now) to preach it to everyone on earth deliberately pick up serpents to show what
111 MARK 16:20
while they were mourning and weeping. 11 And when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they did not believe it.
believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: They will drive out demons in my name; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
12 After that he appeared in another form to two of them as they walked along, going out into the countryside. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.
14 Afterwards he appeared to the Eleven as they sat at the table, and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word with the signs following them. Amen.
15 And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 He who
16:11 They should have believed in Christs resurrection even without this witness. Christ Himself had told them He would rise from the dead (9:31; Matt 16:21; 17:22,23). But they persisted in their unbelief even after other witnesses spoke to them (v 12,13. See Luke 24:13-32). This is evidence that they were not credulous, superstitious people willing to believe anything without evidence. 16:14 The Eleven were the 12 chief disciples minus Judas Iscariot (Matt 27:5). Observe that these disciples were flesh and blood, as we are, and had their faults and proneness to unbelief, as we all have. And they deserved the Lords rebuke, just as we. 16:15 This gospel is described in 1 Cor 15:18. Christ commands His disciples (then and now) to preach it to everyone on earth Matt 28:18-20; Luke 24:47,48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8. Since Jesus died for all (2 Cor 5:14,15; 1 Tim 2:6; 1 John 2:2) He wants all to hear that He did. Every believer must do what lies in his or her power to see that all the world hears the gospel. 16:16 Note on baptism at Matt 3:6. Salvation is by faith (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; Acts 16:31; Rom 1:17; 3:22,25; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8,9), plus nothing. Baptism is not essential for salvation, but those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should be baptized and publicly acknowledge their faith. If a person says he believes Christ, and yet refuses to be baptized we have reason to doubt the genuineness of his faith. Notice Jesus does not say whoever is not baptized will be condemned, but whoever does not believe. Compare John 3:17,18. Condemned here must mean condemned to hell. 16:17,18 This does not mean that every one of these signs will accompany every single
believer throughout this whole age of grace. It is a matter of plain fact that many genuine believers have not experienced a single one of these, and this passage speaks of those who believe, not of those who have exceptional faith or are more spiritual than other believers. It seems that these verses mean this: These signs would accompany the body of believers as a whole. Or it may mean these signs would be seen in the ministry of the apostles to whom Jesus spoke.
On driving out demons see Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:13-16. On tongues see Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor 12:10,28,30; 13:1; 14:2-39. On snakes see Luke 10:19; Acts 28:3-5 (this is not to say that anyone should deliberately pick up serpents to show what faith they have. Compare Matt 4:6,7).
There is no record in the New Testament of anyone being poisoned. This does not mean there were no cases in those days which remained unrecorded. On healing of the sick see Acts 28:8,9; Jam 5:14,15.
We must understand that these signs were not given that men might show off their power or impress others with their godliness. We should understand also that these signs are in Gods hands, and He may grant them or withhold them any time, any place He chooses. Some of these signs listed here in Mark are not found in the lists of spiritual gifts in Rom 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians chapter 12. See notes in those places. 16:19 Luke 24:50,57; Acts 1:9-11; Ps 110:1. The right hand was the place of honor and authority. Compare Matt 28:18; Phil 2:9. 16:20 Verses 17,18; Heb 2:4.
The Gospel According to
LUKE
Author:
Luke was a doctor, a close friend and colleague of the apostle Paul, and often traveled with him on his missionary journeys. See Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:11; Philemon 24; Acts 16:10-12; 20:5,6; 27:1.
Date:
Luke wrote in the first century of this era some years after the death and resurrection of Christ, and before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
Theme:
Jesus Christ is the Saviour whom God has appointed to provide salvation for the human race. Some of the key words in this Gospel are salvation (1:69,77; 2:30; 3:6; 19:9), and preaching the gospel (4:18,19,43; 7:22; 8:1; 9:2,6,60; 20:1). He began His ministry with the words from Isaiah 61:1,2, and revealed His work as seeking and saving the lost (19:10). Luke presents Christ as the Son of man. He writes more fully about some of the details of Christ's birth and life, and speaks of His true human nature more clearly, than the other Gospel writers.
Contents:
Luke introduces his Gospel ............................................................................ 1:1-4 The parents of John the Baptist ..................................................................... 1:5-25 An angel comes to Mary ................................................................................ 1:26-38 Mary visits Elizabeth ..................................................................................... 1:39-55 The birth of John the Baptist ......................................................................... 1:56-80 The birth of the Lord Jesus ........................................................................... 2:1-20 The circumcision of Jesus .............................................................................. 2:21-24 The words of Simeon .................................................................................... 2:25-35 The prophetess Anna ................................................................................... 2:36-38 The boy Jesus in Nazareth and Jerusalem ....................................................... 2:39-52 The ministry of John the Baptist ..................................................................... 3:1-20 The baptism of Jesus .................................................................................... 3:21-23 The genealogy of Jesus ................................................................................ 3:24-38 The testing of Jesus in the wilderness ............................................................ 4:1-13 Jesus begins His ministry ............................................................................... 4:14-44 Jesus in Nazareth ........................................................................................ 4:14-30 Jesus in Capernaum ..................................................................................... 4:31-44 A miraculous catch of fish.............................................................................. 5:1-11 Jesus heals a leper ....................................................................................... 5:12-16 Jesus heals and forgives a paralytic ............................................................... 5:17-26 Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) and dines in his house ............................................. 5:27-39 Jesus and the Sabbath ................................................................................. 6:1-5 Jesus heals a withered hand ......................................................................... 6:6-11 Jesus chooses His disciples ............................................................................ 6:12-16 Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Plain ......................................................... 6:20-49 Jesus heals the centurion's servant ................................................................ 7:1-10 Jesus raises a young man from death ............................................................. 7:11-17 Jesus answers the question of John the Baptist ............................................... 7:18-23 Jesus praises John the Baptist ....................................................................... 7:24-35
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Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee ........................................................ 7:36-50 The parable of the sower .............................................................................. 8:4-15 Jesus speaks of His mother and brothers ........................................................ 8:19-21 Jesus stills the storm .................................................................................... 8:22-25 Jesus drives out a legion of demons ............................................................... 8:26-39 Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from death
and heals the woman with an issue of blood .............................................. 8:40-56 Jesus sends out His disciples ......................................................................... 9:1-6 Jesus feeds the five thousand ....................................................................... 9:10-17 Jesus reveals who He is and speaks of His death
and resurrection ...................................................................................... 9:18-22 Jesus reveals the character of His followers .................................................... 9:23-27 Jesus is transfigured .................................................................................... 9:28-36 Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy .............................................................. 9:37-45 Jesus speaks of true greatness ..................................................................... 9:46-48 Jesus begins His journey to Jerusalem ............................................................ 9:49-56 Jesus and those who would follow Him............................................................ 9:57-62 Jesus instructs and sends out seventy disciples ............................................... 10:1-21 Jesus reveals His deity ................................................................................. 10:22-24 The parable of the good Samaritan ................................................................ 10:25-37 Jesus, Mary and Martha ............................................................................... 10:38-42 Jesus teaches about prayer .......................................................................... 11:1-13 Jesus is slandered by religious leaders ............................................................ 11:14-26 Jesus speaks of true blessedness .................................................................. 11:27,28 Jesus faced an evil generation ...................................................................... 11:29-36 Jesus reveals the character of the religious leaders ......................................... 11:37-54 Jesus warns His disciples about the religious leaders ........................................ 12:1-12 The parable of the rich fool ........................................................................... 12:14-21 Jesus tells His disciples not to worry ............................................................... 12:22-34 Jesus speaks of His second coming ................................................................. 12:35-48 Jesus creates divisions ................................................................................. 12:49-53 Jesus demands repentance ........................................................................... 13:1-5 The parable of the barren tree ...................................................................... 13:6-9 Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath ............................................................. 13:10-17 Illustrations about God's kingdom ................................................................... 13:18-21 Jesus speaks of the one way of salvation ....................................................... 13:22-30 Jesus expresses sorrow over Jerusalem ......................................................... 13:34,35 Jesus dines in a Pharisee's house ................................................................... 14:1-15 The parable of the great feast ...................................................................... 14:16-24 Jesus reveals qualifications for discipleship ...................................................... 14:25-35 The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin,
and the prodigal son ................................................................................ 15:1-32 The parable of the unjust steward ................................................................. 16:1-9 Jesus speaks of faithful service ..................................................................... 16:10-13 The illustration of the rich man and Lazarus ..................................................... 16:19-31 Jesus gives teaching on offenses and forgiveness ........................................... 17:1-4 Jesus shows how faith is increased ................................................................ 17:5-10 Jesus heals ten lepers .................................................................................. 17:11-19 Jesus speaks of His second coming ................................................................. 17:20-37 Jesus gives further instruction about prayer ................................................... 18:1-8 The illustration of the Pharisee and the tax collector ........................................ 18:9-14 Jesus welcomes little children......................................................................... 18:15-17 Jesus and the rich young ruler ....................................................................... 18:18-30 Jesus speaks of His coming death and resurrection .......................................... 18:31-34 Jesus heals a blind man in Jericho .................................................................. 18:35-43 Jesus and Zacchaeus ................................................................................... 19:1-10
LUKE 114
The parable of the servants and the money .................................................... 19:11-27 Jesus rides to Jerusalem on a donkey and weeps over it................................... 19:28-44 Jesus faces the hostility of religious leaders .................................................... 20:1-47 The parable of the tenants of the vineyard ..................................................... 20:9-19 Resurrection and marriage ............................................................................ 20:27-39 Jesus asks a question they cannot answer ...................................................... 20:41-44 Jesus teaches about giving ........................................................................... 21:1-4 Jesus reveals the future ............................................................................... 21:5-36 Jesus is betrayed by Judas ........................................................................... 22:1-6 Jesus eats the last Passover with His disciples ................................................. 22:7-22 Jesus teaches about true greatness............................................................... 22:24-30 Jesus predicts Peter's denial .......................................................................... 22:31-34 Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane ............................................................... 22:39-46 Jesus is arrested .......................................................................................... 22:47-54 Peter's denial............................................................................................... 22:31-34 Jesus before the Jewish high priest ................................................................ 22:63-71 Jesus before Pilate ....................................................................................... 23:1-25 Jesus goes to Calvary and is crucified ............................................................ 23:26-38 The repentant thief ...................................................................................... 23:39-43 Jesus dies and is buried ................................................................................ 23:44-56 Jesus rises from the dead ............................................................................. 24:1-7 The unbelief of Jesus' disciples ...................................................................... 24:8-12 Jesus appears to disciples on the Emmaeus road ............................................. 24:13-32 Jesus appears to His apostles ........................................................................ 24:33-44 Jesus explains the Scriptures to His apostles
and tells them what to do ......................................................................... 24:45-49 Jesus ascends into heaven ........................................................................... 24:50-52
115 LUKE 1:19
Since many have undertaken to put together a narrative of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word handed them down to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had a perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write for you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you might know the certainty of those things in which you have been instructed.
of incense.
11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he became agitated and was seized by fear.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard and your wife Elisabeth will bear you a son. And you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and will drink neither wine nor strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. His wife also was of the descendants of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous in the eyes of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 And they had no child, because Elisabeth was barren, and by then they were both well advanced in years.
8 And it happened that while he was serving as priest in the presence of God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, the lot fell to him to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And all the assembled people were praying outside at the time
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is well advanced in years."
19 And the angel answering said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I am sent to speak to you and to bring you this good
1:1 "Many" – others besides Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote accounts of the life of Christ. God did not choose to include these in the Bible. 1:2 "Eyewitnesses" – he means the original disciples of Jesus. Compare John 15:27; Heb 2:3,4; 2 Pet 1:16; 1 John 1:1; Acts 4:20. "The Word" – the Word of God. The disciples became servants of the Word by obeying it and proclaiming it. In John 1:1,14 Christ too is called "The Word." 1:3 Luke did not write down unchecked stories, fables or old wives' tales. He lived during the time the events took place and carefully investigated everything. We know nothing about Theophilus. His name means "one who loves God." 1:4 "Know the certainty" – this was Luke's purpose in writing, and God's purpose in having him write. The facts of Christ's life, death and resurrection, His works and words are given to us with complete accuracy by a careful, honest historian inspired by God. God does not want people to remain in unbelief or uncertainty about those matters. Compare John 20:31; 21:24; 2 Peter 1:16. 1:5 "Herod" – Matt 2:1. "Priestly division" – a thousand years before Zacharias, David, king of Israel, had organized the priests into 24 divisions. Abijah was in charge of one of these (1 Chron 24:10; Neh 12:12). Aaron was the first high priest of Israel (Ex 28:1-3). Zacharias is another spelling of Zechariah. 1:6 "Blamelessly" – this means sincerely, faithfully. It does not mean they were without a sinful nature (see note at Matt 7:11).
1:7 Verse 25; Gen 16:2; 25:21; 30:23; 1 Sam 1:2,5. 1:8,9 Not all the priests were on duty at all times, but spent periods of time in their homes looking after their own affairs.
"Burn incense" – Ex 30:1,34-36. 1:11 "Angel of the Lord" – notes at Matt 1:20; Gen 16:7. 1:12 Compare Jud 6:22,23; 13:22; etc. 1:13 "Afraid" – the righteous have nothing to fear, the wicked should fear everything. The name "John" comes from Hebrew and means "Jehovah is gracious." 1:15 On John's greatness see Matt 11:7-14. The fact that he was not to touch wine, etc suggests John may have been a lifelong Nazirite. See Num 6:1-4. John is the only man in the Bible of whom it is said that he was filled with God's spirit from birth. God had a special work for John and was preparing him from birth to accomplish it. On the fullness of the Holy Spirit see notes at Acts 2:4; Eph 5:18. 1:16 See 3:4-6; Matt 3:1-6. 1:17 "Elijah" – Matt 11:14; 17:10-13. See Mal 4:5,6. 1:18 These words indicated unbelief (v 20). This is another example revealing the truth that even the best and most righteous of people sometimes struggle with doubts and unbelief. See Gen 17:17,18; 18:9-12; Num 20:12; 1 Sam 27:1; Matt 14:31; 17:17; John 20:25. When God says something, when He sends a message to men, it will be absolutely true and men have no business to doubt it. 1:19 Zacharias would have known the name "Gabriel" – Dan 8:16; 9:21.
LUKE 1:20 116
news. 20 And now you will be silent, unable to speak until the day that these things are accomplished, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."
of greeting this could be.
30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 And, see, you will be with child, and bear a son, and shall call his name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and were surprised that he stayed so long in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak to them. And they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he was making signs to them, and remained speechless.
34 Then said Mary to the angel, "How will this be, since I do not know a man?"
23 And it happened that as soon as the days of his service were completed that he went to his own house, 24 and after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived. And she hid herself five months, saying, 25 "This is the way the Lord has dealt with me, in these days in which he has looked on me with favour, to take away my dishonour among men."
35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, also, that holy one who will be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And now your cousin Elisabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing can be impossible." 38 And Mary said, "See the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in to her, and said, "Be joyful, you who are highly favoured, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
39 And Mary arose at that time, and hurried to a town of Judah in the hill country, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elisabeth.
29 And when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at his statement and wondered what kind
41 And it happened that when Elisabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and
1:20 This was both a punishment for unbelief and a sign that Gabriel had spoken the truth (which would encourage faith). 1:21 The offering of incense usually took only a brief time. Afterwards the priest would come out and bless the people (Num 6:24-26). 1:25 Barrenness was considered a disgrace in Israel – Gen 30:23; Isa 4:1. And Elizabeth had been barren (v 7). But the will of God for a woman can never be a disgrace. And some of the best of women have been barren – Gen 16:2; 25:21; 30:23; 1 Sam 1:2,5. 1:26 "The sixth month" – from the beginning of Elizabeth's pregnancy. 1:27 The following verses set forth the fact that the Lord Jesus was born of a virgin. This was in fulfillment of Isa 7:14. See notes there and at Matt 1:18-23.
1:32 "The Most High" is a name of the one true God that frequently appears in the Old Testament – Gen 14:19; 2 Sam 22:14; Ps 7:10; etc.
"Son of the Most High" – Matt 1:18; 3:17; John 3:16; 5:18-23. "Throne of. . .David" – 2 Sam 7:11-16; Ps 89:3,4; Matt 1:1. 1:33 Ps 45:6; 89:3,4; Isa 9:6,7; Jer 33:14-18; Dan 2:44; 7:14,27; Micah 4:7. "House of Jacob" – the nation descended from Jacob – Israel (Genesis chapters 25-50). 1:34 "Know" – the Jews sometimes used this word to indicate an intimate relationship. Mary was saying that she was a virgin. 1:35 Note at Matt 1:18. This was no "marriage" between a god and a mortal woman (a thing that is found in the myths and legends of many countries). The unseen Spirit of God created in her the body and human nature of her son. 1:37 It is not difficult for God to enable either an elderly barren woman (v 7) or a virgin to conceive and bear children. What men call miracles are to God as easy and natural as anything else He does (Gen 18:14; Job 42:2; Isa 40:29; 50:2; 51:9; Jer 32:17,27; Matt 19:26; Rom 4:21). 1:38 Mary completely accepted God's will for her, confident that it could be only good. In this she is an example to us – compare Rom 12:1,2. 1:41 See how God's Holy Spirit was so closely involved in all these events (vs 15, 35, 67).
"House of David" – Matt 1:1. 1:28 God chose Mary for the high honor of being the mother of the Messiah, the Saviour of the world – this was a great sign of God's favor. Compare Gen 6:8; Acts 7:46.
"Be joyful" – the meaning of the Greek here. It was used as a greeting, so the KJV translated it "Hail." But this way of greeting is now no longer in use. 1:29 Mary could not understand what all this might mean and what God would require of her. God's people are sometimes troubled when they should rejoice at God's wonderful working. 1:31 Matt 1:1,31.
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Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and spoke with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why is this given to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For, now, as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord."
months, and returned to her own house.
57 Now the time had come for Elisabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son. 58 And her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they would have named him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother responded and said, "No, he shall be called John."
46 And Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he has had regard for the lowly state of his maidservant. For, see, from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. 50 And generation after generation his mercy is on those who fear him. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his descendants forever."
61 And they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."
62 And they made signs to his father to know what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote this: His name is John. And they were all amazed. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke and praised God. 65 And awe came on everyone who lived around them. And all these things that had been said were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be!" And the hand of the Lord was with him.
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 "Blessed be
56 And Mary stayed with her about three
all other human beings do. This is the first use of the word "Saviour" in the New Testament. The word means "deliverer and preserver" – one who delivers people from their sins and keeps them safe. 1:48 Verses 28,30,42. 1:49 Ps 71:19, etc. On God's holiness see Lev 20:7; Isa 6:3; etc. 1:50 Notes on the fear of God at Gen 20:11; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; Prov 1:7. 1:51 Ps 98:1; Isa 40:10; etc. God is a spirit (John 4:24) and does not have a physical arm. This is poetic language describing God's power. See how God puts down the proud – Ex 18:11; 2 Sam 22:28; Ps 31:23; 94:2; 138:6; Prov 16:5; Isa 2:12-18; Jer 13:9; 49:16; Jam 4:6. 1:52 1 Sam 2:7,8; Matt 23:12. 1:53 1 Sam 2:5; Ps 107:9; 81:10,16; Matt 5:6. 1:55 What fellowship in conversation, prayer, and study of God's Word they must have had together! 1:59 Notes on circumcision at Gen 17:9-14. 1:60 Verse 13. 1:64 Faith and obedience opened the mouth that unbelief had sealed (v 20). 1:66 Verse 51; Gen 39:2; Acts 11:21. 1:67 Verses 15,35,41. There are as many references to the Holy Spirit in Luke as in Matthew and Mark together. Inspired by God's Spirit Zecharias speaks of the future and foretells truth that had not yet been accomplished. See notes on prophesying at Gen 20:7; Num 11:25. 1:68 "Redeemed" – notes at Matt 20:28;
The events and the words spoken about them were signs that God was about to do something mysterious, wonderful and blessed in the earth. 1:42 Verse 28. Only one woman in history could be chosen to be the mother of Christ, and Mary was that one. See also 11:27,28 and notes on "blessed" at Gen 12:3; Num 6:22-27; Ps 1:1; etc. God would now bring to Abraham's descendants, and to all the world, that which He had promised through Abraham. 1:43 "Mother" – Mary was the mother of the Son of God only in the sense that she bore his physical body. Of course God in His eternal being, the uncreated Creator of all things, can have no mother. So to call Mary the "mother of God" is not a suitable use of language.
"My Lord" – only by the Holy Spirit could Elizabeth say this of the yet unborn Jesus. Compare Ps 2:11; 110:1; Matt 22:4145; Acts 2:36; Phil 2:10,11. 1:45 Verses 38,42. 1:46-55 Mary's words, in beautiful poetic language, reveal a knowledge and love of God and a grasp of spiritual truth that made her a proper mother for the Messiah. Compare her words with Hannah's words in 1 Sam 2:1-10. 1:46 There are more references to praise and prayer in Luke than in any of the other Gospels. Note on praise at Ps 33:1-3. 1:47 Observe that Mary calls God her "Savior." Although she had the special honor of being the mother of the Messiah, she realized that she needed a Saviour just as
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the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 just as he said by the mouth of his holy prophets, who prophesied through the ages, 71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hands of all who hate us, 72 to perform the acts of mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he swore to our father Abraham, 74 that he would grant us that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his appearance to Israel.
And it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, saying that all the world should be registered. 2 (This census was first taken when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to be registered, each one to his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and line of David, 5 to be registered with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give the knowledge of salvation to his people through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the sunrise from on high has visited us, 79 to give light to those who sit
6 And while they were there, it happened that the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn, a son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a
– 2:14; John 14:27; 16:33; Acts 10:36; Rom 5:1; 14:17; 15:13,33; Eph 2:14. By the inspiration of God's Spirit Zecharias sets forth two wonderful results of the life and work of Christ – spiritual light and peace. 1:80 Until about the age of 30 John was a solitary man who did not live as ordinary men do (Matt 3:4). None was ever greater than he (Matt 11:11). But just as he was strong in spirit so can all believers be (Eph 3:16). 2:1 Augustus was the emperor of the most powerful empire of that time – the Roman Empire. In those days it was usual to call that "the whole world."
Ps 78:35. See also Rom 9:24; 1 Cor 1:30; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; Titus 2:14; Heb 9:12; 1 Pet 1:18; Rev 5:9. 1:69 Note on horn at 1 Sam 2:1; on house of David at v 32; Matt 1:1.
"Salvation" – 19:9; Acts 4:12; Rom 1:16. 1:70 For example, Isa 9:6,7; Jer 23:5. 1:71 This is similar to Old Testament language. See notes on enemies at Ps 3:7. God's people have far greater enemies than other human beings could ever be. See Eph 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8. From all such the Lord Jesus saves His people. 1:72 Gen 22:16-18; Ps 105:8,9; 106:45; Ezek 16:60; Micah 7:20. 1:74,75 This is always God's purpose in redemption. He wants a holy people who willingly, lovingly serve Him all their days. And He has provided in Christ all that we need to do so. Compare 2 Peter 1:3,4. 1:76 Compare the word "prophet" with what is spoken of Christ in v 32. See what John's ministry was – vs 14-17; Matt 3:1-6. 1:77 Without the forgiveness of sins there is no salvation and no true knowledge of salvation. Notes and references on forgiveness of sins at Matt 6:12; 9:5-7; 12:31; 18:23-25. 1:78 Forgiveness of sins can never be deserved, or earned by men. It comes only by God's grace, because of His mercy. Here the Lord Jesus is compared to a sun from heaven. Elsewhere He is compared to a star or a light – Num 24:17; Isa 9:2; 60:1-3; Mal 4:2; John 8:12; 2 Peter 1:19; Rev 22:16. The Lord Jesus came from heaven to save men (John 3:13; 6:38; 8:23). 1:79 Isa 9:2; 59:9,10; Matt 4:16. When men had no light, no hope, no escape from darkness and death, Jesus came and brought light and peace. Peace is one of the sweet notes of the music of the Gospel
"Registered" – from a Greek word which means to enrol or register as in a census. 2:4 See Matt 3:1-6. The Messiah of Israel had to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). God used the decree of the Roman emperor to bring Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. God can (and does) use all the circumstances of life to accomplish His purposes.
