Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Luke Chapter 9
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:1-6
9:1And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.9:2And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 9:3And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats. 9:4And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart. 9:5And as many as receive you not, when ye depart from that city, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony against them. 9:6And they departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:7-9
9:7Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; 9:8and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. 9:9And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:10-17
9:10And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida. 9:11But the multitudes perceiving it followed him: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured.
9:12And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place. 9:13But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy food for all this people. 9:14For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each. 9:15And they did so, and made them all sit down. 9:16And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 9:17And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:18-20
9:18And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am? 9:19And they answering said, John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 9:20And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:21-27
9:21But he charged them, and commanded them to tell this to no man; 9:22saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.9:23And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 9:24For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 9:25For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self? 9:26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels. 9:27But I tell you of a truth, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
June 16, 1946: Luke 9:23-24
How do we bring our will closer into accord with the divine will? By daily denying the power or importance of self, by taking up our “cross,” our realization that we have not yet demonstrated our innate perfection, and in following the Christ, who is the way to eternal life.
How do we lose our life and at the same time save it? We “lose” our “life” (the petty, selfish, ineffectual life of the personal or outer man) by transferring our attention to the universal life of Spirit and becoming one with it. In so doing we learn the true meaning of life as an expression of divinity, and prove the eternal at the cost of the temporal.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:28-36
9:28And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. 9:29And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling. 9:30And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah; 9:31who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 9:32Now Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 9:33And it came to pass, as they were parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said. 9:34And while he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 9:35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him. 9:36And when the voice came, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which they had seen.
June 17, 1906: Luke 9:28-36
Going up into the mountain to pray, means an elevation of thought and aspiration from the mortal to the spiritual viewpoint. The prayer of Understanding, which is founded in unselfishness, sends out a very high and pure thought vibration. All mental action radiates rays of light; they are now called by physical scientists “N-rays.” Clairvoyants and psychics have long claimed that they could see these rays surrounding the body, not only of human beings, but animals, plants, and even stones. Their claims have been considered chimerical, until in the last few years science has found that it can measure the force of these invisible rays, and it is taking them into the realm of so-called exact science.
The character of the thoughts has all to do with the emanations of these rays. If the thoughts pertain to the things of sense, they are dark and weak; if the affectional and intellectual nature is active, they become highly colored and forceful, but when the mind is exalted in prayer, a dazzling light radiates from all parts of the body, but especially the head.
To pray effectively one must have faith (Peter), love (John), and understanding (James). These accompanying the I AM (Jesus) in prayer, reveal the law of denial (Moses) and affirmation (Elijah), which eventually does away with the personality, and brings forth the Christ at Jerusalem, city of peace. Faith, Love and Understanding are “heavy with sleep,” when we begin our devotions, but they become awakened through the exalted exercise of thought, and take on a certain degree of spirituality. But they do not fully understand the law of Divine Unity which exists in the higher spiritual. Faith would erect three tabernacles, or temporary thought-bodies, not yet realizing the body of Christ, which is a unit.
After great spiritual activity there is a period of quietness, sometimes even gloom, and a feeling of fear takes possession of the developing, but not yet permanently illuminated consciousness. But the Father is not absent, and his voice flows out from the depths within in assurance of Divine Sonship.
When this conviction comes of the unity of the I AM with its Spiritual Source, there is neither denial nor affirmation, but simply I AM, Jesus. Holding the peace and telling no man, in those days, any of the things which they had seen, represents the inability of the mind to express the revelations of the spiritual. There are no occult secrets to those who are spiritually quickened. Yet no language can explain that which occurs on a plane of consciousness in which the conditions and relations are far different from the material. The limited mind cannot grasp the powers of the unlimited. For example, it sounds like a fairy tale to say that in a certain exalted state of prayer and affirmation I can treat every member of the Society of Silent Unity in a moment of time, and bring greater results than through repeated “denials” and “affirmations” on the lower planes of consciousness. This is but an example of the radiant comprehension and power of the Superconsciousness, or Mind of the Spirit.
November 16, 1919: Luke 9:28-36
What is the symbolical meaning of Jesus going up into the mountain to pray, accompanied by Peter, John and James? It means the I Am, supported by faith (Peter), love (John), and judgment (James), entering into that high spiritual understanding, the door to which realm can be unlocked only by prayer and the sincere desire of the soul to perform unselfish service for humanity.
