Luke 9:28–36

²⁸ Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. ²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ³⁶ When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

Commentary
Vs. 28-29 ²⁸ Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. ²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.

And so it was having told the disciples the true cost of discipleship, Jesus now about eight days later selects from amongst them, Peter, John and James to go be with Him on a mountain while He prays. Now as Jesus prayed “the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.” Jesus then is now fulfilling His own Word that He spoke to them eight days before when He said: “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” ^{Luke 9:27} And so it is that Jesus is giving them a look at His own Glory that always was and will always be, but was then veiled to them (and all people) because He was then on earth in the flesh as the Son of Man/Son of God.

Thus, when the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening, Peter, John and James were being privileged with seeing Jesus as no one living had ever seen Him in His Kingdom glory!

Vs. 30-31 ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Now as Jesus was transfigured before them, two men also appeared with Jesus, who were Moses and Elijah, who were arguably the two most revered men to all Jews. And as it has been noted by others Moses would’ve represented the Law of God to them, for the Law was given through Moses, while Elijah was considered the most eminent of the prophets. And so here are both men representing the law and prophets appearing in glory, and speaking with Jesus of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem which was in accord with and the fulfillment of them (vs. 31).

Vs. 32-36 ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ³⁶ When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

Now while this was transpiring, Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep, and so it was when they were fully awake, they saw Jesus in His glory, and the two men Elijah and Moses standing with Him. At this point Peter, James and John are silent, likely being both frightened and captivated by the sight. The Scripture then says: “Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.” ^{vs. 32} Now by saying as much Peter had inadvertently put Moses and Elijah on par with the Lord Jesus Christ! Something that no one past, present, or future is, and thus that is something that no one should ever say, or try to do! And with that while Peter was still speaking, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and the disciples became fearful as they entered the cloud (vs. 34), “And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ^{vs. 35} Now when the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone, clearly indicating to us all that no one but the Lord Jesus Christ is to be hallowed by us. Thus, no shrines to saints, nor prayers to them, nor to Mary, and thus no putting her (or anyone else before Him or beside Him). Because God the Father has commanded us all that we hear His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is through Him alone that God’s Person, Presence, Salvation, and His Reign has and will come. For the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver, and He alone is the Judge. And He alone is our Redeemer, Savior, Lord and King! And He is the Head of the Body, and thus Jesus Christ alone is the principal part, (regarding this consider 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2:18-19) and thus without Him there would be neither life, nor salvation in the Body of Christ!

Now when the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone with the disciples, and notably they kept silent. For having been rebuked from heaven a man keeps silent! And so, it was in those days they told no one what had occurred (vs. 36). Because who could possibly explain such magnificence that they had seen and the fear that they felt when they were rebuked. Only when Jesus Christ had been Crucified, before Rising from the dead three days later and 40 days later Ascending back to heaven in the presence of them all, and thus with His Person being glorified in both death and life (John 12:23; 13:31-32; Acts 3:13 etc.) and thus with the Holy Spirit’s outpouring coming at Pentecost, and His glory now being poured out on us all who believe in Him (John 17:10), will they recall the glory of Him they saw beforehand. Because it is now through us who believe in Him that the Lord Jesus Christ is continuously glorified here on earth (John 14:13; 15:8). For we are the everlasting fruits of His travail and labor on the Cross, and thus we are ones through whom He is being glorified by God the Father in heaven, and thus we are to lives that bring glory to Him (1 Cor. 6:20). “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be the glory forever, Amen!” ^{Rom. 11:36}

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 9:23-27

²³ Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. ²⁴ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. ²⁵ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? ²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. ²⁷ But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

Commentary
Vs. 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Jesus then having just foretold of His own rejection and Crucifixion by Israel’s leaders, before His Resurrection from the dead three days later, now tells the twelve, and thus all disciples and every follower or believer in Him everywhere that, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Now to deny oneself and daily take up the Cross means not just a onetime prayer of repentance and confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, it means that having believed in and having received Him, that one’s whole person and life is now surrendered to Him. Now I’m going to cite from the Believers Bible Commentary on Jesus’ Words here because they really cover a lot in a short and concise way.

