1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3And he said unto them,  Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

6And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

7Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

8And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

10And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

11And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

12And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

13But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

14For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

15And they did so, and made them all sit down.

16Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

17And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

18And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

19They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

20He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

21And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

22Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

27But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

34While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

35And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

36And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

37And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

38And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

39And, 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.

40And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

41And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

42And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

43And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

44Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

45But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

46Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

51And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

52And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

53And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

54And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

55But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

56For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain mansaid unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air havenests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

60Jesus said unto him,  Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

1 Then he called his twelue disciples together, and gaue them power and authority ouer all deuils, and to cure diseases.

2And hee sent them to preach the Kingdome of God, and to heale the sicke.

3And he said vnto them, Take nothing for your iourney, neither staues, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money, neither haue two coates apeece.

4 And whatsoeuer house yee enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

5 And whosoeuer will not receiue you, when ye goe out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feete, for a testimonie against them.

6And they departed, and went through the townes, preaching the Gospel, and healing euery where.

7 Now Herode the Tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and hee was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that Iohn was risen from the dead:

8And of some, that Elias had appeared: and of others, that one of the olde Prophets was risen againe.

9And Herode said, Iohn haue I beheaded: but who is this of whom I heare such things? And hee desired to see him.

10 And the Apostles when they were returned, tolde him all that they had done. And hee tooke them, and went aside priuately into a desert place, belonging to the citie called Bethsaida.

11And the people when they knew it, followed him, and he receiued them, and spake vnto them of the kingdome of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

12And when the day beganne to weare away, then came the twelue, and said vnto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the townes and countrey round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

13But he said vnto them, Giue yee them to eate. And they said, Wee haue no more but fiue loaues and two fishes, except we should goe and buy meate for all this people.

14For they were about fiue thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit downe by fifties in a company.

15And they did so, and made them all sit downe.

16Then he tooke the fiue loaues and the two fishes, and looking vp to heauen, hee blessed them, and brake, and gaue to the disciples to set before the multitude.

17And they did eate, and were all filled. And there was taken vp of fragments that remained to them, twelue baskets.

18 And it came to passe, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

19They answering, said, Iohn the Baptist: but some say, Elias: and others say, that one of the old Prophets is risen againe.

20He said vnto them, But whom say yee that I am? Peter answering, said, The Christ of God.

21And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing,

22Saying, The Sonne of man must suffer many things, and be reiected of the Elders, and chiefe Priests, and Scribes, and be slaine, and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him denie himselfe, and take vp his crosse daily, and follow me.

24 For whosoeuer will saue his life, shall lose it: but whosoeuer will lose his life for my sake, the same shall saue it.

25 For what is a man aduantaged, if hee gaine the whole world, and lose himselfe, or be cast away?

26 For whosoeuer shall bee ashamed of me, and of my wordes, of him shall the Sonne of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his owne glory, and in his Fathers, and of the holy Angels.

27 But I tell you of a trueth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdome of God.

28 And it came to passe, about an eight dayes after these sayings, hee tooke Peter, and Iohn, and Iames, and went vp into a mountaine to pray:

29And as hee prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30And behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias,

31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease, which he should accomplish at Hierusalem.

32But Peter, and they that were with him, were heauie with sleepe: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33And it came to passe, as they departed from him, Peter said vnto Iesus, Master, it is good for vs to be here, and let vs make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

34While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and ouershadowed them, & they feared, as they entred into the cloude.

35And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloued Son, heare him.

36And when the voyce was past, Iesus was found alone, and they kept it close, & told no man in those dayes any of those things which they had seene.

37 And it came to passe, that on the next day, when they were come downe from the hill, much people met him.

38And behold, a man of the companie cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee looke vpon my sonne, for he is mine onely child.

39And loe, a spirit taketh him, and hee suddenly crieth out, and it teareth him that he fometh againe, and bruising him, hardly departeth from him.

40And I besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not.

