Luke 9
Sending Out The Twelve, The Death of John, Feeding Five Thousand, The Transfiguration, Healing A Demon-Possessed Boy, and Lessons on Engaging Opposition and Apathy
In this section, Jesus continued to demonstrate His identity to His followers, but He also began to explain His mission. His first ministry would be one of humility and suffering, and He called His followers to follow His example.
Most of the accounts in this section were also recorded by Matthew or Mark. But, starting at verse 51 of chapter 9, Luke focused primarily on Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. He emphasized lessons over location and included large sections of teaching that are unique to His record.
We have already noticed that Luke had more interest in lessons than in details of geography and chronology. The skeletal references to Jesus’ movements show a general shift from Galilee toward Jerusalem. However, His journey was not direct (Luke 10:38; Luke 17:11). Jesus visited Jerusalem more than once, but this section records Jesus leaving Galilee and arriving in Jerusalem for the last time before His passion. Luke presented what were really three trips to Jerusalem as one. [Note: Edersheim, 2:128.] John told us more about those three trips. - Thomas Constable
Jesus Sending out The Twelve (Matthew 10:5-42; Mark 6:7-13)
He Gave Them Power and Authority
Vs. 1-2 - Summoning the Twelve, he gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Jesus sent out the twelve apostles to preach the good news that the kingdom of the Messiah had come. The miraculous powers of the Messiah were given to them also, so that the knowledge of his love and mercy might spread more quickly throughout the land. - Don Fleming
The whole mission prefigured the later mission of these and other disciples to the ends of the earth that Acts records. - Thomas Constable
We are not told the length of time the disciples were away, but the details in Matthew’s account (Chapter 10) seem to indicate two things: (1) This was a brief evangelistic endeavor. (2) It was preparatory for the apostles’ greater commission after Jesus’ resurrection.
Much of Luke’s Gospel from here through chapter 19 concerns preparation of the disciples for ministry in light of his departure. - Darrell L Bock
Take Nothing
Vs. 3 - “Take nothing for the road,” he told them, “no staff, no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don’t take an extra shirt.
He was once again speaking words which were very familiar to a Jew. The Talmud tells us that: ‘No one is to go to the Temple Mount with staff, shoes, girdle of money, or dusty feet.’ The idea was that when a man entered the temple, he must make it quite clear that he had left everything which had to do with trade and business and worldly affairs behind. - William Barclay
Shake Off The Dust
Vs. 5 - If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.
Jewish travelers often shook the dust off their feet when they returned from a journey in Gentile territory to reject symbolically the Gentiles’ uncleanness. [Note: Marshall, The Gospel . . ., p. 354.] When the Twelve did this, it represented rejection of the unbelievers who had not received their message and them (cf. Acts 13:51; Acts 18:6). It symbolically stated that Israelites who rejected the disciples’ preaching were no better than unbelieving Gentiles. Evidently Jesus meant this as a sign of individual, but primarily citywide, rejection (Matthew 10:14-15). - Thomas Constable
Matthew 10:14-15 - If anyone does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
Luke also recorded that Paul and Barnabas practiced this imagery at Antioch of Pisidia.
Acts 13:50-51 - They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium.
Death of The Prophet John (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)
Herod Perplexed
Vs. 7-8 - He was perplexed, because some said that John had been raised from the dead, some that Elijah had appeared, and others that one of the ancient prophets had risen.
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). The popular rumors and speculations about Jesus left Herod perplexed – especially because of his guilty conscience over the murder of John the Baptist. - David Guzik
Commentators note that a central theme in this section is the identity of Jesus. The whole region, even its political leaders, were talking about this wandering teacher and miracle-worker. But Jesus was selective in revealing His Messianic identity and mission.
John Executed
Vs. 9 - “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this I hear such things about?” And he wanted to see him.
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. - David Guzik
Herod had imprisoned John because John had accused him of adultery in marrying Herodias, wife of Herod’s brother, Philip (Mark 6:17-18; Matthew 4:12; Matthew 11:2). Herod both respected and feared John, as he knew that John was a godly man and that his accusations were true. But no amount of discussion with John could persuade Herod to conquer his passions and give up Herodias (Mark 6:19-20).
