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 9:60
KJVJesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Read it in context
The journey turns toward Jerusalem
Start reading at Luke 9:51 (Luke 9:51 to Luke 9:62).
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.
Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and corrects responses that misunderstand either His mission or the priority of following Him.
- 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
- 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
- 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
- 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
- 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
- 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
- 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
- 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
- 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
- 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
- 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
- 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
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? The journey turns toward Jerusalem. Read Luke 9:51 through Luke 9:62 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and corrects responses that misunderstand either His mission or the priority of following Him. 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 The journey turns toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51 to Luke 9:62). Start reading at Luke 9:51. 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 9:51, Luke 9:62, 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.
Related passages
- Let Luke 15:32 Eph 2:1,5 1 Tim 5:6 Rev 3:1
- but John 21:15-17 1 Cor 9:16 2 Cor 5:16-18 2 Tim 2:3-4 2 Tim 4:2,5
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 Misunderstanding among disciples
Luke 9:37–50FocusDependence 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 FocusResolve 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 Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, 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 FocusFollowing 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.