41And Iesus answering, said, O faithlesse, and peruerse generation, how long shal I be with you, and suffer you? bring thy sonne hither.

42And as he was yet a comming, the deuill threw him downe, and tare him: and Iesus rebuked the vncleane spirit, and healed the child, and deliuered him againe to his father.

43 And they were al amazed at the mightie power of God: But while they wondred euery one at all things which Iesus did, he said vnto his disciples,

44 Let these sayings sinke downe into your eares: for the Sonne of man shall bee deliuered into the handes of men.

45But they vnderstood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceiued it not: and they feared to aske him of that saying.

46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

47And Iesus perceiuing þe thought of their heart, tooke a child, and set him by him,

48And said vnto them, Whosoeuer shall receiue this child in my Name, receiueth me: and whosoeuer shal receiue me, receiueth him that sent me: For hee that is least among you all, the same shalbe great.

49 And Iohn answered, and said, Master, we saw one casting out deuils in thy Name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with vs.

50And Iesus said vnto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against vs, is for vs.

51 And it came to passe, when the time was come that he should bee receiued vp, he stedfastly set his face to goe to Hierusalem,

52And sent messengers before his face, and they went and entred into a village of the Samaritanes to make ready for him.

53And they did not receiue him, because his face was as though he would goe to Hierusalem.

54And when his disciples, Iames and Iohn sawe this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that wee command fire to come downe from heauen, and consume them, euen as Elias did?

55But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what maner spirit ye are of.

56For the Sonne of man is not come to destroy mens liues, but to saue them. And they went to another village.

57 And it came to passe that as they went in the way, a certaine man said vnto him, Lord, I wil follow thee whithersoeuer thou goest.

58And Iesus said vnto him, Foxes haue holes, and birds of the aire haue nests, but the Sonne of man hath not where to lay his head.

59And he said vnto another, Follow me: But he said, Lord, suffer mee first to goe and bury my father.

60Iesus said vnto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdome of God.

61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee: but let me first goe bid them farewel, which are at home at my house.

62And Iesus said vnto him, No man hauing put his hand to the plough, and looking backe, is fit for the kingdome of God.

 

1 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, 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. 5 And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." 6 Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. 7 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; 8 others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." 9 But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him. 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 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 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. 17 They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets. 18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, 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.'" 20 Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said in reply, "The Messiah of God." 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 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." 23 Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 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. 27 Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God." 28 About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. 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, 31 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 and the two men standing with him. 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, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 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 tell anyone what they had seen. 37 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. 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. 46 An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. 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." 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." 51 When the days for his being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. 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?" 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village. 57 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. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61 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."

v 1-9. After the command to pray for laborers, 9:36 the disciples are named by two’s and that is probably the order in which they were sent out, Mk. 6:7. Bartholomew is also called Nathaniel. Thaddaeus is also called Judas not Iscariot, Judas son of James, Jude or Lebbaeus. Simon is also called Canaanite, Mk. 3:17 (or “Kananian”), meaning Zealotes or the Zealot, a group that favored revolt from Rome. Simon Peter is also called Cephas or Simon Barjona (son of Jonah). James the son of Alphaeus is also called James the less. Matthew is called Levi.

The twelve were sent forth as heralds of the legitimate offer of coming kingdom with John's and Jesus' identical message that was authenticated by miracles. This message was to Israel only, later to all the world because the eternal kingdom is coming. They were to travel extremely light, Lk. 9:3,4. Shaking dust off their feet symbolized rejection of those people by God at the great day of judgment. They told Jesus all they had cast out demons and healed the sick, Mk. 6:13, Lk. 9:10.

