9:1 And he called the twelve together, and
gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
THIRD CIRCUIT OF GALILEE. THE TWELVE INSTRUCTED AND SENT FORTH. Matthew
9:35-38; Matthew
10:1,5-42; Mark
6:6-13; Luke
9:1-6 He called his twelve disciples together. For a complete list of the
apostles, see Matthew
10:2.
9:2And he sent
them forth1 to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the
sick.
And he sent them forth. See Mark
6:7.
9:3 And he said unto them, Take
nothing for your journey1, neither staff, nor wallet, nor
bread, nor money; neither have two coats.
Take nothing for your journey, etc. See Mark
6:8.
9:4And into
whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart1.
And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart.
See Mark
6:10.
9:5And as many as
receive you not1, when ye depart from that city, shake off
the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And as many as receive you not, etc. See Mark
6:11.
9:7 Now Herod the
tetrarch1 heard of all that was done: and he was much
perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead;
HEROD ANTIPAS SUPPOSES JESUS TO BE JOHN. Matthew
14:1-12; Mark
6:14-29; Luke
9:7-9 Herod the tetrarch. See Mark
6:14.
9:8and by some,
that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen
again1.
And by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the
old prophets was risen again. See Mark
6:15.
9:9And Herod said,
John I beheaded1: but who is this, about whom I hear such
things? And he sought to see him.
And Herod said, John I beheaded. See Mark
6:16.
But who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see
him. Jesus purposely kept out of the reach of Herod, knowing the
treacherous cunning of his nature (Luke
13:32), and Herod's curiosity was not gratified until the day of
Christ's crucifixion (Luke
23:8-12), and then its gratification was without sanctification.
9:10And the
apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done1.
And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called
Bethsaida2.
FIRST WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY AND RETURN. (Spring, A.D. 29.) A.
RETURN OF THE TWELVE AND RETIREMENT TO THE EAST SHORE OF GALILEE. Matthew
14:13; Mark
6:30-32; Luke
9:10; John
6:1 And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what
things they had done. See Mark
6:30.
And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.
See Mark
6:32.
9:11But the
multitudes perceiving it1followed
him2: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the
kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured.
FIRST WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY AND RETURN. (Spring, A.D. 29.) B.
FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND. Matthew
14:13-21; Mark
6:33-44; Luke
9:11-17; John
6:2-14 But the multitudes perceiving it. Heard of Jesus and his disciples
crossing the lake.
Followed him. See Mark
6:33.
9:12And the day
began to wear away1; and the twelve came, and said unto
him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country
round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.
And the day began to wear away. See Mark
6:35.
Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages . . . and
get provisions. See Mark
6:36.
9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to
eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves
and two fishes1; except we should go and buy food for all
this people.
We have no more than five loaves and two fishes. See Mark
6:38.
9:14For they were
about five thousand men1. And he said unto his disciples, Make
them sit down in companies, about fifty each2.
For they were about five thousand men. See Mark
6:44.
Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each. See Mark
6:39.
9:15And they did
so, and made them all sit down1.
And they did so, and made them all sit down. See Mark
6:40.
9:16 And he took the five loaves and the
two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them,
and brake1; and gave to the disciples to set before the
multitude.
And looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake. See Mark
6:41.
9:17 And they ate, and were all filled: and
there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve
baskets1.
And there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken
pieces, twelve baskets. See John
6:12.
9:18 And it came to pass, as he was praying
apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who
do the multitudes say that I am1?
THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. B. THE GREAT CONFESSION MADE BY
PETER. (Near Caesarea Philippi, Summer, A.D. 29.) Matthew
16:13-20; Mark
8:27-30; Luke
9:18-21 Who do the multitudes say that I am? See Mark
8:27.
9:19 And they answering said, John
the Baptist; but others [say], Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets
is risen again1.
John the Baptist; but others [say], Elijah; and others, that one of the
old prophets is risen again. See Mark
8:28.
9:20 And he said unto them, But
who say ye that I am1? And Peter answering said, The
Christ of God.
But who say ye that I am? etc. See Mark
8:29.
9:21But he
charged them, and commanded [them] to tell this to no man1;
But he charged them, and commanded [them] to tell this to no man.
