And He and His disciplesThis phrase highlights the close relationship between Jesus and His disciples, who were His constant companions and students. The disciples were chosen by Jesus to learn from His teachings and witness His miracles, preparing them for their future roles in spreading the Gospel. This group often traveled together, emphasizing the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry. The presence of the disciples also underscores the importance of discipleship in the Christian faith, where learning and following Jesus' teachings are central.
went on to another village.
This part of the verse indicates movement and mission. Jesus' ministry was itinerant, meaning He traveled from place to place to preach the Kingdom of God. The decision to move to another village reflects Jesus' commitment to spreading His message widely, not limited to one location. This movement can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy inIsaiah 61:1, where the Messiah is described as bringing good news to the poor and proclaiming liberty to the captives. The phrase also suggests a rejection or lack of acceptance in the previous location, which is a recurring theme in the Gospels, highlighting the varied responses to Jesus' message. This movement to another village can be seen as a strategic decision to reach more people and fulfill His mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus (Son of Man)Central figure in this passage, emphasizing His mission of salvation rather than destruction.
2.
James and John (Disciples)Known as the "Sons of Thunder," they initially suggested calling down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus.
3.
Samaritan VillageThe location that refused to welcome Jesus, highlighting the tension between Jews and Samaritans.
4.
DisciplesThe broader group accompanying Jesus, learning from His teachings and actions.
5.
Another VillageRepresents the continuation of Jesus' mission despite rejection, emphasizing perseverance in ministry.
Teaching Points
Mission of MercyJesus' mission is characterized by mercy and salvation, not judgment and destruction. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this same mission of mercy in our interactions with others.
Responding to RejectionWhen faced with rejection or hostility, our response should mirror Jesus' example of grace and perseverance. We should continue our mission without harboring resentment or seeking revenge.
Understanding God's PatienceGod's patience and desire for all to be saved should inspire us to be patient and compassionate towards those who oppose or reject us.
Loving Our EnemiesJesus' teachings challenge us to love and pray for our enemies, transforming our natural inclinations towards anger and retaliation into opportunities for demonstrating Christ-like love.
Perseverance in MinistryDespite setbacks or opposition, we are encouraged to press on in our ministry efforts, trusting that God will open doors and provide opportunities for His work to continue.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 9:56?
2.How does Luke 9:56 demonstrate Jesus' mission of salvation over judgment?
3.What can we learn from Jesus' response to rejection in Luke 9:56?
4.How does Luke 9:56 connect with John 3:17 about Jesus' purpose?
5.How should we respond to rejection based on Jesus' example in Luke 9:56?
6.How can Luke 9:56 guide our approach to evangelism and conflict resolution?
7.What does Luke 9:56 reveal about Jesus' mission and character?
8.How does Luke 9:56 challenge our understanding of judgment and mercy?
9.Why is the omission of certain phrases in Luke 9:56 significant?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 9?
11.Luke 9:3-6: How could the disciples realistically survive traveling with no staff, bag, or extra food, and is there any historical record supporting this?
12.Luke 24:11: Why would those closest to Jesus dismiss the women's testimony if Jesus had foretold His resurrection?
13.Why did Jesus tell His disciples to sell their cloaks and buy swords (Luke 22:36)?
14.What did Jesus mean by 'some will not taste death'?What Does Luke 9:56 Mean
And HeJesus is the subject and initiator of every movement in the Gospel narrative.
• His deliberate choices reveal His divine mission (John 4:34).
• After rebuking James and John for wanting to call down fire (Luke 9:55), He personally leads the next step, modeling mercy (Matthew 5:44).
• This underscores that Christ’s actions always align with the Father’s will (John 5:19).
and His disciplesThe Twelve are included in His response, learning by imitation.
• They had just witnessed rejection by a Samaritan village; now they see how to respond (1 Peter 2:23).
• Traveling with Him binds them into a growing witness team (Mark 3:14).
• Their presence highlights discipleship as shared life, not mere classroom instruction (Philippians 3:17).
went onJesus does not linger in offense or retaliation.
• Moving forward demonstrates mission-minded perseverance (Luke 4:43).
• It embodies the teaching He later gives to shake dust off unresponsive towns (Matthew 10:14;Acts 13:51).
• “Went on” shows trust that the Father has prepared other hearts elsewhere (Acts 18:10).
to another villageOpportunities are abundant when one door closes.
• The Gospel is for “all the towns and villages” (Matthew 9:35).
• By heading to a different Samaritan settlement, He models indiscriminate grace (Acts 1:8).
• This move proclaims that rejection never halts redemption’s advance (2 Timothy 2:9).
summaryLuke 9:56 teaches that when Jesus faces rejection He chooses mercy, includes His followers in the lesson, and presses ahead to fresh fields of ministry. His example calls believers to relinquish resentment, stay on mission, and trust God to open new doors for the saving message of the Gospel.
(56)
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives.--Here, again, we have to note the absence of the words from many of the better MSS. It is, perhaps, open to conjecture that they were inserted from an oral tradition that had preserved what the Evangelist in his written record had omitted.
Verse 56. -
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. This entire clause is absent in a large majority of the elder authorities. On every principle of criticism it must be, if not struck out, at least marked as of doubtful authenticity. Commentators are, however, vary loth to part with the words, which breathe, as has been remarked, "a spirit far purer, loftier, and rarer than is usually discernible in ecclesiastical interpolations." They are certainly very old, as old almost as the apostolic age, being found in the Italic and Peshito, the most venerable of versions. Many, therefore, of the contemporaries of apostolic men must have read these words as a genuine utterance of our Lord
. And they went to another village. The Greek word translated "another" suggests that our Lord, after the insult offered by the Samaritans, quietly turned his steps to a Jewish community.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they went onἐπορεύθησαν(eporeuthēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.anotherἑτέραν(heteran)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2087:(a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.village.κώμην(kōmēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2968:A village, country town. From keimai; a hamlet.
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NT Gospels: Luke 9:56 For the Son of Man didn't come (Luke Lu Lk) 