SIMPLE: That is, harmless, plain, sincere, and without guile.

v 10, 21. THE DISCIPLE' GAVE THEM: through the hands of the Apostles Jesus feeds the Crowd. In Anticipation of the Eucharistic Liturgy they distributed the bread provided by Jesus' where the priest of the New Covenant give the bread of Life as Holy Communion in the Church. ( 1st Cor 10:16) Jn. 6:4, This was about Passover time. Jesus withdrew east privately with his disciples, which Lk. 9:10,11 says is near Bethsaida, and He was speaking of the kingdom of God. Mk. 6 adds that this was not only after John was beheaded, but after the disciples first tour of preaching. Mk. adds they sneaked away by boat, but people anticipated their move, even outrunning them. There was such an incessant crowd, they kept too busy to eat, and Jesus’ compassion was not just for the sicknesses He healed, but because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Evening caught them in this deserted place and Jn. 6:5-7 add that Jesus tested Philip by asking where they could buy food for the people. Philip was a native and protested that 200 denarius, or two hundred days wages would not buy enough food. Also, there was no place to get supplies, so the disciples wanted Jesus to send the crowd away. Jn. 6 says it was Andrew who located the lad with 5 barley loaves and two small fish. It was a large grassy area so Jesus told the disciples to have them sit down. Mark says by hundreds and fifties and that Jesus looked to heaven when he blessed the food. There were 5000 men, so with women and children there were probably 10-20,000 total. Jesus commanded them to pick up the fragments that remained after everyone was filled, and there were 12 (bushel size) baskets full. This is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels, and it showed the disciples that in the future Jesus would provide spiritual food, but it was the disciples who would have to do the feeding. Jn. 6:14. Many people did not realize “that prophet” = Messiah. This was the high point of Jesus’ popularity as the people, after seeing the miracle by “that prophet”, wanted to make Him king by force. People wanted a king who would give them (1.) Medicare-free healing; (2.) Welfare-free food; (3.) Military- defeat Rome. From this point on, Jesus said little to convince people He was Messiah, and spent more time instructing His disciples.

Jesus had the disciples get in a boat and cross over to the other side, about seven miles, while He sent the people away, then He went up into the mountain to pray alone. One of the sudden storms of Galilee came upon the disciples and the boat was tossed by the waves. This is an example of being in trouble yet being in God’s will, 1 Cor. 16:9. Between 3 and 6 in the morning they had only gone three and one half miles against the west wind, and (facing to back) saw Jesus walking past on the water. They thought He was a ghost, but Jesus told them not to fear, it was He. Peter wanted assurance, so he asked if it was Jesus to ask him to come on the water to him. When Jesus said “Come”, he started walking on the water, but taking his eyes off Jesus and looking at the fearful waves, he began to sink. At his call for help, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him, but rebuked him for the lack of faith that caused him to sink. When they got into the boat, the wind stopped, and (Jn. 6:31), they were at land immediately.

Mk. 6:51,52 adds their amazement at this miracle because they hadn’t considered the miracle of feeding 5000. This was because their hearts were hardened, but Mt. 14:33 adds that they then worshiped Him as the Son of God, or Messiah. When they got west of Gennesaret people recognized Him and brought their sick, and if they only touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, they were healed.