“To take up the cross means to deliberately choose the kind of life He lived. This involves:
—      The opposition of loved ones.
—      The reproach of the world.
—      Forsaking family and house and lands and the comforts of this life.
—      Complete dependence on God.
—      Obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.^[1]
—      Proclamation of an unpopular message.
—      A pathway of loneliness.
—      Organized attacks from established religious leaders.
—      Suffering for righteousness’ sake.
—      Slander and shame.
—      Pouring out one’s life for others.
—      Death to self and to the world.
But it also involves laying hold of life that is life indeed! It means finding at last the reason for our existence. And it means eternal reward. We instinctively recoil from a life of cross-bearing. Our minds are reluctant to believe that this could be God’s will for us. Yet the words of Christ “If anyone desires to come after Me” mean that nobody is excused and nobody is excepted.”

Vs. 24 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”

The Lord Jesus Christ here warns that trying to save one’s life, will only result in one losing it. For there is nothing in this life that one has, or does, or desires to do, or have, or basis their self-worth, or significance, or their “purpose” for being here on that can remain with them, because everything in this life ends. And so, trying to keep those things that end will only leave one bankrupt in the end! Because you cannot save what you cannot keep for all eternity is Jesus’ point, and so in trying to save one’s life means one will only lose their life, (along with all their dreams, and desires, and passions, for these all end) whereas if you lose your life (that is give up all your dreams and desires and passions for Jesus Christ) you will save your life. Because you will experience your life in ways you never could’ve have imagined, nor even made for yourself, and so in losing your life you will have your new life locked up and secured in Jesus Christ, and thus in heavens purposes and eternity, where there is no end!

Vs. 25 “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”

In wanting to help us let our lives go, here Jesus hits us squarely with the facts, by asking us all, “what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”

In the Gospels we read of the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus Christ because he didn’t want to lose his life to follow Him, but instead clung to his wealth and privileges. And yet what did they profit him in the end since he forgo God’s salvation of his person for them. We all then need to examine ourselves and be sure that we are not being caught up in the pursuits of the material to the detriment of our own souls (consider Mark 4:19). Because even if one were able to acquire all the wealth and privileges in this world, what would they profit if they’re persons in the end were lost or destroyed.

Vs. 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Having warned us all not to waste our lives on the pursuits of the temporary. Jesus now warns of a another evil, and that is publicly turning away from Him, for anyone can be a “disciple” in private, in a church, where none of your neighbors or work colleges are likely to see or hear you. But it gets real when you our out in “the world”, and when you begin to make public proclamation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Words to one and to all. Because that is when the real opposition and persecution begins. And that is when many a would-be disciple fearing the rejection or reproaches or hostilities of those of this world lose heart and turn away from the open declaration of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Words. Nonetheless no believer should ever think it acceptable to deny the Lord Jesus Christ, nor should any believer in any circumstance or situation ever be ashamed of either His Person or His Words. For it is only through His Word that eternal life is granted to us all who believe in Him. Therefore, if anything let us all be opposed to and completely ashamed of the Godless homosexual and other degenerate moral values that are now being openly propagated and defended in our midst! Yes, let us all be ashamed of this Godless world, and those of it, who distort the truth by calling evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light, and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 5:20; also consider Isaiah 1:28; 13:11; Mark 9:42-48). But let no one who names Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior ever be ashamed of Him or His Words, because as Jesus warns us all, He is coming in His glory, and the glory of the heavenly Father, and of the holy angels, and He will repay and reward everyone according to their works and ways (Rev. 22:12), and those who are ashamed of Him and His Words now, He will be ashamed of in the Day He returns to this world in Glory, to render His Judgment and be admired amongst and glorified in His own (2 Thess. 1:8-10).

Vs. 27 “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus having told us all the cost of being His disciple, now tells the disciples with Him that, ““But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” It is then Jesus foretelling of His own transfiguration that will soon take place before Peter, James and John. An event which the Apostle Peter will later recall in his own epistle (2 Peter 1:16-18).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1403). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Luke 9:18–22

¹⁸ And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” ¹⁹ So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” ²⁰ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” ²¹ And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 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.”

