路加福音 9
Chinese New Version (Traditional)
差遣十二使徒(A)
9 耶穌召齊十二門徒,給他們能力、權柄,制伏一切鬼魔,醫治各樣的疾病, 2 差遣他們去宣講 神的國和醫治病人, 3 對他們說:“不要帶著甚麼上路,不要帶手杖,不要帶口袋,不要帶食物,不要帶銀錢,也不要帶兩件衣服。 4 無論進哪一家,就住在那裡,直到離開。 5 凡不接待你們的,你們離開那城的時候,當把腳上的灰塵跺下去,作為反對他們的表示。” 6 於是他們就出去,走遍各鄉,傳講福音,到處醫治病人。
希律的困惑(B)
7 分封王希律聽見所發生的一切事,猶豫不定,因為有人說:“約翰從死人中復活了。” 8 又有人說:“以利亞顯現了。”還有人說:“古時的一位先知復活了。” 9 希律說:“約翰已經斬頭了,但這是誰,我怎麼會聽到他這些事呢?”就設法要見他。
給五千人吃飽的神蹟(C)
10 使徒們回來,把所作的事報告耶穌。他帶著他們,悄悄地退往伯賽大城去。 11 群眾知道了,也跟了去。他接待他們,向他們講論 神的國,醫好需要醫治的人。 12 天將晚的時候,十二門徒來到他跟前,說:“請解散眾人,好讓他們往周圍的田舍村莊,去找地方住,找東西吃,因為我們這裡是曠野。” 13 他說:“你們給他們吃吧!”他們說:“我們所有的,不過是五個餅兩條魚,除非去為這些人另買食物。” 14 原來男人就約有五千。他對門徒說:“叫他們一組一組地坐下,每組約五十人。” 15 門徒就照他的話,叫眾人坐下。 16 耶穌拿起這五個餅,兩條魚,望著天,祝謝了,擘開遞給門徒,擺在眾人面前。 17 他們都吃飽了,把剩下的零碎拾起來,裝滿了十二個籃子。
彼得承認耶穌是基督(D)
18 有一次耶穌獨自祈禱的時候,只有門徒和他在一起。他問他們:“人說我是誰?” 19 他們回答:“有人說是施洗的約翰,有人說是以利亞,還有人說是古時的一位先知復活了。” 20 他又問他們:“你們說我是誰?”彼得回答:“是 神的基督!”
耶穌預言受難及復活(E)
21 耶穌警告他們,囑咐他們,不要把這事告訴人。 22 又說:“人子必須受許多苦,被長老、祭司長,和經學家棄絕、殺害,第三日復活。”
23 耶穌又對眾人說:“如果有人願意跟從我,就當捨己,天天背起他的十字架來跟從我。 24 凡是想救自己生命的,必喪掉生命;但為我犧牲自己生命的,必救了生命。 25 人若賺得全世界,卻喪失自己,或賠上自己,有甚麼好處呢? 26 凡是把我和我的道當作可恥的,人子在自己與父並聖天使的榮耀裡降臨的時候,也必把他當作可恥的。 27 我實在告訴你們,站在這裡的,有人在沒有嘗過死味以前必定要看見 神的國。”
在山上改變形象(F)
28 說了這些話以後約有八天,耶穌帶著彼得、約翰和雅各,上山去禱告。 29 正禱告的時候,他的面貌就改變了,衣服潔白發光。 30 忽然有兩個人和他談話,就是摩西和以利亞。 31 他們在榮光裡顯現,談論他去世的事,就是他在耶路撒冷將要完成的。 32 彼得和同伴都在打盹。醒過來之後,就看見他的榮光,並與他站在一起的那兩個人。 33 二人正要離開他的時候,彼得對耶穌說:“主啊,我們在這裡真好!我們可以搭三個帳棚,一個為你,一個為摩西,一個為以利亞。”他根本不知道自己在說甚麼。 34 他說這話的時候,有一片雲彩籠罩他們,他們入了雲彩,門徒就害怕起來。 35 有聲音從雲彩裡出來,說:“這是我的兒子,我所揀選的(“這是我的兒子,我所揀選的”有些抄本作“這是我的愛子”),你們要聽從他!” 36 聲音過了,只見耶穌獨自在那裡。在那些日子,門徒保持緘默,不把所看見的告訴任何人。
治好癲癇病的小孩(G)
37 第二天,他們下了山,有一大群人迎面而來。 38 在人群中有一個人喊叫說:“老師,求你憐憫我的兒子,因為他是我的獨生子。 39 你看,污靈一抓住他,他就忽然喊叫,並且抽瘋,口吐白沫;污靈又折磨糟踐他,不肯放過他。 40 我求過你的門徒,把他趕出去,他們卻辦不到。” 41 耶穌說:“唉!這不信又乖謬的世代啊!我跟你們在一起,忍受你們,要到幾時呢?把你兒子帶到這裡來吧!” 42 那孩子正走過來的時候,污鬼把他摔倒,使他重重地抽瘋。耶穌斥責那污靈,把孩子醫好,交給他父親。 43 眾人都驚奇 神的大能。
第二次預言受難及復活(H)
眾人還在希奇耶穌所作的這一切時,他對門徒說: 44 “你們要把這些話存在心裡:人子將要被交在人的手裡。” 45 門徒不明白這話,因為這話的意思是隱藏的,不讓他們明白,他們也不敢問。
門徒爭論誰最大(I)
46 後來,門徒起了意見,爭論誰是最大的。 47 耶穌看出他們的心意,就領了一個小孩子來,叫他站在自己旁邊, 48 對他們說:“凡因我的名接待這小孩子的,就是接待我;凡接待我的,就是接待那差我來的。誰是你們中間最小的,那人就是最大的。” 49 約翰說:“主,我們看見有一個人奉你的名趕鬼,就禁止他,因為他不和我們一起跟從你。” 50 耶穌說:“不要禁止他,因為不反對你們的,就是贊成你們的。”
撒瑪利亞人不接待主
51 耶穌被接上升的日子快到了,他就決意向耶路撒冷去, 52 並且差遣使者走在前頭;他們去了,進入撒瑪利亞的一個村莊,要為他預備。 53 那裡的人不接待他,因為他面向著耶路撒冷走。 54 他的門徒雅各、約翰看見了,就說:“主啊,你要我們吩咐火從天降下來,燒滅他們嗎?” 55 耶穌就轉過身來,責備他們, 56 然後他們就往別的村莊去了。
