Luke 10:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."

NIV: For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

NASB: for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and did not hear them.'

CSB: For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see but didn’t see them; to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them."

NLT: I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.'

KJV: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

NKJV: for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

Seventy-two of Jesus' disciples prepared towns for His ministry (Luke 10:1–12). They were given the authority to heal, cast out demons, and declare that the kingdom of God is near. Even so, it was clear many would not listen to their message even when faced with miracles (Luke 10:13–16). After their return, Jesus refocused the disciples' attention from miracles back to the kingdom. The crucial issue is not that they can heal and cast out demons, but that God the Father has chosen them to know the truth and experience His kingdom (Luke 10:17–23). As a last comment, Jesus reminds the disciples that many faithful Jews throughout history have longed to see what they are witnessing.

The first Old Testament characters who longed to see God's kingdom were Adam and Eve: sinful, shamed, and covered in hastily assembled fig leaves. They heard God promise that Eve's offspring would defeat the deceitful serpent, but they did not know when or what that would look like (Genesis 3:14–15).

The king who most exemplified a desire for God's kingdom was David. Many psalms attest to his love of and devotion to God. Despite his egregious sins, he remained the man after God's own heart because of his readiness to repent.

The prophet who most wanted to see God's kingdom was probably Jeremiah. He had to stay in Jerusalem as it burned around him. Unlike Ezekiel who only learned of the destruction of the temple, Jeremiah witnessed it. Then he was kidnapped and likely murdered in Egypt (Hebrews 11:37).

The last Old Testament-era prophet to long for the kingdom of God was John the Baptist. While in prison, he sent messengers to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Luke 7:20).

Countless others in the disciples' past longed to see God fulfill His promises (Hebrews 11). They heard of the coming salvation and they had faith in God. Yet they did not see God the Son incarnate and understand what He represents. They did not see in Him the authority over sickness, the destruction of Satan, or the judgment of blind, hard-hearted cities. And they were never able to look at Him and see "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15).

It is said that John the Baptist is the last of the Old Testament-era prophets. Simeon and Anna may be the first of the New Testament prophets. They took one look at the infant Jesus and knew they had found the Messiah. Many prophets longed to see the coming of the kingdom of God. Simeon and Anna lived to see and had the hearts to understand (Luke 2:25–38).

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.