Commentary
Vs. 18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

Having miraculously fed the multitudes of people (i.e. the five thousand men) and now while alone in prayer, Jesus’ twelve disciples come and join Him. Now when they came to Him Jesus asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Jesus’ doing so was not so much as to know what the crowds were saying about Him, for as we will see Jesus wanted the disciples to know and believe in Him as He is, the Christ, the Son of God, and not be swayed or influenced by whatever the crowds are saying about Him. For their misguided understandings of Him are just as those who do not know God, nor belong to Him, who always wrongly judge both the Lord Jesus Christ, and those who belong to Him (1 Cor. 2:12-16). Therefore, Jesus in asking them this question is not concerned about what the crowds are saying about Him, rather He is looking for what the disciples themselves have now come to know and believe about Him.

Vs. 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”

The disciples then answer Jesus by saying that the crowds are saying that He is either John the Baptist, or Elijah, or that one of the old prophets has risen again. None of which is even close to being right. For John the Baptist never came to declare himself, but only came to declare and point people to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Savior of the world. And so, John never miraculously fed five thousand people, healed the lame and sick, gave sight to the blind, cast out demons with a word or raised the dead back to life, or walked on stormy water (or enabled others to do so) and then calmed the very same seas, all with His word. Same with Elijah, though God did some miracles through him, (clearly as precursors to Christ’s) his works were like his person far, and away less significant and important than Jesus’, just as his person is far and away exceedingly less than Jesus Christ’s. Because Elijah came first to establish the works of Christ in the minds of the Israelites, not to establish himself. Finally, the old prophet’s ministry was primarily focused on turning wayward Israel back to God, and in declaring the Word of God to them, they also foretold of the Coming One (i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ; from His birth to His death,) for it is He who is going to Rule and Reign over them, and all of God’s new creation forever. Thus, the crowds clearly didn’t understand who the Lord Jesus Christ was, though those they speculated Him to be knew exactly who Jesus really is, for they by faith embraced God’s Word and Promises spoken to and through them, and thus were all looking to Him, and for Him, by faith (Heb. 11). Therefore, not to themselves, nor to someone else did they look, or proclaim, or hope in, for they (like us all who believe in Him) are only looking to the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Redeemer, Judge, and Savior. For having now found Him the Lord Jesus Christ’s Return and Reign is what we are now only waiting for!

Vs. 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

Jesus then having heard the disciples reply to whom the crowds think that He is. Now asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” And with that Peter the disciple’s spokesman then doesn’t even hesitate, but immediately says, “the Christ of God.” Thus, not a rehearsed confession, but one that was a true and deep conviction, that both Peter and all the rest of twelve all had. For they all had come to believe that Jesus is the Christ of God! As do I, and I hope and pray that you do as well.

Vs. 21-22 ²¹ And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 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.”

When Peter declared what Jesus already knew what His disciples believed about Him, He strictly warns them to tell this to no one. For not until Jesus Christ is Crucified and then three days later Risen from the dead and forty days later Ascended back to God the Father in heaven, and thus only when the Holy Spirit is poured out, does the evangelism of the world, and thus the complete declaration of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Person begin. For then having fulfilled His Purposes as a Man, the Lord Jesus Christ Crucified and Risen from the dead is to be proclaimed everywhere and to everyone. Having then told them to tell no one what they now know about Jesus that He is the Christ of God. Jesus then tells them something that they did not know, nor could they have imagined: “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.” All which would’ve been utterly shocking to them. That Jesus was not now going to rule on earth as the Messiah, but first He must suffer many things, (at the hands of mortal men and woman), and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes (thus all of Israel’s leaders), before being killed by them, and then on the third day He would rise again! It’s a brief statement by Jesus of what is too come upon Him, for clearly He did not want to overwhelm the disciples, but also He did not want them hoping that He was now on His way to setting up His earthly kingdom and throne, because before His exaltation there must be by the foreordained Will and predetermined Plan of God His humiliation, and thus His death on the Cross for us all. Something which they were not going to fully understand until it was accomplished. 

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 9:12-17

 ¹² When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” ¹³ But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” ¹⁴ For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” ¹⁵ And they did so, and made them all sit down. ¹⁶ Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. ¹⁷ So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.

