Luke 9:51

"Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.”"

Key Reflection

In Luke 9:51, Jesus instructs his disciples to accept a man who has been ministering without them, as he recognizes that any effort toward the kingdom, even if not directly under his leadership, still serves God's purpose. This reflects first-century Jewish values where unity and support among religious leaders were crucial, making it surprising for Jesus to permit such actions, highlighting the flexibility of his mission beyond traditional boundaries.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 51. Should be received up. The word here translated "received up" means literally a removal from a lower to a higher place, and here it refers evidently to the solemn ascension of Jesus to heaven. It is often used to describe that great event. See Ac 1:11,22; Mr 16:19, 1 Ti 3:16. The time appointed for him to remain on the earth was about expiring, and he resolved to go to Jerusalem and die. And from this we learn that Jesus made a voluntary sacrifice; that he chose to give his life for the sins of men.

Related Verses

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