The Disciples’ Failings (Luke 9:37-50)

The return from the transfiguration is a return to the failing world for sure. Jesus and the disciples with Him return to squabbles and failures of the other disciples. They have not managed to free a possessed boy. Jesus displays frustration with the people (including His disciples) for their faithlessness and messed up view of the world, and heals the boy. This event is followed by three failed understandings of the disciples.

First, Jesus again predicts His coming crucifixion and death, but the disciples can’t understand what He is talking about and fail to ask for clarification.

Second, they have an argument about which of them is) or will be) the greatest. Jesus puts a stop to this by teaching them about true greatness in His Kingdom. He compares Himself to a lowly child. Receiving the least in society is akin to receiving Jesus Himself. Those who are the least, i.e. humble, are the greatest in the Kingdom. “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12:15b,16)

Finally, the disciples are frustrated by another who is casting demons out in Jesus’s name. Jesus tells them to stop thwarting such people. Those who are opposing evil in Jesus name are not against them. The disciples need to fight the real enemies and not distract themselves by infighting.

We do well to heed Jesus’s teaching today. In our own faithless and twisted tendencies, we need to stay in step with Jesus and follow His lead. We will accomplish our ministries, understand His plans, learn our place, and argue less if we will stay close to Him.