See Mark
8:30.
9:22 saying, The
Son of man must suffer many things1, and be rejected of
the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be
raised up.
THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. C. PASSION FORETOLD. PETER REBUKED. Matthew
16:21-28; Mark
8:31-9:1; Luke
9:22-27 The Son of man must suffer many things, etc. See Mark
8:31.
9:23And he said
unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross daily, and follow me1.
And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. See Mark
8:34.
9:24For whosoever
would save his life shall lose it1; but whosoever shall
lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
For whosoever would save his life shall lose it, etc. See Mark
8:35.
9:25For what is a
man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self1?
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or
forfeit his own self? See Mark
8:36.
9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me
and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his
own glory, and [the glory] of the Father, and of the holy angels.
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words , etc. See Mark
8:38.
9:27 But I tell you of a truth, There
are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they
see the kingdom of God1.
There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of
death, till they see the kingdom of God. See Mark
9:1.
9:28And it came
to pass about eight days after these sayings1, that he
took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. D. THE TRANSFIGURATION. CONCERNING
ELIJAH. (A Spur of Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi.) Matthew
17:1-13; Mark
9:2-13; Luke
9:28-36 And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, etc. See Mark
9:2. The "sayings" referred to were the words of Jesus with
regard to his suffering at Jerusalem.
9:29 And as he was praying, the fashion of
his countenance was altered, and his raiment [became]
white [and] dazzling1.
And his raiment [became] white [and] dazzling. See Mark
9:3.
9:30And behold,
there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah1;
And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah.
See Mark
9:4.
9:31who appeared
in glory1, and spake of his
decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem2.
Who appeared in glory. That is, Moses and Elijah.
And spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
The Greek word for decease is "exodus", an unusual word for death.
It means a departure and is, as Bengel says, a very weighty word, since it
includes the passion, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and
ascension.
9:32 Now Peter and
they that were with him were heavy with sleep1: but when
they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep. It being
night.
9:33 And it came to pass, as they were
parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and
let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses1,
and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said.
And let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses,
and one for Elijah. See Mark
9:5.
9:34 And while he said these things, there
came a cloud, and overshadowed them1: and they feared as
they entered into the cloud.
There came a cloud, and overshadowed them. See Mark
9:7.
9:35 And a voice came out of the cloud,
saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him1.
This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him. See Mark
9:7.
9:36 And when the
voice came, Jesus was found alone1. And
they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which
they had seen2.
When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. See Mark
9:8.
And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the
things which they had seen. See Mark
9:9.
9:37 And it came to pass, on the next day, when
they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him1.
THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. E. HEALING THE DEMONIAC BOY. (Region
of Caesarea Philippi.) Matthew
17:14-20; Mark
9:14-29; Luke
9:37-43 When they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him.
See Mark
9:14.
9:38 And behold, a
man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my
son1; for he is mine only child:
A man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look
upon my son. See Mark
9:17.
9:39 and behold, a spirit taketh him, and
he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth, and it
hardly departeth from him1, bruising him sorely.
It hardly departeth from him. The phrase suggests the continual
unrest in which the demon kept his victim rather than that the demon ever
really relinquished his possession of him. Pauses in the delirium of agony
were regarded as departures of the demon.
9:41 And Jesus answered and said, O
faithless and perverse generation1, how long shall I be
with you, and bear with you? bring hither thy son.
O faithless and perverse generation. See Mark
9:19.
9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the demon
dashed him down, and tare [him] grievously. But Jesus
rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy1, and
gave him back to his father2.
But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy. See Mark
9:25.
And gave him back to his father. For comment on similar conduct,
see Luke
7:15.
9:43And they were
all astonished at the majesty of God1. But while all were
marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto
his disciples2,
And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. The failure of
the disciples had only emphasized the power of the Master.
9:44 Let these words sink into your ears: for
the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men1.
For the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men. See
Matthew
17:22.
9:45 But they understood not this saying,
and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were
afraid to ask him about this saying.
But they understood not this saying . . . and they were afraid to ask
him about this saying. See Mark
9:32.
9:46And there
arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest1.
