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 9:48 mean?

Explanation

Luke 9:48 captures a teaching moment of Jesus with his disciples, where he delivers a counterintuitive message regarding greatness and reception.

The immediate context involves the disciples disputing who among them might be the greatest, mirroring common social dynamics where individuals compete for status and recognition.

Jesus responds to this argument by placing a child among them, using the child as a metaphor for those who are lowly or least in the eyes of society.

By stating "Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me," Jesus is making a profound connection between how one treats the insignificant and how one receives Christ Himself.

The second part, "and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me," highlights the link between Jesus and God the Father, suggesting that to welcome Jesus is to welcome God.

The emphasis on the least being the greatest is a reversal of worldly values, indicating that in God's kingdom, humility and service to the overlooked is exalted above quests for personal status or power.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

The verse is situated within the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around A.D. 80-110.

The audience of Luke's Gospel was primarily Gentile Christians, and the writer often emphasizes themes of social justice, inclusivity, and the universal nature of God's message.

At the time, children were among the lowest in social standing, possessing no status or power.

By choosing a child as the object lesson, Jesus was confronting the prevailing social norms of hierarchical status, and teaching a different order – one based on the values of the Kingdom of God rather than human societal structures.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches on several key concepts. First, it highlights the notion of imitatio Christi, the imitation of Christ, suggesting that to emulate Jesus' reception of the lowly is to follow His example.

Additionally, it speaks to the nature of the Trinity, insofar as receiving Jesus is equated to receiving the one who sent Him, God the Father.

Some theological interpretations focus on the idea of the 'divine economy of salvation,' where Jesus is illustrating that God's grace flows not from power but from humility and service.

Furthermore, theologians may point out that by receiving others in Jesus' name, one is participating in the realization of God's kingdom here on earth.

Practical Applications

In terms of daily life, this verse encourages individuals to reassess how they perceive and treat those who society may deem insignificant.

It suggests that acts of kindness and acceptance toward the vulnerable are not only virtues but are also deeply connected to one's relationship with God.

This might involve volunteering with vulnerable populations, engaging in acts of hospitality, or simply being more aware of and compassionate towards those who are often overlooked or marginalized.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:5 - "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
Matthew 25:40 - "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Mark 9:37 - "Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for 'receive' is δέχομαι (dechomai), which can mean to take into one's arms, to welcome, accept, or receive kindly and hospitably. The use of 'in my name' indicates doing something on Jesus' authority or with recognition of his character.

The word for 'child,' παιδίον (paidion), is diminutive, emphasizing the youth and lowly status of the child in question. This language study illuminates how the act of receiving is an intimate, personal one, and underscores the humility inherent in receiving one often disregarded as least.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures including Jewish society at the time, children were not highly regarded and had little to no status.

In other religious traditions, the idea of revering the lowly or outcast can also be found.

For example, in certain strands of Hinduism, there is an emphasis on seeing God in the poor and serving them accordingly.

In Buddhism, the concept of humility and service to others is a pivotal aspect of the path toward enlightenment.

Jesus’ message about the least being the greatest is both radical for its time and yet finds echoes in various religious and mythological traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, particularly in the field of psychology or social sciences, this verse might be examined in terms of prosocial behavior and the psychological effects of altruism.

Studies have shown that engaging in service to others can increase an individual's sense of well-being and life satisfaction.

Moreover, child development research reaffirms the value of every individual, regardless of status, for their intrinsic worth and potential, which aligns with the recognition of dignity Jesus implies for all people.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have provided a variety of interpretations for this verse.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the humility and condescension of Christ as models for Christian behavior.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that Jesus used the child as a symbol of the need for his disciples to have a selfless, serving attitude.

Many commentaries underscore that the passage confronts human notions of honor and status, encouraging a radical reorientation toward God's perspective on greatness and acceptance.

Luke 9

Luke 9

What does Luke 9:48 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 9:48 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?