Preparation of the Twelve Apostles

the twelve. The twelve apostles. See note on 6:13. power and authority. Power is the ability to do something while authority is the right to do something. demons . . . diseases. Before this only Christ had the power and authority to cast out demons and heal. Here he extended that to the disciples. This was empowerment for their ministry (v. 2).

kingdom of God. Like Jesus, the apostles were sent to preach the kingdom of God. It was about the spiritual reign of God over his people (see note on 4:43), a reign that would impact all areas of life, including religious, political and family life. The apostles did not bring about the kingdom. They announced that God was bringing the kingdom in Christ. It could only be entered by faith (Mark 1:15). heal. The apostles healed the sick to authenticate their message and show the presence of God's kingdom (4:16-19).

Jesus's instructions emphasized the apostle's dependence on God for their needs (see 12:22-31). This is similar to the instructions given to Israel for the first Passover (Exod. 12:11). Israel needed to be ready to leave once the final plague fell on Egypt. There was urgency to their preparation. Likewise, there is urgency to the apostles' mission. They spread an important message in a short time.

God used the hospitality of believers to provide for the apostles on their mission. But they were not gaining profit for themselves. They stayed only until it was time to move on to another town.

peace. The reason for the mission's urgency (v. 4). The disciple's preaching would be peace with God to those who accept it. person of peace. One who accepts the message of the kingdom. return. The blessing (v. 5) would be nullified for those who are not men of peace.

shake off the dust. This was a symbolic act for removing the defilement when removing from Gentile areas (see 10:11; Acts 13:51). Those towns that rejected the gospel message would be left to await God's judgment (see 10:12-15).

Herod the tetrarch. See note on 3:1. John . . . risen. See note on 3:18-20. perplexed. Herod was a man of immense wealth and power. But Jesus made him nervous because he was reminded his own weakness and sinfulness. Herod wanted to know more about Jesus's identity. He didn't like Jesus's preaching. He wanted to know if Jesus was a threat to him. who is this . . . ? An important question many asked (5:21; 7:20, 49; 9:18-20; 20:2; 22:67-71; 23:3, 9). It is a question that must still be answered today.

This miracle appears in all 4 Gospels (see below).

Jesus intended to further instruct the apostles privately after they returning from preaching and healing (vv. 2, 6). However, the crowds followed them. Despite his plans, Jesus welcomed the crowds and ministered to them (see vv. 1-2; 4:43; 8:1; Acts 1:8). Bethsaida. Since they were in an isolated place (v. 12), Luke probably intended to say that the solitary place was in the region of Bethsaida. This town is north of the Sea of Galilee (John 12:21).

This is similar to the Exodus in the Old Testament. After God rescued his people from Egypt, he brought them through the wilderness (Exod. 13:17-18). Though they had seen him miraculously divide the Red Sea (Exod. 14:5-31), they grumbled about not having food (Exod. 16:1-2). The disciples were like ancient Israel. They were in an isolated place in need of food (v. 12). Despite recently seeing the miraculous power of God (v. 2, 6), the apostles' faith was discouraged by the size of the crowd (v. 14). They failed to trust that God would provide for their needs.

five thousand men. Only the men were counted. If families were there, the full size of the crowd could have been 15,000 or more (figuring a wife and at least one child for each man). We know that there was at least one child there because that is where they got small amount of the bread and fish (v. 13, 16; John 6:9).

Jesus miraculously provided for his disciples and the crowds. Not only were they satisfied, there was some fish and bread left over. The provision isn't a simple repeat of the Exodus where each had what they needed (see note on 9:13; Exod. 16:18). The provision overflows with abundance.

praying. An important part of God's revelation of himself (see note on 1:10). questioned. Jesus asked disciples about the public and their own understanding of his identity. The crowds honored Jesus by associating him with the prophets. But he was far more than a prophet (1:31-33). Christ of God. Every hope and longing of the old covenant saints were realized in Jesus as the Christ, the Savior of Israel and world. The disciples' understanding was given by God (Matt. 16:17; 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 4:4-6). But they still needed Jesus to further define the ministry of the Christ (v. 22).