FALSE AMBITION VERSUS CHILDLIKENESS. (Capernaum, Autumn, A.D. 29.) Matthew
18:1-14; Mark
9:33-50; Luke
9:46-50 And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest.
See Mark
9:33.
9:48 and said unto them, Whosoever
shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me1:
and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least
among you all, the same is great.
Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me.
See Mark
9:37.
9:49 And John answered and said, Master,
we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he
followeth not with us1.
Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him,
because he followeth not with us. See Mark
9:38.
9:50 But Jesus said unto him, Forbid
[him] not: for he that is not against you is for you1.
Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against you is for you. See Mark
9:39.
9:51 And it came to pass, when
the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up1,
he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
THE PRIVATE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM. (Through Samaria. Probably September, A.D.
29.) Luke
9:51-56; John
7:10 When the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up.
Taken in its strictest sense, the expression "received up" refers
to our Lord's ascension, but it is here used to embrace his entire passion.
He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. Though our Lord's
death was still six months distant, his going to Jerusalem is described as
attended with a special effort, because from that time forth Jerusalem was
to occupy the position of headquarters, as Capernaum had done, and his
withdrawals and returns would be with regard to it.
9:52and sent
messengers before his face1: and they went, and entered
into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
And sent messengers before his face. The presence of the twelve
alone is sufficient to account for the messengers. He did not wish to
overtax the hospitality of the Samaritans by coming unannounced.
9:53And they did
not receive him, because his face was [as though he were] going to Jerusalem1.
And they did not receive him, because his face was [as though he were]
going to Jerusalem. Had Jesus come among them on a missionary tour he
would doubtless have been received. But when he came as a Jew passing
through to Jerusalem, and using their highway as a convenience, they
rejected him.
9:54And when his
disciples James and John saw [this]1, they
said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven, and consume
them2?
Luke
9:54-56 And when his disciples James and John saw [this]. Refusing to
receive a religious teacher was considered a rejection of his claim.
They said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven,
and consume them? This rejection roused the ire of the two sons of
thunder and prompted them to suggest that the example of Elijah be followed
(2 Kings
1:9-12), but Jesus was a Savior and not a destroyer, so he passed on to
another village. The conduct of John in after years contrasts sharply with
the wish which he here expressed. See Acts
8:14-25.
9:57 And as they went on the way, a certain
man said unto him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
AS TO SACRIFICE FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE. (Samaria. Probably September, A.D. 29.) Luke
9:57-62 And a they went on the way. The way through Samaria to Jerusalem.
9:58 And Jesus said unto him, The foxes
have holes, and the birds of the heaven [have] nests; but the Son of man hath
not where to lay his head.
The foxes have holes . . . but the Son of man hath not where to lay his
head. See Matthew
8:20.
9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But
he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father1.
But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. See Matthew
8:21.
9:60 But he said unto him, Leave
the dead to bury their own dead1; but go thou and publish
abroad the kingdom of God.
Leave the dead to bury their own dead. See Matthew
8:22.
9:62 But Jesus said unto him, No
man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom
of God1.
No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for
the kingdom of God. Comparing Luke
9:57-62 and Matthew
8:19-22, we find that Matthew gives two and Luke gives three proposals
to follow him, and that they differ widely as to the time. It is likely that
the first instance occurred where Matthew places it, and the last two
occurred where Luke places them, and that each Evangelist borrowed an item
from another period and joined it to his incident because of the similarity
of the subject. But as such proffers of discipleship may have been very
common, the incidents may be entirely different. The teaching of the last
incident is that at a command of Christ all conflicting obligations must be
set aside.
Luke 9 Bible Commentary
McGarvey and Pendleton
He called his twelve disciples together. For a complete list of the apostles, see Matthew 10:2.
9:2 And he sent them forth1 to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
And he sent them forth. See Mark 6:7.
9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey1, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.
Take nothing for your journey, etc. See Mark 6:8.
9:4 And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart1.
And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart. See Mark 6:10.
9:5 And as many as receive you not1, when ye depart from that city, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And as many as receive you not, etc. See Mark 6:11.
9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch1 heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; HEROD ANTIPAS SUPPOSES JESUS TO BE JOHN. Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch. See Mark 6:14.
