In the same way that people gather for a meal in a home, sitting in groups, table by table.

Or, farms.

For vv. 12-17, see notes in Matt. 14:15-21.

See note Mark 6:27^1b.

See note Matt. 10:9¹.

See note Luke 4:43². So throughout the chapter.

See note Mark 1:27^1c and note Matt. 10:1².

Some MSS add, apostles.

See note Mark 6:43¹.

For vv. 18-27, see notes in Matt. 16:13-28.

The Greek word means to be rejected on trial, implying deliberate rejection.

Or, destroy... destroys.

A word used by merchants.

Lit., flashing like lightning.

This was God's word of revelation. It interrupted Peter's nonsensical word in v. 33.

Some MSS read, Beloved.

Lit., occurred.

For vv. 28-36, see notes in Matt. 17:1-9.

Lit., upon, or, on; i.e., based on, according to.

See note Mark 9:38¹.

See note Mark 9:39¹.

See note Mark 9:40¹.

See note Mark 10:1¹.

James and John were called "sons of thunder," indicating their impetuosity (Mark 3:17 and note 1). Their impetuous word here was against the virtue and morality of the Savior whom they accompanied (see note Mark 9:38¹).

Some MSS add, as also Elijah did.

Most ancient MSS omit, and said...you are.

This word, "You do not know of what kind of spirit you are," which shows the high morality of the Man-Savior, is found only in Luke.

Most ancient MSS omit, The Son...save them.

Lit., souls.

He was one of the scribes (Matt. 8:19), who usually lived comfortably. He saw crowds being attracted to the Savior (Matt. 8:18) and wanted to follow Him out of curiosity, without counting the cost (see note 19¹ in Matt. 8). Hence, the Savior cautioned him by pointing out that although crowds were attracted to Him, He had nowhere to rest, indicating to the scribe that to follow Him would cost him considerable suffering.

The Savior's human life was one of suffering. In the inn, at His birth, there was no room in which He could lie (Luke 2:7); and in His marvelous ministry there was no place for Him to rest. Suffering was a sign of His human life (Luke 2:12).

This one was called by the Savior to follow Him. But he considered his duty to his dead father and would not follow Him immediately. Hence, the Savior encouraged him to pay the price (see note Matt. 8:21¹) that he might become a follower in His great commission to announce the kingdom of God.

The burying one was spiritually dead (John 5:25; Eph. 2:1), and the one to be buried was physically dead. To engage in such a burial was to do a dead work.

To announce the kingdom of God is a living deed, a deed that makes the dead alive so that they can enter into the kingdom of God.

This third one volunteered to follow the Savior, but would not do so before bidding farewell to his family. Hence, the Savior warned him not to let anything hold him back from the kingdom of God.

To plow, one must concentrate all his attention on the line being plowed. Being distracted just a little, to say nothing of looking back, may lead the plower off the straight line. To follow the Savior, we must forget everything else and press straight ahead for the kingdom of God.