Luke 9:43-62

9:45 | Luke explains that not only did the disciples not understand Jesus’ reference to His coming betrayal and crucifixion, but such an understanding was hidden from them so that they would not perceive it (John 16:12).

9:46-48 | Clearly the disciples were still imagining an earthly kingdom because they began arguing about who would be the greatest. They did not understand that greatness in the kingdom of God originates in the humility best embodied by a child, considered the bottom rung of the first-century social ladder.

9:49-50 | Today many churches, ministries, and Christians fight because of sectarianism or perceived prejudice. Jesus makes clear, however, that His power is available to anyone who ministers in His name.

9:51 | From this point forward, the focus remains on Jesus’ imminent death in Jerusalem. Christ did not run from this destiny but set His face (an expression of judgment) toward Jerusalem and the divinely appointed consummation of His ministry (Isa. 50:7; John 7:10).

9:52-56 | James and John though they would please Jesus by calling down fire on the Samaritans who refused to offer Him hospitality. No doubt the disciples had in mind the story of the prophet Elijah calling down fire on the emissaries of the king of Samaria (2 Kgs. 1:9-14). They still had not learned that Jesus came to rescue people, not annihilate them.

9:57-58 | The unnamed man boasted that he would follow Jesus anywhere, but following the Son of man involves great hardship. Even animals have more adequate and permanent provisions than Jesus did.

9:59-60 | Some believe this means the man’s father had not yet died, and he wanted to wait until his death before following Jesus.

9:61-62 | This encounter reflects the story of Elijah commissioning Elisha (1 Kgs. 19:19-21). Elisha too asked permission to return to his family and say goodbye before beginning his apprenticeship. His farewell to his family, however, expressed no reluctance about his new career. Instead, he slaughtered the oxen that had once plowed his fields and did not look back.