"Bethlehem" is a Hebrew name and means "house of bread." From there came the one who is the "Bread of life" (John 6:35). Notice the emphasis on David – 1:27,32,69; 2:4,11. Note at Matt 1:1. 2:5 See 1:27,35; Matt 1:18. 2:7 Such was the first resting place of the Son of God, heaven's great King. It was His own choice, and that of God the Father. See His character revealed in Matt 11:29; Phil 2:5-8 (He is our example, and we should have the same attitude that He had). Bethlehem was a small town. There would have been few places to stay, and, because of the census, many visitors. But throughout Jesus' life there was often no room for Him anywhere – Luke 4:29; Matt 2:13; 8:20; John 1:11; 19:15.
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manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
earth peace, good will toward men."
15 And it so happened that when the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
8 And there were in the same area shepherds staying in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
16 And they hurried away, and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen him, they made known the word they had been told concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen; it was just as it had been told to them.
10 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for, see, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a great number of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on
21 And when eight days were completed, at
2:8 God, when He made announcement of the birth of His Son on earth (the greatest event in the history of the world up to that hour), passed over the religious leaders of the day, and ignored all those who were powerful, educated, or rich, and chose to reveal this world-changing event to poor and humble shepherds. Compare 1 Cor 1:26-29; Isa 57:15; 66:2. God's ways are not like ours (Isa 55:8,9), and we should be very glad they are not. We must learn from Him and try to follow His example. Jesus was born to be the great shepherd of the sheep (John 10:11; Heb 13:20). It seems fitting that His birth should be announced first to shepherds. 2:9 "An angel of the Lord" – note at Matt 1:20. "Glory" – God's glory was soon to appear in Christ (who is God's glory – Heb 1:3; John 1:14), and be revealed in the glorious Gospel of His grace (1 Tim 1:11). For the announcement of His birth how could the glory of the Lord not appear? A bright and shining event must be properly proclaimed. 2:10 "Good tidings" – the angel brought the best news the world has ever had. After thousands of years of sin and suffering and longing and waiting, the Saviour of mankind was born. The way to great joy, the source of all true and holy joy, all everlasting joy appeared at last. Believers in Him know something of this joy now and will partake of it fully in all the vast ages of eternity (John 15:11; 17:13; Rom 14:17; 15:13; Phil 4:4; 1 Pet 1:8). 2:11 Matt 1:21; Acts 4:12; 1 John 4:14. Jesus is called Saviour 16 times in the New Testament (see 1:47). See note on Christ at Matt 1:1.
called Lord (Kurios) some hundreds of times. He is the Lord of all lords (Rev 19:16), and the whole Bible ends with a blessing in His Name (Rev 22:21).
The following references reveal that Jesus is the incarnation of Jehovah God: Matt 3:3; 23:37; John 8:24,25,58; 10:11; 12:41; Acts 2:21; Rom 10:9,10,13; 1 Cor 1:31; 2:8; 10:4; Eph 4:10; Phil 2:10,11; Titus 2:13; Heb 1:10-12; Jude 5; Rev 19:16. Other references that reveal that Jesus is God are at Phil 2:6. In the Old Testament see notes at Gen 16:7; Ex 3:14; Ps 23:1; 24:7-10; 96:10-13; Isa 6:1; 9:6; Zech 12:10. 2:13 An event so full of interest to heaven, should surely awaken our interest, and our praise. 2:14 The glory of God is the highest possible purpose for anything (Ps 19:1; 29:1,2; Isa 42:8; 43:7; 1 Cor 10:31; Rev 4:11), and the purpose for which Jesus came (John 17:4). We should recognize that the birth of Jesus brought great glory to God. Notice the order here – God first, then men. Jesus brought glory to God by bringing peace to men.
"Good will toward men" – the Greek phase here has been translated in various ways, such as peace "among men with whom he is pleased" (NASB), "to men on whom his favor rests" (NIV). However it is translated, it is clear everywhere in the New Testament that peace comes only to those who receive God's Son as Lord and Saviour and so receive God's favor and salvation (1:79). 2:17 The first to proclaim the good news of Christ's birth was an angel, the next to do so were lowly shepherds. 2:20 This Gospel according to Luke is full of praise to God – 1:46,64; 2:13,28; 5:25,26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15,18; 18:43; 19:37; 23:47; 24:53. See note on praise at Ps 33:1-3. See one reason why the shepherds praised God. We may be sure that all that God tells us will turn out just as He has said (Ps 31:5; Titus 1:2). 2:21 "Circumcision" – see Gen 17:9-14. The
"Lord" – observe what the angel calls Jesus. See also 1:43; Matt 22:41-45; Acts 2:36; 1 Cor 8:6; Phil 2:10,11; Eph 4:5. In Greek the word is "Kurios." This is the word used in the New Testament to translate the word Jehovah, the most common name for God in the Old Testament. See the note at Ex 3:14,15. In the NT Jesus is
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the circumcision of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
your salvation, 31 which you have prepared before the face of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." 33 And Joseph and his mother wondered at those things which were spoken by him.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Look, this child is destined for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and praised God, and said,
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with a husband seven years from her marriage. 37 She was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not leave the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she, coming in at that instant, gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the
29 "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen
Lord Jesus was born of an Israelite mother, a descendant of Abraham, and so He was circumcised as all male children in Israel were. 2:22 Lev 12:2-8. 2:23 Ex 13:2,12,15; Num 3:13. 2:24 This sacrifice was offered not for Jesus, but for Mary. And it revealed that she and Joseph were poor and unable to offer a more costly sacrifice. See Lev 12:8. 2:25 He was looking forward to the coming of the promised Messiah. Compare Isa 40:1,2. "Holy Spirit" – vs 26,27; 1:15,35,41,67. Notice all these activities of God's Spirit even before He came and filled the whole body of believers at Pentecost. 2:27 Verses 22-24. 2:29 Verse 26. 2:30 He recognized that Jesus was the Messiah, the Saviour promised in the Old Testament who would bring salvation to His people. 2:32 Simeon knew that Christ had come to enlighten all the nations of the world as well as Israel. See Isa 42:6; 49:6. 2:33 Jesus was born of a virgin by the power of God (1:34,35). Joseph had no part in that, but he was counted the legal father of Jesus (3:23). 2:34 Simeon here uttered a prophecy later perfectly fulfilled. Christ was always a stumblingblock to proud, hypocritical and unbelieving men (Matt 21:42-44; Rom 9:32,33; 1 Pet 2:7,8). They fell and what a fall it was – they put to death the Son of God, and God's wrath came on them (1 Thess 2:14-16). But Christ took humble, sincere, and believing people and raised them to great spiritual heights, and to heaven itself.
Now too the eternal destiny of people in every nation depends on how they respond to the Lord Jesus. But when He was on earth He was much "spoken against" – Matt 9:3,11,34; 12:24; 13:54-57; 26:65,66; 27:63; John 8:48. 2:35 The way people behaved toward Jesus, the things His words and deeds stirred them to do and say, revealed their innermost thoughts. It was revealed to Simeon that Jesus would have to suffer and that this would mean suffering to Mary as well. She would see her son rejected, condemned and crucified as a criminal. 2:36 For other women who prophesied see Ex 15:20; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Acts 21:9. 2:37 Here is an example for aged women (and men too for that matter). To serve God it is not necessary to be strong and vigorous or able to be on the move preaching the gospel everywhere.
"Fastings" – Matt 6:16. 2:38 Anna was an example to us all in these two matters as well.
"Thanks" – notes at Lev 7:12,13; Ps 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. "Redemption of Jerusalem" – Isa 40:2; 52:9; 59:20,21. 2:39 Verses 22-24. Luke does not mention the journey to Egypt (Matt 2:13-23). The writers of the four Gospels did not include all the facts they knew to be true (see the note on Mark 4:1-20). It is possible that they took Jesus to Nazareth and returned with Jesus to Bethlehem before they went to Egypt. 2:40 Verse 52. The Lord Jesus grew to manhood in the normal way of all human
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child grew, and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had spent the full number of days, as they were returning, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey, and then they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find him, they turned back again to Jerusalem to look for him.
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying,
46 And it happened that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been anxiously looking for you."
The voice of one crying out in the
wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be
brought low, and the crooked will be made straight, and the rough ways will be made smooth, 6 And all flesh will see the salvation of God.'
49 And he said to them, "How is it that you have been looking for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?"
50 And they did not understand the statement which he made to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was in subjection to them, but his mother treasured all
7 Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who has
beings, except that He never sinned in any way (Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22), and He had exceptional wisdom – a truth made clear in vs 46,47. The grace of God upon Him did not make Him rich, it made Him strong in goodness and holiness and kept Him from harm and evil – a far more blessed and important thing than the material things desired by most people. 2:41 "Passover" – Ex 23:14-17; Lev 23:4. 2:42 Deut 16:16. 2:46 Teachers here means religious teachers, gurus. 2:47 Amazement was what people often experienced at the words and works of the Lord Jesus – Matt 8:28; 12:23; Mark 1:27; 2:12; 9:15; 10:32. 2:48 By "Your father" Mary meant Joseph the legal father of Jesus (v 33). 2:49 Jesus meant God the Father. Though He was only twelve He knew of His unique relationship as the Son of God to the Father. His reply to Mary suggests she should have known this and that there was no need to search for Him – that if He was anywhere in Jerusalem it would be in the temple. 2:50 It seems that Mary was sometimes puzzled at things Jesus did and said and she thought deeply about what others said concerning Him (vs 19,33,51). 2:51 Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law of God in all the relationships of life. He never
rebelled against their parental authority or did anything to dishonor them (Ex 20:12). 2:52 Verse 40; 1 Sam 2:26. Though He was God's Son He grew up as a man and increased in wisdom as He grew. His growing in favor with God suggests that God was more and more pleased with Him, delighted in Him more and more – as earthly parents may be with maturing children. 3:1 Tiberius was the emperor of the Roman Empire. At this time both John and Jesus were about 30 years old (v 23). 3:2 Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas. The Romans appointed him high priest of the Jews. The Jews continued to recognize Annas as high priest along with Caiaphas. Ordinarily there would have been only one high priest.
"The word of God came" is language often used in the Old Testament. Compare Jer 1:2; Ezek 1:3; Hos 1:1. 3:3-18 Matt 3:1-12. 3:3 This does not mean that baptism brought either repentance or forgiveness of sins. They repented and confessed their sins and received forgiveness before they were baptized (Matt 3:6,11). For the forgiveness of sins repentance and faith are necessary (Matt 3:6; Mark 16:15,16). John's baptism signified this. 3:5,6 Isa 40:4,5.
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warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore, produce fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 And even now the axe is put to the root of the trees, so every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
21 Now when all the people were being baptized, it happened that Jesus also was baptized. And as he prayed, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, which said, "You are my beloved Son. With you I am well pleased."
23 Now Jesus himself began his ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
10 And the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?"
11 He answered and said to them, "He who has two coats should give to him who has none, and he who has food should do the same."
12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"
13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than what has been appointed for you."
14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort from anyone, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."
15 And the people were in a state of expectancy, and everyone was wondering in their hearts about John, whether he were the Christ, or not.
16 John responded, saying to them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
18 And with many other exhortations he preached to the people.
19 But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by John concerning Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 added this to them all: he shut John up in prison.
3:10-14 Here is a description of some of the "fruit worthy of repentance" (v 8) – compassion, love, honesty, truthfulness, contentment, a lack of greed. These are some of the things God demands in those who would repent and live in fellowship with Him – things often ignored by many who profess to be servants of God. 3:15 John 1:19,20. "The Christ" – Matt 1:1. 3:18 For example, see John 1:29-35. 3:19,20 Matt 3:13-17; Mark 1:11. 3:21 "As he prayed" – 5:16; 11:1. 3:23 "As was supposed" – 2:23; 1:34,35. Luke makes it clear again that Joseph was only Jesus' legal father. 3:23-38 This genealogy from David to Jesus differs from the version in Matthew 1:1-17. Why? A great many Bible scholars believe that Matthew gives the genealogy of Joseph, and Luke the genealogy of Mary. In this
case Joseph would have been the son-inlaw of Heli. But the word "son" in the Bible can indicate several relationships (see notes on genealogies and relationships in them at Matt 1:1,8; Gen 5:5-32), and this seems the most probable interpretation.
Notice that Matthew gives Jesus' genealogy only from Abraham. Luke traces it all the way back to Adam. Matthew's purpose was to show that Jesus was the king of Israel. Luke shows His relationship with the whole of mankind. 3:38 Adam, the first human being, could, of course, have no human father. He was a direct creation of God, and in this sense God was his father. See Gen 1:26,27; 2:7. Adam was not the unique Son of God as Jesus is (1:35; John 1:1,14; 3:16; 17:5).
In vs 23-38 the words "which was" (KJV) are not in the Greek.
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Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 and was tempted forty days by the devil. And in those days he ate nothing, and afterwards, when they were ended, he became hungry.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the scroll, he found the place where it was written,
3 And the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are
5 And the devil, having taken him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to him, "All this authority I will give you, and their glory; for that has been handed over to me, and I give it to anyone I wish. 7 Therefore if you will worship me, all will be yours."
oppressed, 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of all those who were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Go away, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve only him."
9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written, He will give his angels charge concerning you to guard you, 11 and in their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not at any time strike your foot against a stone."
22 And all testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which came from his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?"
23 And he said to them, "You will surely tell me this proverb: 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard was done in Capernaum, do also here in your native place.'"
12 And Jesus answering said to him, "It is said, You shall not test the Lord your God."
24 And he said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 25 But I tell you the truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven was shut up for three years and six months, when there was a great famine throughout the whole land. 26 But Elijah
13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he went away from him for a time. 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and his fame spread throughout the whole surrounding region. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being honoured by all.
4:1-13 Matt 4:1-11. 4:2 Luke states that Jesus was tempted by the devil throughout the 40 days. Matthew wrote of only the three temptations that came at the end of the 40 days. 4:6 Was Satan speaking the truth here? Jesus did not dispute it, and other verses in the Bible indicate it is true (John 12:31; 14:30; 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 6:12). How did Satan receive the authority and glory of the world? See note at Matt 4:9. 4:13 Satan did not admit defeat, but hoped for another time and better results. So now he will run from believers when they resist him (Jam 4:7), but he will return again and again. 4:14 Jesus had been somewhere in the wilderness of Judea. He now returns to Galilee fully equipped by God's Spirit for the work that lay before Him. 4:15 Matt 4:23--25. "Synagogues" – Matt 4:23. 4:16 "Sabbath day" – Ex 20:8-11; etc. See Christ's custom. Compare Heb 10:25. He
read from the Old Testament – religious teachers visiting Jewish meeting places were often asked to read or speak. 4:17 "Scroll" – pieces of writing material sown end to end and rolled up. This is the way the Jews wrote down the words of the Old Testament and kept them in their synagogues. 4:18,19 See Isa 61:1,2 and notes there. The Jews regarded these verses as referring to the coming Messiah. Observe here the beautiful work which Jesus came to do. 4:21 Jesus here clearly states that He is the promised Messiah of Israel. Note on Messiah at Matt 1:1. 4:22 They were amazed but did not believe Him, as the following verses make clear. See also Matt 13:53-58. 4:23 Jesus had made the town of Capernaum the headquarters of His ministry in Galilee and performed some striking miracles there – Matt 4:13,24,25; 8:1-17. 4:24 Matt 13:57; John 4:44. 4:25,26 See 1 Kings 17:1,8-16.
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was not sent to any of them, but to Zarephath, a city of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, but none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."
who had anyone sick with any of various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each of them and healed them. 41 And also demons came out of many, crying out and saying, "You are Christ the Son of God." And he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak, for they knew that he was Christ.
28 And all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with rage, 29 and rose up, and pulled him out of the city, and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, so that they might throw him down over the cliff. 30 But he, walking right through the middle of them, went on his way.
42 And when day came, he departed and went into a desert place. And the people looked for him, and came to him, and tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 And he said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose." 44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on Sabbath days. 32 And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with power.
And it happened that while the people were pressing around him to hear the Word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from land. And he sat down, and taught the people from the boat.
33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, "Let us alone! What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."
35 And Jesus rebuked it, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him." And when the demon had thrown him down among them, he came out of him, without hurting him.
4 Now when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down your nets for a catch."
36 And they were all amazed, and talked among themselves, saying, "What a message this is ! For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." 37 And his fame went out to every place in the surrounding region.
5 And Simon answering said to him, "Master, we have worked hard all night, and have caught nothing. Nevertheless at your word I will let down the net."
38 And he arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon's house. And Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and they made a request to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever; and it left her, and immediately she got up and served them.
6 And when they had done this, they netted a great number of fish, and their net broke. 7 And they signaled to their partners, who were in the other boat, to come and help them. And they came, and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at
40 Now when the sun was setting, all those
4:27 See 2 Kings 5:1-14. These two prophets, Elijah and Elisha, often suffered great trouble at the hands of the people of Israel, but God used them in great blessing to outsiders. In their days Israel forsook God and behaved worse than the idolatrous peoples around them. Jesus knew that the Jews would continue to be rebellious and unbelieving in His day and that His gospel would spread among non-Jewish peoples. 4:28 These Jews looked down on all other people and were angry because Jesus was pointing out their faults as seen in history, and seemed to be putting other people above them. 4:29 This was the first attempt (but not the last) the Jews made to murder the Son of God. The reason? He told them the truth, and through Him the light of God's holiness shone on their sinful hearts. See John 3:19; 7:7; 8:40. 4:30 His time to die had not come and no
one could take His life until He chose. See John 7:30; 10:17,18. 4:31-37 Mark 1:21-28. 4:38-41 Matt 8:14-17. "Simon" – Peter. 4:41 Matt 8:4; 9:30; 12:16; Mark 1:34. 4:42-44 Mark 1:35-39. 4:43 "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. 5:1 Gennesaret was another name for Galilee. Here the words of the Lord Jesus are called the Word of God. See John 7:16,17; 12:49,50; 14:24; 17:8. 5:4 The Lord Jesus knew where the fish were in the water, just as He knew everything else. See also John 21:4-7. Both these examples are object lessons teaching an important truth – in His kingdom, activity directed by Jesus is fruitful, but directed by self is fruitless. 5:5 "Master" – the Greek word indicates one with authority. 5:8 Peter realized that Jesus was no mere man, and he felt unworthy even to be in His
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Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
answering he said to them, "What are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Get up and walk?' 24 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins (he said to the paralyzed man), "I say to you, get up, pick up your cot, and go to your house."
9 For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 as also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners.
And Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on you will catch men." 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
25 And immediately he got up in front of them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."
12 And when he was in a certain city it happened that suddenly a man covered with leprosy, seeing Jesus, prostrated himself and implored him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
27 And after these things he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." 28 And he left everything, got up, and followed him.
13 And he put out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be cleansed." And immediately the leprosy left him.
29 And Levi made a great feast for him in his own house, and there was a large group of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and the Pharisees grumbled against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
14 And he ordered him not to tell anyone, "But go and show yourself to the priest, and as a testimony to them, make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded."
15 But the word about him spread even more, and great crowds came together to hear him, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16 And he withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
31 And Jesus answering said to them, "Those who need a physician are not those who are well, but those who are sick. 32 I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
17 And as he was teaching, it happened that there were Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting nearby, who had come from every town of Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18 And, suddenly, some men brought on a cot a man who was paralyzed. And they tried to bring him in and place him before him. 19 And when they could not find any way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop, and let him down on his cot through the tiles into their midst in front of Jesus.
33 And they said to him, "Why do the disciples of John often fast and pray, and the disciples of the Pharisees also, but yours eat and drink?"
34 And he said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days are coming when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days."
36 And he also told them a parable: "No one rips a piece from a new garment to sew on an old one; otherwise, both the new tears and the piece that was taken from the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and so both are preserved. 39 Also no one
20 And when he saw their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, except God alone?"
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts,
presence. Compare Isa 6:5; Job 40:4; 42:6; Rev 1:17. In the light of Christ's holiness men see their own sinfulness. Peter followed Christ after this and did not really want Christ to leave him. 5:9 Fishing was their business (Matt 4:18), but this one who had grown up in a carpenter's house in land-locked Nazareth had showed them where the fish were. 5:10 Peter realized something of his sinfulness and unworthiness, but he was not to fear because of that. Actually this realization better equipped him to be a fisher of men. On "fishers of men" see Matt 4:19.
5:11 Matt 4:18-22. 5:12-14 Matt 8:2-4. 5:16 "Prayed" – 3:21; 6:12; 9:28; Matt 14:23; 26:36; Mark 1:35; 6:46; Heb 5:7; 7:25. 5:17-26 Matt 9:2-8. 5:17 "Pharisees" – Matt 3:7. We might think that if the Lord was present in a place His power to heal would be present also, and in a sense this is true. But see Mark 6:5. 5:19 Mark 2:4. 5:27-32 See 9:9-13. Levi is another name for Matthew. 5:33-39 Matt 9:14-17. 5:39 How slow some people are to try the
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drinking old wine will want the new immediately, for he says, 'The old is better.'"
the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
11 And they were filled with rage and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
And this happened on the second of the first Sabbaths after Passover: He was going through the grain fields, and his disciples picked some grain and ate it, rubbing it in their hands.
12 And it happened in those days that he went out on a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples, and chose twelve of them, and called them apostles:
2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?"
14 Simon (whom he also named Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor.
3 And Jesus answering them said, "Have you not even read what David did, when he was hungry along with those who were with him, 4 how he went into the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread, and gave some also to those who were with him, which thing is not lawful to eat except by the priests alone?"
17 And he came down with them and stood on the plain, along with his group of disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, 18 along with those who were troubled by unclean spirits; and they were healed. 19 And the whole crowd tried to touch him, for power was going out of him and healing them all. 20 And he raised his eyes to his disciples, and said,
5 And he said to them, "The Son of man is also Lord of the Sabbath."
6 And this also happened on another Sabbath: He went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand had withered. 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Get up, and stand there in the middle." And he got up and stood there.
"Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled.
9 Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it ?"
"Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
10 And looking around at them all, he said to
22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and
6:17-19 Compare Matt 4:23-25. 6:19 See 5:17; 8:46. 6:20-49 This has been called the Sermon on the Plain because apparently Jesus preached it on a plain (v 17). It contains some of the same truth found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), but usually clothed in different words. Also it contains truth He taught at other times, other places. The Lord Jesus taught some of the same truth more than once and in more places than one. Compare 11:2-4 with Matt 6:9-13 and 11:9-13 with Matt 7:7-11 and 12:22-31 with Matt 6:25-33. 6:20 The words were spoken only to His disciples who had left everything to follow Him (5:11,28; 14:33; 18:28), not to all poor people whether or not they believe in Christ. Their gain (the kingdom of God) was far greater than any supposed loss. Compare Matt 19:27-30; Phil 3:7-9; 1 Tim 6:6-10; Prov 19:22. 6:21-23 These verses indicate that the life of discipleship was very difficult and sometimes meant hunger, sorrow and fierce opposition from sinful men. But true and eternal blessedness was theirs. Compare Matt 5:6,10-12.
new wine of the gospel of Christ that brings forgiveness of sins, peace with God, joy, salvation, and eternal life. Their prejudices, intolerance of anything new, pride in the old ways, etc, make them scorn something they have never tried. It is wiser to do as David said in Ps 34:8. 6:1-11 Matt 12:1-14. 6:8 Matt 9:4; John 2:24,25. 6:9 Mark 3:4 6:11 See 4:28. Some very religious people because of pride cannot bear to be opposed and exposed for what they are. 6:12-16 Matt 10:2-4. 6:12 The Lord Jesus was very careful in His choice of the apostles. Above all He wanted the choice to be in accordance with the will of God the Father in heaven. 6:15 "Zelotes" – "Zealot" – note at Matt 10:4. 6:16 Jesus chose Judas Iscariot after a night of prayer and in full knowledge of his character (John 6:64,70).