What transformation here takes place? The countenance is changed, is fashioned anew, after the Divine Pattern. The whole being is immersed in the dazzling light of spiritual understanding and aspiration.
Define “And behold, there walked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah.” “Moses” represents the Law and Elijah the effect of the Law; or the association of the two means cause and effect.
What great spiritual work, which is about to take place, is here spoken of freely? The crucifixion of Jesus (the I Am), at Jerusalem, or that spiritual process of Divine Love through which it is made possible for the Spirit of Truth (God manifest) to be born in every heart.
Are the faculties, Faith, Love and Judgment fully awakened to what is taking place? No. But through the activity of these exalted spiritual forces they are quickened, and are able to receive that spiritual message which God always sends forth, when the assurance [that it was] fully complied with is brought into evidence. “He is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him.”
What always follows a period of great spiritual activity? A period of seeming inaction and depression, the dormant season. It is the time when, to appearances, all seems lost. In truth, it is the period of change, when the old is giving way, and the new forces are collecting their energies preparatory to the germinating season, when the new off-shoots (mind gems) come forth into “livingness.”
November 23, 1924: Luke 9:28-36
What is the meaning of going “up into the mountain to pray”? Going “up into the mountain to pray” represents ascent into spiritual consciousness.
What do the disciples who accompanied Jesus represent? Peter represents faith, John represents love, and James represents wisdom.
When one meditates and prays and spiritually exalts faith, love, and wisdom, what is the effect upon soul and body? The effect is that the soul is spiritually quickened. This quickening animates the body, causing it to shine with a dazzling radiance. A radiance of this sort often is felt and seen by those in spiritual consciousness. This radiation is usually called the aura.
Whom do the two men, Moses and Elijah, represent? Moses represents the law of denial, and Elijah represents the law of affirmation. These two laws work out the redemption of the soul; the personal consciousness decreases and the spiritual consciousness increases.
What is the meaning of Jesus' disciples who were with him, at first being “heavy with sleep,” then “fully awake” beholding his glory? Our faculties have to be awakened out of inactivity [or “sleep.”] This awakening is accomplished through prayer. Then the faculties join in the glorification of the whole man, spirit, soul, and body.
Why did Peter propose to make three tabernacles? As explained in verse 33, Peter was not yet in the understanding of the unity of all things in Christ; he thought that Jesus and Moses and Elijah were three personalities, instead of three states of consciousness in one identity.
Explain verse 35: “And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen; hear ye him.” Herein is emphasized the saying that “every cloud has a silver lining.” Within and back of every obscuration of the mortal is the Spirit that is in the soul of every man. The voice of Truth is saying: “This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him.”
Sunday, January 13, 1935: Luke 9:18-26
Define prayer in modern terms. Prayer is a collecting of the faculties and a focusing of the mind on a higher plane of activity than is habitually dwelt upon.
What condition is most favorable to the offering of prayer? Silence and the absence of all distracting influences are most conducive to the complete concentration in which prayer becomes effectual.
Are the faculties (disciples) of man connected with the world of Spirit within him or with the external world of form? They are connected with both, but they are more responsive to the latter as a rule, because they have been exercised more in the outer than in the inner realm.
How does personality define the I AM? Personality, functioning in the many minds and devoid of true intelligence, defines the I AM variously as an incarnation of intellect (John the Baptist) or the psychic faculty of prevision (one of the prophets).
How does the Spirit of truth, innate in everyone, define the I AM? The Spirit of truth expresses the I AM in terms of the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Is it possible to gain spiritual consciousness as a permanent state? Gaining a permanent hold on spiritual consciousness is possible only when one makes inner confession of the Christ as the motivating spirit of the I AM and has a hunger for the things of the Spirit.
On what rock is the church of Christ built? On the rock of faith or spiritual discernment of omnipresent substance.
Can the truth that the I AM partakes of the nature of the Christ be imparted by one to another? Not when the other is in personal consciousness, for no one in whom the personal element predominates can comprehend the true nature of the I AM.
