The Power and Glory of Christ: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Luke 9

Executive Summary ✨

Luke 9, a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, unveils the multifaceted ministry of Christ. Discipleship and Divine Authority are central themes. The chapter begins with Jesus empowering the twelve apostles to heal the sick and preach the Kingdom. Their success underscores Christ’s authority delegated to His followers. A poignant contrast arises with Herod’s perplexity about Jesus’s identity, a question that resonates throughout the chapter. The feeding of the five thousand showcases Jesus’s miraculous power and foreshadows the Eucharist. A crucial moment follows: Peter’s confession of Christ and Jesus’s prediction of His suffering and death. This leads to the sublime Transfiguration, where Jesus’s glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John, confirming His divine nature and foreshadowing the resurrection. Finally, the chapter confronts the disciples’ struggles with faith and their inability to heal a demon-possessed boy, highlighting the need for persistent prayer and faith. Through these events, Luke 9 demonstrates the authority of Christ, the cost of discipleship, and the overwhelming glory of the God-Man.

Luke 9 is a cornerstone in understanding Christ’s mission and our role as disciples. It shows us the power given to those who follow Him, the suffering that may be asked of us, and the overwhelming glory of God revealed in Christ. We’ll delve into each verse, exploring its historical and theological significance, and drawing practical applications for our lives today.

Commentary Sections 📖

Luke 9:1-2 – The Sending of the Twelve

Greek: Συγκαλεσάμενος δὲ τοὺς δώδεκα ἀποστόλους ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς δύναμιν καὶ ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ πάντα τὰ δαιμόνια καὶ νοσήματα θεραπεύειν, καὶ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς κηρύσσειν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἰᾶσθαι τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Then He called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Commentary: Christ, having chosen the twelve, now bestows upon them δύναμιν καὶ ἐξουσίαν (dynamin kai exousian), power and authority. This is not simply a physical ability, but a divinely granted commission. St. Cyril of Alexandria notes, “οὐκ αὐτοὶ καθ’ ἑαυτοὺς ἐδυνήθησαν ταῦτα, ἀλλὰ τῇ τοῦ Χριστοῦ δυνάμει” (ouk autoi kath’ heautous edynēthēsan tauta, alla tē tou Christou dynamei) – “They could not do these things by themselves, but by the power of Christ” (Commentary on Luke, Fragment 158). This empowerment is directly linked to their mission: to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. The Kingdom, in its fullness, is not just a future hope but a present reality manifested through healing and deliverance. Consider the urban landscape of Galilee, riddled with sickness and spiritual oppression. These disciples are empowered to bring tangible relief and proclaim the arrival of God’s reign. Today, we too, are called to participate in this mission, offering compassion and sharing the Gospel – even consider using our site for digital marketing services to better promote your messages to those who need them most.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that any ability we have to serve others comes from God. Pray for discernment to use our gifts to advance His Kingdom.

Luke 9:3-6 – Instructions and Rejection

Greek: καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς· μηδὲν αἴρετε εἰς τὴν ὁδόν, μήτε ῥάβδον μήτε πήραν μήτε ἄρτον μήτε ἀργύριον, μήτε δύο χιτῶνας ἔχειν. καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν οἰκίαν εἰσέλθητε, ἐκεῖ μένετε καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξέρχεσθε. καὶ ὅσοι ἂν μὴ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, ἐξερχόμενοι ἀπὸ τῆς πόλεως ἐκείνης καὶ τὸν κονιορτὸν ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν ἀποτινάξατε εἰς μαρτύριον ἐπ’ αὐτούς. ἐξερχόμενοι δὲ διήρχοντο κατὰ τὰς κώμας εὐαγγελιζόμενοι καὶ θεραπεύοντες πανταχοῦ.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

Commentary: The stark instructions – take nothing! This emphasizes utter dependence on God. St. Macarius the Great writes of this dependence: “Ἡ πίστις ἡ ἀληθινὴ οὐκ ἐᾷ τὸν ἄνθρωπον στηρίζεσθαι ἐπὶ ἑαυτῷ, ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ” (Hē pistis hē alēthinē ouk ea ton anthrōpon stērizesthai epi heautō, all’ epi tō Theō) – “True faith does not allow man to rely on himself, but on God” (Homily 12). To shake off the dust is not an act of revenge but a solemn witness – a severing of communion. The disciples are to focus solely on the Kingdom, trusting that God will provide. Imagine the dusty roads of Palestine, the potential dangers of travel – yet, they are sent with nothing. This is a powerful image of faith in action. Rejection is anticipated, but it should not deter their mission. This applies also today in evangelism.

Spiritual Application: Examine your own reliance on material possessions. Are you willing to surrender your security for the sake of the Gospel?