John’s place of imprisonment was apparently the dungeon of Herod’s palace. Although this gave Herod the opportunity to speak to him often, it also made it easier for Herodias when an opportunity arose for her to get rid of him. She hated John for his interference, and was quick to act when she saw the chance to have him executed (Mark 6:21-29). - Don Fleming
Feeding of Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-14)
Apostles Returned And Crowds Gathered
Vs. 10-11 - When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. He took them along and withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
When the apostles returned from their first tour around the country areas, they met Jesus in Galilee and tried to have a quiet time alone with him (Mark 6:30-32; John 6:1). Jesus also was in need of a rest, but he was filled with pity when he saw the crowds of people flocking to him in their need. They appeared to him as a flock of spiritually starved sheep that had no food because there was no shepherd to feed them. - Don Fleming
Mark 6:34 - When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
Give Them Food
Vs. 12-13 - Late in the day, the Twelve approached and said to him, “Send the crowd away, so that they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find food and lodging, because we are in a deserted place here.”
“You give them something to eat,” he told them.
This directive must have seemed ludicrous to Jesus’ disciples. They obviously did not possess sufficient provisions for thousands. But there was a great lesson to be learned in the loaves that day.
It did not seem much. But Jesus took it and worked wonders with it. In the hands of Jesus little is always much. - William Barclay
Everyone Filled
Vs. 17 - Everyone ate and was filled. They picked up twelve baskets of leftover pieces.
Other than his resurrection from the dead, the feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle of Jesus that appears in all four Gospels. - A. Boyd Luter
To many of the people, the miracle was a sign that Jesus was the promised great prophet. Like Moses, he had miraculously fed God’s people in the wilderness (John 6:14). - Don Fleming
John 6:14 - When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This truly is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Peter’s Confession And Jesus’ Revelation (Matthew 16:13-23; Mark 8:27-33)
John or Elijah
Vs. 18-19 - While he was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back.”
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. 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. - David Guzik
God’s Messiah
Vs. 20 - “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
Jesus and the apostles travelled up to Caesarea Philippi, in the far north of Palestine. While there, Jesus asked the apostles who they believed him to be. Peter, probably speaking for the group, replied that he was the promised Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-16).
Delighted at this insight, Jesus told the group (through words addressed to their spokesman Peter) that they would be the foundation on which he would build his church, and no power would be able to conquer it (Matthew 16:17-18; cf. Ephesians 2:20). By preaching the gospel they would open the kingdom to all who wished to enter. They would carry Jesus’ authority with them, so that the things they did on earth in his name would be confirmed in heaven (Matthew 16:19; cf. Acts 2:32; Acts 3:6,Acts 3:16,Acts 3:19). But that was still in the future. For the present they were to support him in his ministry, but they were not to proclaim his messiahship openly till the appointed time had come (Matthew 16:20). - Don Fleming
Constable notes that the “Jews of Peter’s day believed that the Messiah would be a descendant of David who would overthrow the Romans and establish the kingdom of God on earth. They did not view Him as deity.” Peter’s confession, however, revealed that He had become convinced that his Rabbi was the Son of God.
It Is Necessary
Vs. 21-22 - But he strictly warned and instructed them to tell this to no one
Evidently Jesus urged the disciples not to publicize His true identity because this would have resulted in unnecessary pressure from the Jewish multitudes. He would publicly proclaim His messiahship at the proper time, namely, in the Triumphal Entry. - Thomas Constable
Vs. 22 - saying, “It is necessary that the Son of Man suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.”
This is the first time that Luke has directly recorded the coming suffering of Jesus. Jesus wants his disciples to know that his kingship and messiahship are not going to go like they think. Jesus is not going to overthrow Rome the way they think he will. Jesus is not going to rule from Zion like they think he will. Jesus wants to make this point very clear. He is going to suffer, be rejected by the leaders, be killed, and then be raised on the third day. - Brent Kercheville
Matthew noted that Peter, speaking for the twelve, recoiled at Jesus' description of suffering. He, understandably, had no framework for how the Son of God would succumb to human authority.
Matthew 16:22-23 - Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned and told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”
Take up Your Cross
Vs. 23-24 - Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.
After Jesus described His own ministry of humility, He began to teach the twelve that all of His disciples would need to follow His example of self-denial and servitude. To illustrate His point, Jesus likened the life of Christian discipleship to “taking up a cross.” His audience would have understood this graphic reference to Roman crucifixion and that Jesus likened the life of Christian discipleship to marching towards one’s own death.
It is particularly the consequences associated with choosing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly that are in view. Jesus’ disciples must keep following Him daily and bear the consequences of their choice that will involve loss and shame for them. The implication is that we need to do this with the real possibility of laying down our lives clearly in view. - Thomas Constable
See The Kingdom
Vs. 27 - Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.
