Luke 9:43
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,
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The crowd's amazement at Jesus' power was common—people flocked for miracles, healings, and exorcisms. Yet Jesus consistently redirected from sensationalism to discipleship. Many wanted a miracle-working Messiah who would overthrow Rome and establish an earthly kingdom. Jesus refused this role, teaching that the kingdom comes through the cross. The contrast between crowd amazement and disciple instruction reflects Jesus' ministry pattern—public miracles demonstrated authority, but private teaching prepared disciples for the church age. After Pentecost, the apostles would perform similar miracles (Acts 3:1-10, 5:12-16), but always pointing to Christ crucified and risen, not sensational power.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Luke emphasize the crowd marveled at God's power rather than merely Jesus' ability?
- What danger exists in being amazed at Jesus' miracles while refusing His call to cross-bearing discipleship?
- How does Jesus' immediate shift from public miracle to private instruction about suffering correct superficial faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
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, The phrase exeplēssonto de pantes epi tē megaleiotēti tou Theou (ἐξεπλήσσοντο δὲ πάντες ἐπὶ τῇ μεγαλειότητι τοῦ θεοῦ, "they were all astonished at the majesty of God") uses exeplēssonto (were struck with amazement) and megaleiotēti (μεγαλειότητι, "greatness," "majesty," or "mighty power")—God's transcendent power manifested through Jesus.
Luke emphasizes the crowd marveled at the mighty power of God, not merely Jesus' skill—the exorcism revealed divine authority. Yet while they wondered (pantōn de thaumazontōn, πάντων δὲ θαυμαζόντων, "while all were marveling") at His miracles, he said unto his disciples (εἶπεν πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ)—Jesus redirected attention from spectacle to mission. The crowd's amazement was superficial—they wanted miracles without discipleship, power without the cross. Jesus immediately taught about His coming suffering (v. 44), showing that true faith embraces both Christ's power and His passion.