43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, 44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. 45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. 46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. 49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. (Luke 9:43-50 KJV)
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
In this passage, we see the strong impression Christ’s miracles made on those who witnessed them. “They were all amazed at the mighty power of God” (Luke 9:43). Every action of Jesus carried something extraordinary that pointed to divine power. He is the power of God, and his name is Wonderful.
While everyone marveled at his works, Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men” (Luke 9:44). They had been nurturing expectations of a glorious, earthly kingdom, assuming his miracles and growing popularity would bring about political power. But Jesus made it clear: instead of reigning in worldly glory, he would be delivered up to suffer and die. The miracles would not prevent his rejection.
Jesus introduced this solemn truth with urgency: “Let these words sink into your ears.” He called them to pay close attention, to receive his words with faith, and not let their mistaken expectations block their understanding.
Yet they did not grasp what he meant. “It was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it” (Luke 9:45). Though the meaning was plain, they refused to accept it because it clashed with their assumptions. Fear of losing their hopes kept them from asking questions. Their misunderstanding wasn’t because the truth was too hard to understand, but because they were unwilling to let go of their cherished ideas.