要求跟從耶穌(J)
57 他們走路的時候,有一個人對他說:“你無論往哪裡去,我都要跟從你!” 58 耶穌說:“狐狸有洞,天空的飛鳥有窩,人子卻沒有棲身的地方。” 59 他對另一個人說:“你跟從我吧!”那人說:“主啊,請准我先回去安葬我的父親吧。” 60 耶穌說:“讓死人去埋葬他們的死人,你應該去傳揚 神的國。” 61 又有一個人說:“主,我要跟從你,但容我先回去,向家人道別。” 62 耶穌說:“手扶著犁向後看的,不適合進 神的國。”
路加福音 9
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Traditional)
差遣十二使徒
9 耶穌召集了十二個使徒,賜他們能力和權柄可以醫病趕鬼, 2 又差遣他們出去宣講上帝國的福音、醫治病人。 3 耶穌叮囑他們:「出門的時候,什麼也不要帶,不要帶手杖、背包、乾糧、金錢,也不要帶兩件衣服。 4 有人家接待你們,就住下來,一直住到你們離開。 5 如果有人不歡迎你們,你們在離開那城的時候,就把腳上的塵土跺掉,作為對他們的警告。」
6 使徒領命出發,走遍各個鄉村,到處宣揚福音,替人治病。
希律的困惑
7 耶穌的事蹟很快便傳到希律耳中,令他十分困惑,因為有人說:「約翰死而復活了」, 8 有人說:「以利亞顯現了」,還有人說:「古代的某個先知復活了」。 9 希律說:「約翰已經被我斬首,這個行奇事的人到底是誰呢?」於是他想見耶穌。
五餅二魚的神蹟
10 使徒回來後,向耶穌報告了他們所行的事。隨後耶穌帶著他們悄悄地來到伯賽大城。 11 但百姓發現了耶穌的行蹤,隨即也趕來了。耶穌接待他們,向他們宣講天國的福音,醫好了有病的人。 12 黃昏將近,十二個使徒過來對耶穌說:「請遣散眾人,好讓他們到附近的村莊去借宿找吃的,因為這地方很偏僻。」
13 耶穌對他們說:「你們給他們吃的吧。」
使徒們說:「我們只有五個餅和兩條魚,除非我們去買食物才夠這麼一大群人吃。」 14 當時那裡約有五千男人。
耶穌便對使徒說:「讓這些人分組坐下,每組大約五十人。」 15 於是使徒安排眾人都坐好。 16 耶穌拿起那五個餅、兩條魚,舉目望著天祝謝後,掰開遞給門徒,讓他們分給眾人。 17 大家都吃飽了,把剩下的零碎收拾起來,竟裝滿了十二個籃子。
彼得宣告耶穌是基督
18 有一次,耶穌獨自禱告的時候,門徒也在旁邊。
耶穌問他們:「人們說我是誰?」
19 他們答道:「有人說你是施洗者約翰,也有人說你是以利亞,或是一位復活的古代先知。」
20 耶穌對他們說:「那麼,你們說我是誰?」
彼得回答說:「你是上帝所立的基督。」
21 耶穌鄭重地吩咐他們不許洩露祂的身分, 22 又說:「人子必須受許多苦,被長老、祭司長和律法教師棄絕,殺害,但必在第三天復活。」
跟從主的代價
23 耶穌又教導眾人說:「如果有人要跟從我,就應當捨己,天天背起他的十字架跟從我。 24 因為想救自己生命的,必失去生命;但為了我而失去生命的,必得到生命。 25 人若賺得全世界,卻失去自己或喪掉自己,又有什麼益處呢? 26 如果有人以我和我的道為恥,將來人子在自己、天父和聖天使的榮耀中降臨時,也必以這人為恥。 27 我實在告訴你們,有些站在這裡的人在有生之年就必看見上帝的國。」
登山變象
28 講完這些話後大約八天,耶穌帶著彼得、約翰和雅各一同到山上禱告。 29 耶穌在禱告的時候,容貌改變了,衣裳潔白發光。 30 忽然,摩西和以利亞二人在跟耶穌交談。 31 二人在榮光中顯現,談論有關耶穌離世的事情,就是祂在耶路撒冷將要成就的事。 32 彼得和兩個同伴都睏得睡著了,他們醒來後,看見了耶穌的榮光以及站在祂身邊的兩個人。 33 當摩西和以利亞要離開時,彼得對耶穌說:「老師,我們在這裡真好!讓我們搭三座帳篷,一座給你,一座給摩西,一座給以利亞。」其實彼得並不知道自己在說什麼。 34 他的話還沒說完,有一朵雲彩飄來,籠罩他們,他們進入雲彩中,都很害怕。 35 雲彩中有聲音說:「這是我的兒子,是我揀選的,你們要聽從祂!」 36 聲音消逝了,門徒只見耶穌獨自在那裡。那些日子,他們對這事都絕口不提,沒有告訴任何人。
山下趕鬼
37 次日,他們來到山下,有一大群人迎接耶穌。 38 人群中有一個人高聲喊叫:「老師,求求你看看我的兒子吧!他是我的獨生子, 39 鬼控制著他,他常常突然狂喊亂叫、抽搐、口吐白沫,倍受折磨,無休無止。 40 我曾求過你的門徒把鬼趕出去,但他們都無能為力。」
41 耶穌回答說:「唉!這又不信又敗壞的世代啊!我要跟你們在一起容忍你們多久呢?把你的兒子帶來吧。」
42 那孩子走過來時,鬼又把他摔倒,使他抽搐,耶穌立刻斥責污鬼,把那孩子治好了,交給他父親。 43 大家看見了上帝的大能,都很驚奇。
再次預言受難
他們正為耶穌所做的一切驚訝不已時,耶穌對門徒說: 44 「你們要牢記人子所說的話,因為祂將要被交到人的手裡。」 45 但門徒不明白這句話的意思,因為還沒有向他們顯明,他們聽不懂,又不敢追問耶穌。
論地位
46 門徒開始議論他們當中誰最偉大。 47 耶穌知道他們的心思,就叫了一個小孩子來,讓他站在自己身旁, 48 然後對門徒說:「任何人為了我的緣故接待這樣一個小孩子,就是接待我;接待我,就是接待差我來的那位。你們當中最卑微的其實是最偉大的。」
49 約翰說:「老師,我們看見有人奉你的名趕鬼,就阻止他,因為他不是和我們一起跟從你的。」 50 耶穌卻對他說:「你不要阻止他,因為不反對你們的,就是支持你們的。」
