9:1 Then he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to cure diseases.
9:2 He sent them out to proclaim the sanctuary of God and to heal.
9:3 Then he told them, “Take nothing for your journey – neither a staff or a bag, nor bread or money – and don’t even take two tunics.
9:4 Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that village.
9:5 And for those who don’t receive you, as you leave that village, shake the dust off your feet to witness your opposition.
9:6 They departed and went throughout the villages preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
9:7 Once Herod the governor heard of these things, he was perplexed because some said that John had risen from the dead.
9:8 Others said Elijah had returned and still others that one of the ancient prophets had risen again.
9:9 Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded, so who is this man that I am hearing about?” He kept trying to see him.
9:10 When the messengers returned, they reported to Jesus everything they had done. He took them along and withdrew alone to a village called Bethsaida.
9:11 But the crowds learned of this and followed him. Welcoming them, he spoke to them about the sanctuary of God and cured those who needed healing.
9:12 Once the day came to an end, the twelve approached and requested of him, “Please send the crowd away so they may travel to the nearby villages and countryside to find lodging and something to eat, because we are in a desolate place.”
9:13 But he told them, “Give them something to eat.” They replied, “We only have five loaves and two fish. Or perhaps we should go and buy some food for all the people.”
9:14 As there were some five thousand people, he told his disciples, “Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty.”
9:15 They did this – they had all of them sit down.
9:16 Then he held the five loaves and the two fish and looked up towards heaven and he offered them to God. He broke them and gave them to the disciples to place down for the people.
9:17 And they ate and everyone was satisfied. The remaining fragments filled twelve baskets.
9:18 Later, as he was praying in seclusion, his disciples came to him and he asked them, “Who do the people say I am?”
9:19 They replied, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but still others say that one of the ancient Prophets has appeared again.”
9:20 He said to them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Anointed of God [Messiah, Christ].”
9:21 He sternly instructed them not to tell this to anyone.
9:22 He told them the Servant of Humanity will suffer and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and will be killed, and will appear on the third day.
9:23 Then he told them all, “If one wants to follow me he must deny himself and pull up his stake1 daily and follow me.
9:24 Because one who wants to save his soul will lose it, but one who is willing to lose his soul for my sake will save it.
9:25 For how can one profit if he gains the material world and destroys or forfeits his own self?
9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and my teachings, of him will the Servant of Humanity be ashamed when he appears in his and the Creator’s glory, and that of the Holy Messengers.
9:27 Yet I tell you truly, there are some who stand here who will not taste death before they know the sanctuary of God.”
9:28 About eight days after these statements, he took along Peter, John and James, and climbed up a mountain to pray.
9:29 During his prayers, his appearance changed and his garment turned white and shimmering.
9:30 Then suddenly two men were talking with him – Moses and Elijah.
9:31 They appeared in splendor, and spoke of his coming exodus,2 which was to be completed in Jerusalem.
9:32 Yet Peter and his companions were very sleepy. And when they awoke, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
9:33 Then as they were leaving him, without realizing what he was saying, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us put up three tents – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
9:34 While he said this, a cloud came and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they were shrouded by the cloud.
9:35 Then there came a voice from the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Representative – listen to him!”
9:36 When the voice finished, Jesus was alone. They kept this secret and reported nothing of what they saw to anyone during that time.
9:37 Then later on the next day, as they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met them.
9:38 And suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Master, I beg you, take a look at my son, for he is my only child.
9:39 Just look, a spirit seized him and he immediately began crying and convulsing and frothing – and he only leaves him with difficulty, bruising him as he departs.
9:40 I begged your disciples to drive it out but they couldn’t.”
9:41 Then Jesus replied, “O unbelieving perverse society, how long will I be with you and suffer you? Bring your son here.”
9:42 Before he could approach, the demon threw him down and he convulsed. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
9:43 They were all astonished at the magnificence of God. But as they were marveling at all the things Jesus did, Jesus told his disciples:
9:44 “Let these words sink into your ears, because the Servant of Humanity will be delivered into the hands of men.”
9:45 But they didn’t understand this, as it was hidden from them so they couldn’t perceive it – and they were afraid to ask him what he was saying.
9:46 Then a controversy arose between them – which of them is greatest.
9:47 Understanding the thoughts within their hearts, Jesus picked up a child and placed him by his side.
9:48 Then he told them, “Whoever will respect this child for my sake respects me. And whoever respects me will respect Him who sent me: For one who is least among you, that person will be great.
