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 9:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 9:38 comes from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament and depicts a desperate plea from a father to Jesus Christ.

In this verse, a man calls out to Jesus, addressing him as "Master," which indicates a recognition of Jesus' authority and possibly his desperation for help.

The man is urging Jesus to look upon his son, who is his only child, suggesting the predicament is not just serious but also deeply personal and painful for him.

The man seems to be at his wit's end, seeking Jesus' intervention in what is likely to be a dire situation for his son.

The verse sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His power to heal and deliver, and it also underscores the notion that Jesus is approachable by those in need, regardless of their status.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

The Gospel of Luke, believed to be written by Luke the Evangelist, was composed around 60-90 AD and is part of the Synoptic Gospels, which also include Matthew and Mark.

These texts reflect the early Christian community's understanding of Jesus' life and teachings.

At the time, disease and demon possession were common attributions to various physical and mental afflictions.

Healing stories like this showcase Jesus' ministry of compassion and his authority over illness and evil spirits, themes that were significant both for the early Christian movement and in the context of first-century Judaism.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on several significant themes.

The plea of the man demonstrates human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention.

The reference to the son being an "only child" might echo the story of Abraham and Isaac, implying the idea of a father's complete devotion to his son.

In Christian theology, such stories emphasize Jesus' role as a healer and miracle worker, asserting his divinity and the hope that he represents.

Different theological traditions may interpret this narrative to emphasize Jesus' compassion, the power of faith, or as a prefiguration of Jesus' own unique Sonship and His sacrificial act on the cross.

Practical Applications

The verse can offer several practical applications in daily life.

It encourages individuals to seek help in times of trouble and to approach God with their deepest concerns and fears.

It can inspire believers to have faith in difficult circumstances, reminding them of the power of prayer and the possibility of divine intervention.

The verse also calls upon the followers of Jesus to emulate his compassion and readiness to aid those who are suffering or in distress.

Cross-References

Mark 9:17-27: A similar account of a father seeking Jesus' help for his possessed son.
Luke 8:50: "But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole."
John 4:49: "The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die."
Matthew 17:14-18: Another parallel account of the father and his demon-possessed son.

Language Study

Analyzing key words in the original Greek:

"Master" (ἐπιστᾶτα - epistata): Translates to "Master," "Teacher," or "Chief." This term indicates respect and recognition of Jesus' authority.
"I beseech thee" (δέομαι - deomai): This verb means to beg earnestly or implore, indicating the man's desperation.
"Look upon" (ἐπιβλέψῃς - epiblepsēis): Suggests to gaze upon or give attention to, implying a request for Jesus' focused care and intervention.
"Mine only child" (μονογενής υἱός - monogenēs huios): "Monogenes" often translates to "only-begotten" or "unique," carrying significant emotional weight as it underlines the father's special affection for his son.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious landscape of the time, healing miracles were not unique to Christianity.

Various ancient myths and religious practices included stories of gods or holy figures performing miraculous healings.

In Greco-Roman mythology, gods such as Asclepius were known for their healing powers.

The plea of the father for his only son would resonate widely with an audience accustomed to such stories, and it would emphasize Jesus' divine authority in a familiar context.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the afflictions described in biblical times as demon-possession might be understood through the lens of modern medicine as epilepsy, mental illness, or other neurological disorders.

Scientifically, the notion of divine healing does not conform to empirical evidence-based medicine.

However, many believe in the psychological and spiritual benefits that faith and prayer have on individuals experiencing illness or supporting those who are.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various perspectives on this verse.

Many emphasize the man's faith and desperation, as evident in his approach to Jesus. They explore the implications of Jesus' response and his subsequent actions that follow in the narrative.

Some commentaries may focus on the literary aspects of the story, pointing out the dramatic tension and the climax of the healing miracle.

Others might draw attention to the social and cultural dimensions, considering the impact of Jesus' healing ministry on those around him and the message it conveyed about the nature of God's kingdom as it was emerging through Jesus' works and words.

Luke 9

Luke 9

What does Luke 9:38 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 9:38 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?