不肯接待耶穌的村莊
51 耶穌被接回天家的日子快到了,祂決定前往耶路撒冷。 52 祂先派人到撒瑪利亞的一個村莊去預備食宿, 53 但撒瑪利亞人見他們是上耶路撒冷去的,不肯接待他們。 54 祂的門徒雅各和約翰見狀,說:「主啊,你要我們[a]叫天上的火降下來燒死他們嗎?」 55 耶穌轉過身來責備他們[b]。 56 接著,一行人改道去另一個村子。
跟從主的代價
57 在路上有人對耶穌說:「無論你往哪裡去,我都要跟從你。」
58 耶穌對他說:「狐狸有洞,飛鳥有窩,人子卻沒有安枕之處。」
59 耶穌又對另一個人說:「跟從我!」但是那人說:「主啊,請讓我先回去安葬我的父親。」
60 耶穌說:「讓死人去埋葬他們的死人吧,你只管去傳揚上帝國的福音。」
61 又有一個人說:「主啊!我願意跟從你,但請讓我先回去向家人告別。」
62 耶穌說:「手扶著犁向後看的人不配進上帝的國。」
Luke 9
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 9
The Mission of the Twelve.[a] 1 (A)He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal [the sick]. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey,[b] neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.(B) 5 And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet[c] in testimony against them.”(C) 6 Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Herod’s Opinion of Jesus.(D) 7 [d]Herod the tetrarch[e] heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”;(E) 8 others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 9 [f](F)But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.
The Return of the Twelve and the Feeding of the Five Thousand.(G) 10 When the apostles returned, they explained to him what they had done. He took them and withdrew in private to a town called Bethsaida. 11 The crowds, meanwhile, learned of this and followed him. He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. 12 As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” 13 (H)He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.” 14 Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of [about] fifty.” 15 They did so and made them all sit down. 16 Then taking[g] the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.(I) 17 They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.
Peter’s Confession About Jesus.[h] 18 (J)Once when Jesus was praying in solitude,[i] and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”(K) 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.”[j] 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
The First Prediction of the Passion. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”(L)