Commentary

Vs. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

With the multitudes steadily seeking Jesus upon His re-arrival, their numbers had now grown to over five thousand men, not including woman and children who came seeking Him, seeking from Him knowledge of the Kingdom of God, or seeking healing for themselves, or for their loved ones, or seeking Him to find answers about themselves, or eternity, or most importantly how to be reconciled to God. The reasons people seek the Lord Jesus Christ (then and now) are many-fold and diverse, just like the people who come from all walks of life today who are still being drawn by God to seek Him. For anyone who truly does seek Jesus Christ will find Him (Matt. 7:7-11).

And so, it was as the day began to wear away, that the twelve realizing that this multitude would soon need to depart if they were to find provisions for themselves before evening and dark. Now approach Jesus and tell Him to send the multitudes of people away, so that they may and go into the surrounding towns and villages and get lodgings and food for themselves (vs. 12). Which on the surface seems reasonable, until one considers that they’re anxieties and worries are now seeking to direct the Lord’s Ministry!  For there they are right in the middle of the greatest single gathering of peoples at any one time in Jesus’ earthly ministry, and the twelve are only focused on all of the potential problems of having the people stay late, and not on the power or grace of God that was then being poured out mightily. If you think about it, they at that moment had less faith then the very multitudes they were so worried about, for the crowds weren’t “panicking” about the hour being late, they were quite content to be with Jesus, even in that deserted place. How many times then have revivals or evangelistic meetings or outreaches been shut down (even when God was working mightily in and amongst them) simple because someone deemed it no longer “feasible” to carry on. Now is there a time to shut down of course there is, but clearly Jesus had other ideas about when that would be, for He still had work to do there, and He was going to do it, and so we must all be listening to Him for instruction and guidance, and not be following our own fears and worries, and thus shut down the work of God in its midst.

Vs. 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.”

Upon hearing the twelves reasoning’s as to why Jesus should send the multitudes away, Jesus’ doesn’t even entertain their request, instead He says to them, “You give them something to eat.” To which the disciples were likely stunned in hearing, for they were probably sure that Jesus would’ve heeded their advice, and told them to send the multitudes away. And so, upon hearing that they say to Jesus, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” Thus, they make their case again that they cannot feed the people from their own resources, (which is true, and which Jesus already knows that they can’t), and so they say, the only way they can feed them is if they go and buy food for the five thousand, which again is not really feasible for them to do, given the late hour and the logistics of doing so. Given the number of peoples which would’ve exceeded five thousand if including all the men, woman, and children.

Vs. 14 For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”

Having heard the disciples reply Jesus now tells them to make the people sit down in groups of fifties for that is something they can do, thus a hundred groups of fifty could be fairly quickly achieved by the twelve.

Vs. 15-17 ¹⁵ And they did so, and made them all sit down. ¹⁶ Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. ¹⁷ So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.

Now when the twelve disciples had all the people seated, Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two fish which they had originally offered to Him to feed the multitudes, and so looking up to heaven (exactly where the disciples should’ve been looking, or had their focus on, in the first place), Jesus blessed and broke them and gave them to the disciples who then set them before the multitude, thus magnifying His Word, His Work, and His Power in their midst, by showing compassion to them all, and thus feeding them all (vs. 15-16). A sign then not just to them, but to the disciples as well, that with God all things are possible (Phil. 4:13). And so, it was that the whole multitude ate and were filled, fully satisfied then by the Lord Jesus Christ’s provisions for them. Now when the multitudes had finished eating then twelve baskets of leftover fragments were taken up by the twelve. And thus, they too would’ve had a basket each for themselves, and thus more than enough to feed themselves as well. Nothing then that anyone commits to the Lord Jesus Christ’s Ministry Service then is ever wasted. 

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 9:1-11

¹ Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. ² He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. ³ And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. ⁴ “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. ⁵ And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” ⁶ So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. ⁷ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was 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 old prophets had risen again. ⁹ Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him. ¹⁰ And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. ¹¹ But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

Commentary
Vs. 1-2 ¹ Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. ² He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