Why must the Son of man suffer many things before His Christ-likeness is fully proved? The traditional beliefs and ruling religious thoughts that control the mind make simple acceptance of the indwelling Christ almost impossible These are the chief priests and scribes that put the Christ to death (extinguish spiritual understanding), until we grow strong enough to rise and assert our Christ power.
Does denial of self ever become necessary? In order to know ourselves as a son of God, we must deny the personal consciousness and affirm the higher self. Constant denial of the claims of the personal self is the “cross” that it is necessary for each of us to take up and carry.
March 1, 1936: Luke 9:28-43a
What practical lesson do we find in the transfiguration of Jesus? We learn that exalted thought and aspiration empower the mind to transform the body and fill it with the light of life.
In the act of exalting the thoughts and manifesting the Christ consciousness, what faculties does the I AM (represented by Jesus) call forth? Faith (represented by Peter), love (by John), and judgment or spiritual perception (by James) are the three faculties that the I AM develops especially in this work.
Of what nature is the “light of the world” that irradiates those who enter the Christ consciousness? The “light of the world” is spiritual intelligence and understanding. “Whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” The true light is a synthetic product compounded of faith, love, and wisdom.
Can the body think? The Christ body is capable of conscious thought. In the physical body of personal man, conscious thought is expressed only through the brain. In the rest of the physical organism thought is subconscious.
Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus in the mount of Transfiguration. What do they represent in this passage? Moses and Elijah in the mount represent the law of cause and effect.
Why did the voice out of the cloud command Peter, John, and James to hear Jesus, making no mention of Moses and Elijah? The Christ consciousness transcends the law of cause and effect. Since it is one with the first cause, he who is in consciousness creates or originates and does not have to adapt himself to circumstances or strive to overcome them.
What follows the exaltation of the Christ in man's thought? Power descends upon man, and he is able to do the mighty works of God.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:37-43a
9:37And it came to pass, on the next day, when they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him. 9:38And behold, a man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son; for he is mine only child: 9:39and behold, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth, and it hardly departeth from him, bruising him sorely. 9:40And I besought thy disciples to cast it out; and they could not. 9:41And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and bear with you? bring hither thy son. 9:42And as he was yet a coming, the demon dashed him down, and tare him grievously. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 9:43And they were all astonished at the majesty of God.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:43b-45
But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto his disciples, 9:44Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men. 9:45But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:46-48
9:46And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest. 9:47But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, he took a little child, and set him by his side, 9:48and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little 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 is great.
June 16, 1946: Luke 9:46-48
Is it typical of a citizen of the kingdom to allow or expect everything to be done for him, as a child would? No, this trait of childhood does not characterize the citizen of the kingdom, for it is a result of immaturity. To do all for others, taking thought for them, shows the mature mind. Jesus Christ gave His very life in service for the world, and we are to follow His example.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:49-50
9:49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. 9:50But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:51-56
9:51And it came to pass, when the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 9:52and sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 9:53And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem. 9:54And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven, and consume them? 9:55But he turned, and rebuked them. 9:56And they went to another village.
November 23, 1919: Luke 9:46-56
Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The one who has the trusting, unassuming attitude of the little child, and who endeavors to serve most earnestly to the glory of God, with no thought of personal eminence or distinction.
Why did Jesus rebuke John? Because John entertained the thought of condemnation; he condemned those who were following what spiritual light they had, even though they were not yet strong enough to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Define Jesus' words, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.” In the light of Spirit there is no halfway place. When the movements of the mind turn towards the light, there is opened up in consciousness a fuller knowledge, a greater freedom. The way is made clear for the triumphant march of the Christ through the soul.
When all the forces of being are active along constructive lines, what takes place in consciousness? The spiritual I Am seeks to establish itself in the realm of eternal peace. Then it is that the idea of peace is the leaven which infuses harmonious life and action into the very substance of life, and is the antidote which destroys all discord and inharmony of whatever kind. It is here typified by Jesus so resolutely turning his face towards Jerusalem.
Why were the Samaritans unable to receive Jesus? The meaning of Samaria is “watch mountain;” it also signifies a mixed state of consciousness. When a great spiritual work is to be accomplished, the mind movements are centered on the goal of attainment, and progression is not to be hindered by the minor mind powers. Thus it is that the I Am is established in Jerusalem, the city of Peace within the soul.