The Conditions of Discipleship.(M) 23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily[k] and follow me.(N) 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.(O) 25 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.(P) 27 Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
The Transfiguration of Jesus.[l] 28 (Q)About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.[m] 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,[n] 31 [o](R)who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory[p] and the two men standing with him.(S) 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents,[q] one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. 34 [r]While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 [s](T)Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time[t] tell anyone what they had seen.
The Healing of a Boy with a Demon.[u] 37 (U)On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 There was a man in the crowd who cried out, “Teacher, I beg you, look at my son; he is my only child. 39 For a spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams and it convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it releases him only with difficulty, wearing him out. 40 I begged your disciples to cast it out but they could not.” 41 Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.” 42 As he was coming forward, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion; but Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and returned him to his father. 43 And all were astonished by the majesty of God.
The Second Prediction of the Passion.(V) While they were all amazed at his every deed, he said to his disciples, 44 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
The Greatest in the Kingdom.(W) 46 [v]An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.(X) 47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”(Y)
Another Exorcist.(Z) 49 Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
V. The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke’s Travel Narrative[w]
Departure for Jerusalem; Samaritan Inhospitality. 51 [x]When the days for his being taken up[y] were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,(AA) 52 [z]and he sent messengers ahead of him.(AB) On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”(AC) 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village.
