Background

Luke chapter 9 verses 37 to 51 - On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only boy, and a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves. "I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they could not." And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men." But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this statement.

An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by his side, and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives Him who sent me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you." When the days were approaching for his ascension, he was determined to go to Jerusalem.

The passage makes clear that the focus coming from Jesus’ meeting at the transfiguration on the mountain was to go to Jerusalem knowing that he would die there (Luke chapter 9 verse 51). Jesus evidently had other things to do first. He had to complete his ministry.

The passage gives clues about the further work required.

Faith

Jesus gets frustrated with his disciples. They were unable to heal a sick child and cast out a demon (verses 37 to 41). Jesus had already covered this training. He had recently sent them out with authority over all demons and to heal diseases (verse 1), and they were successful in their endeavours (verse 10).

He was not amused that they had failed on this occasion (verse 41). He lets them know that he would not be around much longer and would need them to do this job (verse 44). Here was one reason why he needed to be with them a bit longer.

The disciples needed more maturity. Peter for example lacked consistency. He quickly went from being inspired (verse 20) to over-enthusiastic (verse 33). He still kept these traits and had hard lessons to learn (Matthew chapter 26 verses 69 to 75). However, with the extra training he had learnt sufficiently to maintain his faith (2 Peter chapter 1 verse 1).

There are lessons about faith. It can seem to be something that can come and go. Some circumstances such as the clear purpose set out by Jesus when he commissioned the apostles seem to help (verse 1). Whereas other seemingly ad hoc events came as a surprise. Unless nurtured and developed, faith may be absent when needed (verse 40).

Jesus repeats the exercise, sending 70 this time (chapter 10 verses 1 to 17). On their return he gives a warning about attitude and motivation (verse 20). It would be easy to become seduced by power.

This authority was also displayed in the early church (Acts chapter 5 verse 16). Note that this does not necessarily deliver a welcome response (verses 17,18).

Understanding

Understanding the times is important. What is the Holy Spirit doing, or wanting us to be doing, now? At times during Jesus’ ministry he was healing everyone he came across (Luke chapter 9 verse 11). At this time he was wanting the disciples to be doing the same. The disciples were living through experiences that were stretching them, raising more questions than time to discuss them. The transfiguration experience was baffling and the new message of Jesus was too difficult for them to take in at the time (Luke chapter 9 verses 22 to 27, 45). Jesus needed to spend more time explaining. Although this was still something that they only understood on reflection after the event ‘That was what he meant’.

There are times when we may know we are where we should be and doing what we should be doing, but not fully understanding the context. Jesus wants us to trust him at these times. They are often ones where hindsight gives insight.

When Jesus and the Holy Spirit speak and move, they can do new things beyond understanding. However, it is important that they are explained. Jesus needed longer with his disciples to provide explanations and answer questions. They learned this lesson so when extraordinary events began occurring at Pentecost, Peter stood up and explained what was happening (Acts chapter 2 verses 22 to 24, 32 to 36).

Humility

This was a critical lesson that needed repeating. Despite their recent failure causing Jesus to become annoyed, the disciples still managed to start an argument amongst themselves as to who was the greatest (Luke chapter 9 verses 46 to 48). Jesus had to underline that discipleship had nothing to do with pride or status. It was all about service (verse 23; chapter 6 verses 20 to 26). This clearly was one of the hardest lessons to get through. It needed repeating (Luke chapter 22 verses 24 to 30). The intent of the disciples was to see Jesus as the new king with them in a privileged position not as someone serving humanity even when it involved rejection and the cross.

Openness / Inclusivity

The disciples struggled with, and tried to stop, anyone who followed Jesus in a different way from them (verses 49, 50). It is easy to be narrow-minded, rejecting anything different, becoming exclusive. Jesus had already tackled the religious leaders about this, for example about forgiveness (chapter 5 verses 30 to 32) and eating with (what they considered to be) unworthy people calling them ‘sinners’ (chapter 7 verses 36 to 39). Jesus wanted to be as inclusive as possible, even carrying out miracles to let people stay with him (chapter 9 verses 12 to17). Jesus wants to reach the whole world, everyone, no-one excluded, with his message of forgiveness (chapter 24 verse 47; Acts chapter 2 verses 37 to 39).

Jesus stayed with his disciples for longer, to increase their faith, understanding, serving heart and openness. We need him around through his Spirit to teach us the same (John chapter 14 verses 16,17, 25, 26).