July 22, 1923: Luke 9:49-56
In this lesson what faculty of mind is under discipline? The faculty of love is under discipline. Love is represented by the apostle John.
What lesson is love (John) taught? In this lesson John is taught by Jesus that love, loyal to Truth, should not be partisan; that wherever good is being done, it is good, and should not be rebuked by those who are champions of Christ.
What is the spiritual meaning of: “When the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem”? In the original the meaning of the verse is: “When the days of his withdrawing were completed, he set his face towards Jerusalem.” The spiritual interpretation is that Jesus had been withdrawing to the inner planes of consciousness, and was now coming to the outer, but kept his face or attention on the center of spiritual thought, Jerusalem.
What is the meaning of sending messengers before his face into the village of the Samaritans? Sending messengers before his face into the realm of mixed thoughts (the Samaritans) represents the projecting of spiritual thoughts ahead to prepare the way for what is to follow. For example, metaphysicians, when about to speak the words, “The Spirit of the Lord goes before and opens the way,” project their spiritual consciousness ahead, and then utter the words.
What is the meaning of: “And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem”? This means that there was a stern, set determination to accomplish a certain purpose.
What state of consciousness is set up by the determination to attain an end without fully adjusting oneself to divine love? The old worldly thought is presented that one’s enemies should be destroyed.
How should this error be handled? All destructive thoughts should be rebuked and another state of consciousness should be entered into, according to the example of Jesus and his disciples as set forth in verses 55 and 56: “But he turned, and rebuked them. And they went to another village.”
May 5, 1946: Luke 9:49-56
Explain the meaning of Jesus' statement, “He that is not against you is for you.” Though students of Truth may differ on minor points of the teaching, they can always agree on fundamentals. The love of Christ frees us from pettiness of outlook instead of binding us in it.
What is signified by James and John's desire to call down fire from heaven to avenge Jesus? Personal love, which jealously guards the prerogatives of the loved one.
Was John's nature transformed from a person expressing violence and vindictiveness to one expressing humility and love by his three years of companionship with Jesus and training by Him? No, many more years were required to effect the complete transformation.
May 25, 1952: Luke 9:51-56
How should we deal with resentment over personal slights and with all personal animosities? We should turn our thought away from resentment and from all personal ill feelings, keeping it fixed on the constructive side. Calling down fire from heaven is not the Christ-like way to deal with petty discriminations and other personal ill feelings.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 9:57-62
9:57And as they went on the way, a certain man said unto him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 9:58And Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 9:59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 9:60But he said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but go thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God. 9:61And another also said, I will follow thee, Lord; but first suffer me to bid farewell to them that are at my house. 9:62But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
December 1, 1940: Luke 9:49-62
What quality does John represent, and to what extent does he truly represent it in the text of this lesson? He represents love, but in this lesson he does not express love that is constant.
What does he express? John shows intolerance and narrowness towards one who had cast out demons in the name of Jesus Christ by a different method from that of Jesus. The spirit of vengeance was evident in John's desire to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village whose inhabitants had refused to receive Jesus.
What aroused intolerance in John when the Samaritans refused to receive Jesus? The intolerance of the Samaritans in refusing to recognize or receive anyone who was en route to Jerusalem stirred John to retaliate in the same spirit.
Do judgment and love (James and John) spring up spontaneously in man, or are they products of deliberate development? Like other Christ-like faculties, judgment and love are the products of the Christ Spirit. Wherever this Spirit is manifest in man, there the faculties are manifest also. Where they are not manifest, they can be developed by patient, faithful practice.
What test of discipleship did Jesus Christ first announce in this lesson? Those who follow the Christ must be willing to trust God for their supply. “The Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Discipleship is a means of developing man's faith and devotion.
Are those who cling to personal ties ready to enter the Christ kingdom? No one who puts personal ties first is ready to give undivided allegiance to the Christ or universal consciousness. The personal is opposed to the Christ.
What characterizes the disciples of the Christ? Zeal and the forward look. “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
June 16, 1946: Luke 9:57-62
Are the ties of blood to be allowed to bind us, when we are ready to go forward into greater understanding of the universal life? No, we are to see them as part of the universal life only. All children of God are to have equal claim to our attention and care.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-23-2014