9:8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again1.
And by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. See Mark 6:15.
9:9 And Herod said, John I beheaded1: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.
And Herod said, John I beheaded. See Mark 6:16.
But who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him. Jesus purposely kept out of the reach of Herod, knowing the treacherous cunning of his nature (Luke 13:32), and Herod's curiosity was not gratified until the day of Christ's crucifixion (Luke 23:8-12), and then its gratification was without sanctification.
9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done1. And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida2. FIRST WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY AND RETURN. (Spring, A.D. 29.) A. RETURN OF THE TWELVE AND RETIREMENT TO THE EAST SHORE OF GALILEE. Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:30-32; Luke 9:10; John 6:1
And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done. See Mark 6:30.
And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida. See Mark 6:32.
9:11 But the multitudes perceiving it1 followed him2: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured. FIRST WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY AND RETURN. (Spring, A.D. 29.) B. FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND. Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:33-44; Luke 9:11-17; John 6:2-14
But the multitudes perceiving it. Heard of Jesus and his disciples crossing the lake.
Followed him. See Mark 6:33.
9:12 And the day began to wear away1; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.
And the day began to wear away. See Mark 6:35.
Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages . . . and get provisions. See Mark 6:36.
9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves and two fishes1; except we should go and buy food for all this people.
We have no more than five loaves and two fishes. See Mark 6:38.
9:14 For they were about five thousand men1. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each2.
For they were about five thousand men. See Mark 6:44.
Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each. See Mark 6:39.
9:15 And they did so, and made them all sit down1.
And they did so, and made them all sit down. See Mark 6:40.
9:16 And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake1; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
And looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake. See Mark 6:41.
9:17 And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets1.
And there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets. See John 6:12.
9:18 And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am1? THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. B. THE GREAT CONFESSION MADE BY PETER. (Near Caesarea Philippi, Summer, A.D. 29.) Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21
Who do the multitudes say that I am? See Mark 8:27.
9:19 And they answering said, John the Baptist; but others [say], Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again1.
John the Baptist; but others [say], Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again. See Mark 8:28.
9:20 And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am1? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
But who say ye that I am? etc. See Mark 8:29.
9:21 But he charged them, and commanded [them] to tell this to no man1;
But he charged them, and commanded [them] to tell this to no man. See Mark 8:30.
9:22 saying, The Son of man must suffer many things1, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. C. PASSION FORETOLD. PETER REBUKED. Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:22-27
The Son of man must suffer many things, etc. See Mark 8:31.
9:23 And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me1.
And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. See Mark 8:34.
9:24 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it1; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
For whosoever would save his life shall lose it, etc. See Mark 8:35.
9:25 For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self1?
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self? See Mark 8:36.
9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own glory, and [the glory] of the Father, and of the holy angels.
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words , etc. See Mark 8:38.
9:27 But I tell you of a truth, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God1.
There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. See Mark 9:1.
9:28 And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings1, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. D. THE TRANSFIGURATION. CONCERNING ELIJAH. (A Spur of Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi.) Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36
And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, etc. See Mark 9:2. The "sayings" referred to were the words of Jesus with regard to his suffering at Jerusalem.
9:29 And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [became] white [and] dazzling1.
And his raiment [became] white [and] dazzling. See Mark 9:3.
9:30 And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah1;
And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah. See Mark 9:4.
9:31 who appeared in glory1, and spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem2.
Who appeared in glory. That is, Moses and Elijah.
And spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. The Greek word for decease is "exodus", an unusual word for death. It means a departure and is, as Bengel says, a very weighty word, since it includes the passion, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
9:32 Now Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep1: but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep. It being night.
9:33 And it came to pass, as they were parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses1, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said.
And let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses,
and one for Elijah. See Mark 9:5.
9:34 And while he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them1: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
There came a cloud, and overshadowed them. See Mark 9:7.
9:35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him1.
This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him. See Mark 9:7.
9:36 And when the voice came, Jesus was found alone1. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which they had seen2.
When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. See Mark 9:8.
And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which they had seen. See Mark 9:9.
