Luke 9:46

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. For the exposition, see the notes at Mark. 33-37 . It is a remarkable characteristic of this Gospel that the contents of nearly nine chapters of it-beginning with this section (), and going down to - are, with the exception of two or three short passages, unique to itself. Since there are scarcely any marks of time and place in all this special portion, it is difficult to fix these with any certainty. But there is reason to believe that the earlier portion of it belongs to the period to our Lord's final journey from Galilee-which was probably a circuitous journey, with the view, perhaps, of ministering localities not before visited; and that the latter portion of it belongs to the intervals between the Feast of Tabernacl...

43-50 This prediction of Christ's sufferings was plain enough, but the disciples would not understand it, because it agreed not with their notions. A little child is the emblem by which Christ teaches us simplicity and humility. What greater honour can any man attain to in this world, than to be received by men as a messenger of God and Christ; and to have God and Christ own themselves received and welcomed in him! If ever any society of Christians in this world, had reason to silence those not of their own communion, the twelve disciples at this time had; yet Christ warned them not to do the like again. Those may be found faithful followers of Christ, and may be accepted of him, who do not follow with us....

Verse 46. _THERE AROSE A REASONING_] εισηλθε δε διαλογισμος, _A_ _dialogue took place _- one _inquired_, and another _answered_, and so on. See this subject explained on Matthew 18:1, c....

See the notes at Matthew 18:1. Compare Mark 9:33....

EXPOSITION LUKE 9:1 _The Master sends out the twelve on a mission_. LUKE 9:1 THEN HE CALLED HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES TOGETHER. The Galilee ministry was just over; _outwardly_ it had been a triumphant success; vast crowds had been gathered together. The Master was generally welcomed with a positive enthusiasm; the people heard him gladly. Here and there were visible, as in the eases of the woman who touched him and the synagogue ruler who prayed him to heal his little daughter, just related (Luke 8:1.), conspicuous examples of a strange or mighty faith; but the success, the Master knew too well, was only on the surface. The crowds who to-day shouted "Ho

THEN THERE AROSE A REASONING AMONG THEM,.... The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions read, "a thought entered into them"; suggested very likely by Satan, which broke out into words, and issued in a warm dispute among them; and this was in the way, as they were travelling from Caesarea Philippi, to Capernaum; see Mark 9:33. WHICH OF THEM SHOULD BE GREATEST; that is, "in the kingdom of heaven", as in Matthew 18:1 in the kingdom of the Messiah, which they expected would be a temporal one: wherefore the dispute was not about degrees in glory, nor in grace; nor who should be the greatest apostle and preacher of the Gospel; but who should be prime minister to the king Messiah, when he should set up his monarchy in all its grandeur and glory....

Our Lord had been on the mountain, and had been transfigured; and when he came down, the first person that he met was the devil, with whom he had to come in contact. Whenever you or I get up on the mountain-top, and have a very happy and delightful experience, we may expect to be in a battle before long. Our joy is, however, a preparation for the conflict; it nerves our spirit, and makes us strong to meet the great enemy of our souls. Luke 9:37. _And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company cried out saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not._...

CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 9:1-50 _ 1. Christ Sends Forth the Twelve Apostles. (Luke 9:1)_ 2. Herod Perplexed. (Luke 9:7) 3. The Return of the Apostles. (Luke 9:10) 4. The Feeding of the Five Thousand. (Luke 9:11) 5. Peter's Confession of Christ. (Luke 9:18) 6. The Son of Man Announces His Death and Resurrection. (Luke 9:22) 7. Necessity of Self-Denial. (Luke 9:23) 8. The Trans

THE QUESTION OF PRECEDENCE. THE UNATTACHED EXORCIST (Mark 9:33 *, Matthew 18:1 *). Lk.'s editorial hand is seen in his transferring Luke 9:48 b (he that is least, etc.) from its better position in Mk., and in his making Jesus see the reasoning of their heart. Mark 9:41 is omitted; Mark 10:1 = Luke 9:51....

EMISSARIES OF THE KING (Luke 9:1-9)...