INTRODUCTION
Luke 9:51-62
An important shift takes place in Luke’s Gospel beginning with Luke 9:51. Jesus’ ministry throughout the region of Galilee is the dominant focus in Luke 4:14–9:50. Now, beginning with Luke 9:51, the narrative follows Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem. David Garland highlights three important features of this travel section that extends through Luke 19:44: “1) The travel narrative shows the movement of salvation from Galilee to Jerusalem… 2) The travel narrative has a christological purpose” showing Jesus’ determination toward the cross, and “3) The travel narrative has an ecclesiological purpose” that highlights Christ’s instruction on the demands of discipleship and “becomes a paradigm for the mission of the church” (Luke: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series, 409).
The first portion of the travel narrative in Luke 9:51–62 contains two important scenes. First, Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem (vv. 51–55), demonstrating his resolve to carry out the Father’s will. In the second scene, Jesus specifies the costly demands of discipleship in response to those who desire to follow him (vv. 56–62). As you study this week’s passage, praise Jesus for his determination to carry out the Father’s will, and consider how he calls you to do the same.
Discovering the Passage
Take time to pray, asking the Lord to grant a clear understanding of this week’s passage.
After praying, read Luke 9:51–62 slowly and thoughtfully. Write down any words that need explanation and/or questions that come to mind.
For Growth Group Discussion: What are some things you have been determined to do, even though you knew they would be difficult? What fueled your determination?
Answers will vary. Possible examples: finishing a degree program, enlisting in the military, completing large multi-year projects, choosing to have children, etc.
Studying the Text
Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem (vv. 51–55)
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him.
53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.
Keywords and Concepts:
What does it mean to “set your face” to something? Why does Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem?
What are the two locations mentioned in verses 51–53? What is significant about these locations?
What does fire coming down from heaven signify? Why do James and John offer this to Jesus?
What is the meaning of “rebuke” (v. 55)? Why does Jesus rebuke James and John?
Connecting the Whole:
How does Elijah calling down fire from heaven in 2 Kings 1:9–16 connect with the request of James and John in verse 54?
What does Isaiah 53:2–3 and Luke 9:22 say about the fact that Christ would not be received by some?
Applying the Text:
Consider the response of James and John in verse 54. How do you respond to those who reject Christ? Are you tempted to respond in anger?
For Growth Group Disucssion
Has there been a time when you shared the gospel with someone and been rejected? Discuss your experience(s). What are some other ways that you have encountered rejection as a Christian?
Why is determination an important virtue for Christians, and how is it cultivated?
Recommended Resource: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
Jesus specifies the demands of discipleship (vv. 57–62).
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “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 has nowhere to lay his head.”
59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”
62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Keywords and Concepts:
List the interactions that Luke records in verses 57–62. In each of the encounters, what does the person say to Jesus? How does Jesus respond?
What is the “kingdom of God” referring to in verses 60 and 62? What is the connection between following Jesus and proclaiming the kingdom of God?
What is the purpose of the plowing analogy in verse 62?
Connecting to the Whole:
What does Jesus say about the demands of discipleship in Luke 14:25–33?
Applying the Text:
In Philippians 3:12–14, how does Paul further explain what it means to put one’s hand to the plow and not look back?
Strive to commit Luke 9:62 to memory this week. How are you personally tempted to “look back”?
For Growth Group Discussion:
Why does it seem like Jesus is discouraging others to follow him in these verses? Also, is Jesus discounting the importance of family relationships in verses 59–62? Why or why not?
How would you explain verses 57–62 to an unbeliever who has little knowledge of Christianity but seems interested to learn more about following Jesus?
Hymns for the Church:
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
(See the following link for a helpful article that explains the historical background of the song: https://thecripplegate.com/why-we-sing-i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus/)
For Further Reflection and Discussion
Discuss the “So What” question from Sunday’s Sermon. What does it look like to live out this challenge practically and personally?
In John 15:18–19, Jesus says, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” In light of these truths, why should followers of Christ be prepared to face rejection? Also, how should we respond to rejection?
How has this passage shaped your understanding of discipleship?
Praying The Word
Growth Group - Pray for one another that our focus would remain resolutely on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Parkwood - Pray for our faith family to be firmly rooted in Christ and not “children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14).
Neighbors - Pray for our neighbors to follow Christ, to know the stability of being in the kingdom of God even in the midst of unstable life circumstances (Luke 9:60).
Nations - Pray for the Aimaq in Afghanistan, for their eyes to be opened to the gospel and for courage to believe and follow Christ.
SOURCES
Barton, Bruce B., David Veerman, Linda Chaffee Taylor, and Grant R. Osborne. Luke. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke: The NIV Application Commentary from Biblical Text to Contemporary Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
Garland, David E. Luke. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series: New Testament, V. 3. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.
Morris, Leon. Luke. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Nottingham, England: IVP Academic, 2008.
Thompson, Alan J., Andreas J. Köstenberger, and Robert W. Yarbrough. Luke. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2016.