9:49 Then John spoke up, “Master we saw someone driving out demons in your name so we forbade him – because he didn’t follow with us.”
9:50 Jesus told him, “Do not forbid him – for one who is not against us is with us.”
9:51 Then later, when the time approached for his ascension to the spiritual realm,3 he became determined to travel to Jerusalem.
9:52 Then he sent messengers out ahead and they entered a Samaritan village to make arrangements for him.
9:53 But they didn’t welcome him because he appeared to be on his way to Jerusalem.
9:54 When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Master, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
9:55 He turned and chastised them.
9:56 Then they went to another village.
9:57 As they were on their way, someone said to him, “I will follow you where ever you go.”
9:58 Then Jesus told him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests. But the Servant of Humanity has nowhere to lay his head.”
9:59 Then he told another, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Master, let me first go bury my father.”
9:60 Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But as for you, go and preach the sanctuary of God.”
9:61 Another also said, “I will follow you Master, but first let me say goodbye to my family.”
9:62 But Jesus told him, “No one who looks back after putting his hand to the plow is fit for the sanctuary of God.”
Footnotes:
1. Verse 9:23. The Greek word σταυρός (stauros) refers to a stake (“an upright stake” according to the lexicon). Stakes were used to prop up grapes and other vines on a farm. This term, “to pull up stakes” (singular, “pull up his stake”) refers to leaving behind everything – is still in use today. Jesus was speaking to rural villagers and frequently used farming analogies such as the farmer and the seeds, the vineyard owner and many others. Note also that Jesus did not carry his cross – it was carried by Simon of Cyrene. It is thus questionable that Jesus was telling his followers to pick up and carry a cross every day. Rather, Jesus is requesting that his followers regularly leave behind or reject their material attachments, and follow his teachings.
2. Verse 9:31. The Greek word ἔξοδος (exodus) – discussed by Moses and Elijah – clearly refers to an exodus: A time of departure. They are discussing Jesus’ departure from the physical world after his body is murdered.
3. Verse 9:51. The Greek word ἀνάλημψις (analēmpsis) refers to “a taking up” but also, according to the lexicon, “of the ascension of Jesus into heaven.”
9:2 He sent them out to proclaim the sanctuary of God and to heal.
9:3 Then he told them, “Take nothing for your journey – neither a staff or a bag, nor bread or money – and don’t even take two tunics.
9:4 Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that village.
9:5 And for those who don’t receive you, as you leave that village, shake the dust off your feet to witness your opposition.
9:6 They departed and went throughout the villages preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
9:7 Once Herod the governor heard of these things, he was perplexed because some said that John had risen from the dead.
9:8 Others said Elijah had returned and still others that one of the ancient prophets had risen again.
9:9 Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded, so who is this man that I am hearing about?” He kept trying to see him.
9:10 When the messengers returned, they reported to Jesus everything they had done. He took them along and withdrew alone to a village called Bethsaida.
9:11 But the crowds learned of this and followed him. Welcoming them, he spoke to them about the sanctuary of God and cured those who needed healing.
9:12 Once the day came to an end, the twelve approached and requested of him, “Please send the crowd away so they may travel to the nearby villages and countryside to find lodging and something to eat, because we are in a desolate place.”
9:13 But he told them, “Give them something to eat.” They replied, “We only have five loaves and two fish. Or perhaps we should go and buy some food for all the people.”
9:14 As there were some five thousand people, he told his disciples, “Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty.”
9:15 They did this – they had all of them sit down.
9:16 Then he held the five loaves and the two fish and looked up towards heaven and he offered them to God. He broke them and gave them to the disciples to place down for the people.
9:17 And they ate and everyone was satisfied. The remaining fragments filled twelve baskets.
9:18 Later, as he was praying in seclusion, his disciples came to him and he asked them, “Who do the people say I am?”
9:19 They replied, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but still others say that one of the ancient Prophets has appeared again.”
9:20 He said to them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Anointed of God [Messiah, Christ].”
9:21 He sternly instructed them not to tell this to anyone.
9:22 He told them the Servant of Humanity will suffer and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and will be killed, and will appear on the third day.
9:23 Then he told them all, “If one wants to follow me he must deny himself and pull up his stake1 daily and follow me.
9:24 Because one who wants to save his soul will lose it, but one who is willing to lose his soul for my sake will save it.
