Luke 9:55

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

But {G1161} he turned {G4762}, and rebuked {G2008} them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Ye know {G1492} not {G3756} what manner {G3634} of spirit {G4151} ye {G5210} are of {G2075}.

But he turned and rebuked them.

But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

But he turned, and rebuked them.

Luke 9:55 is a pivotal verse that reveals the heart of Jesus's ministry and the spirit His followers are called to embody. It comes as a sharp rebuke to two of His closest disciples, James and John, who had a strong reaction to rejection.

Context

This verse is set during Jesus's resolute journey towards Jerusalem, a journey He had "stedfastly set his face to go" (Luke 9:51). As He passed through a Samaritan village, the inhabitants refused to receive Him, likely because He was headed to Jerusalem, the rival religious center. In response, James and John, known as the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), indignantly asked, "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" (Luke 9:54), referencing the prophet Elijah's actions in 2 Kings 1:10. Jesus's response in Luke 9:55 is a direct and powerful correction of their misguided zeal.

Key Themes

  • The Spirit of Christ's Ministry: Jesus's mission was fundamentally one of salvation, not destruction. He came "not to destroy men's lives, but to save them" (Luke 9:56). This rebuke highlights the stark contrast between the disciples' desire for immediate judgment and Christ's divine patience and mercy, even in the face of rejection.
  • Misunderstanding Discipleship: James and John, despite being close to Jesus, still harbored an Old Testament understanding of divine justice that was not aligned with the new commandment of love and grace Jesus was inaugurating. Their zeal was self-righteous or rooted in personal offense rather than the Spirit of God.
  • Discernment of Motives: The phrase "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" challenges the disciples to examine their internal motivations. It implies that their immediate reaction stemmed from a spirit of anger, vengeance, or intolerance, rather than the fruit of the Spirit like love, patience, and gentleness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "what manner of spirit ye are of" points to the inherent disposition or character that was driving their actions. The Greek word for "spirit" (pneuma) here refers to their inner attitude, disposition, or the animating principle behind their desire for retribution. Jesus implies that their spirit was contrary to His own, which was one of grace and reconciliation, even towards those who rejected Him.

Practical Application

Luke 9:55 serves as a timeless reminder for all believers:

  • Examine Our Own Hearts: When faced with opposition, rejection, or offense, we must ask ourselves what spirit is motivating our response. Is it the Spirit of Christ, characterized by love and forgiveness (Matthew 5:44), or a spirit of anger, judgment, or self-vindication?
  • Embrace Christ's Character: True discipleship involves adopting Jesus's approach to the world—an approach marked by compassion, patience, and a desire for salvation, not condemnation.
  • Beware of Misguided Zeal: Passion for God must always be tempered by His character and His revealed will. Zeal without knowledge or love can lead to actions that are contrary to the Gospel.

This verse calls us to reflect deeply on our own "spirit" and ensure it aligns with the gentle, merciful, and saving spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Job 31:29

    If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

  • Job 31:31

    If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  • Job 2:10

    But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

  • Job 26:4

    To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?

  • Numbers 20:10

    And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
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