Notes on Luke 9:7-22

Luke 9:7-9

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.

Luke 9:10-11

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).

Luke 9:12-13

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.

Luke 9:14

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).

Luke 9:16-17

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.

Luke 9:18-22

These verses mark an important shift in the narrative of Luke. Jesus began directly instructing the disciples about his identity as the Christ. This included the nature of his work the Savior who would die for the sins of his people and rise again as King.

Luke 9:18

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).

Luke 9:21

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).

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