The only miracle in all four gospels.
v 18-21. As they approached Caesarea Philippi Jesus asked his disciples who men thought He was. Some thought John the Baptist (resurrected), Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. When He asked their opinion, Peter quickly called Him the Christ, the Son of the living God, that is Messiah. In Mk 8:30 and Lk. 19:21 He told them not to tell anyone that. Comment in verse 20 below.
Prediction of the Savior concerning the Church Mt 16:18-19
v 22. This first announcement of death and resurrection is in Matt. 16:21-23.
v 23-26. TAKE UP HIS CROSS: Jesus' challenge (16:21) indicates that suffering and self denial are central to the Christians life (Rom 8:17 Col 1:24 Mt 10:38)v 25-28. The cost of discipleship is giving up all one’s own ambitions, even losing his life, because he will gain a better life. All the possessions of the world would be meaningless if it meant we lost our soul.
Jesus spoke prophetically of His second coming in the glory given by the Father and with angels. Those ashamed to unite with Christ will have judgment at that time. Actually the rewards will be at the first stage of His coming when He catches Church Age believers up to be with Him. Three would not see death before seeing Christ in glory.
v 27-36. This is six days after Jesus said in 16:28 that some of those standing there would see Him coming in His Kingdom before He died. (Luke’s 8 days figures in the day before and after.) They were north of the Sea of Galilee near Caesarea Philippi, so this was probably Mount Hermon. Transfigured means Jesus was “changed in form” into His glory, and He appeared in glistening white. Moses and Elijah appeared from heaven, proving there is life after death. Lk. 9:31 says they talked with Jesus about His coming death. This should have alerted the disciples about Jesus’ coming death, but they were heavy with sleep, Lk. 9:32. (Probably got sleepy while Jesus was praying, Lk. 9:29.) The same three later slept while Jesus prayed in the garden, Mt. 26:40-45. It is suggested that the disciples represent those living on earth when Jesus comes; (1.) Moses those who have died and gone to heaven; (2.) Elijah those believers who are raptured, caught up live to heaven. v 4-8. Peter perhaps sensed this as fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, which looked back to the wilderness wanderings and forward to the kingdom, so he offered to have tabernacles (shelters) built for each of the three glorified. While he was yet speaking a cloud came over them and the voice of God from it told them to listen to Jesus, His Son. This caused the disciples to fall on their faces in fear. Jesus touched and spoke to them to quiet their fears, and they saw no one but Him. v 9-13. Jesus told them not to tell anyone until He was risen from the dead, as He had told them not to tell anyone He was the Christ, 16:20, but again they did not understand rising from dead, Mk. 9:10. They questioned why some were saying Elijah must come first, Jesus said Elijah had already come (Zacharias had been told John would go before Christ in the spirit and power of Elijah, Lk. 1:17.) They had killed him, and Jesus would also suffer death. The disciples understood Jesus meant John the Baptist, but still didn’t comprehend His death. John the Baptist did not fulfill all of Mal. 4:5, since it was after John’s death that Jesus made the statement Elijah will come and restore all things. This part can refer only to Elijah or one like him in Rev. 11.
v 37-43.

Jesus cures an epileptic boy. Returned from the mountain, they found a multitude, Scribes questioning the disciples, and a man upset because the other nine disciples had not been able to cure his only son. He knelt before Jesus explaining that the son had a dumb spirit and gnashed his teeth, foaming at the mouth, Mk. 9:17,18. He was epileptic, falling into fire or water, also bruising him, and causing him to cry out, Lk. 9:39. The “if thou canst do anything” was probably he lost faith when the disciples could not help. When Jesus told him all things were possible if he believed, he did believe but recognized his weakness and asked Jesus to help his unbelief. Mark and Luke add that Jesus told the man to bring his son, and while he came, he had another violent seizure. People came running so Jesus commanded the deaf and dumb spirit to come out and never to return. When the evil spirit left, people thought the boy was dead. Jesus picked him up and he arose. 

AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED: A perfect faith; so small, Matthew 13:31 The problem is that doubt is larger and stops our faith from moving mountains.

v 19-21. Privately the disciples asked why they couldn’t cast out the demon, and Jesus told them that kind could not be driven out without prayer and fasting. On the mountain Jesus prayed while the disciples slept, Lk. 9:28-32, and these surely did no better. Matthew only records Jesus words that if they had faith as small as a grain of mustard seed, they could move a mountain, and all things would be possible for them. Keep in mind we are not told to pray that a mountain be removed, but there are large obstacles to service, and we can confidently ask for their removal if it is in God’s will. Jesus is instructing them in the need of prayer and fasting after He leaves them. V 20 YOUR LITTLE FAITH: Jesus challenges the unbelieving of his disciples (8:26 14:31 16:8 ) He told them that their attempts to exorcism demons (17:16) were impeded by presumption .