Luke 9:7-9 – Herod’s Perplexity

Greek: Ἤκουσεν δὲ Ἡρῴδης ὁ τετράρχης πάντα τὰ γινόμενα ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ διηπόρει, διὰ τὸ λέγεσθαι ὑπό τινων ὅτι Ἰωάννης ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν, ὑπό τινων δὲ ὅτι Ἠλίας ἐφάνη, ἄλλων δὲ ὅτι προφήτης τις τῶν ἀρχαίων ἀνέστη. εἶπεν δὲ ὁ Ἡρῴδης· Ἰωάννην ἐγὼ ἀπέτεμον· τίς δέ ἐστιν οὗτος περὶ οὗ ἀκούω τοιαῦτα; καὶ ἐζήτει ἰδεῖν αὐτόν.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. Herod said, “John I have beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see Him.

Commentary: Herod’s perplexity highlights the profound impact of Jesus’s ministry. He is a tetrarch, a ruler with power, yet he is disturbed by the rumors surrounding Jesus. His inability to comprehend Jesus stems from a spiritual blindness – he can only interpret the events through a political lens. Herod’s question, “Who is this?” is a crucial one for all of us. The ancient world was familiar with prophets, but Jesus was different. He was the Son of God incarnate. Herod’s fear of a risen John the Baptist likely stems from his guilt over John’s unjust execution.

Spiritual Application: Are we willing to confront our own spiritual blindness and ask the same question: “Who is Jesus?” Seek understanding through prayer and Scripture study.

Luke 9:10-17 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Greek: Καὶ ὑποστρέψαντες οἱ ἀπόστολοι διηγήσαντο αὐτῷ ὅσα ἐποίησαν. καὶ παραλαβὼν αὐτοὺς ὑπεχώρησεν κατ’ ἰδίαν εἰς πόλιν καλουμένην Βηθσαϊδά. Οἱ δὲ ὄχλοι γνόντες ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ. καὶ ἀποδεξάμενος αὐτοὺς ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τοὺς χρείαν ἔχοντας θεραπείας ἰᾶτο. Ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤρξατο κλίνειν. προσελθόντες δὲ οἱ δώδεκα εἶπαν αὐτῷ· Ἀπόλυσον τὸν ὄχλον, ἵνα ἀπελθόντες εἰς τὰς κύκλῳ κώμας καὶ ἀγροὺς καταλύσωσιν καὶ εὕρωσιν ἐπισιτισμόν, ὅτι ὧδε ἐν ἐρήμῳ τόπῳ ἐσμέν. εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· Δότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς φαγεῖν. οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· Οὐκ εἰσὶν ἡμῖν πλεῖον ἢ πέντε ἄρτοι καὶ δύο ἰχθύες· εἰ μήτι πορευθέντες ἡμεῖς ἀγοράσωμεν εἰς πάντα τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον βρώματα. ἦσαν γὰρ ὡσεὶ ἄνδρες πεντακισχίλιοι. εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ· Κατακλίνατε αὐτοὺς κλισίας ἀνὰ πεντήκοντα. Καὶ ἐποίησαν οὕτως καὶ κατέκλιναν ἅπαντας. λαβὼν δὲ τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς δύο ἰχθύας ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς καὶ κατέκλασεν καὶ ἐδίδου τοῖς μαθηταῖς παρατιθέναι τῷ ὄχλῳ. καὶ ἔφαγον καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν πάντες, καὶ ἐπῆρθη τὸ περισσεῦσαν αὐτοῖς κλασμάτων κόφινοι δώδεκα.

KJV: 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 them, and gave them 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.

NKJV: And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. But the multitudes, knowing it, followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. When the day began to dwindle, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve basketfuls of the leftover fragments were collected.

Commentary: This miracle demonstrates Christ’s power over creation. The disciples’ initial response – “We have no more than five loaves and two fish” – reveals their limited perspective. They see only scarcity, while Christ sees abundance. St. Augustine, in his Tractates on John, emphasizes the significance of the blessing: “Quid est ergo credere in eum? Credere in eum, diligere eum, in eum ire, in eum habitare, et per fidem eius incorporari in corpus eius.” (What does it mean, then, to believe in him? To believe in him, to love him, to go into him, to dwell in him, and to be incorporated through his faith into his body.) This miracle also foreshadows the Eucharist, where Christ multiplies Himself to feed His people spiritually. The leftover fragments symbolize the overflowing grace of God. Imagine the scene – a barren landscape transformed into a feast! God’s abundant provision transcends human limitations.

Spiritual Application: When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember that God can provide more than enough. Trust in His provision and share what you have with others.