9:25 For how can one profit if he gains the material world and destroys or forfeits his own self?
9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and my teachings, of him will the Servant of Humanity be ashamed when he appears in his and the Creator’s glory, and that of the Holy Messengers.
9:27 Yet I tell you truly, there are some who stand here who will not taste death before they know the sanctuary of God.”
9:28 About eight days after these statements, he took along Peter, John and James, and climbed up a mountain to pray.
9:29 During his prayers, his appearance changed and his garment turned white and shimmering.
9:30 Then suddenly two men were talking with him – Moses and Elijah.
9:31 They appeared in splendor, and spoke of his coming exodus,2 which was to be completed in Jerusalem.
9:32 Yet Peter and his companions were very sleepy. And when they awoke, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
9:33 Then as they were leaving him, without realizing what he was saying, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us put up three tents – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
9:34 While he said this, a cloud came and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they were shrouded by the cloud.
9:35 Then there came a voice from the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Representative – listen to him!”
9:36 When the voice finished, Jesus was alone. They kept this secret and reported nothing of what they saw to anyone during that time.
9:37 Then later on the next day, as they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met them.
9:38 And suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Master, I beg you, take a look at my son, for he is my only child.
9:39 Just look, a spirit seized him and he immediately began crying and convulsing and frothing – and he only leaves him with difficulty, bruising him as he departs.
9:40 I begged your disciples to drive it out but they couldn’t.”
9:41 Then Jesus replied, “O unbelieving perverse society, how long will I be with you and suffer you? Bring your son here.”
9:42 Before he could approach, the demon threw him down and he convulsed. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
9:43 They were all astonished at the magnificence of God. But as they were marveling at all the things Jesus did, Jesus told his disciples:
9:44 “Let these words sink into your ears, because the Servant of Humanity will be delivered into the hands of men.”
9:45 But they didn’t understand this, as it was hidden from them so they couldn’t perceive it – and they were afraid to ask him what he was saying.
9:46 Then a controversy arose between them – which of them is greatest.
9:47 Understanding the thoughts within their hearts, Jesus picked up a child and placed him by his side.
9:48 Then he told them, “Whoever will respect this child for my sake respects me. And whoever respects me will respect Him who sent me: For one who is least among you, that person will be great.
9:49 Then John spoke up, “Master we saw someone driving out demons in your name so we forbade him – because he didn’t follow with us.”
9:50 Jesus told him, “Do not forbid him – for one who is not against us is with us.”
9:51 Then later, when the time approached for his ascension to the spiritual realm,3 he became determined to travel to Jerusalem.
9:52 Then he sent messengers out ahead and they entered a Samaritan village to make arrangements for him.
9:53 But they didn’t welcome him because he appeared to be on his way to Jerusalem.
9:54 When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Master, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
9:55 He turned and chastised them.
9:56 Then they went to another village.
9:57 As they were on their way, someone said to him, “I will follow you where ever you go.”
9:58 Then Jesus told him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests. But the Servant of Humanity has nowhere to lay his head.”
9:59 Then he told another, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Master, let me first go bury my father.”
9:60 Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But as for you, go and preach the sanctuary of God.”
9:61 Another also said, “I will follow you Master, but first let me say goodbye to my family.”
9:62 But Jesus told him, “No one who looks back after putting his hand to the plow is fit for the sanctuary of God.”
Footnotes:
1. Verse 9:23. The Greek word σταυρός (stauros) refers to a stake (“an upright stake” according to the lexicon). Stakes were used to prop up grapes and other vines on a farm. This term, “to pull up stakes” (singular, “pull up his stake”) refers to leaving behind everything – is still in use today. Jesus was speaking to rural villagers and frequently used farming analogies such as the farmer and the seeds, the vineyard owner and many others. Note also that Jesus did not carry his cross – it was carried by Simon of Cyrene. It is thus questionable that Jesus was telling his followers to pick up and carry a cross every day. Rather, Jesus is requesting that his followers regularly leave behind or reject their material attachments, and follow his teachings.
2. Verse 9:31. The Greek word ἔξοδος (exodus) – discussed by Moses and Elijah – clearly refers to an exodus: A time of departure. They are discussing Jesus’ departure from the physical world after his body is murdered.
3. Verse 9:51. The Greek word ἀνάλημψις (analēmpsis) refers to “a taking up” but also, according to the lexicon, “of the ascension of Jesus into heaven.”