The Would-be Followers of Jesus.[aa] 57 (AD)As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 59 And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “[Lord,] let me go first and bury my father.” 60 But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.[ab] But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 (AE)And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” 62 [To him] Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Footnotes
- 9:1–6 Armed with the power and authority that Jesus himself has been displaying in the previous episodes, the Twelve are now sent out to continue the work that Jesus has been performing throughout his Galilean ministry: (1) proclaiming the kingdom (Lk 4:43; 8:1); (2) exorcising demons (Lk 4:33–37, 41; 8:26–39) and (3) healing the sick (Lk 4:38–40; 5:12–16, 17–26; 6:6–10; 7:1–10, 17, 22; Lk 8:40–56).
- 9:3 Take nothing for the journey: the absolute detachment required of the disciple (Lk 14:33) leads to complete reliance on God (Lk 12:22–31).
- 9:5 Shake the dust from your feet: see note on Mt 10:14.
- 9:7–56 This section in which Luke gathers together incidents that focus on the identity of Jesus is introduced by a question that Herod is made to ask in this gospel: “Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”(Lk 9:9) In subsequent episodes, Luke reveals to the reader various answers to Herod’s question: Jesus is one in whom God’s power is present and who provides for the needs of God’s people (Lk 9:10–17); Peter declares Jesus to be “the Messiah of God” (Lk 9:18–21); Jesus says he is the suffering Son of Man (Lk 9:22, 43–45); Jesus is the Master to be followed, even to death (Lk 9:23–27); Jesus is God’s son, his Chosen One (Lk 9:28–36).
- 9:7 Herod the tetrarch: see note on Lk 3:1.
- 9:9 And he kept trying to see him: this indication of Herod’s interest in Jesus prepares for Lk 13:31–33 and for Lk 23:8–12 where Herod’s curiosity about Jesus’ power to perform miracles remains unsatisfied.
- 9:16 Then taking…: the actions of Jesus recall the institution of the Eucharist in Lk 22:19; see also note on Mt 14:19.
- 9:18–22 This incident is based on Mk 8:27–33, but Luke has eliminated Peter’s refusal to accept Jesus as suffering Son of Man (Mk 8:32) and the rebuke of Peter by Jesus (Mk 8:33). Elsewhere in the gospel, Luke softens the harsh portrait of Peter and the other apostles found in his Marcan source (cf. Lk 22:39–46, which similarly lacks a rebuke of Peter that occurs in the source, Mk 14:37–38).
- 9:18 When Jesus was praying in solitude: see note on Lk 3:21.
- 9:20 The Messiah of God: on the meaning of this title in first-century Palestinian Judaism, see notes on Lk 2:11 and on Mt 16:13–20 and Mk 8:27–30.
- 9:23 Daily: this is a Lucan addition to a saying of Jesus, removing the saying from a context that envisioned the imminent suffering and death of the disciple of Jesus (as does the saying in Mk 8:34–35) to one that focuses on the demands of daily Christian existence.
- 9:28–36 Situated shortly after the first announcement of the passion, death, and resurrection, this scene of Jesus’ transfiguration provides the heavenly confirmation to Jesus’ declaration that his suffering will end in glory (Lk 9:32); see also notes on Mt 17:1–8 and Mk 9:2–8.
- 9:28 Up the mountain to pray: the “mountain” is the regular place of prayer in Luke (see Lk 6:12; 22:39–41).
- 9:30 Moses and Elijah: the two figures represent the Old Testament law and the prophets. At the end of this episode, the heavenly voice will identify Jesus as the one to be listened to now (Lk 9:35). See also note on Mk 9:5.
- 9:31 His exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem: Luke identifies the subject of the conversation as the exodus of Jesus, a reference to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus that will take place in Jerusalem, the city of destiny (see Lk 9:51). The mention of exodus, however, also calls to mind the Israelite Exodus from Egypt to the promised land.
- 9:32 They saw his glory: the glory that is proper to God is here attributed to Jesus (see Lk 24:26).
- 9:33 Let us make three tents: in a possible allusion to the feast of Tabernacles, Peter may be likening his joy on the occasion of the transfiguration to the joyful celebration of this harvest festival.
- 9:34 Over them: it is not clear whether them refers to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, or to the disciples. For the cloud casting its shadow, see note on Mk 9:7.