This is a difficult statement, and commentators vary in their interpretations. Many believe Jesus was speaking of His transfiguration that would occur within a week’s time. Others propose that Jesus was speaking of His spiritual kingdom coming in power when His followers would receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Jesus is going to suffer, be rejected, killed, and be raised three days later. Despite this rejection, the kingdom of God is coming in their lifetime. There were people standing there who would not die until they saw the kingdom of God arrive with power. The kingdom of God is coming in spite of his rejection. Do not think that the plan has been foiled when Jesus is rejected and killed. This IS the plan! This is the way that Jesus will establish his kingdom and bringing salvation to the world. - Brent Kercheville
The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13)
His Appearance Changed
Vs. 29 - As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Jesus’ transfiguration took place on a high mountain, possibly Mount Hermon, which was not far from Caesarea Philippi. The event was a revelation of Christ’s glory and was witnessed by only three chosen apostles. In coming into the world as a human being, Jesus had laid his divine glory aside, but now it reappeared briefly through a human body. It gave an indication of the glory he would receive after he had finished the work he came to do (Matthew 17:1-2; Luke 9:28-29). - Don Fleming
Moses And Elijah
Vs. 30-31 - Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
We are not told why these two men appeared with Jesus at this time. Some theologians have suggested that it was because neither of them actually died. Others say they may represent both the law and the prophets. We are also not sure whether the disciples recognized these men or their identities were revealed in the conversation with Jesus.
Luke did, however, record what he understood to be the content of the conversation - Jesus’ “departure.” Perhaps we cannot grasp the full purpose of this revelation, but this unique mountaintop event surely served the dual purpose of encouraging Jesus and emboldening the Three.
Three Shelters
Vs. 33 - Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he was saying.
Peter suggested that they build three booths probably because of the prophecy in Zechariah 14:16 that the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) would be celebrated when Christ reigns on the earth. Apparently Peter thought that with Moses, Elijah, the three disciples, and Christ all present, this must be the beginning of the earthly kingdom. - Bailey
Voice from A Cloud
Vs. 34-35 - While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One; listen to him!”
The heavenly voice which declares that Jesus is God’s Son recalls the scene of Jesus praying after his baptism in Luke 3:22. In that scene, Jesus was preparing for his ministry. In the transfiguration scene, he is preparing for the crisis in Jerusalem. To prepare him, Jesus is given an anticipatory experience of the goal of his life and death, the heavenly glory which he will enter when exalted to the right hand of God. - Tannehill
God’s pronouncement of blessing over His obedient Son recalled several old testament passages:
Psalm 2:7 - I will declare the Lord’s decree. He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
Isaiah 42:1 - “This is my servant; I strengthen him, this is my chosen one; I delight in him. I have put my Spirit on him;
Peter (or the author who used his name) alluded to this transformative event when describing his eyewitness account of Jesus Messianic ministry.
2 Peter 1:17-18 - For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased!” We ourselves heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Jesus Heals A Demon-Possessed Boy (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29)
A Spirit Seizes Him
Vs. 38-39 - Just then a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, because he’s my only child. A spirit seizes him; suddenly he shrieks, and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; severely bruising him, it scarcely ever leaves him.”
We are not given the name of the man or his son. But their story of faith and subsequent healing has been heard around the world. They exemplified the “everyday,” average people Jesus would teach His disciples to serve.
Matthew included the detail that this young man suffered from epilepsy. It’s interesting that Luke included medical details but only attributed the condition to demonic influence.
How Long Will I Be with You?
Vs. 41 - Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
In the Matthew account, Jesus makes an explicit (claim) that the disciples lacked faith (Matthew 17:20). In Mark’s account, Jesus ties this lack of faith to a lack of prayer (Mark 9:29). When we put the pieces together we get a picture of the apostles attempting to cast out the demons themselves, rather than relying and trusting in the power of God. - Brent Kercheville
After the heavenly experiences on the mountain, Jesus felt the frustration of work in a world that was full of human failure (Mark 9:19). Nevertheless, he did not despise the uncertain faith that the boy’s father expressed, and he quickly healed the boy. - Don Fleming
The Greatest in The Kingdom (Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:30-50)
Let These Words Sink In
Vs. 44-45 - “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Only Luke recorded two passion predictions during these events. Again, the idea of Jesus as a suffering servant was so far from their concept of the promised Messiah and Deliverer. And the full nature of God’s redemptive plan was hidden from clear view at this time.