The disciples had come to understand that Jesus is Christ. But they did not yet fully understand who the Christ is or what his ministry would be. Many people thought the Christ would be a political savior who would deliver ancient Israel from the Romans (see notes on 6:15; 23:2-5). Jesus forbade them to tell others about him until he better defined the Christ as a spiritual Savior (v. 22).

This verse describes what the Christ would be like. Jesus explained the essence of his ministry and the purpose for which he came into the world. Son of Man. A title for Jesus (see note on 5:22-24). suffer. Before he came to the cross, Jesus suffered many indignities. He was wrongly accused by his enemies (22:2; 23:1-5), betrayed by a friend (22:3-6, 47-48), blasphemed by his own people (22:63-65), abused by soldiers (23:11), and ridiculed by many (23:32-29). rejected. A legal term used for something closely inspected and found lacking. The leadership of Israel rejected Jesus as the promised Christ (22:66; 1 Pet. 2:6-8). killed. Jesus's death on the cross was the central act of his ministry. There, he died as a substitute for his people (John 10:11; 1 Pet. 3:18-20), brought forgiveness for their sin (Col. 1:13-14; Heb. 9:22), and secured their salvation (Rom. 3:21-26; Eph. 2:4-9; Col. 1:20). raised. The cross was not the final act of Jesus's ministry. As promised, Jesus was raised back to life from the dead (John 2:18-22; Acts 2:27; 1 Cor. 15:4). This vindicated his ministry (Rom. 1:4; 1 Tim. 3:16) and overcame death for his people (Rom. 8:11; Heb. 2:14-15).

deny himself. Self-denial is central to Christian discipleship (Phil. 2:3-11). Believers seek to make Christ their King above everything else, even their own desires and comfort. cross daily. The cross was a shameful instrument of death. Jesus died on a cross for his people to bring them to God (v. 22; Phil. 2:8; 1 Pet. 3:18). Symbolically, Jesus's disciples die on a cross. They do not die for salvation. They die to sin, selfishness, and safety (14:27; Acts 14:22; Gal. 2:20). This is an ongoing, even daily, mindset and activity (see Rom. 8:5-14; 12:1-2).

These verses help explain Jesus's previous statement (v. 23). It is foolish to trade even the whole world in this life for an eternity in hell. Yet, if a person loses his life in this world because of Jesus, he still gains eternity with God. Losing one's life means denying ourselves and following Jesus by faith. This could lead to the loss of one's life in martyrdom (see Matt. 10:28; 24:9; Acts 21:13).

ashamed. Publicly deny any connection to Jesus or his teaching. Though Jesus will be publicly rejected as the Christ (v. 22), his disciples should not reject him. Those who deny Christ in this life will be denied by him at the future judgment (12:8-9; 2 Tim. 2:11-12). Son of Man . . . glory. A reference to Jesus from Dan. 7:13-14 (see note on 5:22-24). kingdom of God. God's saving reign (see note on 4:43). before they see. The kingdom had already come into the world with Jesus (10:9; 11:20; 16:16; 17:21). However, it had not yet fully arrived. Jesus's resurrection was an important part of the kingdom's arrival (24:44-49).

Peter and John and James. See note on 8:51. pray. See notes on 3:21; 6:12.

The transfiguration is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below).

Jesus's glory in heaven as the divine Son of God was veiled when he took on human flesh during his earthly ministry (John 1:1-4, 14-18; 17:5). For a brief time, the disciples were able to see a glimpse of his true glory (2 Pet. 1:16-18). Previously, Moses' face shone brightly because it reflected God's glory (Exod. 34:29-35). By contrast, Jesus's glory came from within himself and shined outward (see Col. 1:19; 2:9; Heb. 1:3).

