Luke 9:46-56
Who Is the Greatest?
46 An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest . 47 But Jesus , knowing what they were thinking in their heart , took a child and stood him by His side , 48 and said to them, " Whoever e receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever e receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great ."
He That Is Not against Us Is for Us
49 John answered and said , " Master , we saw someone casting out demons in Your name ; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." 50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."
Jesus Rebukes James and John
51 When the days were approaching for His ascension , He was determined to go to Jerusalem ; 52 and He sent messengers on ahead e of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem . 54 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?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, [and said , "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives , but to save them."] And they went on to another village .
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 9:46-56
Commentary on Luke 9:43-50
(Read Luke 9:43-50)
This prediction of Christ's sufferings was plain enough, but the disciples would not understand it, because it agreed not with their notions. A little child is the emblem by which Christ teaches us simplicity and humility. What greater honour can any man attain to in this world, than to be received by men as a messenger of God and Christ; and to have God and Christ own themselves received and welcomed in him! If ever any society of Christians in this world, had reason to silence those not of their own communion, the twelve disciples at this time had; yet Christ warned them not to do the like again. Those may be found faithful followers of Christ, and may be accepted of him, who do not follow with us.
Commentary on Luke 9:51-56
(Read Luke 9:51-56)
The disciples did not consider that the conduct of the Samaritans was rather the effect of national prejudices and bigotry, than of enmity to the word and worship of God; and through they refused to receive Christ and his disciples, they did not ill use or injure them, so that the case was widely different from that of Ahaziah and Elijah. Nor were they aware that the gospel dispensation was to be marked by miracles of mercy. But above all, they were ignorant of the prevailing motives of their own hearts, which were pride and carnal ambition. Of this our Lord warned them. It is easy for us to say, Come, see our zeal for the Lord! and to think we are very faithful in his cause, when we are seeking our own objects, and even doing harm instead of good to others.