Luke 9:18-27 – Peter’s Confession and the Cost of Discipleship

Greek: Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτὸν προσευχόμενον κατὰ μόνας συνῆσαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταί, καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτοὺς λέγων· Τίνα με λέγουσιν οἱ ὄχλοι εἶναι; οἱ δὲ ἀποκριθέντες εἶπαν· Ἰωάννην τὸν βαπτιστήν, ἄλλοι δὲ Ἠλίαν, ἄλλοι δὲ ὅτι προφήτης τις τῶν ἀρχαίων ἀνέστη. εἶπεν δὲ αὐτοῖς· Ὑμεῖς δὲ τίνα με λέγετε εἶναι; ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν· Τὸν χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ. Ἐπιτιμήσας δὲ αὐτοῖς παρήγγειλεν μηδενὶ λέγειν τοῦτο, εἰπὼν ὅτι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου πολλὰ παθεῖν καὶ ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων καὶ ἀρχιερέων καὶ γραμματέων καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι. Ἔλεγεν δὲ πρὸς πάντας· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἔρχεσθαι, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καθ’ ἡμέραν καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ’ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελεῖται ἄνθρωπος κερδήσας τὸν κόσμον ὅλον ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἀπολέσας ἢ ζημιωθείς; ὃς γὰρ ἂν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους, τοῦτον ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τῶν ἁγίων ἀγγέλων. λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ἀληθῶς εἰσίν τινες τῶν αὐτοῦ ἑστηκότων οἳ οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: So it was, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

Commentary: Peter’s confession is a watershed moment. “The Christ of God!” – He proclaims Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One. Yet, Jesus immediately speaks of suffering and death, a concept Peter likely struggled to grasp. The call to self-denial is central to discipleship. St. Antony the Great, a Coptic monastic figure, exemplified this: “Οὐκ ἔστιν ἀληθὴς μοναχὸς ὁ μὴ ἀπαρνησάμενος ἑαυτόν” (Ouk estin alēthēs monachos ho mē aparnēsamenos heauton) – “He is not a true monk who has not denied himself” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Antony 1). Taking up one’s cross daily is not merely enduring hardship, but embracing a life of self-sacrifice for Christ. The promise that some would see the Kingdom of God before death likely refers to the Transfiguration, which follows immediately. It’s a glimpse into the glory that awaits those who follow Christ. The cost of Discipleship and Divine Authority are made abundantly clear here.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on your own willingness to deny yourself. What areas of your life are you clinging to that prevent you from fully following Christ?

Luke 9:28-36 – The Transfiguration

Greek: Ἐγένετο δὲ μετὰ τοὺς λόγους τούτους ὡσεὶ ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ παραλαβὼν τὸν Πέτρον καὶ Ἰωάννην καὶ Ἰάκωβον ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος προσεύξασθαι. καὶ ἐν τῷ προσεύχεσθαι αὐτὸν ἐγένετο τὸ εἶδος τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἕτερον καὶ ὁ ἱματισμὸς αὐτοῦ λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων. καὶ ἰδοὺ δύο ἄνδρες συνελάλουν αὐτῷ, οἵτινες ἦσαν Μωϋσῆς καὶ Ἠλίας, οἳ ὀφθέντες ἐν δόξῃ ἔλεγον τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ ἣν ἔμελλεν πληροῦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ. ὁ δὲ Πέτρος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ· διαγρηγορήσαντες δὲ εἶδον τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς δύο ἄνδρας τοὺς συνεστῶτας αὐτῷ. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ἀποχωρίζεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν ὁ Πέτρος πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν· Ἐπιστάτα, καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι· καὶ ποιήσωμεν σκηνὰς τρεῖς, μίαν σοὶ καὶ μίαν Μωϋσεῖ καὶ μίαν Ἠλίᾳ, μὴ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει. ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ λέγοντος ἐγένετο νεφέλη καὶ ἐπεσκίασεν αὐτούς· ἐφοβήθησαν δὲ ἐν τῷ εἰσελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν νεφέλην. καὶ φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης λέγουσα· Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἐκλελεγμένος, αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε. καὶ ὅτε ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ εὑρέθη ὁ Ἰησοῦς μόνος. καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐσίγησαν καὶ οὐδενὶ ἀπήγγειλαν ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις οὐδὲν ὧν ἑωράκασιν.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they feared as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

Commentary: The Transfiguration is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God’s glory. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appear to testify to Christ’s fulfillment of both. The “decease” (ἔξοδον – exodon) they discuss refers to Christ’s exodus through death and resurrection. Peter’s suggestion to build tabernacles reveals his misunderstanding – he wants to prolong the experience rather than embrace the journey to Jerusalem. The voice from the cloud, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” is a direct command to listen to Christ, superseding the Law and the Prophets. This is a moment of profound revelation. The mountain setting amplifies the sense of holiness and separation from the mundane. Think of Mount Sinai, Mount Horeb – mountains have always been places of divine encounter. The disciples’ initial sleepiness is a metaphor for our own spiritual slumber. We often miss God’s presence because we are not fully awake.