The Lord Jesus Christ now calls His twelve disciples to Himself and bestows upon them both power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (vs. 1). Having done so Jesus tells them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick (vs. 2). Now there is a couple of very important things to note. First this was done by Jesus for the very specific purpose of reaching the Israel with the Gospel (Matt. 10:5-8). Thus, the twelve having such power and authority bestowed on them, is not a universal gifting that each and every believer now is granted. For this was done before the Holy Spirit’s outpouring, and thus before His gifting believers individually as He wills (1 Cor. 12:4-11). Second whereas the little girls healing and being restored back to life by Jesus was not to be made well known. Here the Lord Jesus Christ is commanding the twelve who will later be His Apostles in the church, to make sure that all of Israel knows that what they are doing is being done as a witness to them of the Kingdom of God having come to them. For they were God’s people who were clearly versed in God’s works down through history that showed that such things being done by Him was His witness to them that He was amongst them (such as with the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the miracles and such they did amongst them). However that being said, in the later church era, after the Holy Spirit’s outpouring and the Gospel now having a written record of all these events, such things need not occur for ones faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, for truly the Kingdom of God is at hand, because it is the Holy Spirit who bears witnesses to all these things, convicting men of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8-11). Thus, though the Apostles of the early church did such signs and wonders as evidential proof of the Gospel (Rom. 15:18-19; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:2-4 etc.), these signs and wonders and healings and raising of the dead need not now occur for anyone to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, for we now walk by faith, not be sight (2 Cor. 5:7). For in the last days there will be an upsurge of signs and wonders, but not from God, this time from the devil, who will use lying signs and wonders to deceive the world, and if possible, even the elect! (see Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9-11)

Vs. 3-5 ³ And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. ⁴ “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. ⁵ And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

Having empowered and authorized the twelve, Jesus now tells them to take nothing for their journey (vs. 3). Instead as they are preaching the Kingdom of God to Israel to stay with whomever opens their door to them, and not depart from there seeking for themselves “better” lodgings (vs. 4). That said Jesus also says to them: “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” ^{vs. 5} Thus laying forth a spiritual principal that all believers then and now should follow. For whoever receives one of the least of Jesus Christ’s disciples receives Him, but whoever rejects one of us, also rejects Him (Matt. 10:40-42; Luke 10:16; John 13:20; Heb. 6:10 etc.).

Vs. 6 “So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”

The twelve then being charged by the Lord Jesus Christ and then empowered by the Holy Spirit now go through the towns of Israel preaching the Gospel everywhere and healing those whom needed healing. They are then by doing so preaching to all of the smaller venues where Jesus Himself could not have reached as a Man in the same time frame.

Vs. 7-9 ⁷ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was 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 old prophets had risen again. ⁹ Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

Now Herod being the tetrarch (i.e. the appointed governor by Rome) over the Jews also heard of all of these things that Jesus was doing, and yet Herod with all of his interest in the Jews religion could not discern nor perceive that Jesus was the Christ (i.e. Messiah) though all of His works were testifying to Him as such. Thus, his eyes like those who were advisors to him, were only blinded to the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so, Herod was only perplexed when he heard what Jesus was doing, for he heard it said by some that John the Baptist had risen from the dead and was doing these things; while others were saying that Elijah had appeared, and even others were saying that one of the old prophets had risen again. None of which was even close to coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but was like taking wild swings in the dark and hoping to hit something. Now Herod (i.e. Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the great) knew he had already beheaded John the Baptist, and so both his conscience (if he ever had one) and his curiosity was aroused by the things being done by Jesus. Therefore, he sought to see Him (vs. 9). Later though Herod’s increasing guilt about what he had done to John (or fear about what Jesus was doing and the effect He was having on all people, Luke 13:31-33) would only lead Him to seek to kill Jesus, (as his father once tried to do, Matt. 2:1-21) and yet he would not find Him, nor encounter Him until Jesus’ feigned trial before His Crucifixion on the Cross at Calvary (see Luke 23:1-12). 

Vs. 10  And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

The apostles then having completed their mission, now return to Jesus and tell Him all the things they had done. Now when they returned Jesus took them aside privately away from the crowds and multitudes into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida, for some time of rest and refreshing certainly, but also to prepare them again for more and greater service (vs. 10). Now there were two cities called Bethsaida at that time one was on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee and one was on the eastern shores. Likely they were in the wilderness adjacent to the city of Bethsaida on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee (BBC).

Vs. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

However, it wasn’t long before the multitudes of people (who were like people are in every generation spiritually hungry, who are looking for answers to their questions, and solutions for their problems) and so knowing where Jesus had gone with the twelve, they followed Him there. Because when all else in this world fails people turn to God their Creator for help. Therefore, Jesus when He saw them, He received them, and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed all who had need of healing (vs. 11). For the Lord Jesus Christ will turn away no one who honestly seeks Him (see John 6:37-39).  

