesus and His teachings and to tell people that you are a follower of the Son of God and that you believe in the Trinity of God (Father, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit). 3) If someone is against you, do not curse them or wish harm to them, but pray for mercy from God to cover them. 4) If the Lord calls you in your heart to do any work for Him, even just reading the Bible, do not look behind, just follow the Lord's call.