9:37 And it came to pass, on the next day, when they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him1. THIRD WITHDRAWAL FROM HEROD'S TERRITORY. E. HEALING THE DEMONIAC BOY. (Region of Caesarea Philippi.) Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
When they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him. See Mark 9:14.
9:38 And behold, a man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son1; for he is mine only child:
A man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son. See Mark 9:17.
9:39 and behold, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth, and it hardly departeth from him1, bruising him sorely.
It hardly departeth from him. The phrase suggests the continual unrest in which the demon kept his victim rather than that the demon ever really relinquished his possession of him. Pauses in the delirium of agony were regarded as departures of the demon.
9:41 And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation1, how long shall I be with you, and bear with you? bring hither thy son.
O faithless and perverse generation. See Mark 9:19.
9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the demon dashed him down, and tare [him] grievously. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy1, and gave him back to his father2.
But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy. See Mark 9:25.
And gave him back to his father. For comment on similar conduct, see Luke 7:15.
9:43 And they were all astonished at the majesty of God1. But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto his disciples2,
And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. The failure of the disciples had only emphasized the power of the Master.
RETURN TO GALILEE. THE PASSION FORETOLD. Matthew 17:22,23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43-45
He said unto his disciples. See Mark 9:31.
9:44 Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men1.
For the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men. See Matthew 17:22.
9:45 But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
But they understood not this saying . . . and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. See Mark 9:32.
9:46 And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest1. FALSE AMBITION VERSUS CHILDLIKENESS. (Capernaum, Autumn, A.D. 29.) Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:33-50; Luke 9:46-50
And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest. See Mark 9:33.
9:48 and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me1: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.
Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me. See Mark 9:37.
9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us1.
Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. See Mark 9:38.
9:50 But Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against you is for you1.
Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against you is for you. See Mark 9:39.
9:51 And it came to pass, when the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up1, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, THE PRIVATE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM. (Through Samaria. Probably September, A.D. 29.) Luke 9:51-56; John 7:10
When the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up. Taken in its strictest sense, the expression "received up" refers to our Lord's ascension, but it is here used to embrace his entire passion.
He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. Though our Lord's death was still six months distant, his going to Jerusalem is described as attended with a special effort, because from that time forth Jerusalem was to occupy the position of headquarters, as Capernaum had done, and his withdrawals and returns would be with regard to it.
9:52 and sent messengers before his face1: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
And sent messengers before his face. The presence of the twelve alone is sufficient to account for the messengers. He did not wish to overtax the hospitality of the Samaritans by coming unannounced.
9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was [as though he were] going to Jerusalem1.
And they did not receive him, because his face was [as though he were] going to Jerusalem. Had Jesus come among them on a missionary tour he would doubtless have been received. But when he came as a Jew passing through to Jerusalem, and using their highway as a convenience, they rejected him.
9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw [this]1, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven, and consume them2? Luke 9:54-56
And when his disciples James and John saw [this]. Refusing to receive a religious teacher was considered a rejection of his claim.
They said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven, and consume them? This rejection roused the ire of the two sons of thunder and prompted them to suggest that the example of Elijah be followed (2 Kings 1:9-12), but Jesus was a Savior and not a destroyer, so he passed on to another village. The conduct of John in after years contrasts sharply with the wish which he here expressed. See Acts 8:14-25.
9:57 And as they went on the way, a certain man said unto him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. AS TO SACRIFICE FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE. (Samaria. Probably September, A.D. 29.) Luke 9:57-62
And a they went on the way. The way through Samaria to Jerusalem.
9:58 And Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
The foxes have holes . . . but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. See Matthew 8:20.
9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father1.
But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. See Matthew 8:21.
9:60 But he said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead1; but go thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God.
Leave the dead to bury their own dead. See Matthew 8:22.
9:62 But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God1.
No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Comparing Luke 9:57-62 and Matthew 8:19-22, we find that Matthew gives two and Luke gives three proposals to follow him, and that they differ widely as to the time. It is likely that the first instance occurred where Matthew places it, and the last two occurred where Luke places them, and that each Evangelist borrowed an item from another period and joined it to his incident because of the similarity of the subject. But as such proffers of discipleship may have been very common, the incidents may be entirely different. The teaching of the last incident is that at a command of Christ all conflicting obligations must be set aside.