Luke 10:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!

NIV: Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.

NASB: Turning to the disciples, He said privately, 'Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see;

CSB: Then turning to his disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see!

NLT: Then when they were alone, he turned to the disciples and said, 'Blessed are the eyes that see what you have seen.

KJV: And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

NKJV: Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see;

Jesus has finished His prayer thanking the Father that He has chosen to reveal the truth about the Father and the Son to the larger group of disciples (Luke 10:21–22). Now, Jesus emphasizes to the disciples how blessed they are that they receive this privilege. By "see," Jesus means more than simply perceiving with one's eyes. He means to witness, understand, and accept (Matthew 13:15). This is much the same as a person speaking modern English saying, "I see your point" or "I see what you mean."

What the disciples see isn't specifically that they have power over illness and demons (Luke 10:9, 17). Several local cities have seen that power and remain unmoved (Luke 10:13–15). Jesus is more thankful that they understand that Jesus is the Son of God who gave them that power. Also, that Satan has already been conquered and they are ultimately safe from any of the enemy's schemes (Luke 10:17–19). Basically, they see the presence of the kingdom of God in human history (Luke 10:9).

Finally, they see God the Father because they see the Son. Religious leaders in the disciples' time see the Son and declare His power comes from Satan (Mark 3:22). Prophets and kings from long ago longed to see God's work of salvation and had only promises (Hebrews 11; 1 Peter 1:10–12). The author of Hebrews wrote of the Old Testament saints, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:39–40).

The reference to eyes that see is part of a larger illustration that runs throughout the history of Israel. The Israelites who were delivered from Egypt and their children witnessed God's miraculous provision, but still didn't understand what it meant (Deuteronomy 29:2–4). In Isaiah's day, God warned Judah that because of their refusal to live as if He is their God, they would continue to see and hear but not understand. It was past time for them to repent, and judgment, in the form of the Babylonian exile, was inevitable (Isaiah 6:9–10). The hardships of judgment continued during the exile in both Jerusalem and Babylon (Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2).

The same type of hardened hearts led Jesus to speak in parables. Only those who really listened and trusted Him would discover the meaning of His teaching (Matthew 13:10–17). God chose the meek of the world who did not rely on their own understanding to reveal the truth (Luke 10:21–22).

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.