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:49-56

⁴⁹ While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” ⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ⁵¹ When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. ⁵² Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” ⁵⁵ Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. ⁵⁶ And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Commentary
Now as Jesus was still speaking to the woman, someone came from the ruler of the synagogues house telling him that his daughter had just died so that he needs no longer “trouble” the Teacher; that is ask Jesus to come and heal her, which must have been utterly devastating for the man to hear, knowing that Jesus was so close to his home before she had died (vs. 49). Having then heard the man’s words, and seen the rulers now despondent face, Jesus now says to him, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ^{vs. 50} In Jesus’ Words then there is hope, hope and a promise that that man desperately needed to hear at that time. Therefore, Jesus went to mans house as He originally intended. and when He came into the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him except Peter, James and John and the little girls’ parents (vs. 51). The little girl’s healing then was not going to be a public witness as His healing the woman’s flow of blood was, this something that needed to be done privately and respectfully, considering her parents devastated state at that time. Now all gathered there were weeping and mourning for her, but when Jesus said to them, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” They ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead (vs. 52-53). Which raises a question, why did Jesus say she was sleeping when she was dead? It may have been that He did so, so as not to overtly arouse the people there? For if it was known there that Jesus was fully capable of raising their deceased loved ones from the dead what then would’ve happened? For Jesus was already being swamped by the people wherever He went with them wanting Him to heal them or their loved ones of this or that. In all likelihood if He started doing that openly and on a larger scale, they would’ve wanted to make Him their King then and now, and that would’ve only thwarted His God given purpose and destiny with the Cross. For it was much too early to have a widespread report about Jesus raising people from the dead, for His own Crucifixion and Resurrection from the dead was still far off. Therefore, when Jesus put them all outside; that is those who ridiculed Him; He took her by the hand and said to her, “Little girl, arise.” (vs. 54) Now as soon as Jesus spoke that word to the little girl her spirit returned to her, (indicating that she had been dead), and when she arose, Jesus told them that she should be given something to eat (Vs. 55). Now her parents when they saw this were utterly astonished at what had just occurred. It is then that Jesus charges them to tell no one; something He would not have done if she had been only “sleeping” or in comatose, or unconscious state. Jesus’ then in raising this little girl from the dead, and thus restoring her to life, was not as a witness for Himself, but for her and her parents sake.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:41-48

⁴¹ And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and 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 an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. ⁴³ Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, ⁴⁴ came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. ⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” ⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” ⁴⁷ Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. ⁴⁸ And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Commentary
Vs. 41-42 ⁴¹ And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and 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 an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.

Now with Jesus’ arrival back on the shore and a multitude of people being there who were waiting for Him and who greeted Him upon His arrival, amongst them also was a man named Jairus who was the ruler of the synagogue there. This man desperately wanted to see Jesus, for he had a twelve-year-old daughter who was dying, and so when he came to Jesus he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, however as Jesus went the multitudes thronged Him.

Vs. 43-44 ⁴³ Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, ⁴⁴ came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

Now as this was occurring there drew near to Jesus a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years (who was according to the Law of Moses ceremonially defiled, and thus would’ve been excluded from having normal relations and personal contact within the community, see Lev. 15:19-33; vs. 25-33). And so, it was that this woman in her desperation to be healed had spent all of her livelihood on physicians and yet could not be healed by any. And so, you can imagine the plight of this poor woman, who was not only an outcast in her own community, but now also impoverished! And so, it was that when she approached Jesus she did so by great stealth, for if anyone recognized her, they would’ve thrust her out from amongst them and Him. Therefore, not wanting to be recognized she approaches Jesus from behind and touches the border of His garment. Now this she did since she believed that in doing so, she would be healed (Matt. 9:21). Now when she did her flow of blood immediately stopped.

