When the mountain is bathed in the glory of God we are loath to leave it. But we must not tarry in the enjoyment of its raptures, when the plain contains so much misery. Saints and angels on the one hand, demons on the other! The disciples that have not enjoyed the mountain fellowship have no power over the unclean spirits that haunt men. It is easy to denounce demons; we must do more-we must exorcize them.
But let it never be forgotten that if you are able to cope with the devil, in the power of God, you must be prepared for the Cross, Luke 9:44-45. We cannot die for men, as Jesus did; but we can suffer rebuke and shame with Him, and thus "fill up that which is behind" of His afflictions, Colossians 1:24.
Let us seek the child-heart! We must distinguish between childishness and childlikeness. One of the loveliest pictures of the coming time is Isaiah 11:6. Only childlike souls can tame and conquer the beasts. Let us welcome simple holy souls, and be ourselves of that class; and let us cultivate large-hearted charity toward those who cast out demons, though they be not of our school. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 9
1Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach 7Herod desires to see Jesus 10The apostles return 12Jesus feeds five thousand; 18inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion; 23proposes to all the pattern of his patience 28The transfiguration 37He heals the lunatic; 43again forewarns his disciples of his passion; 46commends humility; 51bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge 57Many would follow him, but upon conditions
Greek Commentary for Luke 9:50
“Against you is for you” [κατ μων υπερ μων] Mark 9:40 has “against us is for us” The Koiné Greek ē and μη κωλυετε μη ū were often pronounced alike and it was easy to interchange them. So many MSS. here read just as in Mark. The point is precisely the same as it is a proverbial saying. See a similar saying in Luke 11:23: “He that is not with me is against me.” The prohibition here as in Mark 9:39 is general: “Stop hindering him” The lesson of toleration in methods of work for Christ is needed today. [source]
Greek Commentary for Luke 9:50
Mark 9:40 has “against us is for us” The Koiné Greek ē and μη κωλυετε μη ū were often pronounced alike and it was easy to interchange them. So many MSS. here read just as in Mark. The point is precisely the same as it is a proverbial saying. See a similar saying in Luke 11:23: “He that is not with me is against me.” The prohibition here as in Mark 9:39 is general: “Stop hindering him” The lesson of toleration in methods of work for Christ is needed today. [source]