MPV Commentary

Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.

Currently viewing commentary for Luke 9

Sections for Luke 9
Lu 9:1-6 Mission of the Twelve Apostles.
Lu 9:7-9 Herod Troubled at What He Hears of Christ Desires to See Him.
Lu 9:10-17 On the Return of the Twelve Jesus Retires with Them to
Lu 9:18-27 Peter's Confession of Christ--Our Lord's First Explicit
Lu 9:28-36 Jesus Transfigured.
Lu 9:37-45 Demoniac and Lunatic Boy Healed--Christ's Second Explicit
Lu 9:46-48 Strife among the Twelve Who Should Be Greatest--John
Lu 9:51-56 The Period of His Assumption Approaching Christ Takes His
Lu 9:57-62 Incidents Illustrative of Discipleship.
Lu 9:18-27 Peter's Confession of Christ--Our Lord's First Explicit

Announcement of Our Lord's Approaching Death and Warnings Arising Out of It.

This passage is closely related to Matthew 16:13-28 and Mark 8:34.

24. He will save those who are willing to lose their lives for his sake. The phrase "will save" implies a deliberate intention to rescue. Here, the word "life" has a double meaning - our natural life and our spiritual life. To preserve the latter, we must be willing to sacrifice the former. Those who refuse to surrender one for the other will ultimately lose both.

26. Being ashamed of Christ and his words is a serious issue. Shame is a powerful human emotion that arises from our desire to maintain a good reputation. When we are no longer motivated by shame, we are often beyond hope (Zechariah 3:5; Jeremiah 6:15; 3:3). However, when Christ and his teachings become unpopular, the same instinct can lead us to be ashamed of him. Only a stronger affection can overcome this temptation.

Son of man will be ashamed of those who deny him when he comes in glory. He will publicly disown them before all, putting them to shame and contempt (Daniel 12:2). What a terrible fate!

27. Those who do not experience death until they see the kingdom of God established with power will have lived to witness its glorious arrival. This refers to the establishment of Christ's kingdom on earth, which would bring about significant changes and serve as a foretaste of his final coming in glory.