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 9:57-62 Incidents Illustrative of Discipleship.

The Precipitate Disciple (Lu 9:57-58).

This incident is also recorded in Matthew 8:19-20.

The Procrastinating Disciple (Lu 9:59-60).

This event is paralleled in Matthew 8:21.

The Irresolute Disciple (Lu 9:61-62).

61. I will follow you, but—Like the first disciple, this one had a hesitation. Yet Jesus treated these two cases differently, addressing himself to their distinct spirits. The case of Elisha, who was called by Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21), is often compared to this situation, but it's actually quite different from the "looking back" that characterizes this disciple. A similar phenomenon can be seen in those who convert to a new faith and then struggle with returning to their old lives; they rarely go back.

62. No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. Just as a farmer must keep his eyes fixed on the furrow to make progress, so those who pursue God's work with divided attention will fall short. This warning applies not only to ministers but to all believers. The phrase "looking back" refers to a reluctance to break free from worldly attachments, rather than an actual return to sin (Genesis 19:26).