Luke 9

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

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.

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

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.

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,

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

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.

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

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.

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.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

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,

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

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?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

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.

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.

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

What does Luke 9:24 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 9:24 contains a paradoxical statement by Jesus that challenges the reader to consider the implications of self-preservation versus self-sacrifice.

At its core, the verse suggests that the pursuit of preserving one's life at all costs, potentially through selfish or worldly means, ultimately leads to spiritual loss or death.

Conversely, it claims that those who are willing to give up their life, especially in the context of faith and service to Jesus ("for my sake"), will find true life, which is often understood as eternal life with God.

The deeper meaning here touches on themes of discipleship, commitment to faith, and the values of the kingdom of God over worldly gain.

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Historical Context

Luke 9:24 was written by the author of the Gospel of Luke, traditionally believed to be Luke the Evangelist, a close companion of the Apostle Paul.

This verse is set within the context of Jesus’ teachings on what it means to be his disciple.

It was a time when Jesus was conveying the cost of following him to his disciples amidst a Roman-occupied Judea. The call to be willing to give up one's life was particularly poignant and literal in a period when persecution and martyrdom were real possibilities for early Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is often interpreted in light of Christian concepts of martyrdom, sacrifice, and resurrection.

The idea that true life is gained through loss reflects Christ's own sacrifice on the cross and the promise of resurrection.

Various theological perspectives might emphasize different aspects: for instance, liberation theology might focus on the call to a life oriented towards justice and the liberation of the oppressed, evangelical theology might stress a personal commitment to Jesus that transcends physical life, while Catholic theology might connect it to the sacramental life and a call to live out one's faith through acts of love.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Luke 9:24 can inspire individuals to live less selfishly and more selflessly.

In daily life, this could mean prioritizing the needs of others, engaging in charitable works, or standing up for one's beliefs even when it is difficult or risky.

It challenges believers to think about the legacy they want to leave behind, whether a life lived for short-term gains or a life invested in lasting, spiritual treasures.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:25 - "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Mark 8:35 - "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."
John 12:25 - "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
Matthew 10:39 - "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Luke 9:24 provide deeper insight into its meaning:

"save" (σώσει, sōsei): A verb meaning to save, keep safe, or preserve.
"life" (ψυχήν, psychēn): Often translated as "life," it can also mean "soul" or the essential life force of a person.
"lose" (ἀπολέσει, apolesēi): Can mean to destroy, lose, or perish.

Understanding these terms within the ancient context emphasizes the dual nature of life being both physical and spiritual, where the soul's eternal destiny is at stake.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of self-sacrifice for a greater good is not unique to Christianity.

In various ancient myths and other religions, there are stories of figures who sacrifice themselves for others or for a noble cause.

For example, in some interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna urges Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment to results, which has parallels to the idea of selfless action.

However, the Christian perspective is distinct in its connection to the person of Jesus and the promise of eternal life.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts, it does raise questions about human behavior, altruism, and the psychological effects of self-sacrifice.

From a psychological standpoint, there is evidence that acting in the service of others can lead to greater life satisfaction and mental health benefits.

Sociobiology and evolutionary psychology explore altruism as a factor in the survival and flourishing of social groups, which may offer a secular explanation for the benefits of selfless behavior.

Commentaries

Various experts and Bible commentators have provided insight into Luke 9:24:

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the concept of the soul's value and the eternal implications of the choices made in this life.
The Expositor's Greek Testament notes the paradoxical statement as reflective of the essential Christian experience of dying to self to truly live.
John Calvin comments on this verse explaining that the only way to preserve our life is to not spare it when it needs to be given up for Christ.

Each of these commentaries underlines the profound spiritual truth that life in its fullest sense is found not in self-centered preservation but in self-giving love and sacrifice.

Luke 9

Luke 9

What does Luke 9:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 9:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?