Vs. 45-48 ⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” ⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” ⁴⁷ Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. ⁴⁸ And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Now when she did so Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” However, those around Jesus all denied doing so. Then Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ (vs. 45), However Jesus is insistent and says again to them, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” (vs. 46)

Therefore, the woman seeing that she was not hidden, came before Jesus trembling and falling down before Him, she declared to Him and all there the reason she had touched Jesus and how she was immediately healed when she touched Him (vs. 47). Now at this point this woman is more than likely expecting a stern rebuke, for that is what she would’ve been accustomed too, having had this flow of blood for twelve years. For everywhere she would’ve gone, people would’ve rebuked her for touching this or sitting on that, or worse coming into contact with someone, and thus making them temporarily ceremonially defiled like she was. And so, at this point you can just imagine her great trepidation and fear as to what is about to happen next. Now with the woman’s honest confession about what she did and why she did it, Jesus’ does not rebuke her. Instead He says’ to her: “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Now if there is one thing that I want you to take away from Jesus’ Words to her, Words of grace and truth (John 1:17), is that He said that it was her faith in His Person to do what she, and no one else could do for her, that made her well. For that is the fundamental basis upon which anyone and everyone receives God’s salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Not by one’s own works or will, nor by anyone else’s, but only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified for all our sins and transgressions and then He rose from the dead three days later for our Justification in the sight of God. So that He can now having cleansed us of all our sins and transgressions by His shed blood, now by His Holy Spirit impart in us new and everlasting life the moment we believe in Him (John 3:16; Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore, I urge you believe in and receive the Lord Jesus Christ for yourself. For if you do He will make you a child of God and make you a new creation In Christ! (John 1:12-13; 2 Cor. 5:17).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:26-40

 ²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. ²⁷ And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment 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 shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. ³⁰ Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. ³¹ And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. ³² Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. ³³ Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. ³⁴ When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. ³⁵ Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ³⁶ They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. ³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned. ³⁸ Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return to your own house, 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. ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

Commentary
Vs. 26-27 ²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. ²⁷ And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.

Having calmed the sea for, and before His disciples, Jesus now reaches land safely with them in the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And so, it was when Jesus stepped out onto the land and there met Him a man from the city who had demons for a long time. Now this man wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. And so, if the ragging sea was a freighting experience for the disciples, what they now saw when they landed would’ve been no less unsettling. For anyone who has ever encountered an individual/s taken over by demons, you know just how freighting an experience that is.

Vs. 28-29 ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment 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 shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

Now when the man saw Jesus he cried out, and fell before Him saying with aloud voice, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” This man then though taken over by demons did not lose the capacity to discern the presence of God in his midst, indeed it was likely heightened by the demonic forces who had seized him. And so, his crying out to Jesus this way as the Son of the Most High God strangely would’ve been the first time Jesus’ disciples would’ve heard Him addressed that way. Now this he did because Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him. For Jesus already knew the man’s condition and what it had been doing to him. … “For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.” ^{vs. 29}
For the poor man was only continually being tormented by it, which when it sized him, he would exemplify all kinds of strange behavior which his community in attempts to restrain him, had taken to binding him with chains and shackles, which he would break free of, and then be driven into the wilderness by the demon. Thus he “lived” totally at its control of him, with his communities barricading and isolating him from them on the one hand, or the demon driving him into the wilderness on the other. A horrible existence than for anyone to have.

Vs. 30-31 ³⁰ Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. ³¹ And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

Jesus now addresses the man by asking him his name, to which he responds Legion, “because many demons had entered him.” Thus, it is not him but they who are speaking to Jesus, and so they begged Jesus that He would not command them to go out into the abyss, leaving them disembodied.

Vs. 32-33 ³² Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. ³³ Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

Now there was there a heard of swine grazing on one of the grassy cliffs that overlook the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Therefore, the demons begged Jesus that they might enter them. Now in the law of Moses swine are unclean animals, thus no Israelite was to eat or have contact with them. Therefore, Jesus grants them their request, and they immediately enter the heard of swine, which causes them to run violently down the steep place where they were into the sea and drown. This spectacular sight then would’ve stunned the disciples, who in hearing and observing these things would now also know that even the fiercest of demonic forces is utterly fearful of and completely subject to Him.

Vs. 34-35 ³⁴ When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. ³⁵ Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

Now when those who fed the swine saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country (vs. 34), basically wherever they went they told all whom they encountered of these things. Therefore, the people of that region having heard these things went out to see what had happened. And when they came to Jesus, they found Him with the man whom the demons had departed from, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid (vs. 35). For Jesus with a Word (Matt. 8:32) did in transforming that man’s person and life what they could never do in trying to restrain him with all their chains and shackles.

