RSV ~ Luke 9 Notes
Lk 9:1 | ISB Notes
gave them power: Jesus equips the apostles with his own spiritual authority to expel demons (4:35, 41), cure the sick (4:39; 5:13; 7:22; 8:47), and proclaim Godâs kingdom (4:43; 8:1).
Lk 9:3 | ISB Notes
Take nothing: Trusting in God, the apostles must rely on local hospitality for necessities during their mission (12:2224). This prepares them for leadership in the Church, where they will preach the gospel through a life of spiritual poverty (10:7).
Lk 9:5 | ISB Notes
shake off the dust: A symbolic act of judgment and curse (10:10-12; Acts 13:51). Those who reject Godâs kingdom disqualify themselves from its blessings. See note on Mt 10:14.
Lk 9:7 | ISB Notes
Herod the tetrarch: Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee and Perea from 4/1 B.C. to A.D. 39.
John had been raised: Luke does not recount Johnâs execution but last mentions him in Herodâs prison (3:20). His martyrdom is narrated in Mt 14:112 and Mk 6:14-29.
Lk 9:9 | ISB Notes
he sought to see him: Rumors were circulating that Jesus was a resurrected prophet, either John the Baptist (9:7), Elijah (9:8), or another OT figure (9:8). Herodâs desire to meet Jesus went unfulfilled until his trial (23:8-12).
Lk 9:10-17 | ISB Notes
Apart from the Resurrection, the multiplication of the loaves is the only miracle recounted in all four Gospels (Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:30-44; Jn 6:1-13). It recalls previous miracles from the OT and foreshadows the sacramental miracle of the Eucharist. It also connects with a larger theme in Luke where Jesus describes Godâs kingdom as a great feast (13:29-30; 14:7-14, 15-24). This messianic banquet is celebrated first at the Last Supper (22:14-23) and later in heaven (Rev 19:7-9). See note on Mk 6:35-44.
Lk 9:10 | ISB Notes
Bethsaida: A fishing town on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was located in Herod Philipâs territory (3:1) and was the hometown of the apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip (Jn 1:44; 12:21). Jesus later cursed the city for rejecting him (10:13).
Lk 9:18 | ISB Notes
Who do the people: According to the following verse (9:19), the crowds associated Jesus with the prophets of recent (John the Baptist) and distant memory (Elijah, old prophets). The âpollsâ were nonetheless divided, and Jesusâ true identity remained a mystery to them.
Lk 9:20 | ISB Notes
who do you: In view of conflicting opinions (9:19), Jesus swings the question around to his disciples: What has their experience suggested about his identity and mission? The Christ of God: The awaited Messiah (Jn 1:41). Peter was enlightened by the Father (Mt 16:17) to see in Jesus the king of Israel (1:32-33; Jn 1:49) and the only Son of God (9:35; Jn 1:18). See note on Mt 16:16 and word study: at Mk 14:61.
Lk 9:21 | ISB Notes
tell this to no one: Broadcasting Jesus as the Messiah could invite misunderstanding and obscure the spiritual thrust of his mission. See note on Mk 1:44.
Lk 9:22 | ISB Notes
Son of man must suffer: The first of several Passion predictions in Luke (9:44; 12
:50; 17:25; 18:31-33). Jesus here begins to clarify that his mission is not earthly or political, but one that entails suffering and death. See topical essay: Jesus, the Son of Man, at Lk 17.
Lk 9:23 | ISB Notes
take up his cross: Christian discipleship is costly, involving much sacrifice and self-denial (14:26, 33). Perseverance is necessary to follow the way of Christ on a daily basis (CCC 1435). See note on Mt 10:38.
Lk 9:26 | ISB Notes
comes in his glory: Jesus is appointed to be the worldâs divine Judge (Mt 25:31-46; 2 Cor 5:10). Those with the courage to identify with him will be saved, while those ashamed of him will be rejected in the presence of the Father (2 Tim 2:1113). See note on Mk 8:38.
Lk 9:27 | ISB Notes
see the kingdom: Jesus promises that his kingdom will arrive within the lifetime of his contemporaries. This points to the birth of the Church in general (22:28-30) and to the destruction of Jerusalem in particular (21:31-32). The downfall of the city (A.D. 70) will mark a turning point in salvation history that signals the expiration of the Old Covenant kingdom and the definitive establishment of the New. .
