The sixth Sunday of Epiphany – February 16, 2025

 

Scripture reading: Luke 9:37-43

 

Jesus heals the demonized boy

37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” 41 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

  • Three things worth noting in the miracle account:
  1. Jesus’ compassion on the father and his “only son” (v.38). Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18; Ps 103:13. Compassion is woven into the divine nature.
  2. Jesus’ frustration with his generation (v. 41). Fed up. Stylized vocative: “O unbelieving/perverse generation (Dt 32:20). How long…?” Why? They were all doubting God’s ability to intervene in this young man’s plight. Says they are “without faith” and “twisted.” Whom? This “generation” (genea): Lk 11:5021:32 Does Jesus get frustrated with us today? (Rev 2 and 3).
  3. Jesus’ authority over the kingdom of darkness (v.42). Why can’t the disciples cast out the demon? Jesus gave authority in 9:1. What happened? 1) Got cocky? 2) A higher-level principality? (Mk 9:29 prayer). But Jesus exercises the authority he displayed on the Mount of Transfiguration. Lesson: Use your authority!

Jesus again warns his disciples about his impending death

43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

  • This is the second time he warns them. Total of six times before his death.
  • “Did not understand…hidden” – Two requirements for understanding truth: 1) We must study it: Lk 2:52; Lk 24:25-27. 2) God must reveal it: Dt 29:29; 1 Cor 2:10-16:
  • Lesson: Hunger, study and ask for understanding continually!

Jesus teaches the disciples about true greatness

46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

  • Why would this come up at this point? Lk 9:10: had done miracles on their missionary tour (healings, exorcisms, preaching). The three went up the mountain.
  • “took a little child” – Status and position were of critical importance in first century culture. Kids had none. Message: your greatness comes not from your accomplishments, social standing, etc. It comes from your relationship to me!
  • Lesson: Seek the Lord, cultivate humility and brag about others!

Jesus teaches the disciples about true unity

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

  • Christians must balance two concerns simultaneously: 1) Hold to the truth steadfastly (Jude 3; 1 Jn 4:1). We must assess the beliefs and practices of others through the lens of Scripture (1 Thess 5:21); 2) Keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4:3-6). Don’t judge (Lk 6:37; 1 Cor 4:5).
  • How access? 1) We examine their fruit (Mt 7:18), 2) We evaluate their theology through a theological taxonomy (Rev 2:2).
  • Taxonomy/arrangement. All truth important; not of equal importance. 1st Order: God is One and three, Christ is both God and man, Salvation is in Christ alone, Christ is returning to reign, the Bible is God’s inspired Word. 2nd Order: How 1st Order truths are so, how Christ is present in the Eucharist, how the church is to be structured. 3rd Order: the way human and divine wills interact, the precise mode of baptism, the exact timing of Christ’s return.
  • Lesson: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” (attr. Peter Meiderlin, 1627).

Holy Communion