Vs. 36-40 ³⁶ They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. ³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

³⁸ Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return to your own house, 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. ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

Now the men of their region who had observed these things began to tell it to the whole assembled crowd from the surrounding region of the Gadarenes how these things occurred. However rather than rejoicing in the Son of God who had showed such mercies to the man, their fear only intensified and they asked (i.e. begged, Matt. 8:34) Jesus to depart from their region. Making them they only people in the Gospel to beg Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of all mankind to depart from them, which is a potential response that certain people will have to Jesus, because not all people will want him as their own Lord and Savior (consider 2 Cor 2:14-17). And so, with that Jesus got into the boat and returned. However, before Jesus departs back to Galilee, the man whom Jesus had cast the demons out of, begs Him that he might be with Him (vs. 38). However, Jesus will send him away, but not as rejection of his person, but rather on a mission, to tell the world about Him, saying to him, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” ^{vs. 39} And with the man goes his way and proclaims throughout the whole city just what Jesus has done for him. For everyone who has experienced the mercies of God through Jesus Christ will also want to tell the world about Him, and so that is just what that man did. Boldly, freely, and completely, because he had been liberated from the chains and shackles of sin and Satan and man that once held him. Therefore, that man whom his community had written off, had a new Godly purpose which he was now passionately pursuing. And so, it was when that man departed on his mission, Jesus returned to the other side of the Sea of Galilee where there was a multitude of people waiting there for Him who welcomed Him when He arrived (vs. 40).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:22–25

²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

Commentary
Jesus being alone with His disciples, having left the multitudes, now desires to cross over the lake (i.e. the Sea of Galilee), and so entering into a boat (likely a small fishing vessel) they take their leave of that region and head out (vs. 22). Now as they were sailing across the lake Jesus fell asleep. Which may be indicating that this was night crossing? No matter whether night or day, as they were sailing across it, a windstorm came down upon the lake (from the hills and cliffs that surround it) and began to violently turned up and toss its waters, so much so that they began to fill with water, and thus fearing for their safety the disciples turned to the Lord and awoke Him saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (vs. 23) Now when they did so Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they ceased and there was calm (vs. 24). Having done so, Jesus now says to them, “Where is your faith?” Which is a very valid question that Jesus also asks us when we too have to face those situations or circumstances or forces or even individuals that are far greater than us, and thus arose all manner of fears inside of us. Because as Jesus demonstrates time and again, He alone has Sovereignty over all of creation, and thus command over all of the forces and powers in it. There is then nothing in heaven or on earth that we are to fear as being able to separate us from Him (Rom. 8:31-39). Therefore, having seen how Jesus immediately saved them from seemingly perishing, the disciples are now afraid (but not with the fear with which they had when the storm arose) but with an awe fear of the Lord for what had just transpired. And so, they begin saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (vs. 25). Thus, in first allowing the storm, and then delivering the disciples (who were all acquainted with the risks of the Sea) Jesus is revealing to them His command over all forces and all powers in creation. So that they might see Him as someone who is more than just preacher or teacher whom they were following, but as He is, the Son of Man/the Son of God who exercises God’s Sovereignty over everything. Therefore, we too can have full confidence in Him to face anyone or anything, no matter how fierce, how strong, how overwhelming, our Lord and Savior and King Jesus Christ is far greater, stronger, and fiercer than all (consider Job 41, vs. 10-11). Therefore, have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and He will save you out of all of your troubles (Job 5:15; 40:9-41:11; Psalm 7:10; 20:6; 34:6; 17-19; 91:3; 71:20; 124:7; 107 etc.).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:19–21

¹⁹ Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. ²⁰ And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” ²¹ But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Commentary
Having declared the seriousness in which we all are to receive the Word of God with. Jesus is now told by a certain individual in the crowd that His mother and brothers are seeking to see Him, to which Jesus responds by saying: “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Jesus then clearly reveals that family ties in the Kingdom of God only go as deep as one hears and does the Word of God, thus, believing in and obeying Him is the mark of our true family (consider Matt. 10:34-42). 

Scripture Quotations
New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson