Luke 9:51._While the days of his being received up, etc. _Luke alone relates this narrative, which, however, is highly useful on many accounts. For, first, it describes the divine courage and firmness of Christ (586) in despising death; secondly, what deadly enmities are produced by differences abou... [ Continue Reading ]
52._And he sent messengers. _It is probable that our Lord was, at that time, attended by a great multitude of followers; for the _messengers _were not _sent _to prepare a splendid banquet, or to select some magnificent palace, but only to tell that a vast number of guests were approaching. They agai... [ Continue Reading ]
53._He steadfastly set his face. _By this expression Luke has informed us that Christ, when he had death before his eyes, rose above the fear of it, and went forward to meet it; but, at the same time, points out that he had a struggle, and that, having vanquished terror, (589) he boldly presented hi... [ Continue Reading ]
54._And when His disciples James and John saw it_. The country itself had perhaps suggested to them the desire of thundering immediately against the ungodly; for it was there that _Elijah _had formerly destroyed, by a fire from heaven, the king’s soldiers who had been sent to apprehend him, (2 Kings... [ Continue Reading ]
55._You know not of what spirit you are _By this reply he not only restrained the unbridled fury of the two disciples, but laid down a rule to all of us not to indulge our temper. For whoever undertakes any thing, ought to be fully aware that he has the authority and guidance of the Spirit of God, a... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 9:60._But go thou and proclaim the kingdom of God. _Matthew has only the words, _Follow me: _but Luke states more fully the reason why he was called, which was, that he might be a minister and preacher of the Gospel. Had he remained in a private station, there would have been no absolute necess... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 9:61._And another said. _Matthew does not mention this third person. It appears that he was too strongly attached to the world, to be ready and prepared to follow Christ. True, he offers to join the family of Christ, but with this reservation, _after he has bid farewell to those who are in his... [ Continue Reading ]
62._He who, after having put his hand to the plough, shall look back, is unfit for the kingdom of God. _We must carefully inquire what this declaration of Christ means. They are said to _look back, _who become involved in the cares of the world, so as to allow themselves to be withdrawn from the rig... [ Continue Reading ]