"The brother of James" – the words "the brother" are in italics, indicating that they are not in the Greek. "Judas of James" is a literal translation of the Greek. This probably means that Judas was the son of James. But whether this James was the brother of Judas or his father, we do not know.
"Son of Man" – Matt 8:20.
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when they exclude you, and insult you, and reject your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for, see, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.
measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men will pour into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
39 And he told them a parable, "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?
24 "But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your comfort.
40 "The disciple is not above his teacher, but every one who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
25 "Woe to you who are full! For you will get hungry. Woe to you who laugh now! For you will mourn and weep.
41 "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but pay no attention to the plank that is in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' while you yourself pay no attention to the plank that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you! For their fathers did like this to the false prophets.
27 "But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 And to him who strikes you on one cheek offer the other also, and do not stop him who takes away your cloak from taking your coat also.
43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorn bushes, nor do they gather grapes from a briar. 45 A good man brings out what is good from the storehouse of good in his heart, and an evil man brings out what is evil from the storehouse of evil in his heart. For his mouth speaks out of the abundance of his heart.
30 "Give to everyone who asks from you, and whoever takes away your goods do not ask him for them again. 31 And just as you want men to treat you, you treat them in the same way. 32 For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For sinners also love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? For sinners also lend to sinners, in order to receive as much in return. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and the evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
46 "And why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord', and do not do the things which I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me, hears my words, and does according to them: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on a rock. And when the flood rose, the torrent burst against that house, but could not shake it, for it was founded on a rock.
49 "But he who hears, and does not do accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The torrent burst against it, and immediately it fell. And great was the ruin of that house!"
37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38 "Give, and it will be given to you. Good
6:24-26 These verses are not found in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel. These woes signifies pain, loss, and suffering to those who would not give up anything for Christ and who wanted the praises of men rather than the praise that comes from God. See John 5:44; 12:43; 1 Tim 6:9,10; Jam 5:1-4. Compare the woes in Isa 5:8-25. 6:26 "False prophets" – Matt 7:15. 6:27,28 Matt 5:44. 6:29,30 Matt 5:39-42. 6:31 Matt 7:12. 6:32-36 Matt 5:46-47. 6:36 Matt 5:48; Eph 4:32; Jam 2:13. 6:37 Matt 7:1; 6:14. 6:38 Observe very carefully the way Jesus appointed for us to receive an abundance – it is not asking others for it, but giving to
others. In some measure at least God will see to it that people give to us as He sees we deserve by our giving. Here is a great promise to believers who give liberally from what they have. See also 2 Cor 9:6-8; Ps 18:25,26; Prov 11:24,25; 22:29; Eccl 11:1. But surely Jesus was speaking of more than giving money or things. Believers can give their time, their labor, their counsel, their loving service to others. And if they do they will have a full reward in some way or other, at some time or other. 6:39 Matt 15:14. 6:40 Matt 10:24,25; John 13:16. 6:41-44 Matt 7:3-5,16-18. 6:45 Matt 12:34,35. 6:46 Matt 7:21; John 13:13; Mal 1:6. Obedience is the mark of a true disciple. 6:47-49 Matt 7:24-27.
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Now when he had finished his whole discourse in the hearing of the people, he went to Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. 3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent Jewish elders to him, begging him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, saying that the one for whom he should do this was worthy, 5 "For he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue."
has arisen among us," and, "God has visited his people." 17 And this report about him spread through all Judea, and through all the surrounding region.
18 And the disciples of John informed him of all these things. 19 And John, having called two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is to come? Or should we look for another?"
20 When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the one who is to come? Or should we look for another?'"
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy that you should come under my roof. 7 So I did not even think myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
21 And at that very time he cured many people of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
22 Then Jesus answering said to them, "Go your way and tell John what things you have seen and heard, how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who does not stumble because of me."
9 When Jesus heard these things, he looked at him with admiration, and turned around and said to the people who were following him, "I tell you, I have not found faith so great, not even in Israel."
24 And when the messengers from John had gone, he began to speak to the people concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury, are in royal palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written,
10 And those who had been sent, returning to the house, found the servant who had been sick, in good health.
11 And a day later this happened: He went to a city called Nain, and many of his disciples went with him, and a large crowd. 12 Now when he was approaching the gate of the city, suddenly there was a dead man being carried out. He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her.
See, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, "Do not weep."
28 "For I tell you, Among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
14 And he came and touched the coffin, and those who were carrying him stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, get up."
29 And all the people who heard this, and the tax collectors, declared God righteous, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the purpose of God
15 And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he handed him over to his mother. 16 And everyone was seized by reverential awe, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet
John 11:43,44. See note on Jesus' miracles at Matt 8:3. 7:16 See 1:64,65; 2:13,20,28; 5:25; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43; 23:47; 24:53. This is a characteristic note in Luke's Gospel. Note on praise at Ps 31:1-3. They called Jesus a prophet (Matt 16:13,14; 21:11). They did not understand He was much more than a prophet (Matt 16:15-17). 7:18-35 Matt 11:2-19. At that time John was in prison because of his preaching. 7:29,30 These verses are not found in Matthew. Many of the common people had repented and gone to John to be baptized.
7:1-10 Matt 8:5-13. 7:3 Judging from Matthew's account, the centurion himself came later. 7:4 Compare this with what the man thought of himself (vs 6,7). It was surely a rare thing for the Jews to speak so well of a Roman, or anyone of another nation. 7:5 "Synagogue" – Matt 4:23. 7:11 Nain was a town about ten kilometers from Nazareth. 7:13 See 19:41; Matt 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; John 11:35,38; Heb 4:15. 7:15 Thrice it is recorded that Jesus raised the dead to life – here, at 8:53-55, and at
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for themselves, not having been baptized by John.
two debtors. The one owed five hundred silver pieces, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay with, he freely forgave them both. So tell me, which of them will love him most?"
31 And the Lord said, "To what, then, shall I compare the men of this generation? And what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace, calling to one another, and saying, 'We have played the flute to you, and you have not danced; we have wailed for you, and you have not wept.' 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34 The Son of man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children." 36 And one of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down at the table. 37 And just then a woman in the city, who was a sinner, knowing that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil, 38 and stood behind him at his feet weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and wipe them with the hairs of her head, and she kissed his feet, and anointed them with the oil.
43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave most." And he said to him, "You have rightly judged."
44 And he turned to the woman, and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You gave me no water for my feet, but she washed my feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 You gave me no kiss, but this woman since the time I came in has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but this woman anointed my feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But the one who has been forgiven little, loves little."
48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 And those who sat at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "If this man were a prophet he would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him; for she is a sinner."
And after this it happened that he went through every city and village, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom seven demons had gone, 3 and Joanna the wife of
40 And Jesus responded and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he said, "Teacher, say it."
41 "There was a certain moneylender who had
See Matt 3:5,6. But the religious leaders had rejected John's message – Matt 3:7-10. In doing so they had rejected God's good purpose for them.
important lesson that had to do with much more than mere hospitality. But we should understand that the Lord Jesus well observes our attitude and behavior toward Him. 7:47 She was not forgiven because of her love for God; she loved God because she was forgiven. This is the meaning of vs 41-43. By her behavior toward Christ she showed both that she was forgiven and loved God. Compare Matt 25:32-46. Notes on forgiveness at Matt 6:12; 9:5-7; 12:31; 18:23-25; etc. 7:48,49 Compare Matt 9:2-6. 7:50 It was not her love for God which saved her and brought peace, nor was it her weeping on Christ's feet. It was her faith that saved her. Saved here means receiving forgiveness, deliverance from her sinful life, and being made right with God. See Rom 3:22-24; 5:1; Gal 2:16; 3:26; Eph 2:8,9. 8:1 "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. 8:2 She was called Magdalene because she was from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. 8:3 Jesus had nothing of this world's goods (Matt 8:20), and His disciples had left all they had to follow Him (5:11,28; 18:28). They did not perform miracles to feed themselves, and we never read that they took
"Lawyers" – note at Matt 22:35. 7:36-50 Only Luke relates this incident. Matthew, Mark and John record another time when Jesus was anointed (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). 7:36 "Pharisees" – Matt 3:7. 7:37 "Sinner" – this probably means she had been either an adulteress or a prostitute. But it is plain that she had heard Jesus' teaching, had repented and believed in Him (v 50). 7:38 In this way she showed her repentance and faith and pure love for the Lord of glory (v 47). 7:39 Probably the Pharisee never once considered that Jesus was more than a prophet. The way he regarded this woman was the usual way many Pharisees looked down on others. See 18:9-12. 7:41 A "silver piece" – "denarius" – was a day's wage for a laborer (Matt 20:2). 7:44-46 The Pharisee had not shown the hospitality usually shown to guests. Jesus was not complaining for His own sake, but was trying to teach this Pharisee a very
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Chuza, Herod's steward, Susanna, and many others. These contributed to them from their possessions.
utensil, or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a candle holder, so that those who come in may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come out. 18 Therefore take care how you listen, for whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever does not have, from him will be taken even what he seems to have."
4 And when many people had gathered, coming to him from every town, he spoke using a parable:
5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was trampled on, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on rock; and as soon as it had sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other seed fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bore fruit a hundredfold."
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told him by someone who said, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."
21 And he answered and said to them, "My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."
And when he had said these things, he cried out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
22 Now it happened on a certain day that he went into a boat with his disciples. And he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." And they set out. 23 But as they sailed, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and their boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. 24 And they came to him and woke him up, saying, "Master, master, we are going to die!" Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they stopped and there was a calm.
9 And his disciples asked him, saying, "What does this parable mean?"
10 And he said, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to others I give parables, so that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are those who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, so that they might not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it the with joy. But these have no root. They believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns means those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But that seed which fell on the good ground means those who, having heard the word with a suitable and good heart, keep it, and patiently bear fruit.
25 And he said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "What kind of man is this! For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him."
26 And they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is on the other side of Galilee. 27 And when he stepped out on the land, he was met by a certain man from the city, who had been possessed by demons for a long time. He wore no clothes, and did not stay in any house, but among the tombs.
16 "No one, having lit a candle, covers it with a
up a collection, or asked for money. They received their support from those who wanted to give to them – 10:4-7; Matt 10:9-11. Compare 1 Cor 9:6-14; Lev 7:14. 8:4-15 Matt 13:2-23. This parable in Luke was told in somewhat different words and at a different time than the same one in Matthew chapter 13. 8:5 "It was trampled on" is a phrase not found in Matt 13:4. It suggests a carelessness, even a contempt for the good seed of God's Word. 8:6 In Matt 13:6 the emphasis is on shallowness of soil. Shallow soil cannot retain moisture, nor can shallow hearts retain spiritual showers that come from God. 8:14 "Pleasures" is a word not seen in Matt 13:22. In the matter of choking God's Word sown in the mind, pleasures are just as successful as worries and riches. 8:15 Here is more emphasis on the qualities
of the person who produces a harvest for God. By nature men do not have such a heart (see Matt 15:18-20; Jer 17:9). If anyone has a suitable and good heart it is because God has worked deeply in his heart, given him a new nature and made him a new person. See 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:1-10. Observe here that a harvest for God comes by keeping His word in the heart and persevering in His work. See 1 Cor 15:58. 8:16 Matt 5:14,15. Jesus is speaking of His disciples. 8:17 Matt 10:26. 8:18 Matt 13:12. 8:19-21 Matt 12:46-50. 8:21 See 6:47; 11:28; John 14:21. The Lord Jesus always put the emphasis where it belongs – on obedience to God's Word, actually doing what God says. 8:22-25 Matt 8:23-27. 8:26-37 Matt 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20.
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28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and prostrated himself before him, and said with a loud voice, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!"
And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, "Who touched me?" When everyone denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the people are crowding you and pressing around you, and are you saying, 'Who touched me'?"
29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him; and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and fetters. And he had broken the shackles, and had been driven by the demon into the wilderness. 30 And Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him.
46 And Jesus said, "Somebody touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out of me."
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and prostrating herself before him, she told him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.
31 And they begged him not to command them to go into the Abyss. 32 And a large herd of pigs was there, feeding on the mountain. And the demons begged him to allow them to enter them. And he allowed them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down a steep place into the lake and were drowned.
48 And he said to her, "Daughter, take courage. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
49 While he was still speaking, someone from the house of the ruler of the synagogue came saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Master."
34 When those who tended them saw what had happened, they ran away and told it in the city and in the countryside. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed by the demons had been healed. 37 Then all the people from the surrounding region of the Gadarenes begged him to leave them, because they were seized by great fear. And he got into the boat and returned.
50 But when Jesus heard this, he answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid, only believe, and she will get well."
51 And when he came into the house, he permitted no one to go inside except Peter, James and John, and the father and the mother of the girl. 52 And everyone was weeping and mourning for her, but he said, "Do not weep. She is not dead, but is sleeping."
53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all outside, and took her by the hand and called out, saying, "Get up, child."
38 Now the man out of whom the demons had gone had begged him that he might stay with him. But Jesus had sent him away, saying, 39 "Go back home, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
55 And her spirit returned, and she immediately got up. And he told them to give her food. 56 And her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
Then he called his twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
40 And it happened that when Jesus returned, the people gladly received him, for they had all been waiting for him. 41 And just then a man named Jairus came. He was a ruler of the synagogue, and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and begged him to come to his house; 42 for he had only one daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as he went the people were almost crushing him.
3 And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two coats each. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that town, shake the very dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
43 And a woman having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her resources on doctors and could not be healed by any, 44 came up behind him and touched the hem of his garment.
6 And they departed and traveled through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was
8:31 The Abyss is a place of confinement for evil spirits and Satan – Rev 9:1,2; 20:1-3. Why did not God from the beginning confine all evil spirits to the abyss forever? See notes at 1 Chron 21:1.
8:40-56 Matt 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-43. 8:43 "Spent all her resources on doctors" – a thing often sadly true today also. 9:1-6 Matt 10:1; 7:14. 9:7-9 Matt 14:1,2.
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done by him, and he was perplexed, because it was being said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared, and by others, that one of the prophets of old had appeared again.
asked them, saying, "Who do the people say I am?"
19 They answering said, "John the Baptist. But some say, Elijah, and others say that one of the prophets of old has appeared again."
20 He said to them, "But who do you say I am?" Peter, answering, said, "The Christ of God."
9 And Herod said, "I beheaded John, but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he tried to see him.
21 And he strictly warned and commanded them not to tell this to anyone, 22 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."
10 And the apostles, when they returned, told Jesus all that they had done. And he took them along and withdrew privately to a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 And the people, finding out about it, followed him; and he received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
23 And he said to them all, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses himself, or is ruined? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of man will be ashamed of him, when he comes in his glory, and in the glory of his Father and of the holy angels.
12 And when daylight began to decline, the twelve came and said to him, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the towns and surrounding countryside and get food and lodging, for we are here in a deserted place.
27 "But I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not taste of death until they see the kingdom of God."
13 But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fishes, unless we go and buy food for all this people."
28 And it happened about eight day after these words that he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became bright and radiant. 30 And suddenly two men were talking with him. They were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those who were with him were weighed down with sleep: and when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him.
14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down, fifty to a group." 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were filled, and they gathered up twelve baskets full of pieces left over.
18 And it happened when he was praying alone that his disciples came to be with him, and he
9:8 Mark 6:15. 9:10-17 Matt 14:13-21. 9:11 "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. 9:18-20 Matt 16:13-16. 9:21 Matt 8:4; 16:20; Mark 8:20. 9:22-27 Matt 16:21-28. 9:22 Note on Son of Man at Matt 8:20. 9:23 "Cross" – the cross signifies death (see notes at Matt 10:38; 16:24). The word "daily" is important. The proper attitude toward self and Christ must be constantly renewed morning by morning. If we try to do it once for all and then move away from it, or forget about it, we will go astray. And the proper attitude is this: self deserves death, Christ deserves our entire allegiance and service.
from modern psychology, and, very often, from pulpits in our churches. 9:24 Is any truth Jesus spoke more often recorded than this one? Matt 10:38,39; 16:24,25; Mark 8:34,35; Luke 14:26,27; 17:33; John 12:25. The repetition indicates its great importance. 9:26 Matt 10:33; Mark 8:38. 9:28-36 Matt 17:1-8. 9:28 Luke says this happened eight days afterwards; both Matthew and Mark have six days. Evidently they counted only the days between the events of vs 18-27 and the transfiguration, while Luke included both those days. 9:31 Luke alone mentions the shining appearance of Moses and Elijah and what they spoke about at that time – Christ's death in Jerusalem. 9:32 Luke alone reveals the sleepiness of the disciples. Compare Matt 26:40,43. How dull the disciples could be at some of the most significant moments in human history! And none of us should think himself better
There is nothing here (or anywhere in the New Testament that the author of these notes can find) encouraging self-esteem, good thoughts about oneself, etc. Quite the opposite. We must esteem Christ, not ourselves; have good thoughts about Him, not about self. This is contrary to much we hear
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33 And it happened, as they were leaving him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what he was saying.
47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child and set him near him, 48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is the least among you all, he will be great."
34 As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
49 And John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow along with us."
36 And when the voice had stopped speaking, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
50 And Jesus said to him, "Do not try to stop him, for he who is not against us is for us."
51 And this happened when the time was approaching for him to be taken up to heaven : he set his face resolutely to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before his face. And they went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was set to go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just like Elijah did?"
37 And it happened the next day, when they came down from the hill, that many people met him. 38 And suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you, look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And, see, a spirit seizes him and he suddenly cries out. And it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth, and it batters him and scarcely leaves him. 40 And I begged your disciples to drive him out, and they could not."
55 But he turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." And they went to another village.
41 And Jesus answered and said, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you, and put up you? Bring your son here."
42 And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down in convulsions. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child, and handed him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while everyone was wondering at all the things that Jesus did, he said to his disciples,
57 And it happened as they were going along the road, that a certain man said to him, "Lord, I will follow you wherever you go."
58 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head."
59 And he said to another, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
44 "Let these words sink down into your ears; for the Son of man will be given into the hands of men."
60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
45 But they did not understand this statement, and it was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it. And they were afraid to ask him about the statement. 46 Then a dispute arose among them about which of them would be the greatest.
61 And still another said, "Lord, I will follow you, but first let me go say good-bye to those who are at my house."
62 And Jesus said to him, "No one, when he has
or wiser than they. 9:36 Mark 9:9,10. 9:37-42 Matt 17:14-18. Observe the symptoms that sometimes appear in those who are demon-possessed. 9:44,45 Matt 17:22,23. 9:46-48 Matt 18:1-5; 10:40; 20:25-28. 9:49,50 Mark 9:38-40. 9:51-56 This event is recorded only by Luke. 9:51 See 24:51; Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9. It required great determination for Jesus to go to Jerusalem knowing what faced Him there (vs 22,44). 9:52,53 There was enmity between Samaritans and Jews. See John 4:9. Since Jesus was a Jew passing through their area they did not wish to receive Him.
9:54 Mark 3:17. "Consume them" – James and John were probably well acquainted with 2 Kings 1:9-12, and they were indignant that Jesus was being dishonored. They did not realize that the situation in Elijah's time was entirely different from their own. 9:55 They had heard the Sermon on the Mount, but their thoughts here were contrary to it (Matt 5:1-10). 9:56 "The Son of Man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them" – Luke 19:10; John 3:17. 9:57-62 See Matt 8:19-22 (vs 61,62 are not in Matthew).
"But first" (v 61) – like the man in v 59 this one had something else to do first. It would seem from this, and from what Jesus
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put his hand to the plough, and looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which have been done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented a long time ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment, than for you.
After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place where he himself was about to go.
15 "And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to hell!
2 Therefore he said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the workers are few. So pray the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth workers into his harvest. 3 Go your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor bag, nor sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 And whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.' 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And stay in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
16 "He who listens to you listens to me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."
17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons submit to us through your name."
18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 See, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing at all will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice because the spirits submit to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
8 "And whatever city you enter, and are received, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But whatever city you enter, and are not received, go out into its streets and say, 11 'The very dust of your city which sticks to us, we wipe off against you. But be sure of this, the kingdom of God has come near you.' 12 But I say to you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and educated, and have revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for so it seemed good in your eyes. 22 All things have been entrusted to me by my Father. And no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
23 And he turned around to his disciples and
13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you,
said to him, that he did not have his priorities right. Does the answer of Jesus seem unreasonable? Nothing Jesus says seems unreasonable to those who trust Him and are eager to serve Him; everything may seem unreasonable to those without a heart for Him. It appears that the Lord Jesus discerned in this man a disposition to keep looking back. This is a ruinous habit, whether trying to plow a furrow, or doing God's work. Compare Phil 3:13,14; Heb 12:1,2. We must keep our eyes on the goal. 10:1 Only Luke records this sending out of disciples other than the twelve chief disciples. The instructions Jesus gave them is similar to words He spoke in other places. 10:2 Matt 9:37,38. 10:3 Matt 10:16. 10:4 Matt 10:9,10. The Lord was on the way to Jerusalem (9:51), and the journey had to be accomplished speedily. 10:5-12 Matt 10:10-15. 10:9 Note on God's kingdom at Matt 4:17. 10:12 "That day" – the day of judgment – Matt 10:15. 10:13-15 Matt 11:20-24. "Hell" – the Greek has "hades". See note at 16:23.
10:16 See 9:48; Matt 10:40; 18:5; John 12:44; 13:20. 10:17 See something of the power of Jesus' name – Matt 10:1; Mark 16:17; Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:18. 10:18 The casting out of demons signified that the kingdom of God was near and that Satan's eventual defeat was assured. Compare Matt 12:22-29; John 12:31. Notes on Satan at Matt 4:1-11; 1 Chron 21:1. 10:19 Jesus gave them authority over both literal snakes and scorpions and snake-like and scorpion-like demons. The chief enemy was Satan himself. See Mark 16:17,18; Ps 91:13; Eph 6:12; Jam 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8,9; Rev 12:10,11. 10:20 The fact that they were saved and had eternal life was to be their reason for rejoicing, not the fact that they were able to display some authority or power.
"Written in heaven" – Ex 32:32; Heb 12:23; Rev 3:5; 20:12. 10:21,22 Matt 11:25,26. Christ's joy is mentioned in only two other places in the Gospels – John 15:11; 17:13. See what made Him happy – God reveals His truth to simple and humble people and not to the high and mighty. 10:23,24 Matt 13:16,17.
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said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see them, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear them."
man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes, wounded him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a certain priest came down that way. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And so too a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked at him and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 and went to him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day when he was leaving, he took out two silver coins, gave them to the innkeeper and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend extra, I will repay you when I come again.'
25 And suddenly a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
26 He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?"
27 And he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself."
28 And he said to him, "You have answered rightly. Do this, and you will live."
29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?"
36 "Now which of these three, do you think,
30 And Jesus answered and said, "A certain
above sea level and Jericho was about 27 kilometers away and about 250 meters below sea level. Jerusalem was the city of God the great King (Matt 5:35). Jericho was the city under a curse (Josh 6:26). The steep and rocky road to Jericho provided good places for robbers to lurk. This world is a very rocky place, and Satan and his servants are out to take away all that men have (John 8:44; 1 Pet 5:8). They have stripped man of the righteousness God originally gave him, wounded him grievously and left him half-dead – possessing physical life but dead spiritually (Gen 2:17; 3:1-5; Eph 2:1-3). 10:31,32 Notes on priests at Ex 28:1. On Levites see Num 1:47-50. Neither of these two loved his neighbor as himself. On another level we may say that priests and Levites (representing the Old Testament system of law and sacrifices) cannot really help a sinner robbed and wounded to death by Satan. See Acts 13:38,39; Rom 8:3; Gal 2:16; Heb 8:7,8; 9:9,10; 10:1-4,11. 10:33-35 Notes on Samaritans at John 4:4-9. The Jews looked down on them and refused to have anything to do with them. This one showed what love means, what it means to be a neighbor. Evidently Jesus means that a neighbor is anyone we might meet, even a stranger, whether or not of another race, nation, color or religion.
10:25 "Lawyer" – an expert in the law of Moses recorded in the Old Testament. His question was like the one in Matt 19:16. It is an exceedingly important question indeed, but not everyone who asks it is willing to accept the answer Christ gives. 10:26 Jesus did not ask this because He wanted information, but to cause the man to speak out what he thought. 10:27 This is an excellent reply. See Matt 22:36-40. The verses he quoted are from Deut 6:5 and Lev 19:18. 10:28 Merely knowing or quoting the truth of God does not bring eternal life to anyone. Compare Rom 2:13; Jam 1:22-25. The man had not practiced the truth he knew. We know this because he tried to justify himself (v 29), and because, as other men, he had sinned (Rom 3:23). If men did practice perfectly the two chief commands of the law, they would live, but they do not. Not a single person (except Jesus) has all of his life loved God with all his strength, etc, or his neighbor as himself. 10:29 "Justify himself" – this is the grave error of a vast number of men. See 16:15; 18:9-12. They want to be thought be better than they are, and they do not wish to confess they are sinners, helpless to keep God's law. There is no hope for anyone until he stops justifying himself and acknowledges his guilt before God (Rom 3:19,20). 10:30-37 Only Luke records this parable. On the surface it shows what is meant by "neighbor" and "love", and answers the second question of the law expert (v 29). But there may be a deeper spiritual application which answers the first question (v 25). If the answer to that question is not suggested by this parable then Jesus did not really give an answer to it to this man at all, which would seem surprising. But in making spiritual application it may be unwise to press the details too strongly. See notes at Matt 13:18-23. 10:30 Jerusalem was about 800 meters
The spiritual application of these verses answers the question in v 25. The man in the parable was dying and could not do anything to preserve his life or give himself new life. He was completely helpless. Compare Rom 5:6; 8:7; Eph 2:4,5. The Samaritan may speak to us of Christ who was despised and rejected of men (Isa 53:3), and was even called a Samaritan (John 8:48,49). The Lord Jesus does for helpless sinful men what they could never do for themselves – save them and give them eternal life (19:10; John 3:16,17; 10:27,28). 10:36,37 In our attempts to find deeper
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was a neighbour to him who fell among the robbers?"
3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
37 And he said, "The one who showed mercy to him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go, and do the same."
38 Now it happened, as they were traveling along, that he entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet and listened to his words. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and came to him and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to help me."
5 And he said to them, "Which of you will have a friend, and will go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine on his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?' 7 And from inside he will answer and say, 'Don't trouble me. The door is now locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you bread.' 8 I say to you, Though he will not get up and give him the loaves, because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as many as he needs.
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her."
And it happened that as he was praying in a certain place, when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
9 "And I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it will be opened.
2 And he said to them, "When you pray, say,
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
11 "If a son of any father among you asks for bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a
spiritual truth in this story let us not forget the application Jesus made to this expert in the law. This application is very practical. God demands that we actually show love to all. We must be ready to help those in need, regardless of who they are, and not just discuss the meaning of Christ's parables (Matt 5:43-48; John 13:34; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 6:10; 1 John 3:16-18). 10:38 This village was Bethany, about 3 kilometers from Jerusalem. See Matt 21:17; John 11:1. 10:40 Mark 4:38. She was rebuking the Lord Jesus, little knowing that He had a heart that cared for the whole world and desired the highest good of everyone. She was thinking only of physical work and her involvement in it. Her words mean "Pity me. I am working so hard, and you are keeping others from helping." 10:41,42 Jesus did not mean that physical work, the preparation of a meal, etc, was useless and unnecessary. He was simply putting the emphasis where it belonged – He was to be with them for only a short time and had much truth to teach them. Mary seized the opportunity, Martha let other matters keep her from it. 11:1 Praying was a continual practice of Jesus, mentioned more often by Luke than any other Gospel author (references at 5:16). The request of the disciples indicates they realized how little they knew about prayer. This realization probably came by observing Jesus' life of prayer. Now also disciples will
be aware of their need to learn to pray. Compare Rom 8:26. If we learn to pray we will be learning the most spiritual, the greatest and most blessed activity that human beings can do.
Notes on prayer at 18:1-7; Gen 18:32; Matt 6:5-13; Rom 8:26,27; Eph 1:17; 6:16; Phil 4:6,7; Col 1:9; 1 Thess 5:17; Heb 4:16; 10:19-22; 11:6; Jam 1:5-8; 5:16-18; 1 John 5:14,15. 11:2-4 Notes at Matt 6:9-13. "Everyone who is indebted to us" – that is, everyone who has not behaved toward us as they should have, everyone who has sinned against us. 11:5-8 This story teaches the need of prayer and one essential element in successful praying – persistence. In ourselves we are as those who "have nothing" – nothing of spiritual value that can help others. And we come to Him who has everything. God is not reluctant to help those who come to Him (as the friend in this parable was), but He will test the genuineness of our faith (Matt 15:21-28; 1 Pet 1:7,8; Heb 11:6; Jer 29:13). He wants us to earnestly seek Him. And through our seeking Him and our persistent praying He will be better preparing us for the proper use of the things we ask of Him. 11:8 "He will. . .give him as many as he needs" – God will do the same, as verses 9-13 make abundantly clear. See also Matt 7:7-11; Rom 8:32; Phil 4:19. 11:11 Matt 7:9.
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scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
they go in and live there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
27 And as he spoke these things, it happened that a certain woman in the crowd raised her voice, and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you."
14 And he was driving out a demon, and it was mute. And it came about that when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke. And the people were amazed.
28 But he said, "Instead, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it."
15 But some of them said, "He drives out demons through Beelzebub the ruler of the demons."
29 And when even more people had gathered together, he began speaking, "This is an evil generation. They are looking for a miraculous sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now a greater than Jonah is here.
16 And others, testing him, demanded from him a miraculous sign from heaven.
17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is ruined, and a house divided against a house falls. 18 Now if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? I say this because you say I drive out demons through Beelzebub. 19 But if I drive out demons through Beelzebub, through whom do your sons drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons with the finger of God, without doubt the kingdom of God has come to you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his possessions are secure, 22 But when someone stronger than he comes upon him and overpowers him, he takes from him all that armour in which he trusted, and divides up the spoils. 23 He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
33 "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a secret place, or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is full of light; but when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 So watch out that the light that is in you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, with no part dark, the whole will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light."
24 "When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it goes through dry places, looking for rest, and finding none, it says, 'I will return to my house which I left.' 25 And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and
37 And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked
11:13 Matt 7:11 has "good gifts" instead of "the Holy Spirit." Jesus here is more specific and promises the greatest of all gifts – God gives the Holy Spirit to those who do not have Him. We should remember that Jesus gave this promise before the Holy Spirit was given to all believers as He is now – John 7:39. Now all who belong to Christ, all believers in Him, have the Holy Spirit – see Rom 8:9. But if anyone is struggling with doubts about whether he has the Holy Spirit living in him, let him look at these words of Jesus and see how willing God is to give His Spirit.
receiving directly from Him (1 John 5:14,15). 11:14-23 Matt 12:22-30. 11:16 Verse 29; Matt 12:28. 11:24-26 Matt 12:43-45. 11:27,28 Observe here the teaching of the Lord Jesus on what makes people blessed. It is not any possible physical or family relationship. Blessedness comes only by a personal relationship to God, by obedience to His Word.
"Blessed" – Gen 12:1-3; Num 6:22-27; Deut 28:3-14; Ps 1:1; 119:1; Matt 5:3-10; Acts 3:26; Gal 3:14; Eph 1:3. 11:29-32 Matt 12:38-42. 11:34-36 Matt 5:15; 6:22,23. 11:35 Jesus puts responsibility on men where it belongs. Light here stands for truth, for spiritual understanding. God gives light to all, but men can love darkness rather than light, and they can back away from the light they have and turn into darkness the light that has shined on their minds (John 1:9; 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:46. Compare Rom 1:18-23,25). 11:37 7:36; 14:1. The Pharisees as a group were opposed to Jesus, but individually
It seems to the author of these notes that this promise may also be used in seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit, for it reveals God's heart, His gracious character that delights to give what we need. Surely God is just as willing to give the Spirit's fullness as He is to give His Spirit (for notes on the Spirit's fullness see John 7:37-39; Acts 1:5; Eph 5:18). This is one of the very greatest of God's "good gifts." This fullness is received by going in child-like faith to the Heavenly Father and asking and
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him to eat with him. And he went in and sat down to eat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw this, he was surprised that he had not first washed before dinner
of the world, may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Truly I say to you, it will be required of this generation.
39 And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but your inner part is full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside also make the inside? 41 But give away what is inside as charity, and then all things are clean to you.
52 "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering."
53 And as he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to oppose him fiercely, and to ply him with questions about more things, 54 setting a trap for him and seeking to catch words from his mouth, so they could accuse him.
42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you give tithes of mint and rue and every kind of herb, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you should have practiced without leaving the other undone.
In the meantime, when multiplied thousands of people had gathered together, so that they trampled on one another, he began speaking first of all to his disciples,
43 "Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the seats of honour in the synagogues, and greetings in the marketplaces.
44 "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over unaware."
"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore, whatever you have spoken in darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
45 Then answered one of the lawyers and said to him, "Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too."
46 And he said, "Woe to you also, you lawyers! For you load men down with burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not touch those burdens with one of your fingers.
4 "And I say to you, my friends, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after he has killed, has power to throw into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
47 "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 In fact, you are giving testimony that you approve of the deeds of your fathers. For indeed they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore, the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some persecute, 50 so that the blood of all the prophets that has been shed from the foundation
6 "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten in God's presence. 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid, for you are worth more than many sparrows.
some of them were very curious about Him and open to His message. See John 3:1,2. 11:38 Matt 15:2. 11:39,40 Matt 23:25,26. 11:41 They needed a cleansing from the greed and wickedness within them. This would result in giving their possessions to the poor. This is what Jesus was aiming at in His dealings with the rich young ruler (Matt 19:21-24). People changed in heart will no longer worry about ceremonial washings. 11:42 Matt 23:23. 11:43 Matt 23:6,7. 11:44 Matt 23:27,28. It was considered defiling to walk on a grave (Num 19:16). So contact with these grave-like Pharisees made people unclean. What a blow this was at the pride of these religious leaders who thought they were better than everyone else! 11:45 "Lawyers" – note at 10:25. Did his conscience tell him that their case was the
same as that of the Pharisees? 11:46 Matt 23:4. 11:47,48 Matt 23:29-32. 11:49 Compare with Matt 23:34. 11:50,51 Matt 23:35,36. 11:52 They were the teachers, the gurus to whom the people listened. Instead of imparting true spiritual knowledge of God's Word, they perverted the Word and obscured the truth. They were neither the first nor the last to do so. And they tried to keep people from coming to Christ – Matt 23:13. 11:53,54 They should have repented and wept out their confession before His feet. Instead they hardened themselves in their self-righteousness and pride. 12:1 Matt 16:6,12. 12:2,3 Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Heb 4:13; Ps 33:13-15; 139:11,12; Prov 5:21. 12:4,5 Matt 10:28; Heb 10:31. 12:6,7 Matt 10:29-31.
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8 "Also I say to you, whoever confesses me in the presence of men, the Son of man will also confess him in the presence of the angels of God, 9 but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God.
21 "This is what he is like who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
22 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about the body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap. They have neither a storehouse nor a barn. And God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!
10 "And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, he will be forgiven for it, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven for it.
11 "And when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you will answer or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
25 "And which of you by worrying can add a single cubit to his height? 26 If you, then, are not able to do what is least, why worry about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. They do not work, they do not spin; and yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 28 Now if God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more he will clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not be searching your mind for what you will eat, or what you will drink, and do not have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the people of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you have need of these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will also come to you.
13 And one in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14 And he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?"
15 And he said to them, "Watch out, and beware of greed, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses."
16 And he spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man was very productive. 17 And he thought to himself, saying, 'What will I do, because I have no room to store my crops?' 18 And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and there store all my crops and goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' 20 But God said to him, 'You fool, this very night your soul will be demanded from you. Then who will have those things which you have provided?'
32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have, and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves which do not get old, an unfailing treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes near, no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
12:8,9 See 9:26; Matt 10:33; Mark 8:38; Rom 10:9,10. Men are not saved because they confess Christ, but by grace through faith (Eph 2:8,9). But those who are saved will confess Christ; it is one of the evidences that they have trusted and received Him. 12:10 Matt 12:31,32. 12:11,12 Matt 10:17,19. 12:14 "Judge" – He did not come for that purpose–John 3:17; 12:47. When He comes again He will judge the world – Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2 Tim 4:1. 12:15 This warning against greed is as much needed today as ever – 6:20; Matt 19:23,24; 1 Cor 6:10; Eph 5:3,5; Col 3:5; 1 Tim 6:9-11. 12:16 "Parable" – Matt 13:3,18-23. This one is found only in Luke. The truth taught here is found throughout the Bible. 12:17-19 This man's character is revealed by his words. There is no word here of thanks to God or of giving to God's work, no word about helping those in need. The man was self-centered, selfish and thought only of his own pleasure. 12:20 The man thought he was wise – God thought him a fool (Isa 55:8,9). God considers detestable what sinful men
esteem highly (Luke 16:15). Selfishness is foolishness, leaving God out of one's thoughts and plans is foolishness, assuming that we may live for many years and live as we please is foolishness (Jam 4:13-17). It is wise to do as Jesus said in Matt 6:19-21. Our lives are in God's hands and He can take them when He pleases. 12:21 This is the only place in the Bible this striking phrase "Rich toward God" is used. Compare vs 33,34; Prov 19:17. "Rich toward God" is the exact opposite of rich toward self (vs 17-19). 12:22-31 Matt 6:25-33. 12:29 Believers' hearts should be set only on God and His kingdom. See Col 3:1,2. Compare Phil 3:19,20. 12:31 See Matt 6:33. 12:32 This means "Do not be afraid to be poor, to have nothing, to be cast on God's grace for the necessities of life. God will not fail His people. He has given them places in His kingdom. He will surely give everything else they need" (Rom 8:32; Phil 4:19). 12:33 See 3:11; 6:30; 11:41; 14:33; 18:22, 28. Treasures in heaven will last forever. 12:34 Matt 6:19-21.
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35 "Let your waist be belted, and your lamps burning, 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master to return from the wedding, so that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open the door to him. 37 When the master comes, blessed are those servants whom he will find watching. Truly I say to you, he will fasten his belt, have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he comes in the second watch, or in the third watch, and finds them like that, blessed are those servants. 39 And understand this: If the house owner had known what time the thief would come, he would have watched and not let his house be broken into.
47 "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself, and did not do according to his will, shall be beaten with many blows. 48 But he who did not know, and did things deserving a beating, will be beaten with few blows. For whoever has been given much, much will be demanded from him; and to whom much is entrusted, they will ask much more from him.
49 "I am come to send fire on the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how pressed I am until it is accomplished!
51 "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no, division instead. 52 For from now on, in one house, five will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 The father will be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
40 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of man will come at a time that you do not expect."
41 Then Peter said to him, "Lord, are you speaking this parable for us, or for everyone?"
42 And the Lord said, "Who, then, is that faithful and wise manager, whom his master places over his household, to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 When his master comes, blessed is that servant whom he will find doing so. 44 I tell you the truth, he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is postponing his coming,' and begins to beat the men servants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour he is not aware of, and will cut him in two, and will appoint him to a place with unbelievers.
54 And he also said to the people, "When you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'It will be hot'; and it is. 56 You hypocrites! You can discern the appearance of the sky and the earth, but how is it that you do not discern the present time? 57 Yes, why don't you judge by yourselves what is right?
58 "When you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, while on the road, make an effort
12:35 See the parable at Matt 25:1-13. 12:37 Matt 24:42,46; 25:13. 12:38 This refers to a time after Christ's second coming. Imagine the King of kings and Lord of lords, after He appears in glory, waiting on tables where His disciples sit! But, then, the Lord Jesus always delighted in humble service – 22:27; Matt 20:28; John 13:4,5,12-16, and appearing in glory will not change Him. Alas, that so many who claim to be His followers should be so different. 12:39-46 Matt 24:43-51. 12:47,48 In the day of judgment God will take into account the varying degrees of knowledge and opportunity that people have had. 12:49 Fire is often used symbolically in the Bible – Ex 3:2; 13:21; 19:18; Deut 32:32; Ps 18:8; Matt 3:11. Here it may signify the persecutions and troubles that would accompany the spread of His gospel in the world. "Fire" may signify such things – Ps 66:12; Isa 43:2; Lam 1:13. But why would the Lord Jesus want such fire to come? Because He knew it was bound up with the advancement of His kingdom and the spread of His truth. 12:50 By "baptism" here He meant the sufferings and death He was soon to be immersed in.
compulsion of divine love which was determined that salvation should come to the human race. It pressed Him ever onward to face any suffering, even the death of the cross as a substitute for sinners. 12:51-53 Matt 10:34-36. 12:54 "The west" meant a cloud from the Mediterranean Sea bringing moisture. 12:55 The south wind blew from the desert. 12:56 The Lord Jesus was saying that the signs of a change in the spiritual climate were as plain as any sign indicating a change in physical climate. See 7:18-23. 12:57 The people (v 54) should not permit others to tell them what to think and believe. The evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, was clear and they should recognize it and act on it. It is a sad fact that many today also will not think for themselves about the evidence Jesus gives, but allow themselves to be led astray by some guru or other. 12:58,59 The meaning of these verses may be quite different from the similar ones in Matt 5:25,26. The context here (vs 49-57) leads us to think so. The meaning may be as follows – the "magistrate" signifies God the judge of all men; the "adversary" signifies God's law which condemns men (compare Eph 2:13-17; Col 2:13,14) – or
"Pressed" – Jesus experienced the
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to be delivered from him so he will not drag you off to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in to jail. 59 I tell you that you will not leave there until you have paid the very last coin."
down. Why should it use up the ground?' 8 And he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, good ; and if not, then after that you can cut it down.'"
10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And, suddenly, a woman was there who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and she was bent over and could not straighten up at all.
At that same time some where present who told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus in answer said to them, "Do you think that those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse sinners than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did. "
12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity."
13 And he laid hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue responded with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, and said to the people, "There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come and be healed on those days, and not on the Sabbath day."
6 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and looked for fruit on it, and found none. 7 Then he said to the man taking care of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and haven't found any. Cut it
15 Then the Lord answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead him off to water? 16 And should not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom possibly the one the Jews continually disputed with and regarded as an adversary – the Lord Jesus. The "prison" signifies hell (compare 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). The spiritual lesson is – be reconciled to God, His law and His Son while there is opportunity (2 Cor 5:18-21). 13:1 "Pilate" – 3:1; Matt 27:2. This incident is not recorded anywhere else. It gives us some insight into Pilate's character. He had people put to death while they were worshiping at the temple. The reason is not given. 13:2,3 When great disasters come on people, we may be tempted to think they deserve those disasters because they were worse than others. See notes at Job 4:7-9; 8:3. This may actually be so in some cases (2 Peter 2:5-7). But this was not so in the case of these Galileans and often may not be so. The Lord Jesus wants us to learn a lesson from disasters – the need to repent and not to think we are better than those who suffer. Disasters could as justly come on us as on them. Note on repentance at Matt 3:2. 13:4 Siloam was in Jerusalem (Neh 3:15; John 9:7). This incident is also not recorded anywhere else. 13:6-9 This parable, found only in Luke, connects with the verses above and speaks of God overseeing the affairs of men and in His wisdom bringing judgment on them. He may use men like Pilate to do this, or falling towers, or any other means. See Lev 26:14-33; Deut 28:20-29; Jud 2:14,15; Isa 10:5,6; Jer 14:11,12. 13:6 In speaking of the fig tree here the Lord Jesus may have had both individuals and the nation Israel in mind. See Matt 21:18-22 and notes. The man who had the
fig tree signifies God. The man who takes care of the vineyard signifies His servants or perhaps the Lord Jesus Himself. We may be sure that God is always observing what men do and do not do, and is always removing some from earth and patiently waiting for a limited time in the case of others. Every life without good fruit is in danger – Matt 3:10; 7:19; Isa 51:1-7; John 15:2,6. 13:7 Men who do not bear fruit for God are simply taking up space on His earth to no purpose. Should He permit them to remain indefinitely? 13:8,9 The man who took care of the vineyard by interceding for the fig tree delayed judgment at least for a while and, if the fig tree began to bear fruit, turned judgment away altogether. Compare Gen 18:22-33; Ex 32:7-14,31,32; Ezek 22:30,31. Where would any of us "fig trees" be, if the Lord Jesus didn't pray for us incessantly? (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25). 13:10 "Synagogues" – Matt 4:23. "Sabbath" – Ex 20:8-11. 13:11 An evil spirit (demon) can cause various physical infirmities – Matt 9:32,33; 12:22; Mark 9:25. But this does not give us the right to think that every illness of every kind is the work of a demon. 13:13 Matt 19:13; Mark 5:23; 6:5; 7:32; 8:23; 16:18. 13:14 Matt 12:2,9-14. 13:15 He called them hypocrites here because they had two standards, one for themselves, another for others. And they cared more for the welfare of their animals than for human beings whom they were commanded in the law to love – Lev 19:18. 13:16 She was a descendant of Abraham
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Satan has bound now for eighteen years, be set free from this bond on the Sabbath day?"
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. 29 And they will come from the east and the west, and from the north and the south, and will sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and there are those who are first who will be last."
17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame. And all the people rejoiced because of all the glorious things that were done by him.
18 Then he said, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his garden, and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches."
31 That same day some of the Pharisees came, saying to him, "Get out and leave here, for Herod wants to kill you."
20 And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until the whole was leavened."
32 And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Look, I drive out demons, and I perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I will reach the goal.' 33 Nevertheless I must go on today, and tomorrow, and the following day, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish out of Jerusalem.
22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and travelling toward Jerusalem. 23 Then someone said to him, "Lord, are only a few saved?" And he said to them,
34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to you, how often I would have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under its wings, and you were not willing! 35 Now your house is left to you desolate; and truly I say to you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
24 "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has gotten up and shut the door, and outside you begin to stand and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us,' he will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.'
And it happened when he went into the house of one of the leading Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched him closely. 2 And there in front of him was a certain
28 "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth
the forefather of the Jewish nation.
Compare Matt 5:29,30. 13:25 The door of opportunity will not remain open forever – Matt 25:10,11; Prov 1:20-33. 13:26 They should have understood that the opportunities they had to hear His Word only increased their guilt, since they did not obey it. 13:27 Matt 7:23; 25:12. 13:28-30 Matt 8:11,12; 19:30. 13:31 Matt 14:1. Did they vainly imagine they could get rid of the Lord Jesus by frightening Him? 13:32 A fox has a reputation of being a sly animal. But Jesus had no fear of Herod or anyone else as He went toward the goal set before Him. The Lord Jesus knew what He was going to do and what would happen to Him and how and when He would finish His course on earth – v 33; Matt 16:21; 17:22,23; John 7:30. 13:33 This was spoken ironically. Many prophets had been killed in Jerusalem and Jesus knew He would die there, and not at the hands of Herod in some other place. 13:34,35 Matt 23:37,38. 14:1 "Pharisees" – Matt 3:7. They watched Jesus because of 13:10-17.
"Satan" – 1 Chron 21:1; Matt 4:1-10; John 8:44; 12:31. 13:17 "Put to shame" – Ps 25:3; 44:7; 78:66; 83:16; 132:18. 13:18-21 Matt 13:31-33. 13:23 Few will be saved in any one time compared with the whole population (Matt 7:14), but there will be many when the saved of all times and places are added together. Compare Rev 7:9. 13:24 Jesus is saying that an individual should not speculate about the number of people God may save, but make sure he or she is among them.
"Strive zealously" – this is one word in the Greek. Everyone should attempt with great zeal and earnestness to enter God's spiritual kingdom. This does not mean that a person can gain entrance into it by hard work, or piling up merit, or some such thing. Rather, it indicates that there will be difficulties and obstacles in the way of those who would go through the narrow door into it, there will be opposing forces. Also it suggests that there is great danger for those who have not entered. It indicates also that there is something very great and wonderful to be received and experienced by those who enter, something worth all the struggle. See notes at Matt 7:13,14; 11:12.
"Sabbath" – Ex 20:8-11. 14:2 Dropsy is a disease that causes swelling of the limbs.
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man who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus responded and spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 4 And they kept quiet. And he took him, healed him, and let him go, 5 and responded to them, saying, "Which of you who has a donkey or an ox fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" 6 And they could not give him an answer to these things.
your friends, or your brothers, or your relatives or rich neighbours, for they may invite you in return, and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, for, because they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
15 And when one of those who were sitting with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"
7 And he told a parable to those who had been invited, when he observed how they chose the places of honour, saying to them,
16 Then he said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper, and invited many. 17 And he sent his servant at supper time to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is ready now.'
8 "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit in the place of honour, for perhaps a man more distinguished than you has been invited by him, 9 and the one who invited you and him will come and say to you, 'Give this man your place,' and you, humiliated, have to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will have honour in the presence of those who sit to eat with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
18 "And they all with one mind began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of land, and I need to go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' 19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' 20 And another said, 'I have married a wife, and so I can't come.'
21 "So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house was angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.'
12 Then he said to the one who invited him, "When you give a dinner or supper, don't invite
14:3 Jesus knew the answer – 13:15,16; Matt 12:11,12. He was trying to make them think sensibly.
Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46,47. 14:17 Everything having to do with salvation and God's kingdom has been prepared by God Himself. Jesus is the feast God prepared. Compare John 6:27,33,35,53-58. All that people need to do is accept God's invitation and come to Him in faith. 14:18 Here is an amazing thing! Who does not like to attend a great feast? These people behaved as if they had been invited to a very unpleasant occasion that had to be avoided at any cost. The reason for their behavior is found in verses like John 3:19,20; 7:7; 15:18; Rom 8:6,7; 2 Cor 4:3,4; Eph 4:18. The excuses men make to keep from receiving Christ as their Lord and Saviour are as foolish as these recorded here. What sensible man buys a field without ever seeing it? Or buys oxen without seeing and testing them (v 19)? What sensible man would not think that perhaps his wife would like to go with him to a feast (v 20)? The truth is they simply did not want to go to the feast, and no excuse could conceal this fact. 14:21 The man was sure to be angry. By refusing his invitation the invited ones were giving a terrible insult. And those who refuse God's invitation to salvation and blessedness and heaven are insulting Him. And will He not be angry? But in the end He will have His house full of guests, even though they may be poor and disabled in themselves. See 1 Cor 1:26-29.
"Lawyers" – note at 10:25. 14:7 Matt 23:6,7. 14:11 Jesus here makes a spiritual application of the above. God is the one who will humble or exalt men, and He will do it taking into consideration their character and attitude – 11:43; 18:14; 20:46; Prov 3:34; 25:6,7; Matt 18:4; 23:12; Jam 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6. 14:12-14 Jesus here gives a good principle to follow, but how many have ever followed it? It is one that the vast majority of people would rather hear than practice. 14:14 "Repaid" – God will do this – Prov 19:17; 14:21; Matt 10:42. "Resurrection of the righteous" – John 5:28,29; 1 Cor 15:22,23,51,52; 1 Thess 4:16; Rev 20:4-6. 14:15 "Eat bread" – means to partake of a meal or feast. Compare Isa 25:6; Matt 8:11; 25:1-10; 26:29; Rev 19:9. "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. Blessed indeed are they who will feast in it. But in the following parable the Lord Jesus points out that many people do not understand this and reject every invitation to come to that feast. Compare Matt 22:1-14. 14:16 "A certain man" signifies God Himself. At first He sent His invitation to the Jews to whom Christ came – Matt 10:6; 15:24; Rom 1:16. Now He sends invitations to people all over the world – Matt 28:18-20;
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22 And the servant said, 'Master, it has been done as you commanded, and still there is room.'
does not sit down first, and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it ? 29 Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will begin to make fun of him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedgerows, and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.'"
31"Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to meet the one who is coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 Otherwise, while the other is still a long way off, he will send a delegation and ask for terms of peace.
25 And great crowds were going along with him. And he turned around and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
33 "So, in the same way, any of you who does not give up all that he has, he cannot be my disciple.
28 "For which of you, intending to build a tower,
14:23 This shows how God longs for the salvation of men. It is not enough for Him to prepare it all in Christ, and send out His invitations everywhere through Christ's servants. He uses every means to overcome people's reluctance to be saved. The great Creator pleads with His creatures to come for blessings which, if they displayed the slightest spiritual understanding, they should be rushing eagerly to obtain (Isa 55:1-3; Ezek 18:30-32; 2 Cor 5:18-21). 14:24 This was a warning to the Jewish nation which was rejecting Him (compare Matt 21:43), but also to any individual who keeps refusing God's invitation to come to Christ. 14:25 He knew that many in such crowds were not true followers. And many, doubtless, would misinterpret stories such as vs 16-23 and think that the requirements for discipleship were not very demanding. Now the Lord sets out to correct any possible misunderstanding. He gives three absolutely necessary requirements for those who would follow Him and learn from Him. These are:
"love less." Disciples should not literally hate anyone (Matt 5:43-48; 22:37,38). But our love for family members must sometimes seem like hate compared to our love for Christ. Love for Him will cause us to leave them, if necessary, to follow Him, to give our life to Him rather than to them.
"Hate. . .even his own life" – the disciple must not live for self. His love for Christ must be such that his love for himself seems like hate, and causes him to try to put all his selfishness to death. Compare Luke 9:23; etc. "Disciple" – see note at Matt 10:1. To be a true believer is to be a disciple. How can we think that people become believers in Christ without being taught by Him (disciple means pupil, someone under instruction)? Those who want to be believers without being disciples are showing that they do not really love the Lord Jesus or His teaching. And if they do not love Him or His teaching is it not vain to regard themselves as believers? See 1 Cor 16:22. 14:27 Matt 10:38; Luke 9:23. 14:28,29 Discipleship is about building a life – a spiritual life for God (Matt 7:24). The person who does not meet the requirements will not be able to build and finish. Many seem to begin well who do not go on. This is because from the beginning their inner attitudes were not right. 14:31,32 Discipleship is about a battle – a spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10-18). Those who do not meet Christ's requirements will not be able to win. The only way to defeat Satan is to love Christ above all. Compare Rev 12:11. Those who want to be disciples of Jesus should in advance consider carefully what is required to finish and to win (vs 28,31). 14:33 The disciple's attitude toward things must be right (6:20:24; 12:15; Matt 6:19; 1 Tim 6:6-11). God will not give us the resources we need to finish the spiritual building, or win the war unless we are willing to give up all of our own resources for Christ. Compare Phil 3:7,8. This is an infallible principle – those who renounce will receive, those who greedily grasp will lose (Compare 9:24; 17:33; Matt 10:39; John 12:25).
The disciple's attitude toward others must be right (v 26)
His attitude toward himself must be right (vs 26,27)
And his attitude toward things must be right (v 33).
These requirements are inward attitudes of the heart, and they reveal the work of God there. They are not in any of us by nature, but are produced by the operation of the Holy Spirit when He brings people to true faith in Christ. Observe that the qualifications Christ demands for discipleship have nothing to do with intellect, education, position in society, nationality, or other matters men make much of. 14:26 The Lord Jesus demands first place in His disciple's heart. See Matt 10:37. The order is Christ first, others second, self last (or indeed not at all – v 27). In many professing Christians, alas, this order is reversed – self first, others second, Christ last (or not at all).
"Hate" – we should compare this with Matt 10:37. Here it seems that "hate" means
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34 "Salt is good. But if salt loses its taste, what will it be seasoned with? 35 It is not fit for the soil or for the manure pile. Men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
8 "Or what woman who has ten pieces of silver and loses one piece, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it ? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, and says, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece that I lost.'
Then all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners, and eats with them."
10 "I tell you, in the same way there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
3 And he spoke this parable to them, saying, 4 "What man among you who has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninetynine in the pasture and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls his friends and neighbours together and says to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.'
11 And he said, "A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share in the estate coming to me.' And he divided his property between them.
13 "And not many days later the younger son gathered everything together, and went off to a far country. There he wasted his resources in wild living. 14 And when he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in need. 15 And he went and attached himself to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he longed to fill his
7 "I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance.
Here is another – if we are not willing to give up all we have for Christ, this shows that we value what we have more than Him and His blessings. And why should God give us something that we value so little? Compare Prov 4:7; Mark 10:21,22. 14:34,35 Matt 5:13; Mark 9:50. To profess to be Christ's followers and to be lacking in the requirements for discipleship is to be like salt that has no saltiness. It is fit for nothing, and its end is to be thrown out (compare Matt 25:30). Christianity without discipleship, without sacrifice is not only useless, it is surely a source of amusement to the devil.
they do not need to repent when actually it is the thing they need most. 15:8-10 The sheep was lost in the wilderness away from the fold (v 4). This coin was lost in the house of the woman. The sheep was lost because its foolish nature is to wander. The coin was lost due to the carelessness of the woman. The woman can hardly signify Christ (who is never careless), but she may well signify Christ's church. Both the lost sheep and lost coin represent the lost sinner, or possibly the backsliding Christian. And the result of the finding is the same – joy. 15:11-32 The sheep was lost because of its foolish wandering, and the coin because of carelessness. The son made a deliberate choice to forsake his father's house and do his own thing. Compare Isa 53:6. 15:12 This son represents those who have no thoughts for eternity, who want whatever they think is coming to them in this world, and want it now. 15:13 He did not want his father around to restrain him in anything he wished to do. He is like those who want to act as they please without any restraining influence from God. His wild living speaks of what every person who forsakes God does in spiritual matters (though such may actually pile up material wealth) – their strength, time, power of thought, talents, etc, are all thrown away on vain and empty pursuits instead of used for God (Isa 55:1,2; Eccl 2:4-11). 15:15 To Jews pigs were useless and unclean animals (Lev 11:7). This man fell to a very low place indeed. So has the sinner – he occupies himself with useless, unclean things (compare Isa 64:6; Matt 15:18-20; 23:27; Rom 1:24; 6:19; Eph 4:17-19; 1 Pet 1:18). 15:16 What sinners get in this world is
Every person who reads this should ask "Am I really a disciple of Christ? In the light of these requirements, do I even want to be a disciple of His?" The answer we give to such questions is exceedingly important and has eternal consequences. 15:1 Note on tax collectors at Matt 5:46. "Sinners" were those who did not, like the Pharisees, pretend to be righteous and holy. 15:2 See Matt 9:11-13. They complained when Christ did the very thing they should have done – Ezek 34:2-4; Zech 11:16.
"Pharisees" – Matt 3:7. 15:3 Note on parables at Matt 13:1,18-23. 15:4-7 Notes at Matt 18:12-14. 15:7 Note on repentance at Matt 3:2. See also Matt 9:13. The religious leaders complained about Jesus going after lost sheep (sinners – v 2). What brought grumbling and criticism from them brought joy to the whole of heaven.
"Who have no need of repentance" – are there any such? Yes, all those who are in heaven. On earth too there are many who have already repented of their wanderings and have come to Christ. And there are many who, like the Pharisees (18:9), think
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stomach with the husks that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
began to celebrate.
25 "Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.'
17 "And when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread and I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, 19 and am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired men.'
28 "And he was angry and would not go in. So his father came out, and begged him. 29 And in answer he said to his father: 'Look, all these years I have slaved for you, and never disobeyed an order of yours. And yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours comes, who has consumed your possessions with prostitutes, for him you killed the fattened calf!'
20 "And he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, was moved with compassion and ran and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it. And let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.' And they
31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right for us to celebrate and be glad, for this brother of yours was dead, and is alive again, and was lost, and is found.'"
really nothing better than pig's food. See what Paul thought – Phil 3:8. And in the way that is most important, there is no one in the world who will help them or who can help them. Sin brings spiritual poverty and utter destitution, beyond the help of any except God – Rom 5:6; 7:18. 15:17 People who forsake God and do their own thing are spiritually insane (Eccl 9:3), and need to come to their senses. Remembering his father's house helped this man to make some good decisions. 15:18,19 This is the language of repentance – Matt 3:6; 1 John 1:9. And this is what Jesus has been speaking of from the beginning of this chapter – vs 1,2,7. 15:20 See what God is like and how He treats sinners who come to Him. He gives no rebuke, no complaint, no punishment, but only a loving welcome.
to them the calf was a symbol of the best thing available for a feast. Jesus used a phrase that would best convey to them a special occasion for rejoicing. If we were telling the parable now, perhaps some of us in India would use different terminology to teach the same truth. 15:24 The father says the boy was "dead." Compare Gen 2:17; Eph 2:1,5; Col 2:13; 1 Tim 5:6. Our spiritual death in sin is the reason why the new birth is absolutely necessary (John 3:3,5,7). This whole chapter teaches the joy and celebration in heaven over repenting sinners – vs 7,10; see Zeph 3:17. Every time a sinner turns to God is a special occasion to Him. 15:28 This brother signifies the religious leaders of Israel who grumbled when Jesus brought sinners to God (v 2). And Jesus spoke all the parables in this chapter to them (vs 3,8,11). Such people have not disappeared from earth. In vs 28-30 we see some of the sins of this kind of people – anger when mercy was shown, self-esteem, envy when another was blessed, and what looks very much like hatred (he didn't even call the younger son "brother" – v 30, and he refused to go in to the feast. Compare 14:18; Matt 23:13. In God's eyes these sins are as bad as (or even worse than) the sins of the younger brother. 15:31 Israel was God's special nation (Deut 7:6). The kingdom of God was in the hands of the Jews – Matt 21:43. See also Rom 3:1,2; 9:3,5. This elder son represents their leaders in Jesus's day. See what is said of believers now in 1 Cor 3:21-23. All that God has is theirs. 15:32 Verse 24.
"Kissed" – he received kisses rather than the kicks or the curses he deserved (compare Isa 55:7; John 3:16; 6:37; Eph 2:4,5; Titus 3:4,5; Jam 4:8). 15:21 This is true of every one of us in our behavior toward God. We have all proved ourselves unworthy to be God's children (Ps 51:4,5; Isa 64:6; Rom 3:9-19). We need to recognize and humbly confess this. 15:22 God gives the repenting sinner the best robe that even He has – Isa 61:10; Zech 3:4; Rom 3:21-24. The ring signifies acceptance and exaltation to a high place (see Gen 41:42; Est 3:10,12. Compare Eph 1:13,14; 2:4-7). God gives the repenting sinner signs that he has been accepted. The sandals may speak of the truth of Eph 6:15. 15:23 The Jews were non-vegetarians and
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And he also said to his disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a manager, and an accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his property. 2 And he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'
8 "And the master commended the unrighteous manager, because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this world are more shrewd among their people than the children of light.
9 "And I say to you, Make friends for yourselves through money, that unrighteous thing, so that when it fails, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He who is trustworthy in very little is trustworthy also in much, and he who is unrighteous in very little is unrighteous also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been trustworthy in the matter of money, the unrighteous thing who will entrust the true riches to you? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy in what belongs to another, who will give you what could be your own?
3 "Then the manager said to himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking away from me this position of manager. I cannot dig. I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what to do, so that when I am dismissed from the position of manager people will receive me into their homes.' 5 So he called each one of his master's debtors, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
6 "And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write fifty.' 7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'
13 "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
14 And the Pharisees also, who were lovers of
16:1 The accusation was of mismanagement which had resulted in loss to the rich man.
world. And all that is connected with this unrighteous world is tainted to some extent with the world's unrighteousness. 16:10 Lest anyone should think He was commending dishonesty in the above parable the Lord Jesus sets forth this exceedingly important principle. A person's character is revealed in small things as well as in large. See how the Lord applies this in 19:11-26; Matt 25:21-23. And all of us are being tested and revealed by what we do with money. Some Christians seem to think that if they believe the right doctrines it is all right for them to cheat, lie and swindle others. This is totally false and dangerous thinking. If dishonesty rules a person's life, can we really think that person knows and loves the Lord Jesus who is the Truth (John 14:6)? Loving Jesus surely means loving truth also. The Lord demands absolute honesty and faithfulness in whatever He puts in our hands (1 Cor 4:1,2). The believer's whole future position in God's kingdom depends now on this factor. Very terrible will be the future loss of those who are dishonest and unfaithful in money matters now. 16:11 True riches are spiritual riches, eternal riches, riches of God's kingdom. The one who entrusts, or does not entrust, them to us is God. 16:12 "What belongs to another" means earthly things entrusted to us. "Your own" means heavenly things which can become one's own in Christ (1 Cor 3:21-23; Col 1:12; 3:23-25). 16:13 Notes at Matt 6:24. Here in Luke the subject is a wise use of worldly goods and faithfulness. There is only one way to be faithful and wise and that is to make God the master of one's life and to reject money as the master. 16:14 These Pharisees, like many men today, instead of learning from the Son of
"Wasting" – in Greek the same word used in 15:13,30 about the prodigal son. 16:4 He determined to make friends who would help him in the future after he lost his job. 16:8 The master was not praising the manager's dishonesty – he would have hated that. But he could not help seeing how cleverly the manager provided for the future. The Lord Jesus then makes a comment on this.
"Children of this world" – an idiomatic way of saying "people of this world" – those tied to this fallen world, those who do not know God. The "children of light" are people joined to the light of the world, the Lord Jesus – Matt 5:14; John 12:36; Eph 5:8; 1 Thess 5:5. Worldly people act more shrewdly in worldly matters than God's people in heavenly matters. They think of their future on earth and many of them, as the manager in this parable, use wealth to make friends. 16:9 Here Jesus gives the one lesson He wants us to learn from the parable. The people of light should use what they have of this world's goods in a wise and spiritual way to help people. Later such people will welcome them in heaven. This does not mean that salvation and heaven can be gained by helping people financially (see Eph 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6). It does mean that we can lay up treasure in heaven and meet people there whom we have helped on earth (compare Matt 6:19-21; 25:34-40; Ps 112:5,6,9; Heb 6:10). "Money, that unrighteous thing" – the Greek literally has "unrighteous wealth." But here this does not mean wealth gained in a crooked or unrighteous way. It means wealth that is gained in this unrighteous
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money, heard all these things, and they scoffed at him.
beggar named Lazarus who was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores.
15 And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is abomination in the sight of God.
22 "And it happened that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. 23 And in hell he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.'
16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. From that time the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone is forcibly pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one pen stroke of the Law to fail.
18 "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries her that who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
25 "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted, and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great gulf has been
19 "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and delighted in luxury every day. 20 And there was a certain
God, sneered at Him. Money was their master, and they were deceived into thinking it was a good one. Money is a good servant but a bad master. The love of it leads to destruction and ruin – 1 Tim 6:6-10. 16:15 See 10:29; 18:9; Matt 6:1,2,5,16. It is surprising that men think they can do anything and think anything they like, and God will not know it (Ps 10:11; 64:5; 73:11; 94:7-11). In the last words of this verse we have another principle which will be true as long as the world is occupied by sinful men. God despises what they think is great. Here the subject is the love of money – an attitude that God hates – but the principle applies to many other things highly regarded by men in general. 16:16 Matt 11:12,13. 16:17 Compare Matt 5:17,18. 16:18 Matt 5:31,32. Jesus gives an example of the continuing force of God's law. It is very likely that many of the Pharisees had put away wives and married others. That may be the reason Jesus spoke these words here. 16:19 In the following verses the Lord Jesus gives a powerful illustration to emphasize the truth He had already taught. It sums up much of Christ's teaching on the rich and poor. "A certain rich man" represents those who have not been faithful in using what God has given them (v 13), have loved money (v 14), and have highly valued what is detestable in God's sight (v 15). This rich man was guilty "every day" of using for himself the wealth that God had enabled him to have. This was misusing it. And he had no desire to help the poor (v 21). 16:20 This is not, of course, the Lazarus of John 11:1-44. 16:21 Lazarus was utterly destitute, but the rich man did not lift a finger to help him. In this way he showed his selfishness, hardness of heart, and contempt for God's Word which speaks everywhere of helping the poor (Lev 19:10; Deut 15:7,8; Ps 41:1; 82:3; 112:9; Prov 19:17; Mark 10:21).
16:22 "Angels" – Gen 16:7. "Abraham" – Genesis chapters 12-25. Abraham is called the father of all who trust in God – Rom 4:11,12. Going to "Abraham's bosom" indicates that the beggar was a believer as Abraham was. The words signify the place where God's people went after death. It is called "paradise" in 23:43. Not all poor people go to the place of blessedness – only the poor who trust in Christ, who have the faith Abraham had (Rom 4:16; 5:1). 16:23 "Hell" – the Greek has "Hades." "Hades" is used 11 times in the Greek New Testament (Matt 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; 1 Cor 15:55; Rev 1:18; 6:8; 20:13,14). It is similar in meaning to the Hebrew word "Sheol" – see notes at Gen 37:35. For those who die in their sins it is a place of torment (v 25). Not all rich men go there. Abraham himself had been rich (Gen 13:2). But it is not easy for rich men to be saved – 18:24,25. This rich man went into a place of punishment because he was an unbeliever who showed his unbelief by the way he lived (vs 19,21). He was like the man in 12:16-21, and like those in Jam 5:1-5. He illustrates Matt 25:41-46 and 1 Tim 6:9,10. Observe that this rich man was "far off" from Abraham. Paradise and Hades were separated by a great chasm or void or abyss, but were close enough for those in one place to see into the other, and to hear one another. 16:24 He who showed no pity now asked for pity. But he did not receive any mercy (Matt 5:7; 7:2; Ps 18:25,26; Gal 6:7). Observe that after death the rich man (as well as Lazarus and Abraham) was conscious. The soul does not sleep at death, only the body.
"Flame" – Matt 3:10; 5:22; 7:19; 13:40,42; 18:8; 25:41; Mark 8:43-39; Rev 20:15; 21:8. 16:25 There is going to be a great reversal of things after death and after God judges the world. 16:26 The state after death is irreversible,
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fixed, so that those who would cross over from here to you cannot, nor can those who are there cross over to us.'
4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day comes back to you, saying, 'I repent', you must forgive him."
27 "Then he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, 28 (for I have five brothers) so that he can testify to them, so that they too will not come to this place of torment.'
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
6 And the Lord said, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
29 "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the Prophets. Let them hear them.'
30 "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
7 "But which of you who has a servant plowing or tending the sheep will say to him as soon as he comes from the field, 'Go and sit down to eat'? 8 But will he not rather say to him, 'Get things ready for me to eat, put your belt on, and serve me while I eat and drink. And afterwards you may eat and drink?' 9 Does he thank that servant because he did what he was ordered? I think not.
31 "And he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Then he said to the disciples, "It is impossible for causes of stumbling not to come. But woe to him through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Watch yourselves! If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
10 "So you also, when you have done all that you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done only what it was our duty to do.'"
11 And as he was going to Jerusalem, it came about that he travelled between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a certain village, ten
and there will be no getting out of the place of punishment. Compare Matt 25:46. Observe that Jesus' teaching in this story is contrary to the idea of reincarnation. See also Job 11:12; John 3:3; 9:3; Heb 9:27. After people go to the realm of the dead, they are never again reborn on earth – their spirits remain there until the resurrection of their bodies (John 5:28,29). 16:27,28 Those in Hades may desire the salvation of relatives on earth, but their requests for them will not be answered. 16:29 "Moses and the prophets" – this refers to that part of the Word of God we now call the Old Testament. Men alive on the earth must believe the truth God has revealed, and turn to God in repentance and faith. 16:30 This is a vain hope, as Abraham says in the next verse. People's sinful hearts and unbelief are not so easily overcome. 16:31 People who had refused to believe God's word were not convinced even when the Lord Jesus Himself rose from the dead (Matt 28:11-15). It is not signs and miracles that men need, but hearts made humble and believing and obedient (Matt 5:3-8). 17:1,2 Matt 18:6,7. 17:3 Matt 18:15. 17:4 Compare Matt 18:21,22. Notice here the words "I repent." 17:5 "Apostles" – Matt 10:2. "Increase our faith" – at four different times Jesus had spoken to one or all of them of their "little" faith (Matt 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8. Some old manuscripts have the phrase "little faith" at 17:20 also). Recognizing the importance of faith, and the smallness of their own faith, and no doubt the need of more faith to be able to
practice all the sublime teachings Jesus had given them, they make this request. 17:6 Compare Matt 17:20. 17:7-10 In these verses Jesus seems to be changing the subject, but actually He is showing how faith may be increased. The way is not to think of ourselves as great ones, or to aim at self-esteem and self-confidence, or to try to feel good about ourselves as if God should be grateful to us because of our service. The way to greater faith is to think lowly of ourselves, as we ought to think (compare 1 Cor 3:6,7; 2 Cor 3:5; Eph 3:8. See notes on Rom 7:14-25 and 2 Cor 12:7-10). The way is to recognize not only that we are unworthy but that the Lord Jesus has the right to tell us what to do, and that we are to put His work first in our lives and obey Him without question.
When we renounce ourselves and make Christ the center of our lives and humbly submit always to His authority, we will find a steadily increasing faith in Him and in His ability to do things. Basically, it is not the believer's faith which works wonders, it is the One whom he or she believes and serves who works the wonders.
"Unprofitable" – the Greek word used here is used only once more in the New Testament, at Matt 25:30. It may also be translated "unworthy" or "worthless" or "useless." When believers have the proper attitude towards themselves their faith in the Lord Jesus can grow. Is it necessary to say that faith also grows by the study of the Bible with an obedient heart? See Rom 10:17. 17:11 See 9:51. 17:12 "Lepers" – see note at Lev 13:1. The reason they stood at a distance is in Lev 13:45,46.
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men who were lepers met him. They stood at a distance, 13 and raised their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
26 "And just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark. And the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot also. They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 It will be just like this in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
14 And when he saw them, he told them, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And it came about as they went, that they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at his feet and gave him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
17 And in response Jesus said, "Were not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 No one is found returning to give glory to God, except this foreigner." 19 And he said to him, "Get up. Go on your way. Your faith has made you well."
31 "In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods inside the house, should not go down to take them away; and he who is in the field also should not return.
20 And when he was asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come while being watched for. 21 Nor will they say, 'Look here!' or, 'Look there!', for, see, the kingdom of God is among you."
32 "Remember Lot's wife. 33 "Whoever strives to preserve his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
34 "I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. One will be taken, and the other will be left. 35 Two people will be grinding together. One will be taken, and the other left. 36 Two people will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other left."
22 And he said to the disciples, "The days will come when you will want to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, 'Look here!' Or, 'Look there!' Do not go out, or follow them. 24 For just as the lightning that flashes from one part of the sky shines to the other part of the sky, so also the Son of man will be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things, and be rejected by this generation.
37 And they answered and said to him, "Where, Lord?" And he said to them, "Where the dead body is, there the vultures will gather together."
And he spoke a parable to them to show that men should always pray, and not lose
17:13 Who ever spoke such words in vain to the Lord Jesus? Compare Matt 8:2,3. 17:14 Matt 8:4. 17:16 "Samaritan" – Matt 10:5; John 4:9. 17:17,18 Ingratitude is a grave sin and greatly displeases the Lord Jesus. See also Rom 1:21; etc. Notes on thanksgiving at Lev 7:12,13; Ps 7:17; 1 Thess 5:18. 17:19 See 7:50; 8:48; Matt 9:22; 15:28. 17:20,21 "Pharisees" – Matt 3:7. "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. The Pharisees were thinking of some outward manifestation of God's kingdom such as is described in Isaiah chapter 11. Jesus' answer indicates that the kingdom of God had already come, but not in the way they expected. Compare Matt 3:2; 4:17; 5:3; 11:12; 12:28. He is speaking here of that aspect of God's kingdom which is spiritual and in men's hearts.
17:22 Note on Son of man at Matt 8:20. He would go into heaven and His disciples would face great troubles and difficulties and long for His return. 17:23 Matt 24:23. 17:24 Matt 24:27. 17:25 See 5:35; 9:22,43-45; 12:50; 13:32,33; Matt 16:21; Isa 53:3. 17:26,27 Matt 24:37-39. 17:28,29 Gen 19:1-28. 17:31 Matt 24:17,18. 17:32 Gen 19:17,26. When God's judgment begins to fall how foolish to be concerned for material things. But it seems that Lot's wife's heart was set on the things she was leaving behind. Let us make sure that our treasure is in the right place (Matt 6:19-21). 17:33 Matt 10:39. 17:34,35 Compare Matt 24:40,41. 17:37 Matt 24:28. 18:1 "Always pray and not lose heart" – see 11:3,5-10; 1 Thess 5:17; Eph 6:18. When we do not get quick answers to our prayers, or when they are not answered as we think they should be, we may be tempted to stop praying. If these temptations do not come out of our own minds and hearts, the devil will try to implant them there. Let us not give in to such temptations. Ceasing to pray results in defeat in life, and unfruitfulness in the service of God.
"Among" – some versions translate the Greek word used here "within." However, the kingdom of God was not within those Pharisees, not in their hearts. It was among them because the King was among them with some of His people who had received Him and His kingdom. In emphasizing here the unseen spiritual aspect of God's kingdom, Jesus was not denying that sometime in the future God's kingdom would come visibly (vs 24,30).
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heart, 2 saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, 'Get me justice against my enemy.' 4 And he would not for a while. But afterwards he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God, or respect man, 5 yet because this widow is troubling me, I will get her justice, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"
with himself like this: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men: robbers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all I get.'
13 "And the tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'
14 "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified instead of the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And will not God obtain justice for his chosen ones, who cry out day and night to him, also bearing patiently with them? 8 I tell you that he will bring about justice for them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
15 And they also brought infants to him so that he would touch them, but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them near and said, "Let little children come to me and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter it at all."
9 And he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good
We must not give up no matter what may be our disappointments, no matter what remembrance of failure, no matter what guilt we feel about past sins, no matter what consciousness we have of our present sinful nature, no matter what thoughts which tell us that it is no use to pray, no matter that God seems far away, no matter that we seem to get no answers to our prayers, no matter what temptations to unbelief, no matter what our circumstances or mental condition or spiritual struggles. Giving up prayer is sin (compare 1 Sam 12:23), and leads to further sin. It is the way to despair and ruin in the spiritual life. So whatever we do or do not do, can or cannot do, let us continue to pray to the one true God, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. 18:2 Psalm 82. 18:7 The Lord Jesus is not at all saying that God is like this unjust judge. His meaning is that if even an unjust judge will give in to repeated requests for justice, how much more will the just and righteous Judge of the world bring about justice for His people who pray persistently, continually (and remember that this just Judge is also a loving and compassionate Father). Of course this does not mean that His people can demand anything they want, whether good for them or not, and get it if they keep on asking. But if they ask for good and right and just things, or anything according to His will they will get it. Compare 1 John 5:14,15. 18:8 "Son of man" – Matt 8:20. On His second coming see Matt 16:27. The time preceding Christ's second coming will be a time of great trial and tribulation, when few will exercise much faith (Matt 24:9-12; 2 Thess 2:3; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 4:3,4). 18:9 See 16:15; 7:39; 5:30; Prov 30:12,13; Isa 65:5; Jer 2:35. Such people both then and now remain ignorant
of the truth of Isa 64:6; Jer 17:9; etc. This ignorance is revealed in the Pharisee's prayer in vs 10-12. The enlightenment men need is to see themselves as they really are and God as He really is – holy and infinitely above all men. 18:10 "Tax collector" – Matt 5:46. 18:12 "Fast" – Matt 6:16. "Tithes" – giving a tenth of what one received was taught in the Old Testament – Gen 28:22; Lev 27:30; Num 18:21. The Pharisees did such things (Matt 6:16; 23:23), but neglected far more important matters like justice, mercy and faithfulness and the two greatest commandment in the law (Matt 22:37-40). 18:13 Here is a brief prayer indeed, but it went from the heart of this sinner to the heart of God. It reveals the kind of knowledge people need – to know their sin and to know that God is merciful. Let us learn that a feeling of our sinfulness and unworthiness does not disqualify us in prayer. In fact, just the opposite. It shows the work of the Holy Spirit in us and is pleasing to God. See Ps 51:17; Isa 6:5; 57:15; 66:2; Matt 5:3; 6:12. On God's mercy see Ps 51:1; Eph 2:4; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3. 18:14 This means that God counted the tax collector righteous and the Pharisee a sinner, though the Pharisee thought he was righteous and the tax collector knew he was a sinner.
"Justified" – means to count as righteous. See Rom 1:17; 3:21-28; 4:7,8. The man who mourned and confessed his sin went home without any sins whatever on his record. Jesus' words reveal God's way with men and we had better learn it (14:11; Matt 23:12; Jam 4:6). 18:15-17 Matt 19:13-15; Matt 18:3. 18:18-30 See notes on this incident at Matt 19:16-29; Mark 10:17-30.
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Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
beat him with a whip and put him to death; and on the third day he will rise again."
19 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? God alone is good, no one else. 20 You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and your mother."
34 And they understood none of these things, and this statement was hidden from them, and they did not know what was being said.
35 And this happened when he had come near to Jericho: a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging. 36 And when he heard the crowd passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me."
21 And he said, "All these I have kept from my youth."
22 Now when Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
23 And when he heard this, he became very sad, for he was very rich.
39 And those who were going in the front rebuked him, telling him to keep quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."
24 And when Jesus saw that he had become very sad, he said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
40 And Jesus stood still and ordered him to be brought to him; and when he had come near, he asked him, 41 saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" And he said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."
26 And those who heard this said, "Who then can be saved?"
42 And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."
27 And he said, "Things that are impossible with men are possible with God."
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. And when all the people saw this, they gave praise to God.
28 Then Peter said, "See, we have left everything and followed you."
29 And he said to them, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times as much in this present time, and in the world to come, everlasting life."
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And a man named Zacchaeus was there, a chief tax collector. And he was rich. 3 And he tried to see who Jesus was, and could not because of the crowd, for he was short of stature. 4 And he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, since he was coming that way.
31 Then he brought the twelve near and said to them, "Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man will be fulfilled. 32 For he will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked, insulted, and spit on. 33 And they will
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." 6 And he hurried and came down, and
18:31-33 Matt 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34. 18:31 Jesus was referring to the prophets whose writings are recorded in the Old Testament. For example see psalm 22; Isaiah chapter 53; Zech 13:7. 18:32 "Gentiles" – people other than Jews. 18:34 See 9:45; Mark 9:32; Matt 16:22. 18:35-43 Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52. 18:35 Matthew and Mark say this happened while Jesus was leaving Jericho. Is there then a contradiction in this? No. The old city of Jericho was there though few people lived in it. Just south of it a new city of Jericho had been built. Matthew and Mark speak of Jesus leaving the old city of Jericho, Luke speaks of Him approaching the new one. See note at Mark 4:1. 18:38 "Son of David" – Matt 1:1. 18:42 Again we see the power of faith in Jesus (Matt 9:22; Mark 10:52). 18:43 Praise to God is a constant theme of
Luke's Gospel – 1:64; 2:13,20; 18:43; 19:37; 24:53. 19:1 See 18:35. This was the new Jericho. 19:2 "Tax collector" – Matt 5:46. 19:4 Many would think this was no proper and dignified behavior for a rich man, but it shows how anxious he was to see the Lord Jesus and how little He cared for the opinion of those who might laugh or sneer at him. 19:5 The Lord had never met Zacchaeus but He knew where he was and everything about him. (Compare John 1:48-50; 2:24,25; etc.) He knew that Zacchaeus was lost in sin but open to the truth, and He knew what His own ministry was (v 10). Jesus had an inner compulsion to go to his house. It was the compulsion of divine love. See John 4:4. Compare 2 Cor 5:14. 19:6 This is something the religious leaders of Israel and most of the people would not do (John 1:11).
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received him joyfully.
and to save that which was lost."
7 And when they saw this, they all grumbled, saying, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man."
11And while they were listening to these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and because they thought that the kingdom of God would immediately appear.
8 And Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, half of my goods I am going to give to the poor. And if I have taken anything from anyone by fraud, I am going to give him back four times as much."
12 Therefore he said, "A certain nobleman went to a far country to receive a kingdom for himself and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Do business until I return.'
9 And Jesus said to him, "This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man has come to seek
14 "But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, 'We do not want
19:7 Compare 18:9; 15:1,2; Matt 9:10-13; 11:19. 19:8 Zacchaeus chose a new master that day and called Him "Lord." Up until then, his master had been money (16:13). He is one of the few rich men who enter God's kingdom (18:24,25), and he is in great contrast to the rich fool in 12:16, the rich man in 16:19, and the rich young ruler of 18:23. But he did not get into God's kingdom simply by saying Lord to Jesus (Matt 7:21). He revealed that he had a true faith in Him by what he did. Zacchaeus was willing to do what many were not willing to do (16:14; Matt 19:21-24). This showed the work of God in his heart.
"Lost" – 15:4-10,32; John 3:16. Lost means away from God, on the broad way that leads to destruction (Isa 53:6; Matt 7:13; Eph 4:18). If Jesus does not seek for lost human beings it is certain they will never be saved. They will never seek the true God on their own (Rom 3:11). 19:11-27 This parable is similar in some ways to the one in Matt 25:14-30, but different in other ways. They were spoken at different times and places. 19:11 "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. People thought the Lord Jesus would openly declare Himself the Messiah, the King of Israel, then throw off the yoke of the Roman government, and bring power and glory back to Israel. Jesus is saying that such a thing would not then happen. He would go away (v 12), and Israel would refuse to have Him as King (v 14). But He would return (v 15). In the meantime His servants had work to do (v 13). 19:12 The Lord Jesus had noble birth indeed! See 1:35; Matt 1:1. The way the man was appointed king was the manner of things in Judea in those times. The Herods went to Rome and received their authority there. The authority of the Lord Jesus did not come from Rome but from heaven (Matt 28:18; John 17:2; Acts 2:33-36; Phil 2:9-11; 1 Pet 3:22). He is yet to return, but will do so at the proper time (Matt 16:27; Acts 1:22). 19:13 "Servants" – signify all who are called Christ's servants (Rom 6:16-22), all who profess to believe in Him. The "nobleman" gave each of them money worth one "pound." In Greek the word is "mina." It was equal to about three months' wages for a laborer. In the parable in Matt 25:14-30, the servants were given much more and each a different amount. There are some matters in which all the servants of God are different, some matters in which they all are the same. Their faithfulness is tested in all matters – 16:10; 1 Cor 4:2.
"I am going to give him back four times as much" – see Lev 6:1-5; Num 5:5-7. Zacchaeus was willing to give back more than the law demanded. In this he was bringing forth fruits of repentance (note at Matt 3:8). Repentance is a radical change of attitude about things.
There are those in the church who obtain money or property by unjust means and crooked ways. When found out they want to be forgiven and accepted without making any attempt to pay back what they have taken. They want to be regarded as servants of God and at the same time enjoy the material benefits that came by their crookedness! This attitude does not show true repentance, and it will not be accepted by God, whatever others may decide about it. It is very important that believers try to make amends for any harm they have done to others. 19:9 Observe that a great change in a person, bringing him from a state of sin to salvation and from death to life, happens very suddenly (John 5:24). Notes on salvation at Acts 4:12; Rom 1:16. By saying Zacchaeus was a "son of Abraham" Jesus meant Zacchaeus was not merely descended of Abraham, but a true son of Abraham who is the "father" of all who believe in Christ (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:11,16). And Zacchaeus, by the results of repentance that appeared in his life, proved that he had believed. We may well question whether anyone has believed in Christ if these results are lacking. 19:10 "Son of man" – note at Matt 8:20. Here He gives one of the chief reasons why He came to earth (compare John 3:16,17). See also references at Matt 5:17.
"Business" – "Occupy" (KJV) – this means occupy yourselves in my business. 19:14 This had actually happened thirty years before in the case of a man named Archlaus. But the parable refers to the Lord Jesus – the Jews declared to the Romans that they did not want Him to be their King (John 19:13-16), and they did not (for the most part) change their minds afterward
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this man to reign over us.'
has ten pounds.'
15 "And it happened that when he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that those servants, to whom he had given the money, be called to him, that he might know how much each man had earned through his business activity.
25 "And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds!'
26 "And he said, 'For I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and execute them in front of me.'"
16 "Then the first came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has earned ten pounds.'
17 "And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little thing, have authority over ten cities.'
28 And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came about when he had come near Bethphage and Bethany that at the mount that is called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 30 saying, "Go to the village opposite. When you enter it you will find there a colt tied up, on which no one has yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it ?' tell him this: 'Because the Lord needs it.'"
18 "And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has earned five pounds.'
19 "And he said to him in the same way, 'Be over five cities.'
20 "And another came, saying, 'Lord, look, here is your pound, which I have kept laid away in a napkin. 21 For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.'
32 And those who were sent went off and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34 And they said, "The Lord needs it."
22 "And he said to him, 'I will judge you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant. Did you know that I was a harsh man, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Then why did you not put my money in the bank, so that when I came I might have collected it with interest?'
35 And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks on the colt, and they put Jesus on it. 36 And while he was going, they spread their cloaks in the way.
24 "And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the pound from him and give it to the one who
37 And now, as he was approaching the
(1 Thess 2:14-16). 19:15 The Lord Jesus will openly be declared King, and He will return in glory, and no power in the universe will prevent it (Rev 11:15; 19:11-16). Then Christ will judge His servants – 1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 11:18. 19:16 He humbly attributed his success to the "pound" and not to himself. Compare 17:10. 19:17 See 16:10. He had proved himself in a very small matter. The reward he received is out of all proportion to the small matter he dealt with. When God rewards His faithful servants they will receive great rewards indeed, even for seemingly small works (compare Matt 10:42). "Cities" suggests the reward will be a place of honor and authority in God's kingdom when it is manifested on earth. Compare 22:30; Matt 19:28; Rev 3:21; 20:6. 19:18 Each servant received the same amount, which suggests that in the matter they were being tested about everything was equal. Why then the difference between the results achieved by this man and the first servant? It is very likely the first simply worked harder. Compare 1 Cor 15:10; Col 1:29; 3:23; 4:13. See the list of believers in Rom 16:3-12 – some worked, some worked hard, some worked very hard. 19:19 His efforts and accomplishments were
not as great as the first servant's, so his reward was not so great (see Rev 22:12). Still it was a very great reward for such a small work. 19:20-26 Matt 25:24-30. 19:22 Matt 25:26 says that the servant there was lazy as well as wicked, and the same is probably true here. This servant was either lazy, and so disobeyed the one command his master gave him (v 13), or else he was willing to work but only for himself. God has called all believers to serve Him. But there are many called Christians who do all their work for themselves and none for the Lord Jesus (Phil 2:21). Lazy indifference to the Lord's commands, and giving oneself entirely to one's own affairs – both are disobedience. And disobedience is wickedness (1 Sam 15:22,23). Notice that this man was judged not merely for what he did but for what he did not do. Compare Matt 25:41-46. 19:27 These men showed they were his enemies by rejecting him as king. So it is now. By rejecting the Lord Jesus as Saviour and King of their lives men reveal their hostility toward Him (John 1:11; 3:19,20; 15:18; Rom 8:7). It will not go well with such people in the day of judgment, as the closing words of this verse indicate. Compare 2 Thess 1:7-10; Rev 19:11-16. 19:28-38 Matt 21:1-9. 19:32-34 Mark 11:4-6.
155 LUKE 20:18
descent from the mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, "Blessed be the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
ask you one thing, and you answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?"
5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' 6 But if we say, 'Of men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
39 And some of the Pharisees out of the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."
7 And they answered that they could not tell where it was from.
40 And he answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these were to keep quiet the stones would immediately cry out."
8 And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
9 Then he began to tell the people this parable: "A certain man planted a vineyard, let it out to vine growers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 And at harvest time he sent a servant to the vine growers so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vine growers beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 11 And he sent another servant. And they beat him also, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And he sent a third, and they wounded him also, and threw him out.
41 And when he came near the city, he looked at it, and wept over it, 42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this day of yours, the things that would give you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you in which your enemies will build an embankment around you, and surround you, and hem you in on every side. 44 And they will level you, and your children in you, to the ground. And they will not leave in you one stone on another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."
13 "Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my dear son. Perhaps they will respect him when they see him.'
45 And he went into the temple, and began to drive out those buying and selling in it, 46 saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of thieves."
14 "But when the vine growers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, so that the inheritance may become ours.'
47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the leaders of the people looked for a way to destroy him, 48 but did not see what they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words, listening to him.
15 "So they threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy these vine growers and will give the vineyard to others." And when they heard this, they said, "God forbid!"
And it happened on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up, 2 and spoke to him, saying, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?"
17 And he looked at them and said, "Then what is this that is written?
The stone which the builders rejected,
has become the chief cornerstone. 18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken;
3 And he answered and said to them, "I will also
19:38 See 2:14. 19:39 Compare Matt 21:15,16. 19:40 The occasion was so great that God would see to it that joyful sounds of praise would come from some source. 19:41 Crucifixion and suffering awaited Him there, but He did not weep for Himself. He was called a "Man of sorrows" (Isa 53:3), but His sorrows were for the sad condition of others. 19:42 Peace would have come by repentance and receiving Jesus as their Messiah and Saviour, but God was punishing them for their wickedness, and part of the punishment was to let them remain in ignorance. Compare Matt 11:25; 13:11-16; John 9:41.
19:43,44 See 24:2; 21:6,20,24; Matt 24:2. This took place in 70 AD. The Roman army came and destroyed Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus was God incarnate but the people of Jerusalem treated Him like the worst of criminals. God's judgment on them was inevitable. 19:45,46 Matt 21:12-16. 19:47 See 22:2; Matt 12:14; 26:4; John 5:18; 7:1. 19:48 See 20:19. 20:1-8 Matt 21:23-27. 20:1 "Gospel" – 2:10; 4:18; 8:1; 9:6; Matt 4:23; 9:35; Mark 1:1. 20:9-19 Matt 21:33-46. 20:9 Matt 25:19. 20:13 Matt 3:17.
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but on whomever it falls,
obtain that world, and the resurrection from among the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage. 36 Nor can they die any more, for they are like the angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. 37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living; for to him all are alive."
it will crush him to powder."
19 And at that time the chief priests and the scribes were anxious to seize him, but they feared the people; for they understood that he had spoken this parable against them. 20 And they watched him, and sent out spies passing themselves off as righteous men, so that they might seize on his words, with the aim of handing him over to the power and authority of the governor.
39 Then some of the scribes answering said, "Teacher, you have spoken well."
21 And they questioned him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and do not accept a person to show him favoritism, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
40 And after that they did not dare ask him any question at all.
41 And he said to them, "How can they say that Christ is David's son? 42 And David himself said in the book of Psalms,
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why are you testing me? 24 Show me a silver coin. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" They answered and said, "Caesar's."
The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies your footstool.
25 And he said to them, "So give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
44 "So David called him Lord. How then is he his son?"
26 And they could not seize on his words in the presence of the people, and were amazed at his answer, and became quiet.
45 Then in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, and the seats of honour in the synagogues, and the chief places at feasts. 47 They devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny there is a resurrection, came to him, and questioned him, 28 saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if any man's brother who has a wife dies, passing away without children, that his brother should take his wife in marriage and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and died without children. 30 And the second took her as his wife, and died childless. 31 And the third took her; and in the same way all the seven died and left no children. 32 Last of all the woman also died. 33 So, in the resurrection, among these whose wife will she be? For seven had her for a wife."
And he looked up, and saw the rich men putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 And he also saw a certain poor widow putting in it two small copper coins.
3 And he said, "I tell you the truth: This poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these have put money into God's offerings out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
34 And Jesus in answer said to them, "The sons of this world marry, and are given in marriage. 35 But those who will be considered worthy to
20:20-26 Matt 22:15-22. 20:27-40 Matt 22:23-33. 20:35 "That world" – or "that age" – the age to come.
opposed the Sadducees. See Acts 23:6-9. 20:40 Matt 22:46. 20:41-44 Matt 22:41-45. "David's Son" – note at Matt 1:1. 20:46 Matt 23:5-7. 20:47 Mark 12:40. 21:1-4 Mark 12:41-44. 21:5-36 See Matt 24:1-44; Mark 13:1-27. In all three Gospels (Matthew chapter 24; Mark chapter 13; Luke chapter 21) the Lord Jesus foretold events concerning Jerusalem in answer to His disciples' questions. It should be noted that in Matt 24:3 there is a three-fold question, but in Mark 13:4 and Luke 21:7 the question has to do only with the destruction of Jerusalem. It seems that in Luke especially we have more spoken of
"Resurrection from among the dead" – this may be a better translation than simply "resurrection from the dead." "From among" better indicates that when this resurrection takes place, some who have died do not rise at that time (they will rise later – Rev 20:5). See also Luke 14:14; Phil 3:11. 20:36 God's children (John 1:12,13; 1 John 3:1,2) will never die – John 5:24,29; 6:50,51; 11:25,26; Rev 20:6. 20:37 Ex 3:2,6. 20:39 Pharisees would have said this because they believed in the resurrection and
157 LUKE 21:30
5 And as some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, he said, 6 "As for these things you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another. They will all be thrown down."
some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all men for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 In your patient endurance possess your souls.
20 "And when you see Jerusalem surrounded with armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city go out, and let those who are in the country not enter it. 22 For those are the days of vengeance, so that all things which have been written might be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those with child and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
7 And they asked him, saying, "Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?"
8 And he said, "Watch out that you are not deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ' and, 'The time draws near.' Therefore, do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must first take place, but the end is not to come immediately."
10 Then said he to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, 11 and there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines, and plagues. And there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
24 "And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led away as captives to all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 "And there will be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth distress among nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring, 26 men's hearts fainting in fear and in expectation of what is coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
12 "But before all these things, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and bringing you before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13 And this will turn out to you as an opportunity to give testimony. 14 Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to imagine beforehand what answer you will give. 15 For I will give you a mouth to speak and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to contradict or resist.
27 "And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to take place, then look up and raise your heads, for your redemption is drawing near."
16 "And you will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. And they will put
29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they put
that event which took place in 70 AD, and in Matthew we have more concerning the second coming of Christ and the end of this age. 21:5 Mark 13:1. 21:7 Matt 24:3. 21:8 They will claim that they are Christ and that the end of this age is at hand. 21:12-15 Matt 10:17-20; Acts 6:9,10. 21:16-19 Matt 10:21,22,30,31. 21:20-24 Matt 24:15-21 is similar. But in Matthew the events begin with "the abomination of desolation", and issue in the "great tribulation" (v 21). And immediately after that Christ returns to earth (Matt 24:29,30). But here in Luke the events begin with armies surrounding Jerusalem and issue in the captivity of the Jews and the "times of the Gentiles." In other words, Matthew records events that will take place at the end of this age, but Luke wrote of those connected with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (see 19:41-44). The one is a small picture of the other. 21:22 "Written" – means written in the Old Testament. 21:24 In Old Testament days from Abraham onward, and during Christ's lifetime on earth, Israel was God's special nation, the
channel of His word, the center of His spiritual dealings, teaching and revelation on earth. After Israel rejected Christ God turned to the other nations of earth (the Gentiles) – Matt 21:43; 28:18-20; Acts 28:28; Rom 11:11-14. The "times of the Gentiles" is the same as this whole age (now more than 1900 years). They will end with Christ's second coming. At the present time (l999) Jerusalem is in the hands of Israel, but once again Gentile power will take control of it and trample it underfoot – Rev 11:2; Zech 14:2-4. 21:25 With this verse the whole of the "times of the Gentiles" is passed over and the end of this age is brought before us. This is clear from the words of v 27 which connects those events with Christ's coming in glory. Notes at Matt 24:29. 21:26 Rev 6:15-17. 21:27 Matt 24:30. 21:28 Matt 24:33. Believers living at the very end of the age will be able to recognize that the end is near.
"Redemption" – see note at Matt 20:28. Here it means the final redemption which Paul speaks of in Rom 8:23 and Phil 3:20,21. 21:29-33 Matt 24:32-35.
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forth leaves, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things take place, know that the kingdom of God is near.
chief priests and captains of the temple guard, how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 And he promised, and looked for an opportunity to betray him to them when the crowd was absent.
32 "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away, until everything is fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover had to be sacrificed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover."
34 "So watch yourselves, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come like a trap on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Therefore watch, and pray always, so that you may be counted worthy to escape all those things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man."
9 And they said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare it ?"
10 And he said to them, "When you enter the city, look for a man to meet you, carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12 And he will show you a large furnished upper room. Make preparations there."
37 And in the daytime he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out and stayed on the mount that is called the Mount of Olives. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles sat with him.
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to kill him, for they were afraid of the people.
15 And he said to them, "With great longing I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
3 Then Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the Twelve. 4 And he went his way, and discussed with the
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you I will not drink of the fruit of the
21:31 "Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. Here it means the outward manifestation of God's kingdom, the return of the King in glory. 21:32 "Generation" – see note at Matt 24:34. 21:34-36 These instructions are suited both to those living before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and to those living at the end of this age. But since He mentions the "whole earth" (v 35) He probably refers to the end of this age. In Matthew He compares the end time with the days of Noah (Matt 24:37-39). 21:36 These words also seem to fit both the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the time of God's wrath coming on the earth at the end of this age (Revelation chapters 15, 16). Those who escape will not be those who are ignorant and careless and prayerless. If we wish to stand before Him without shame and condemnation we must abide in Him (1 John 2:28). 21:37,38 This is how the Lord Jesus spent the final few days of His life on earth. 22:1 Ex 12:1-20; Lev 23:4-8. 22:2 "Priests" – Ex 28:1. 22:3 John 13:27. There are many cases of demon possession recorded in the New Testament, but it is said only of Judas Iscariot that Satan himself, the chief of demons, entered him. It means that Satan completely possessed Judas to use him for
his own purposes. It is true, however, that Satan works to some extent in everyone who refuse to receive the Lord Jesus. See Eph 2:2 where Satan is called the ruler "of the power of the air." Notes on Satan at 1 Chron 21:1; Matt 4:1-10; John 8:44; 12:31. 22:4-6 Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10,11; Zech 11:12. 22:7 "Day of Unleavened Bread" – the first day of a period of eight days which began with the Passover. 22:8-13 Mark 14:12-16; Matt 26:17-19. 22:15 The Passover lamb signified their redemption and salvation. Because of Christ's coming sacrifice they were the people of God, and He delighted to eat with them at this time which spoke of that, even though it meant that He would have to suffer and die very shortly. Only His great love for them could bring Him delight at such an hour. Compare Heb 12:2. 22:16 The sacrifice of Jesus the "Lamb of God" was the spiritual fulfillment of the Passover (1 Cor 5:7). It made possible the kingdom of God in men and with men. Now His unseen presence is among those who rightly observe the "Lord's supper" (1 Cor 11:23-26). The manifested presence of Jesus with His people will come when this age ends (Revelation chapter 19).
"Kingdom of God" – Matt 4:17. 22:17-20 Matt 26:26-29.
159 LUKE 22:39
vine, until the kingdom of God comes."
may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
19 And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon, now Satan has asked to have you, so that he can sift you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back again, strengthen your brethren."
20 After supper, he did the same with the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.
21 "But, see, the hand of the one who betrays me is with mine on the table. 22 And indeed the Son of man is going just as it has been determined. But woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!"
33 And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you, both to prison and to death."
34 And he said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, before you will deny three times that you know me."
23 And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
35 And he said to them, "When I sent you without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?" And they said, "Nothing."
24 And a quarrel started among them as to which of them should be considered the greatest.
36 Then he said to them, "But now he who has a purse, let him take it, and also a bag; and he who does not have a sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me:
25 And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But you must not be like that. Instead, the greatest among you must be like the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are the ones who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I give you a kingdom, just as my Father gave it to me, 30 so that you
And he was numbered among the transgressors,
for the things concerning me are going to be finished."
38 And they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough."
39 And coming out, he went, as was his
22:21 From this it seems certain that Judas was still there when the Lord Jesus instituted the Lord's supper, and that he partook of it. 22:22 Matt 26:24. 22:23 Judas was so skillful a hypocrite that they never suspected him (John 13:26-29). 22:24 This was not a new dispute for them (see 9:46; Matt 18:1; Mark 9:33,34). Still it is a shocking revelation of their unspirituality and immaturity that they should renew the dispute on the very eve of Christ's crucifixion (but can we think that we are better than they?). 22:25,26 Compare Matt 20:25-27. 22:27 See Matt 20:28; John 13:3-5; Phil 2:5-7. 22:28,29 Compare Rom 8:17; 2 Tim 2:12; 1 Peter 4:13. 22:30 Matt 19:28. 22:31 Simon was another name for Peter. Satan's object was to shake and confuse and destroy Peter and the other disciples (the use of the plural in Greek for "you" indicates that the other disciples were included. When addressing a single disciple Jesus used the singular of the pronoun). But Peter was a special object of Satan's attack. 22:32 Praying is something the Lord Jesus now does for all believers (John 17:9,15; Heb 7:25; 1 John 2:1). That is the reason why they will be kept in the faith to the end. This is a great encouragement to all who understand its meaning. Compare John
6:39,40; 10:28; Phil 1:6; Heb 10:39; 1 Peter 1:5. Notice Jesus said "when" you have turned back, not "if you turn back." Christ knew that His prayers for Peter would be answered. Doubtless His prayers for all His believers will also be answered – John 11:41,42. This is one very good reason why they will never perish. 22:33,34 Matt 26:33-35. 22:35 See 9:3; 10:4; Matt 10:9,10. 22:36 By saying this Jesus indicated that times were changing, and that the disciples should expect more opposition and persecution and should be prepared to pay their own way (in contrast to Matt 10:11-14). By mentioning a sword Jesus was not suggesting the disciples abandon His previous instructions (Matt 5:11,12,38-41), and go on the warpath. He doubtless used "sword" in a figurative sense here, to indicate that great trouble lay ahead. To face this they should be mentally prepared (not with a literal sword). The Christian's armor is not physical but spiritual – Eph 6:10-18; 1 Pet 4:1. See Christ's condemnation of violence in Matt 26:51,52. 22:37 Isa 53:12; Matt 5:17; Luke 24:44,45. 22:38 They took Jesus' words literally (compare Matt 16:5-12; John 6:52; etc). Jesus, seeing their dullness, said nothing more at the time. The matter became clear to them later. 22:39-46 Matt 26:36-46. 22:39 They went to Gethsemane which was on the western slope of the Mount of Olives.
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custom, to the mount of Olives and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not get into temptation."
sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid saw him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with him."
41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw away, and knelt down, and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."
57 And he denied him, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, "You are also one of them. And Peter said, "Man, I am not."
43 And an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
59 And about an hour later another strongly insisted, saying, "It's the truth, this fellow was also with him, for he is a Galilean."
44 And being in a agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground.
60 And Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, that he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." 62 And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
45 And when he got up from prayer, and came to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray so that you will not get into temptation."
47 And while he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd appeared, and the one called Judas, one of the Twelve, was coming ahead of them. And he approached Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of man with a kiss?"
63 And the men who were holding Jesus mocked him, and beat him. 64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, "Prophesy, who is it that struck you?"
49 When those who were surrounding Jesus saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?"
65 And they spoke against him many other blasphemous things.
50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their Council, and said, 67 "Are you the Christ? Tell us." And he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe it. 68 And also if I ask you, you will not answer me, or let me go. 69 From now on the Son of man will be sitting at the right hand of the power of God."
51 And Jesus in response to this said, "Permit even this." And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and captains of the temple guard and the elders, who had come to him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if against a thief? 53 When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not stretch out a hand against me. But this hour belongs to you, and the power of darkness."
70 Then they all said, "Then are you the Son of God?"
54 Then they took him, led him away, and brought him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had
And he said to them, "You rightly say that I am." 71 And they said, "What need do we have of any more testimony? For we ourselves have heard it from his own mouth."
22:43 Only Luke records this. Jesus was passing through an experience so dreadful, a trial so great, that His human nature, body and soul, were weakened by the strain. And He needed strength for the terrible events that still lay ahead.
sleeping. 22:47-53 Matt 26:47-56. 22:48 Only Luke records this question, and the question in v 49. 22:49 Jesus certainly did not answer "Yes" – note at v 36. See Matt 26:52,53. 22:54 Matt 26:57,58. 22:55-62 Matt 26:69-75; Mark 14:69. 22:61 Only Luke records this. Indeed one look from Jesus was enough to break Peter's heart. 22:63-65 Matt 26:67,68. Jesus was also mocked by Herod and his soldiers (23:11), and later by many others when He was on the cross (23:35,36). 22:66-71 Matt 26:63-66. 22:69 Ps 110:1; Acts 2:33,34; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3,13; 8:1.
"Angels" – Gen 16:7. 22:44 "Agony" – an agonizing inner struggle that affected Him physically. Only Luke records this. How vividly it indicates the intensity of Christ's suffering and sorrow. The "cup" He had to drink was a very terrible one indeed. Compare Matt 26:38,39; John 18:11. 22:45 Only Luke mentions the reason for this sleep of the disciples. Their sight of Christ's great sorrow brought sorrow to their own hearts, and they escaped it by
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And their whole assembly got up and led him away to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this fellow leading the nation astray and forbidding people to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a King."
who leads the people astray, and, look, having examined him in your presence, I have found no fault in this man concerning those things with which you accuse him. 15 Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him and, as you see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 16 Therefore I will punish him and release him." 17 For it was necessary for him to release someone to them at the Feast.
3 And Pilate asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him and said, "You say it."
4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and the people, "I find no fault in this man."
18 And they cried out all at once, saying, "Away with this man, and release Barabbas to us." 19 (He had been thrown into prison for some revolt in the city and for murder.)
5 And they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching among all the Jews, beginning with Galilee, to this place."
20 Therefore Pilate, wishing to release Jesus, spoke to them again.
6 When Pilate heard "Galilee," he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also at Jerusalem at that time.
21 But they cried out, saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
22 And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no cause deserving of death. So I will punish him, and let him go."
8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, having heard many things about him; and he had been hoping to see some miracle performed by him. 9 Then he questioned him with many words, but he gave him no answer.
23 And with loud voices they insistently demanded that he be crucified. And their voices and those of the chief priests prevailed. 24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they demanded. 25 And he released to them the one who had been thrown into prison for revolt and murder, whom they had asked for. But he handed Jesus over to their will.
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod, together with his soldiers, treated him with contempt, mocked him, dressed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him back to Pilate.
12 And the same day Pilate and Herod became friends with one another. Before that there had been enmity between them.
26 And as they led him away, they laid hold of someone named Simon, a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, and they laid the cross on him, so that he might carry it after Jesus. 27 And a great crowd of people followed him, including women also who mourned and lamented him.
13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 said to them, "You have brought this man to me, as one
23:1 Matt 27:1,2. 23:2 Verse 14. This first accusation was false. The real rebel was Barabbas whose release these Jews asked for (v 19). The second accusation was also false. See 20:22-25. The third accusation, in the way they made it, was also false. It was true that He said He was the Messiah (22:67-70; Matt 26:63,64). But these Jews hoped they could get Pilate to misunderstand what this meant. The Lord Jesus was able to satisfy Pilate that He had not come to end Rome's rule over Israel (John 18:33-37). 23:3 Matt 27:11. 23:4 Verses 14,15,22; Matt 27:23; Mark 15:14; John 18:38; 19:6. 23:6-12 Only Luke records this event. Pilate tried in this way to escape the responsibility of condemning Christ. Compare Matt 27:24. 23:7 Herod was ruler of Galilee. See 3:1. 23:8 9:9. Herod was merely curious. He had no desire to learn God's truth or practice it. That is why the Lord Jesus said nothing to him (v 9). We see Herod's character in Matt 14:1-11.
23:10 They were determined that someone in authority put Jesus to death; they didn't care who it was. See John 18:31. 23:11 22:63,64. Herod was superstitious and cowardly like Pilate, and wanted to escape from the responsibility of condemning Jesus to die. 23:12 They had both been caught in difficult circumstances, being urged to condemn someone who they knew was innocent, and both showed insensitivity and brutality, and acted against their own laws, and the laws of God. Their weakness and wickedness drew their hearts together. See Acts 4:23-30. 23:13-25 Matt 27:15-26. 23:16 Pilate himself had repeatedly said that Jesus was innocent. For what reason would he punish Him? Punishment meant a terrible whipping that sometimes resulted in death (Matt 27:26). 23:18 Matt 27:15,16. 23:23 Wicked shouts prevailed over law and reason and conscience and humanity, as often happens. 23:26-49 Matt 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41.
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28 But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. 29 For, look, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' 31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what will be done in the dry?"
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38 And above him there was an inscription, written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew letters:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 And one of the criminals who had been hanged reviled him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us."
32 And others also, two criminals, were led out with him to be put to death.
40 But the other in response rebuked him, saying, "Don't you fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong."
33 And when they had come to the place that is called Calvary, they crucified him and the criminals there, one at the right hand, and the other at the left.
42 And he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothing, and cast lots.
43 And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
35 And the people stood watching. And even the rulers with them scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ, the chosen of God."
44 And it was about noon, and darkness covered all the earth until three in the afternoon. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the
23:29 Only Luke records the facts of vs 27-31. The words mean that it would be better not to have children than to have them suffer what was to come on Jerusalem (19:41-44). 23:30 They would think sudden destruction better than prolonged suffering. Compare Rev 6:16. 23:31 Jesus was referring in vs 29,30 to things that would happen when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. While He was still there in Israel things were spiritually "green" – there was still life and hope. After His departure the nation of Israel which rejected Him would become "dry" indeed – without any spiritual life. 23:32 Matt 27:38. 23:33 Matt 27:33-35. Note on crucifixion at Matt 27:22. 23:34 The Lord Jesus was here practicing the truth He taught His disciples. See Matt 5:44. He never told others to do something He was not willing to do Himself (except to ask for forgiveness of sins – He never sinned and so could not do this). He came to bring forgiveness to others (24:46,47), and His first words after His crucifixion concerned forgiveness. This prayer was for the Roman soldiers who were the ones who actually crucified Jesus. They ignorantly supposed Jesus was another criminal. His prayer perhaps included the crowd of people who were there and hardly knew what was going on, yet sided with the priests in calling for His death. The prayer was that God would forgive them the act of crucifixion, not all the sins they had ever committed. For complete forgiveness, repentance is required (24:47; Matt 3:2). 23:35 Matt 27:41-43. "Chosen of God" – Isa 42:1; 1 Peter 2:4. 23:36 Ps 69:21; Matt 27:48.
23:38 Matt 27:37. 23:39 At first both criminals insulted the Lord Jesus (Matt 27:44). But one changed his mind about Him. 23:40,41 This is evidence that repentance was at work in his heart. He did not defend himself, but confessed that his sins deserved crucifixion. And he could see that the Lord Jesus was innocent and different from themselves. 23:42 Faith in the Lord Jesus was born in the heart of this criminal, and a remarkable faith it was. He saw that this condemned and crucified man was the Messiah of Israel with a kingdom God had given Him. He knew that Christ's death would not be the end, but that He would come into His kingdom. And he believed, guilty criminal that he was, that Jesus could and would show him mercy. 23:43 "Paradise" – note at 16:22. The word points to a place of eternal joy and blessedness. In the case of this criminal we see all the basic requirements for any individual to be saved. He was saved without baptism, without any sacrament or ordinance of the church, and without any good works of any kind. He was saved immediately and went to Paradise on the day of his death – there was no waiting, no purgatory. If he had lived, doubtless he would have been baptized and done good works. But his salvation without them shows that they are not essential for salvation. It was all of God's grace through repentance and faith. See Eph 2:8,9; Titus 3:3-7. Christ Himself and Christ alone is the channel of God's grace, and the only hope for anyone. 23:45 This was a supernatural darkness caused by God, and not merely clouds obscuring the face of the sun. On the tearing of the curtain see Matt 27:51.
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temple was torn in two.
4 And as they were greatly perplexed about this, it happened that suddenly two men in shining clothing stood near them. 5 And as they were afraid and bowed their faces toward the ground, the men said to them,
46 And Jesus crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." And having said thus, he expired.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man."
"Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he spoke to you while he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, 'The Son of man must be given into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'"
48 And all the people who had assembled for that sight, seeing what had happened, beat their breasts, and returned. 49 And all those who knew him, and the women who followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returned from the tomb and told all these things to the Eleven, and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women who were with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle talk, and they did not believe them.
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a Council member. And he was a good man and a righteous one. 51 (He had not consented to their decision and deed.) He was from Arimathea, a Jewish town, and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, where no one had ever been placed before.
12 Then Peter got up and ran to the tomb, and, stooping down, he saw the linen clothes placed by themselves, and left, wondering to himself at what had happened.
54 And that day was the Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 55 And the women also, who came with him from Galilee, followed him, and saw the tomb and how his body was placed. 56 And they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils, and rested on the Sabbath day according to the commandment.
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, which was about twelve kilometers from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking together about everything that had taken place. 15 And it happened that as they talked and discussed this, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices that they had prepared. And some other women were with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 And they went in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
17 And he said to them, "What kind of discussion is this you are having as you sadly walk along?"
18 And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said to him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem? And don't you know the things that have been happening there in these days?"
9:22. He had said this to His disciples more than once while they were still in Galilee, and evidently at least once when these women were present. 24:9 Mark 16:14. 24:11 Mark 16:11. 24:12 Perhaps Peter admitted to himself the possibility that Jesus had risen. John went with Peter and believed Jesus had risen when he saw the condition of things at the tomb. See John 20:3-9. 24:13-35 Mark briefly mentions this (Mark 16:12,13), but only Luke records it in detail. 24:16 God kept them from recognizing Jesus, but also it seems that His appearance was such after the resurrection that some could not easily recognize Him (vs 31,36,37; Matt 28:17; John 20:14-16,19). 24:17 Jesus sometimes asked such questions – not because He did not know the answer, but because He wanted them to speak their thoughts.
23:46 Note at Ps 31:5; John 10:17,18. 23:47 See Matt 27:54. Here we see another person in this Gospel praising God – 1:46,64; 2:13; etc. This Roman military officer recognized that Jesus was dying in peace, and that God had vindicated Him by signs from heaven. It is possible that God granted him on the spot a true faith in Christ. 23:48 See 18:13. 23:49 Matt 27:55,56; Mark 15:40,41. 23:50-56 Matt 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47. 23:51 Luke 2:25-38. "Kingdom of God – Matt 4:17. 23:56 Note at Mark 16:1. "Sabbath. . . commandment" – Ex 12:16; 20:10. 24:1-10 Matt 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-10. 24:4 Angels sometimes appeared in the form of men. Matthew speaks of only one angel, and Mark of a young man in white. This is not strange because sometimes only the spokesman is noted and the one with him is not mentioned. See note at Mark 4:1. 24:7 "Again" – Matt 16:21; 17:22,23; Luke
LUKE 24:19 164
19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the presence of God and all the people, 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we hoped that he was the one who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yes, and also some women of our group astonished us. Early they were at the tomb, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 And some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said. But they did not see him."
and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they knew him; and he vanished from their sight.
32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way and while he opened the Scriptures to us?"
33 And they got up the same hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the Eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."
35 And they told what had occurred on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36 And as they said this, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."
37 But they were startled and frightened, thinking that they were seeing a spirit.
25 Then he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. 26 Was not the Christ bound to suffer these things, and to enter his glory?"
38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me have."
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. 28 And they drew near to the village where they were going, and he made as if he was going further. 29 But they pressed him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, and the day is far spent." And he went in to stay with them.
40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still did not believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have here any food ?"
42 And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and a piece of honeycomb. 43 And he took them, and ate in front of them.
30 And when he had sat down at the table with them, it came about that he took bread, blessed
44 And he said to them, "These are the words 24:19 Is this all they believed – that Jesus was a prophet? 24:21 Notice the past tense of the verb "hoped." With the death of the Lord Jesus it seems their hopes had been destroyed. 24:24 Reports of an empty tomb were not enough to convince these disciples that Jesus was alive. Like Thomas they wanted to see Him (John 20:25). 24:25,26 They knew the writings of the Old Testament prophets, they thought they believed them, but they were foolish and slow in believing that those writings referred to the Lord Jesus. OT prophets wrote of both the suffering of the coming Messiah and His glory (Ps 22; Isaiah chapter 53; 9:6,7; 11:1-16; etc). The Jews of that day expected the glory without the suffering. 24:27 Verse 44. Jesus now corrects their deficiency in understanding. Observe that the Old Testament is full of the Lord Jesus, from Moses (the first books of the Bible) onward. And the Lord Jesus will explain the OT to us too, if we are believing and obedient. He will do this by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-15). 24:28 He wanted them to invite Him into their home; He would not enter otherwise (compare Rev 3:20). And they invited Him in, not yet knowing who He was (compare Matt 25:34-40; Heb 13:2). 24:30 See 9:16; 22:19. 24:31 After His resurrection Jesus could
suddenly appear and disappear, even through locked doors (v 36; John 20:19). His body was the same body that suffered and died (vs 38-43), but wonderfully changed. Compare 1 Cor 15:35-44; Phil 3:21. 24:32 The Lord Jesus still has power to set hearts aflame. 24:33 Verse 9. 24:34 Simon was Peter's original name. He was also called Cephas (1 Cor 15:5). This appearance of Jesus to Peter is not described in any of the Gospels. 24:36 John 20:19. The door was locked. 24:37 Compare Mark 6:49,50. They probably thought that only a ghost or spirit could come through a locked door. 24:39 There were marks of the wounds that had been made in His feet and hands when He was crucified. These words of Jesus prove that His literal body had risen from the tomb. His resurrection was not some sort of spiritual resurrection (whatever that means). The same body which had been crucified and buried was now alive. It could be seen and touched and could assimilate food (vs 42,43). 24:41 Verse 25. The disciples were men just like ourselves. They found it hard to believe something that seemed too good to be true. 24:43 John 21:12-15. 24:44 The Jews sometimes divided the Old Testament into two sections – the Law and
165 LUKE 24:53
which I spoke to you, while I was still with you: that all things concerning me which were written in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
49 "And, look, I am going to send the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high."
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them it came about that he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.
45 Then he opened their understanding, so that they could understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day; 47 also that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple, praising and extolling God. Amen.
the Prophets (v 27; Matt 5:17); sometimes into three sections – the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms. And they arranged the books differently than the present OT. The book of Psalms was the first book of the third section. Christians now usually divide the OT into 4 sections – the books of Moses, called the Pentateuch (meaning five books – Genesis through Deuteronomy), the Historical Books (Joshua – Esther), the Poetical Books (Job – Song of Songs), and the Prophetical Books (Isaiah – Malachi). Predictions about Christ, and types and pictures of Christ, are found in all sections of the Old Testament. He made all this clear to His disciples – not in an instant, but over a period of 40 days (Acts 1:3). 24:45 He still opens men's minds to understand the Scriptures. Compare Isa 54:13; John 16:13; Eph 1:17,18; John 2:20. 24:46,47 "Repentance" – 13:3-5; Matt 3:2,8; Acts 17:30. "Forgiveness" – Matt 6:12; 9:5-7; 12:31; 18:23-35; Eph 1:7; 1 John 1:9. There is no complete forgiveness of sins without repentance. See also Acts 5:31; 26:26:18. Christ suffering and dying as a sacrifice for sins, and rising from the dead, is the basis of forgiveness, and there is no other. This truth must be preached in all the world (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15), but was to be preached first to the Jews who had demanded His death – Acts 1:8; 3:26. 24:48 John 15:27; Acts 1:8. The disciples
as witnesses for Christ demonstrated their truthfulness and sincerity by willingly suffering and dying for their witness (Acts 5:40-42; 7:57-60; 12:1-4; 14:19,20; 2 Cor 11:23-26). 24:49 See Acts 1:4. What God the Father had promised was the Holy Spirit (Isa 44:3; Joel 2:28; John 7:37-39; 14:16,17). Christ's servants were not to vainly imagine they could do God's work without God's power. The book of Acts shows what they could do with God's power. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual energy, strength, and influence which no man has by nature. 24:50 Bethany was on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem.
"Blessed them" – Gen 12:1-3; Lev 9:22-24; Num 6:22-27; etc. 24:51 Acts 1:9. 24:52 Their minds were opened to understand the Scriptures, and the Lord Jesus risen from the dead was before them. They knew beyond doubt that He was the incarnation of God and worthy of worship. Compare Matt 28:17; John 20:28,29. Notice the connection between their knowledge of who Jesus is, their worship of Him and their joy. They did not become joyful by seeking joy but by believing in the Lord Jesus (compare 1 Pet 1:8). 24:53 Luke concludes on the theme he emphasizes everywhere in this Gospel – praising God (1:46,64; 2:13; etc). Let us join them all in praising Him for the wonderful things He has done in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel According to
JOHN
Author:
John was one of the original disciples of Christ. See Matthew 4:21,22. He does not mention himself by name in this Gospel, but calls himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (see notes at 21:20,24).
Date:
Sometime in the first century A.D., probably toward the end of that century.
Theme:
John himself gives the reason for writing this Gospel. See 20:31. He presents those words and deeds of Christ which most clearly prove who He is – God incarnate and the one anointed by God the Father to be the giver of eternal life to all who believe in Him. He records some events in Christ's life, some miracles of His, and a number of His teachings not found in any of the other Gospels. Some key words are: Father, Son, believe, eternal life, love, light.
Contents:
Christ the Word of God and the Light of men ...........................................1:1-18 The testimony of John the Baptist ..........................................................1:19-34 Christ's first disciples ............................................................................1:35-51 Christ changes water into wine ..............................................................2:1-11 Christ clears the temple ........................................................................ 2:12-17 Christ is asked for a miraculous sign .......................................................2:18-25 Christ and Nicodemus ...........................................................................3:1-21 Further testimony of John the Baptist ....................................................3:22-36 Christ and the woman of Samaria ........................................................... 4:1-42 Christ heals the official's son .................................................................4:43-54 Christ heals a man at the pool of Bethesda .............................................5:1-15 Christ reveals who He is ........................................................................5:16-30 The evidence of Christ's deity ................................................................ 5:31-47 Christ feeds the five thousand ..............................................................6:1-15 Christ walks on the water......................................................................6:16-24 Christ is the Bread of life .......................................................................6:25-59 Christ is deserted by many disciples ....................................................... 6:60-71 Christ goes to a festival in Jerusalem and
teaches there .............................................................................7:1-52 Christ forgives a sinful woman ...............................................................8:1-11 Christ reasons with the religious leaders ................................................. 8:12-59 The Light of the world........................................................................... 8:12 From heaven to heaven ........................................................................8:14-30 Christ sets people free .........................................................................8:31-41 Children of the devil .............................................................................8:42-47 Christ is Jehovah, the great "I am" .........................................................8:54-59 Christ heals a man blind from birth .........................................................9:1-34 Spiritual blindness ................................................................................9:35-41 Christ the good Shepherd .....................................................................10:1-30 Christ again reveals who He is ...............................................................10:31-42 Christ raises Lazarus from the dead .......................................................11:1-44 Religious leaders plot to kill Christ ...........................................................11:45-57
167 JOHN
Christ is anointed by Mary of Bethany ....................................................12:1-11 Christ rides into Jerusalem ....................................................................12:12-19 Christ speaks of His death .....................................................................12:20-36 Christ is rejected by unbelieving Jews .................................................... 12:37-43 Christ pleads with unbelievers ...............................................................12:44-50 Christ washes His disciples' feet .............................................................13:1-17 Christ foretells His betrayal by Judas ......................................................13:18-30 Christ foretells Peter's denial ................................................................. 13:31-38 Christ comforts and encourages His disciples ........................................... 14:1-4 Christ the one way to God ....................................................................14:5-14 Christ promises God's Holy Spirit to disciples ............................................14:15-31 Illustration of the vine and the branches .................................................15:1-17 The character of this world ...................................................................15:18 - 16:4 The work of the Holy Spirit of God in the world ........................................ 16:6-16 Christ gives further comfort and promises ...............................................16:17-33 Christ prays for Himself, His disciples,
and for all believers .....................................................................17:1-26 Christ is arrested .................................................................................18:1-11 Christ before the priests .......................................................................18:12-24 Christ is denied by Peter .......................................................................18:15 - 18:25-27 Christ before Pilate ..............................................................................18:28 - 19:16 Christ on the cross ...............................................................................19:17-37 Christ's body placed in the tomb ............................................................19:38-42 Christ rises from the dead .....................................................................20:1-9 Christ appears to believers ...................................................................20:10-31 The appearance to Mary Magdalene.......................................................20:10-18 The appearance to His disciples .............................................................20:19-22 The appearance to Thomas with the others............................................. 20:24-29 The appearance in Galilee and the miracle
of the catch of fish ......................................................................21:1-23
JOHN 1:1 168
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 This same One was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him not one thing was made that was made.
the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to testify about that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not comprehended it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about
12 But as many as received him, to those who believed in his name, to them he gave the right to
given in 3:19; Rom 1:18-21; 2 Cor 4:4. 1:6 This John was not the author of this gospel, but John the Baptist. See notes at Matt 3:1; 11:1-15. 1:7,8 Verses 15-36; 5:33. 1:9 Verse 4 – the Lord Jesus was the "true" light in contrast to false lights – those who claimed to be the light or whom others regarded to be the light and who were not. Jesus is the true light because He enables men to see the truth about God, about salvation, etc. He sheds His light on all, to the whole world (8:12), though all will not receive it. 1:10 "In the world" refers to His birth and life on earth. Men did not recognize their Creator. Sin had dulled their minds, killed their spiritual understanding, separated them from God and His ways. Compare Isa 1:2,3; Eph 4:18; Col 1:21. 1:11 His "own" means Israel, the Jewish people. Not only did the world fail to recognize Him, His own nation, for the most part, refused to acknowledge Him (5:18,40; 7:47; 8:59; 19:6-15). But some of them did, as the next verse makes clear. 1:12 Here is one of the great promises of the whole Bible. It includes certain very important truths. Men are not the children of God by nature – they must "become" His children. Compare 3:6; 8:44; Eph 2:1,2; etc. By nature they are created beings who, by their own choice, are in rebellion against their Creator and separated from God (Jer 17:9; Gen 8:21; Isa 24:5; 59:1,2; Rom 3:919). They can become God's children only by receiving the Lord Jesus who is the Word and who is the Light God has sent to men, the Lord through whom the worlds were made (which is the emphasis in the preceding verses), and the Saviour He has appointed (Matt 1:21; Acts 4:12). Receiving Him means believing Him.
1:1,2 "Beginning" – 17:5; Gen 1:1; 1 John 1:1,2. When God made the universe the "Word" was already in existence. The universe had a beginning but the Word was eternal, one with the Creator of all things. The verses which follow, especially v 14, make it clear that the Word is the Lord Jesus Christ. "Word" suggests communication, speech. The Lord Jesus is the full expression of the mind of God, the completion revelation of God's heart, God's nature (v 18; 10:30; 14:9; Heb 1:3). "God" in these verses (except for the phrase "the word was God") evidently means God the Father (note at Matt 5:16).
"With" – to say the Word was with God means that He was not the same as the Father. Two distinct persons are in view here. "Was God" means He fully shared the nature of God. See other references about this truth in notes at Phil 2:6 and Luke 2:11. Verse 1 does not say that "the Word was a god," or "the Word was in some measure divine." Any such translation is false to the language of the original. The Greek plainly states that the Word (the Lord Jesus) was God. Father and Son are distinct persons, but (together with the Holy Spirit) are perfectly united in one Godhead, sharing the same divine nature (see notes on the Trinity at 5:30; Matt 3:16,17; 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14). 1:3 Genesis chapter 1; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. The Father worked through the Son in bringing the universe into existence. The world is not the work of some inferior god, but the creation of the only Supreme Power there is. 1:4 The "Word" was not a mere idea in the mind of God, not some principle of God's action. The Word was a living person through whom all life in the universe came into being. See 5:26; 6:57; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:15,16. And it is through Him now that men can receive new spiritual, eternal life – vs 12,13; 3:16; 5:24; 17:2; 20:31. Life is a constant theme of John's gospel, used 36 times. Light is another word often found in John. Here "light" means truth, spiritual reality. The Lord Jesus is the one who brings God's light to men (8:12; 9:5; 12:36,46). He enables us to see the truth about God, about ourselves, about salvation, about all the important things relating to spiritual life. 1:5 God's light continually shines. The reason why men do not understand it is
"Believe" is one of the most important words of this Gospel (as it is of the whole Bible). In its various tenses it is used nearly 100 times, more than in any other book of the Bible. We receive Him by faith and become God's children by faith (3:15,16,36; 5:24; 6:47; Acts 16:31; Rom 10:9; Gal 3:26). Believing in His name is believing in Him – in what He is and who He is, and in what He has done, as revealed in the Bible.
"He gave the right" – salvation from beginning to end is God's gift. See 4:10; Rom 3:24; 4:4,5; 6:23; Eph 2:8.
169 JOHN 1:19
become the sons of God, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
16 And from his fulness we all have received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
14 And the Word became flesh, and lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
18 No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has revealed him.
15 John testified about him, and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is superior to me, for he was before me.'"
19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to
"Truth" – the revelation of truth is at the very heart of Christ's incarnation. John's Gospel alone uses the word 25 times (see 4:24; 8:31,32; 14:6,17; 16:13; 18:37). In the Old Testament also God is the "God of Truth" – Ps 31:5. Jesus is His incarnation.
1:13 "Born" – this means receiving a new spiritual life from God. It does not refer to their birth into the world in the past, or to another physical birth in the future. If we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, here and now we experience this new spiritual birth and become God's children. See John 3:3; 5:21,24; Eph 2:15; Jam 1:18; 1 Pet 1:23; 2:2; 1 John 3:9. This does not come because of natural descent. No one is a child of God because his parents or ancestors were children of God (3:6). Each individual must personally receive Christ as Lord and Saviour and receive new life from God (compare Matt 3:9). Spiritual life cannot be passed on by physical means. And no person's will can in any way make another a child of God. Only God can do that and He does it only as men receive the Lord Jesus (v 12). God alone can produce spiritual children, and the whole of mankind is divided into two groups – those who are born of God and those who are not. 1:14 "Word" – v 1. "Flesh" – God became a man and had flesh and blood, real human nature. Coming into the world He took the name Jesus. See Matt 1:1823; Luke 1:26-35; Gal 4:4; Heb 2:14,17. The two natures of Christ are perfectly united in one person. The person of Christ (one person, two natures, the God-man) is a great mystery revealed by God, and so one we should receive by faith even though we cannot understand much about it.
"Only begotten" – in Greek this expression does not mean that Christ had a beginning. It is an emphatic way of saying that Christ was unique. He was one of a kind. It could be translated "one and only." God had only one Son who shared His nature and essence as God.
In this Gospel God is referred to as "Father" 122 times, much more often than in the other Gospels. Note on God the Father at Matt 5:16. 1:15 Verses 6, 30. John was born before Jesus and his ministry came before that of Jesus. John is here speaking of the existence of Jesus before He came to earth. 1:16 The Greek of this verse indicates grace continually flowing, one act of grace following another like the waves of the sea. And the one and only channel of this grace of God is the Lord Jesus. 1:17 Law refers to the old covenant given at Sinai through Moses. It is the foundation of nearly all of the Old Testament. See notes at Exodus chapter 19. John does not mean there was no revelation of God's grace and truth in the writings of Moses. He means that in Moses' writings there is an emphasis on law, and in Christ we have the embodiment of grace and truth, the full blaze of spiritual light, the perfect display of grace. He is contrasting two ways – the law of Moses and the gospel of Christ. The law could not save men and it did not reveal all the truth men needed. 1:18 Individuals sometimes saw a manifestation of God's glory, or His appearance in human form (Ex 24:9-11; 33:22,23; Isa 6:1). But no one ever saw God as He is in spirit, in His overwhelmingly glorious and holy essence (1 Tim 6:16).
"Lived" – or "tabernacled", as it could be translated.
"Glory" – this probably refers to both the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16,17; Matt 17:1,2), and His life and ministry which they saw for three years and which was full of grace and truth and glorious activity from beginning to end (compare 2:11).
"Grace" – note at Rom 1:7. This is one of the great words of the New Testament. In it the grace of God is referred to more than 100 times. Some important references: v 17; Acts 15:11; 18:27; 20:24; Rom 1:7; 3:24; 5:2,20,21; 6:1,14; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 1:6; Eph 1:6; 2:5-10; 2 Thess 2:16; Titus 2:11; 3:7; Heb 2:9; 4:16; Jam 4:6; 2 Pet 3:18. Grace is the kindness of God in action. Grace is God giving salvation freely to undeserving sinners. He gives all they need to be saved and live for Him in this world and the next. Grace was God giving His Son to die for us and His Spirit to live in us. God's grace is revealed very clearly and wonderfully in Christ. See 2 Cor 8:9.
"In the bosom of the Father" – this indicates the closeness, the love existing between the Father and the Son. Observe too that they are two distinct persons. Men cannot see God, but in the life and acts and words of the Lord Jesus we have a complete revelation of God's character. One of the great purposes He had in coming to earth was to reveal just what God the Father is like (compare 8:19; 10:30; 14:9; 17:6). 1:19 John was becoming very famous and the religious leaders of Israel wanted to know
JOHN 1:20 170
ask him, "Who are you?"
him, and said, "See the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is superior to me; for he was before me.' 31 And I did not know him, but I have come baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel."
20 And he declared, and did not refuse to say, but declared, "I am not the Christ."
21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you that prophet?" And he answered, "No."
22 Then they said to him, "Who are you? So that we can give an answer to those who sent us, what do you say about yourself?"
32 And John testified, saying, "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and remain on him. 33 And I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I saw, and testify that this is the Son of God."
23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way for the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said."
24 And they who were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, "Why do you baptize then, if you are not the Christ, or Elijah, or that prophet?"
35 Again the next day after this John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and looking at Jesus as he walked by, he said, "See the Lamb of God!"
26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but one is standing among you whom you do not know. 27 He it is, who coming after me, is superior to me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to loosen."
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" They said to him, "Rabbi (which means, being translated, Teacher), where do you live?"
28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward
39 He said to them, "Come and see." They
what was happening. Note on priests at Ex 28:1. "Levites" – Num 1:47-50. 1:20 Note on "Christ" at Matt 1:1. John knew he was not that person and he did not try to claim such an honor for himself (unlike some today who try to make out they are great ones and accept men's honor as socalled godmen and whatnot). 1:21 The Jews believed that Elijah would come again before Christ appeared (Mal 4:5). See notes at Matt 11:14; 17:10-12. "The prophet" – the Jews based this question on Deut 18:15-19. 1:23 Isa 40:3; Matt 3:3. John's aim was not to call attention to himself or make any claims of greatness. He was willing to be a mere voice which prepared the way for the Lord Jesus. He was glad to be nothing if Jesus could be everything to men (v 27; 3:30). In this he was an example to us all. It is humility God wants to see in us and not a desire to be famous or great or a craving to receive honor from fellow men. 1:24 Note on Pharisees at Matt 3:7. 1:25 Note on baptism at Matt 3:6. 1:26 He meant the Lord Jesus. As yet no one had recognized Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Compare vs 10,11. 1:27 See Matt 3:11. 1:29 The word "lamb" brings to mind the sacrifices described in the Old Testament. See Lev 1:2,10-14; 3:6-8; 14:12,21,24; Ex 12:3-13; Gen 22:7-14. John meant that God the Father would make the Lord Jesus a sacrifice to take away sin. Compare Rom 3:25; 1 Cor.5:7; Eph 5:2; Heb 9:26; 10:12; 1 Peter 1:19. This sacrifice would not be merely for individuals in Israel or for
the whole nation, as some of the sacrifices of the Old Testament were. It would be for the whole of mankind. The Lord Jesus took away the sin of man, all the burden of debt that man owed God. This does not mean that all men are saved. It means that the way of salvation and perfect forgiveness has been opened to all men. 1:30 Verse 15. 1:31 John did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah until God revealed it to him. But he knew what his work was – v 23. 1:32 Matt 3:16. Notes on God's Spirit at 14:16,17. 1:33 The one who sent John was God. "Baptizes with the Holy Spirit" – Matt 3:11; Acts 1:5. This is an immensely important part of the activity of the Lord Jesus. 1:34 Note on Son of God at 3:16; 5:18-23; Matt 3:16,17; 11:27. 1:35-37 John did not want to make disciples for himself. He wanted men to be Jesus' disciples. See 3:26-30. In this too he is an example for us to follow. The word translated "disciples" means "learners." See note at Matt 10:1. 1:38 The Lord Jesus does not want anyone to follow Him without good reason. Idle curiosity is not enough to make a disciple. Compare Luke 9:57-62; 14:25-27. "Rabbi" – the usual term the disciples used of a guru. It means "my teacher." These two men indicated by their words that they wanted to be with Him and learn of Him – a desire all men should have but which comparatively few actually do have. 1:39 This gracious invitation to those two men is now given to everyone in different words (7:37; Matt 11:28; Rev 22:17). By