Who Is The Greatest?
Vs. 46 - An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them.
In contrast to the humble attitude of Jesus demonstrated in His willingness to submit to betrayal and death in God’s will, the disciples manifested pride. They had their own ideas about the coming kingdom, and they wanted to secure their own futures in it. - Thomas Constable
A Little Child
Vs. 47-48 - But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand next to him. He told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great.”
Jesus used little children on different occasions as object lessons to teach different lessons. On the present occasion Jesus used a child to illustrate two lessons. By standing the child beside Him Jesus gave the child honor. Mark wrote that Jesus took the child in His arms (Mark 9:36).
The first lesson Jesus used this child to illustrate was that His disciples should be as humble as little children (Matthew 18:4; Matthew 18:6). Luke did not mention that lesson. The second lesson was that acceptable service involves caring about people, even insignificant people such as children (Matthew 18:5; Mark 9:37).
Jesus meant that instead of seeking status for themselves His disciples should give their attention to the needs of people who have no status, people like children. The disciple who ministers to a person with no status as though he or she was ministering to Jesus does indeed minister to Jesus and to God the Father. The principle is that the disciple who is willing to sacrifice personal advancement to serve insignificant people, as the world views people, is truly great in God’s estimation (Matthew 25:35-40; Mark 9:41). - Thomas Constable
Lessons on Engaging Opposition and Apathy
Whoever Is Not Against You (Mark 9:38-41)
Vs. 49-50 - John responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.” “Don’t stop him,” Jesus told him, “because whoever is not against you is for you.”
This incident exposed an attitude of rivalry among the Twelve that existed toward other disciples of Jesus. This was not a problem of orthodoxy; the exorcist believed in Jesus. It was rather a problem of fellowship or association; he was not one of the Twelve. He appears to have been on the fringe of Jesus’ followers. The Twelve wanted to exclude him, but Jesus wanted to include him. Jesus’ reply was proverbial. He had stated the reverse truth earlier (Matthew 12:30). Disciples should regard people who do not oppose them as associates rather than as enemies. - Thomas Constable
Journey to Jerusalem
Vs. 51 - When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, he determined to journey to Jerusalem.
From this verse on, a large section of Luke’s account documents this “journey to Jerusalem.” From John’s account, we know that Jesus traveled there multiple times during His public ministry, but this visit would be His last. Luke’s emphasis was on the Messiah’s determination to fulfill His final mission.
Samaritans
Vs. 52 - they entered a village of the Samaritans to make preparations for him. But they did not welcome him, because he determined to journey to Jerusalem.
The origin of the Samaritan people seems 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
For Jesus to take that way to Jerusalem was unusual; and to attempt to find hospitality in a Samaritan village was still more unusual. - William Barclay
Vs. 54-55 - When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.
Despite Jesus’ persistent teaching on humility, self-denial, and sacrificial servitude, the “sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17) still struggled to grasp the merciful nature of His mission.
Excuses (Matthew 8:18-22)
Vs. 57 - As they were traveling on the road someone said to him
Luke turned from a presentation of people who rejected Jesus to one in which three individuals wanted to become His disciples. Each of them underestimated the degree of commitment that Jesus required. Jesus’ words clarify the cost of discipleship. - Thomas Constable
Excuse: I will follow wherever you go.
Answer: The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.
Jesus never forced Himself on anyone. He did not coerce or deceive anyone into following Him. On the contrary, He seemed to even discourage them at times. Again, Jesus’ words clarify the cost of discipleship. (Constable)
Excuse: First, let me go bury my father.
Answer: Let the dead bury their own dead.
Jesus' words to the second man sound harsh, but they need not be so. In all probability, the man's father was not dead, and not even nearly dead. His saying most likely meant, "I will follow you after my father has died."
The point Jesus was making is that in everything there is a crucial moment; if that moment is missed the thing most likely will never be done at all. The man in the story had stirrings in his heart to get out of his spiritually dead surroundings; if he missed that moment he would never get out. - William Barclay
Excuse: First, let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.
Answer: No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ answer and illustration here revealed the need for His true followers to be single-minded and devoted.
The image Jesus uses is very appropriate for the warning. What will happen if you are looking behind you while plowing? You will not plow a straight line and your work will be ruined. For a modern example, what will happen if you are looking behind you while driving? You are not going to drive straight, and you will get into an accident. Our eyes are to be focused forward on Jesus. - Brent Kercheville
