He chose twelve, whom also he named apostles

In this chapter, Luke focuses on the relationship between the Lord and ‘his disciples’, who are mentioned four times, vv. 1, 13, 17, 20. Today and tomorrow, we will consider: His response to the criticism of the disciples, vv. 1-11; His calling of the disciples, vv. 12-16; Him in the company of the disciples, vv. 17-19; and His counsel for the disciples, vv. 20-49.

The first eleven verses deal with two incidents in which there is conflict over the Sabbath. In the first, vv. 1-5, the disciples pick and eat corn: an act which the Pharisees regard as work. The Lord’s reference to David and his men eating consecrated bread shows that the Sabbath law was not given in order to deprive people of basic human needs. In the second, vv. 6-11, the Lord emphasizes His stand by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, showing that it is not unlawful to do good on the Sabbath. Thus He has shown Himself Lord of the Sabbath, v. 5, and what is lawful on the Sabbath, v. 9. The attitude of His detractors is highly ironic: they consider themselves guardians of the Sabbath, but, by conspiring to kill Him, v. 11, they are doing on the Sabbath that which is unlawful, v. 9.

In verses 12 to 16, we see the Lord calling His disciples to Him, after He has had a night of prayer, and choosing the twelve apostles. These men had recently observed the Lord’s support for them against the criticisms they had received, and His fearlessness in healing a man despite the opposition of the same adversaries. Without doubt, these incidents would have been an encouragement to them knowing that they would face more hostility in the days ahead.

Following this, the Lord comes down to the plain in the company of the disciples, vv. 17-19. Multitudes come to hear Him and to be healed by Him, and they do not go away disappointed. Hearing the Lord’s words to the people and seeing His works of power would further strengthen the disciples.

But the Lord has further means of fortifying the disciples in words given directly to them. Those words will be the subject of tomorrow’s consideration.