The Disciples’ Growing Confusion

Rev. Dr. Arthur Just, professor of exegetical theology and acting dean of the chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 9:37-50.

This text serves as a pivot from Jesus’ Galilean ministry to His journey toward Jerusalem. As Jesus descends the mountain of His transfiguration, His disciples’ confusion concerning His coming suffering and death only grows. They had been unable to cast out a demon from a man’s only son; Jesus exclaims concerning the faithlessness of this generation and then shows Himself to be the faithful Savior, healing and freeing this man’s son from demonic affliction. As all marvel at God’s majesty, Jesus reiterates what He must do. He predicts His Passion for a second time, focusing clearly on His suffering at the hands of men. The correct understanding of Jesus’ Words remains hidden from the disciples at this time; this is made plain by their argument concerning greatness. Jesus teaches them concerning true greatness in His kingdom by the example of receiving a helpless child in His name. Although the disciples’ darkness grows, Jesus will reverse this and open their minds after His resurrection from the dead.

“The Beloved Physician’s Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.