- 9:35 Like the heavenly voice that identified Jesus at his baptism prior to his undertaking the Galilean ministry (Lk 3:22), so too here before the journey to the city of destiny is begun (Lk 9:51) the heavenly voice again identifies Jesus as Son. Listen to him: the two representatives of Israel of old depart (Lk 9:33) and Jesus is left alone (Lk 9:36) as the teacher whose words must be heeded (see also Acts 3:22).
- 9:36 At that time: i.e., before the resurrection.
- 9:37–43a See note on Mk 9:14–29.
- 9:46–50 These two incidents focus on attitudes that are opposed to Christian discipleship: rivalry and intolerance of outsiders.
- 9:51–18:14 The Galilean ministry of Jesus finishes with the previous episode and a new section of Luke’s gospel begins, the journey to Jerusalem. This journey is based on Mk 10:1–52 but Luke uses his Marcan source only in Lk 18:15–19:27. Before that point he has inserted into his gospel a distinctive collection of sayings of Jesus and stories about him that he has drawn from Q, a collection of sayings of Jesus used also by Matthew, and from his own special traditions. All of the material collected in this section is loosely organized within the framework of a journey of Jesus to Jerusalem, the city of destiny, where his exodus (suffering, death, resurrection, ascension) is to take place (Lk 9:31), where salvation is accomplished, and from where the proclamation of God’s saving word is to go forth (Lk 24:47; Acts 1:8). Much of the material in the Lucan travel narrative is teaching for the disciples. During the course of this journey Jesus is preparing his chosen Galilean witnesses for the role they will play after his exodus (Lk 9:31): they are to be his witnesses to the people (Acts 10:39; 13:31) and thereby provide certainty to the readers of Luke’s gospel that the teachings they have received are rooted in the teachings of Jesus (Lk 1:1–4).
- 9:51–55 Just as the Galilean ministry began with a rejection of Jesus in his hometown, so too the travel narrative begins with the rejection of him by Samaritans. In this episode Jesus disassociates himself from the attitude expressed by his disciples that those who reject him are to be punished severely. The story alludes to 2 Kgs 1:10, 12 where the prophet Elijah takes the course of action Jesus rejects, and Jesus thereby rejects the identification of himself with Elijah.
- 9:51 Days for his being taken up: like the reference to his exodus in Lk 9:31 this is probably a reference to all the events (suffering, death, resurrection, ascension) of his last days in Jerusalem. He resolutely determined: literally, “he set his face.”
- 9:52 Samaritan: Samaria was the territory between Judea and Galilee west of the Jordan river. For ethnic and religious reasons, the Samaritans and the Jews were bitterly opposed to one another (see Jn 4:9).
- 9:57–62 In these sayings Jesus speaks of the severity and the unconditional nature of Christian discipleship. Even family ties and filial obligations, such as burying one’s parents, cannot distract one no matter how briefly from proclaiming the kingdom of God. The first two sayings are paralleled in Mt 8:19–22; see also notes there.
- 9:60 Let the dead bury their dead: i.e., let the spiritually dead (those who do not follow) bury their physically dead. See also note on Mt 8:22.
Luke 9
Christian Standard Bible
Commissioning the Twelve
9 Summoning the Twelve,(A) he gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.(B) 2 Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.(C)
3 “Take nothing for the road,”(D) he told them, “no staff,(E) no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don’t take an extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”(F) 6 So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere.
Herod’s Desire to See Jesus
7 Herod the tetrarch(G) heard about everything that was going on.(H) He was perplexed, because some said that John had been raised from the dead, 8 some that Elijah had appeared,(I) and others that one of the ancient prophets had risen.(J) 9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this I hear such things about?” And he wanted to see him.(K)
Feeding of the Five Thousand
10 When the apostles returned,(L) they reported to Jesus all that they had done.(M) He took them along and withdrew privately to a[a] town called Bethsaida.(N) 11 When the crowds found out, they followed him. He welcomed them,(O) spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
12 Late in the day,(P) the Twelve approached and said to him, “Send the crowd away,(Q) so that they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find food and lodging, because we are in a deserted place here.”
13 “You give them something to eat,” he told them.
“We have no more than five loaves(R) and two fish,” they said, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14 (For about five thousand men were there.)
