Day 45

Luke 9:46–56 (NIV)

⁴⁶ An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. ⁴⁷ Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. ⁴⁸ Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.”

⁴⁹ “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” ⁵⁰ “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

⁵¹ As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. ⁵² And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; ⁵³ but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. ⁵⁴ When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” ⁵⁵ But Jesus turned and rebuked them, ⁵⁶ and they went to another village.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Helpful Information

vs 52 The Samaritans were a mixed race of Israelite and non-Israelite blood, who were despised by many pure-blooded Israelites because they believed that the Samaritans compromised the faith (2 Kings 17:30–31; Ezra 4:2; John 4:9; Luke 17:18; Josephus. They dwelt in northern Israel in a region between southern Israel (Judea) and Galilee. They worshiped at Mount Gerizim, rather than at Mount Zion (John 4:20–24), and recognized only the Pentateuch. Tension heightened when their temple on Gerizim was destroyed around 128 b.c. Even though it took three days to pass through the region, many Jews preferred to lengthen their journey and go around it.⁷ Jesus, challenging this attitude, tried to reach these people. Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke Volume 2: 9:51-24:53. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.

Questions

What is greatness from God’s point of view? How can you keep this mindset when the world holds a different point of view of greatness?

Are there people or groups that you are envious of because of what they do for God? How can you keep this envy from overtaking you?

What does it say about Jesus that He seeks to reach out to the Samaritans? What does the disciples response say about them? Is there anyone you believe doesn’t deserve to hear the word of God?

Why did Jesus choose these disciples? Why did God choose you?

Notes

vs 46-48 What is greatness? Did the argument begin with Peter, James and John playing up their going with Jesus and others being left behind? With the inability of the others disciples not able to heal the boy in vs 37?

Jesus knowing their thoughts uses a child (children thought of differently than today. They had no real social standing until they were 12.) for the example. This child without power or prestige is great. Why because I care for him. In fact you care for him then you are caring for me. And more than that you are welcoming God in your presence. (Old Testament prophets condemn Israel for not taking care of the lowly ones in society) If you want to be great then care for all because all are important- Jesus saying don't worry about your standing just take care of all people, not just those who can do something for you in return. Give yourself to those who have no way of repaying you (6:32-36) Then you are understanding greatness

49-50 This text also deals with disciples ego. Disciples saying, Man removing the demon doing it in Jesus’ name but he isn't one of us. Therefore he can't be one of us. Only we are suppose to have that ability according to the disciples.

Jesus corrects them again. It is not about status, or about position; it is about doing the work of God! Am I guilty of the ego of the disciples?

Vs 51- this is another big turning point in Luke. He now heads to Jerusalem. Interesting how described. Resolute- determined... Taken up to heaven -not only about his death also about his resurrection proving He is God (Acts 1:1-2)

vs 52- 55 Disciples once again show how far they have to go in understanding Jesus' message. Their bigotry to the Samaritans keeps them from applying the message of Jesus. They still think Jesus is going to wipe away the enemies of the Jews. They do not see that Jesus is reaching out to the Samaritans. (Jesus will use the Samaritans in His parables in a good way to try to get the disciples to understand His view) Interesting that James and John make the suggestion. 2 of the 3 in the inner circle who still do not get Jesus' message (Luke 6:27-28) Rebuke of Jesus is strong- must have stunned the disciples.

These last few stories show how far the disciples are from understanding Jesus' mission and his message. These men are flawed. They are not special. Yet Jesus does transform them into the leaders of the church. It is the grace of God working in their lives that brings the change. --- I too am flawed but God still can use me when I seek His way before my own. Luke 9:23-24 That’s what the disciples will learn! That's what I need to remember!