Lk 9:28-36 | ISB Notes
The Transfiguration has three levels of significance. (1) Christ reveals his glory to offset the shock of his first Passion prediction (9:22). (2) The Fatherâs voice, the chosen Son, and the cloud of the Spirit manifest the presence of the Blessed Trinity. (3) The prophets Moses and Elijah testify that Jesus will fulfill the Law and prophets of the OT. This episode also parallels Yahwehâs manifestation to Moses on Mt. Sinai (CCC 554-56, 697). See note on Mt 17:1-8.
⢠Allegorically (St. Hilary, In Matt. 17): Christ invites three companions up the mountain to signify the salvation of mankind. As the human family stems from the three sons of NoahâShem, Ham, and Japhethâso its elevation to glory is represented by Peter, James, and John ascending the mountain into the divine presence.
Lk 9:32 | ISB Notes
saw his glory: Evident by the changes in Jesusâ appearance and clothing (9:29).
⢠The experience of Peter, James, and John parallels that of the Israelites at Sinai who similarly witnessed the âgloryâ of God and âheard his voiceâ at the mountain (Deut 5:24).
Lk 9:35 | ISB Notes
my Son, my Chosen: One of several announcements of Jesusâ divine Sonship (3:22; 4:41; 8:28).
⢠The Fatherâs words echo Is 42:1, where the Lordâs Servant is empowered by the Spirit to bring relief to the oppressed and justice to all nations (Is 42:2-7). The final injunction, listen to him, is taken from Deut 18:15, where Moses prophesied that another prophet like himself would someday arise in Israel. Jesus fits this prophetic description, and because his teaching is backed by the approval and authority of the Father, he must be followed as the Israelites once followed their leader Moses (Acts 3:22; 7:37). See note on Lk 3:21-22.
Lk 9:41 | ISB Notes
perverse generation: An expression drawn from Deut 32:5, 20.
⢠These verses are part of the âSong of Mosesâ, in which Moses prophesied the future failures of Israel and indicted the people in advance for their faithlessness (Deut 32:1-43). Jesus directs these words to his own generation in order to link them with Godâs wayward people through the ages. See note on Mt 12:45.
Lk 9:48 | ISB Notes
the one who is great: Greatness in Godâs kingdom is measured by a standard of humility and service to others. Competition for prestige or worldly recognition is ruled out (22:2427; Mk 10:35-45).
Lk 9:51 | ISB Notes
to be received up: A reference to Je
susâ Ascension â (Acts 1:2, 11).
⢠Jewish tradition holds that both Moses and Elijah were assumed into heaven and that both imparted a share of their spirit to their successors (Deut 34:9; 2 Kings 2:915). Jesus will likewise ascend into glory and pour out his Spirit upon his followers (Acts 1:8-9). set his face to go: Jesus now begins a long journey to Jerusalem. When he arrives, he will denounce the city for rejecting his message (13:22, 33; 17:11; 18:31; 19:11, 28).
⢠Luke describes Jesusâ resolution in terms that recall how Yahweh commissioned the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel to preach against Jerusalem for its corruption (Jer 21:10; Ezek 21:2).
Lk 9:52 | ISB Notes
the Samaritans: Samaritan territory lies in central Palestine, between Judea (south) and Galilee (north). Historically, Jews and Samaritans were bitter enemies who worshiped in rival sanctuaries, the former in Jerusalem and the latter on Mt. Gerizim (Jn 4:20). Although the Samaritans were distant descendants of the northern tribes of Israel, the Jews considered them impure because their ancestors had intermarried with foreign immigrants and honored foreign gods (2 Kings 17:24). Despite centuries of animosity, Jesus shows mercy toward the Samaritans and even praises some of them (10:33; 17:11-19; Jn 4:39-42). Many from Samaria embraced the gospel in the early Church (Acts 8:14).
Lk 9:54 | ISB Notes
bid fire come down: The disciples are full of zeal but lacking in mercy. This episode may illustrate why James and John are elsewhere called the âsons of thunderâ (Mk 3:17).
⢠The disciples wish Jesus to follow the example set by Elijah, who called down fire from heaven to consume messengers from the king of Samaria (2 Kings 1:9-14).
Lk 9:59 | ISB Notes
bury my father: A sacred responsibility and practical extension of the commandment to honor oneâs parents (Gen 50:5; Ex 20:12; Lev 19:3; Deut 5:16; Tob 4:3-4). The duty of Christian discipleship is more sacred still (14:26).
Lk 9:62 | ISB Notes
and looks back: Postponing commitment to the kingdom is tantamount to rejecting it.
⢠Jesus shows himself more demanding than Elijah, who permitted Elisha to kiss his parents good-bye before following him (1 Kings 19:1921).