Then he told his disciples, “Have them sit down[b] in groups of about fifty each.” 15 They did what he said, and had them all sit down. 16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,(S) he blessed and broke them.(T) He kept giving them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 Everyone ate and was filled. They picked up twelve baskets of leftover pieces.
Peter’s Confession of the Messiah
18 While he was praying in private(U) and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19 They answered, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back.”[c](V)
20 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”(W)
His Death and Resurrection Predicted
21 But he strictly warned and instructed them to tell this to no one,(X) 22 saying,(Y) “It is necessary that the Son of Man(Z) suffer many things(AA) and be rejected(AB) by the elders, chief priests, and scribes,(AC) be killed, and be raised the third day.”(AD)
Take Up Your Cross
23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after[d] me, let him deny himself,(AE) take up his cross daily,[e] and follow me.(AF) 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.(AG) 25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?(AH) 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and my words,(AI) the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory(AJ) and that of the Father and the holy angels.(AK) 27 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death(AL) until they see the kingdom of God.”(AM)
The Transfiguration
28 About eight days after this conversation,(AN) he took along Peter, John, and James(AO) and went up on the mountain to pray.(AP) 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed,(AQ) and his clothes became dazzling white.(AR) 30 Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep,[f](AS) and when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him. 33 As the two men were departing from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master,(AT) it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he was saying.(AU)
34 While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed(AV) them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came from the cloud,(AW) saying, “This is my Son,(AX) the Chosen One;[g](AY) listen to him!” (AZ)
36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They kept silent, and at that time told no one what they had seen.
The Power of Jesus over a Demon
37 The next day,(BA) when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, because he’s my only child.(BB) 39 A spirit seizes him; suddenly he shrieks, and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; severely bruising him, it scarcely ever leaves him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”(BC)
41 Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and perverse[h] generation,(BD) how long will I be with you and put up with you?(BE) Bring your son here.”
42 As the boy was still approaching, the demon knocked him down and threw him into severe convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy,(BF) and gave him back to his father.(BG) 43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God.(BH)
The Second Prediction of His Death
While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing,(BI) he told his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink in:[i] The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”(BJ)
45 But they did not understand this statement;(BK) it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it,(BL) and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Who Is the Greatest?
46 An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them.(BM) 47 But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts,[j](BN) took a little child and had him stand next to him. 48 He told them, “Whoever welcomes[k] this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me.(BO) For whoever is least among you—this one is great.”(BP)
In His Name
49 John responded,(BQ) “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,(BR) and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”(BS)
50 “Don’t stop him,” Jesus told him, “because whoever is not against you is for you.”[l](BT)
The Journey to Jerusalem
51 When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up,(BU) he determined[m](BV) to journey to Jerusalem.(BW) 52 He sent messengers ahead of himself,(BX) and on the way they entered a village of the Samaritans(BY) to make preparations for him. 53 But they did not welcome him, because he determined to journey to Jerusalem.(BZ) 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” [n](CA)
55 But he turned and rebuked them,[o] 56 and they went to another village.
Following Jesus
57 As they were traveling on the road someone said to him,(CB) “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 Then he said to another, “Follow me.”
“Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.”
60 But he told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.”(CC)
61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.”(CD)
62 But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Footnotes
- 9:10 Other mss add deserted place near a
- 9:14 Lit them recline
- 9:19 Lit has risen
- 9:23 Lit come after
- 9:23 Other mss omit daily
- 9:32 Lit were weighed down with sleep
- 9:35 Other mss read the Beloved
- 9:41 Or corrupt, or perverted, or twisted; Dt 32:5
- 9:44 Lit “Put these words in your ears
- 9:47 Lit the thoughts of their hearts
- 9:48 Or receives, throughout the verse
- 9:50 Other mss read against us is for us
- 9:51 Lit he stiffened his face to go; Is 50:7
- 9:54 Other mss add as Elijah also did
- 9:55–56 Other mss add and said, “You don’t know what kind of spirit you belong to. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them,”
Chinese New Version (CNV). Copyright © 1976, 1992, 1999, 2001, 2005 by Worldwide Bible Society.
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