Spiritual Application: Seek to be present in the moment and attentive to God’s presence in your life. Do not be so focused on the past or future that you miss the glory unfolding before you.

Luke 9:37-43 – The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy

Greek: Ἐγένετο δὲ τῇ ἑξῆς ἡμέρᾳ κατελθόντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄρους συνήντησεν αὐτῷ ὄχλος πολύς. καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνὴρ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου ἐβόησεν λέγων· Διδάσκαλε, δέομαί σου ἐπιβλέψαι ἐπὶ τὸν υἱόν μου, ὅτι μονογενής μοί ἐστιν· καὶ ἰδοὺ πνεῦμα λαμβάνει αὐτόν, καὶ κραυγάζει ἐξαίφνης, καὶ σπαράσσει αὐτὸν μετὰ ἀφροῦ, καὶ μόγις ἀποχωρεῖ ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ συντρίβον αὐτόν· καὶ ἐδεήθην τῶν μαθητῶν σου ἵνα ἐκβάλωσιν αὐτό, καὶ οὐκ ἠδυνήθησαν. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· Ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι καὶ ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; προσάγαγε ὧδε τὸν υἱόν σου. ἔτι δὲ προσερχομένου αὐτοῦ ἔρρηξεν αὐτὸν τὸ δαιμόνιον καὶ συνεσπάραξεν. ἐπετίμησεν δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ καὶ ἰάσατο τὸν παῖδα καὶ ἀπέδωκεν αὐτὸν τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ. ἐξεπλήσσοντο δὲ πάντες ἐπὶ τῇ μεγαλειότητι τοῦ θεοῦ. πάντων δὲ θαυμαζόντων ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐποίει ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ· θέσθε ὑμεῖς εἰς τὰς ἀκοὰς ὑμῶν τοὺς λόγους τούτους· ὁ γὰρ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου μέλλει παραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the hill, that a great multitude met Him. Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. So I entreated Your disciples to cast him out, but they could not.” Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

Commentary: The disciples’ failure to heal the boy reveals their lack of faith and preparedness. Jesus’s exclamation, “O faithless and perverse generation!” is a harsh rebuke, highlighting the pervasive spiritual weakness. The father’s desperation is palpable – he cries out for his only child. The demon’s violent attack emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare. St. Athanasius, in On the Incarnation, describes the demonic forces: “Οἱ δαίμονες … οὐκ ἀγαθοί, ἀλλὰ κακοὶ καὶ μισοῦντες τοὺς ἀνθρώπους” (Hoi daimones … ouk agathoi, alla kakoi kai misountes tous anthrōpous) – “Demons… are not good, but evil and hate men.” (On the Incarnation, 47). Jesus’s healing power demonstrates His ultimate authority over the demonic realm. His final warning about being betrayed reminds the disciples that glory and suffering are intertwined. The contrast between the mountain top experience and the valley of suffering underscores the cyclical nature of Christian life. We move from moments of spiritual illumination to the challenges of everyday life.

Spiritual Application: Do not be discouraged by failures. Learn from them and seek to strengthen your faith through prayer and reliance on God’s power.

Subtopic Sections

The Importance of Prayer in Discipleship 🕊️

Luke 9 highlights the critical role of prayer in the life of a disciple. Jesus is often seen withdrawing to pray, even after miraculous events. Here are key takeaways:

• Prayer as a Source of Power: Jesus prayed before the Transfiguration, demonstrating the connection between prayer and divine revelation.
• Prayer as a Response to Failure: The disciples’ inability to heal the boy suggests they were neglecting prayer and relying on their own abilities.
• Prayer as a Foundation for Ministry: Jesus’s ministry was rooted in prayer, providing the strength and guidance necessary to fulfill His mission.
• Prayer as Communion with God: Prayer is not just a means to an end, but a vital connection with the Father, allowing us to align our will with His.
• Persistent Prayer: Jesus emphasizes the need to persevere in prayer, even when we do not see immediate results.

The Kingdom of God: A Present and Future Reality ✨

The Kingdom of God is a central theme in Luke 9. It’s not merely a future hope but a present reality manifested through Christ’s ministry and the actions of His disciples.

• Preaching the Kingdom: The disciples were sent to preach the Kingdom, proclaiming the good news of God’s reign.
• Healing as a Sign of the Kingdom: The healing of the sick and the casting out of demons demonstrated the Kingdom’s power over sickness and evil.
• The Kingdom is Relational: Acceptance or rejection of the disciples and their message meant acceptance or rejection of Christ Himself and therefore acceptance or rejection of the Kingdom.
• The Kingdom and the Eucharist: The feeding of the five