v 44,45. Jesus is more specific than ever before, that he will be betrayed before He is killed, and rise on the third day. They were sorry, but they didn’t understand and were afraid to ask, Mk. 9:32; Lk. 9:45. (Read the Mark and Luke portions with all this.) DIDRACHMAS: A didrachmas ) The didrachmas: A didrachma was half a sicle, or half a stater; that is, about 15 d. English: which was a tax laid upon every head for the service of the temple.
v 46-48. WHO IS THE GREATEST...? A question prompted by the honor of Peter and Jesus favoritism. (16:17-19 17:1 27) From Mk. 9:32-34 and Lk. 9:46-48 we learn that the disciples were disputing on the way to Capernaum about who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, or what great positions they would have. When Jesus questioned them, at first they were reluctant to tell Him. For illustration, he called a little child and took him in His arms in their midst. V 3 LIKE CHILDREN: total dependence on God is required to enter the kingdom. Those who must lead the church child like simplicity is especially demanded on. They must lead the church with servant hood and humility. All are called to trust the Father for daily provisions and the graces necessary far salvation (6"25-33)
Then he taught them that they must be converted, and those who were humble as a little child would be the greatest. Instead of thinking about positions, they should have been thinking about serving others. Children were overlooked in that day, so Jesus stressed them as an important need. He even warned the dire consequence of causing one of the little ones to be offended, to stumble. Mark adds that those who receive a child in my name receives me. This led to further comment, or perhaps they tried to change the subject to one casting out demons in Jesus’ name, see Mk. 38-41. He told them even one giving a cup of water in His name is worthy of reward. See Mk. 9:42-50 for related comments regarding giving up all for Christ (but not self mutualization) and salt in believers. V 6 WHO BELIEVE IN ME: A large stone that was used for milling grain. The punishment that that of ten reserved for the worst criminals was drowning.
v 49,50. After hearing Jesus say that one who received a little child received Him, John was prompted to infer another question. They had seen one who was not a follower with them casting out demons in Jesus’ name and they rebuked him. Was that right or wrong? Jesus’ reply was that if someone cast out demons in His name, not to forbid him, because if he was doing this in Jesus name, he wasn’t against them, he was for them. He would have been a disciple but not one of the twelve, and he had cast out a demon where the nine had failed. Even giving a cup of water in Jesus’ name was worthy of reward.

The Four Accounts of the Perean-Judean Ministry
v 51-56. From Lk. 4:4 to this point, Jesus had been authenticating His Galilean ministry. He now moves from the issue of authentication to acceptance. Much from here through chapters 18 or 19 is unique to Luke. The three trips John mentions Jesus made to Jerusalem are combined by Luke, so he can make the point it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and present Himself as Messiah before leaving. Jesus even sent messengers ahead to proclaim that He was coming, but when the Samaritans knew He was going on to Jerusalem, they rejected Him. After the ten northern tribes composing Samaria had been exiled, the land was repopulated partially by various pagan nations. Judah scorned them as an impure race, but the most schism was the Samaritan’s refusal to accept Jerusalem as the place of worship. So Samaritans rejected Jesus as might be expected, but it set the pattern for following rejections. James and John, aptly called Sons of Thunder”, wanted to command fire from heaven to destroy them, but Jesus came to save, not to destroy men.
v 57,58. A man volunteered to follow Jesus every where, but Jesus reminded him that he would have to give up home and bed. He needed to count the cost.
v 59,60. The next man was called like Jesus called His other disciples, but he made excuse for burying his father first. Probably his father wasn’t dead yet and he was going to settle inheritance etc. first. Logical, but the message was more urgent. Spiritually dead could take care of those matters. Those who would serve the Lord must many times make a radical commitment. 
v 61,62. The third wanted to say the lengthy goodbye to his family, “not yet”. Elijah permitted Elisha to do this, but Jesus’ message was urgent as He was preparing for death. He compared this to a man at the plow looking back. The response of none of these three men is recorded, but I suspect none of them followed at that time.