Moses. Jewish boy raised in Pharaoh's court during ancient Israel's enslavement (Exod. 2:1-10). As a man, he was called by God to lead Israel to freedom through the exodus from Egypt to Canaan (Exod. 3:1-10). Moses received God's law on Mt. Sinai and delivered it to Israel (Exod. 19:1–20:21). He remained their leader until they entered the Promised Land (Deut. 34:1-8). Elijah. An important prophet in ancient Israel. He confronted kings and Israelites about their lack of faithfulness to God (1 Kgs. 17:1–22:40). Together, Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets, which bear witness to Christ. He fulfills the message and promises of the law and prophets (24:25-27, 44-48; Matt. 5:17).

departure. The Greek word for exodus. In the New Testament, it can refer to a person's death (2 Pet. 1:15) or ancient Israel's exodus from Egypt (Heb. 11:22). Jesus's death on the cross includes both meanings. He truly died to save his people as the perfect Passover sacrifice (Exod. 12:1-13; 1 Cor. 5:7). At the same time, he gave greater significance to Israel's history, which pointed to him (24:25-27, 44-48). Jesus's death in Jerusalem made possible a greater, spiritual exodus. Through him, God's people were delivered from slavery to sin (Rom. 6:7, 18, 22).

Peter's request was wrong for two reasons. First, it devalued Jesus by putting him on the same level as Moses and Elijah. This is implied by his desire to build three tents. Second, his request was contrary to God's plan for Jesus to die and rise again in Jerusalem (vv. 22, 31).

cloud. A common symbol for God's presence (Exod. 24:15-18; 40:34-38). voice. God again affirmed Jesus's sonship (3:22). Moreover, he emphasized that Jesus was the chosen Christ (see Ps. 2:7). Peter was urged to listen to Jesus rather than give directions to him. listen to him. Because he is greater than even Moses and Elijah he must be listened to (Deut. 18:15; Heb. 1:1-3). Every believer should listen to Jesus through God's written word (2 Pet. 1:16-21).

This miracle is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below).

spirit. A demonic spirit (v. 42). hardly ever leaves. The demon afflicted the boy continually.

unbelieving and depraved generation. Jesus compared those there to the generation of Israel that wandered in the wilderness. They witness God's mighty acts but failed to believe (Deut. 32:4-5, 20; see 11:30-32, 50-51; 17:25). put up with you? Jesus had just commissioned his disciples with spiritual power and authority (vv. 1-2). They should have been able to heal the boy (v. 40). His frustration came not with the disciples' inability, but their faithlessness (v. 45; 8:25).

amazed . . . marveling. The crowd's response was typical for those seeing Jesus's miracles (4:32; 8:25; 11:14). It did not indicate faith.

Jesus tried to drive home his impending death on the cross. Son of Man. See note on 5:22-24. betrayed. One of Jesus's twelve apostles betrayed him to the Jewish leadership who opposed Jesus (v. 22; 22:1-6). See WLC 160.

The disciples would not fully comprehend Jesus's mission until their eyes were opened by the risen Christ (24:45-47).

This is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below).

Ironically, just after Jesus emphasized his rejection and willingness to die for his people, the disciples argue about greatness (vv. 22, 44; Mark 10:45; Phil. 2:5-11).

knowing . . . hearts. As before (5:22), Jesus's ability to discern the hearts (thoughts) of others is a sign of his deity. little child. Hebrew culture loved children and saw them as a gift from God (Ps. 127:3-5). However, they had no standing in the larger society. They were not considered great in any sense.

welcomes. The rabbis in Jesus's day never gave any attention to children. Yet, Jesus welcomed children and encouraged others to do the same. How one understood the relationship between a caregiver and a child is a good indication of how they understood their relationship to God. Children can be loved but do not have the ability to do anything to deserve or repay that love. They have no wealth or influence in society. God condescended to love and care for us—people of no consequence compared to him. least . . . great. The child in their midst became a dramatic illustration. Greatness in the kingdom is not like greatness in the world. True greatness in the eyes of God is seen when we take the lowest place, humbling ourselves (Mark 9:35).

Jesus was not endorsing every practice that doesn't oppose him. Instead, he was against any attitude of self-importance (see notes on vv. 46-48).