Luke 9: Luke's Accusation of the Disciples' Behavior

Luke 9: Luke's Accusation of the Disciples' Behavior

3 He told them, "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.

9 But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.

44 "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men."

46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.

58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Verse 3 is Jesus' instruction to the disciples as he sends them on a mission trip. They are not to take even two shirts, nor a staff or a purse. We, who are often attached to material things, might focus on the two shirts, but Jesus urges his disciples to depend on God. If one were to remove reliance on God from the mission of spreading the word, it would be like an empty shell. It seems the disciples healed many different ailments during their mission trips. However, they failed to address their own chronic issues. Jesus speaks of his death (verse 44), but the disciples do not heed his words. Instead, they argue about who among them is the greatest (verse 46). They travel with Jesus, but they dream different dreams. Someone, observing the disciples' missteps, expressed a desire to follow Jesus. Jesus' response reflects his true feelings: "I have nothing" (verse 58). In reality, when Jesus approaches those who speak empty words, they all flee (verses 59-61). The twelve disciples and the broader group who claim to respect Jesus are all the same. Yet, the disciples did eventually drink from the same cup as Jesus, as they had confidently proclaimed. Jesus made their light words weighty. This is why one should not speak carelessly in front of Jesus. While Jesus had no place to lay his head (in today's terms, no real estate), it did not mean he lacked power. Sitting at the disciples' table, holding a spoon, reflects the stark reality of following Jesus across ages. Singing hymns about following Jesus unto death a hundred or a thousand times does not make it a reality. It is Jesus who must push us. In any case, Luke's accusation of the disciples' behavior still applies to today's self-proclaimed disciples. If there is an Adam-Christ typology, there should also be a Twelve Disciples-Modern Disciples typology. Peter's spontaneous confession, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man," might be the most fitting confession for a disciple.

The standout figure in chapter 9 is Herod. Having beheaded John the Baptist, he feels a political threat as Jesus' activities expand. He wanted to see Jesus (verse 9). Although I have read this passage many times, Herod's desire to meet Jesus feels new. It shows how superficially I have read the Bible. Herod eventually met Jesus, but not in chapter 9, rather in chapter 23. According to Luke 23:8, he was very pleased to meet Jesus. Jesus had also shown interest in Herod. According to Luke 13:32, Jesus was well aware of Herod's anxiety. Therefore, Jesus told those who came to report Herod's threats that the healing of the people, which Herod feared, would be completed in three days, so there was no need to worry. Jesus' message was that he was not Herod's opponent. Whether Herod sheathed his sword again is unknown, but he seemed unable to take his eyes off Jesus, as he was pleased when he met him. When Jesus faced Herod, he did not respond to him. Herod, thinking Jesus was insignificant, mocked him and sent him back to Pilate, suggesting he was not worth killing. He probably had a peaceful night's sleep that night. Herod and Pilate, who had been at odds, became friends that day over Jesus' fate. It's said that politicians must be able to shake han