Mission and provision
Luke 9:1–17FocusThe twelve and the hungry crowd
Connection to the wholeThe disciples are sent to preach and heal; their return leads into Jesus' provision for the multitude.
interpretation Luke 9:45
KJVBut they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
Read it in context
Misunderstanding among disciples
Start reading at Luke 9:37 (Luke 9:37 to Luke 9:50).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The afflicted child and disputes among disciples expose their need for faith, humility, and a less possessive view of ministry.
- 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
- 9:38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
- 9:39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
- 9:40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.
- 9:41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.
- 9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
- 9:43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,
- 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
- 9:45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
- 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
- 9:47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
- 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
- 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
- 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 9:1–9:62): Jesus commissions the twelve, feeds the crowd, and teaches His disciples. Peter, John, and James witness the transfiguration; other encounters involve a father, his son, and prospective followers. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Misunderstanding among disciples. Read Luke 9:37 through Luke 9:50 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The afflicted child and disputes among disciples expose their need for faith, humility, and a less possessive view of ministry. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Misunderstanding among disciples (Luke 9:37 to Luke 9:50). Start reading at Luke 9:37. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 9:37, Luke 9:50, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
A further prediction of Jesus' death
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- But they understood not this saying, and … Luke 9:46 Luke 2:50 Luke 18:34 Matt 16:22 Mark 8:16-18,32-33 Mark 9:10,32 John 12:16,34 John 14:5
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 9
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
Identity, suffering, and glory
Luke 9:18–36FocusThe Christ and His path
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by teaching on the cross and the transfiguration, holding Jesus' glory and suffering together.
interpretation FocusDependence and humility
Connection to the wholeThe afflicted child and disputes among disciples expose their need for faith, humility, and a less possessive view of ministry.
interpretation The journey turns toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–62FocusResolve and costly following
Connection to the wholeJesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and corrects responses that misunderstand either His mission or the priority of following Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.