The Bryce Crawford Podcast
Episode: Luke Series Chapter 9 (EP 157)
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Bryce Crawford
Episode Overview
In this episode, Bryce Crawford continues his journey through the Book of Luke, focusing on Chapter 9. He unpacks the text verse by verse, exploring themes of spiritual authority, humility, the cost of true discipleship, and the uniqueness of Jesus as the Messiah. The episode also emphasizes practical application for Christians today, balancing humor, candid commentary, and deep scriptural insights.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening & Transition to Scripture Study
- After a lighthearted holiday gift exchange and brief banter, Bryce draws the audience into the study of Luke 9.
- Tone: Warm, direct, slightly playful.
2. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve (03:17–04:39)
- Bryce reads how Jesus calls the twelve disciples, gives them authority over demons and disease, and sends them out with no provisions.
- Quote [04:02]: “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. God chooses the most unqualified people, oftentimes to do a miraculous work. And I think it's beautiful.”
- Emphasis: Trust in God over material resources, and the need to read scripture in full context rather than isolation.
- He references meeting someone inspired by Jesus’ instructions, but encourages wisdom: Jesus later permits his disciples to carry supplies, highlighting the importance of context in biblical interpretation.
3. Herod’s Perplexion and John the Baptist (04:39–07:51)
- Bryce unpacks King Herod’s confusion regarding Jesus's identity—some thought Jesus was John the Baptist or Elijah resurrected.
- He offers a candid, detailed retelling of John the Baptist’s confrontation with Herod about his immoral relationship and Herod’s eventual execution of John at the request of Herodias’s daughter.
- Quote [06:11]: “Sometimes we need a friend like John the Baptist, you know, that walks up in there, say, hey, stop doing that. Stop. Quit it. Stop sleeping with your bro's wife.”
- Quote [06:50]: “Is that not the most disgusting thing you’ve ever heard? King Herod’s brother’s wife’s daughter does a striptease on King Herod. That’s disgusting. It's disgusting.”
- Insight: Sexual sin often targets forerunners and those striving to pursue God.
- Quote [07:39]: “Sexual sin is going to headhunt Christians. Be alert, be watchful.”
4. Feeding the Five Thousand (08:06–09:14)
- The segment covers disciples’ doubts and Jesus multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed thousands.
- Quote [08:35]: “God can do extraordinary things with the wrong ingredients. God can do magnificent, beautiful things with an honest heart, even if it’s broken.”
- Message: Jesus uses what we have, no matter how insufficient it seems, to work miracles.
5. Peter's Confession and Divine Revelation (09:14–10:06)
- Jesus asks his disciples who people think he is; Peter confesses, “You are the Christ of God.”
- Quote [09:34]: “We have to ask ourselves this question every day: Who do we say Jesus is?”
- Highlight: The understanding of Jesus as Messiah is a revelation from God, not simply tradition or hearsay.
- Quote [09:56]: “God’s the one that softens the heart. God’s the one that brings the increase.”
6. Jesus Predicts His Death and the Call to Discipleship (10:06–11:51)
- Jesus foretells his suffering and resurrection, immediately telling followers to deny themselves and take up their cross.
- Quote [10:49]: “Have the same intention with your life that I’m having with mine. The same way I’m loving you unto death, you must love me unto death.”
- Bryce emphasizes the cost of discipleship, referencing the well-known, “What does it profit a man to gain the world but forfeit his soul?”
- Quote [11:31]: “True life with Jesus starts the moment you put faith in him.”
7. The Transfiguration (11:51–13:39)
- Jesus’ glorification on the mountaintop in front of Peter, James, and John; joined by Moses and Elijah.
- Bryce draws a parallel between Jesus and Moses:
- Quote [13:39]: “Jesus Christ is the new Moses who came to set the captives free … You and I have been grafted into the family tree of God … so that you and I are now Israel.”
- Significance: Through faith in Christ, all people can become part of the spiritual lineage of Israel.
8. Power Over Demons and Call for Faith (14:33–15:25)
- Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy after the disciples fail, highlighting the destructive reality of evil and the necessity of faith.
- Quote [15:25]: “Demons have to obey to Jesus.”
9. Humility and True Greatness (15:25–16:41)
- The disciples argue about who is the greatest; Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humility and receiving others.
- Quote [16:00]: “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great. He’s encouraging a humble, gentle spirit.”
10. Unity in Ministry (16:00–17:03)
- Disciples try to stop others from casting out demons in Jesus’s name. Jesus welcomes all who are for him, not against him.
- Quote [16:41]: “There’s no competition in the kingdom of God. We’re all on the same team. Why are we jealous of other people doing work for God, big or small?”
- Reflection: In ministry, avoid jealousy and competition; celebrate the spread of the Gospel.
11. Rejection in Samaria and Rebuke of Retributive Zeal (17:03–18:00)
- Samaritans refuse Jesus; James and John want to call down fire in retaliation, but Jesus rebukes them.
- Quote [17:46]: “You imagine, just imagine Jesus, my grace is sufficient for them the same way as for you. Maybe their time isn’t yet to come.”
12. The Cost of Following Jesus (18:00–19:09)
- Several people express a desire to follow Jesus, but ask for concessions or delay.
- Jesus warns that the commitment must be total—no looking back.
- Quote [18:46]: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. It’s going to cost something to follow Jesus.”
- Quote [19:09]: “God doesn’t compromise to fit our standards. We should be allowing the word of God to change our life and conform our heart.”
13. Closing Exhortation (19:19–end)
- Bryce encourages listeners to reflect: “What has it costed you to follow Jesus?”
- He directs audiences to engage with scripture directly—not just through his podcast—and prays that the Luke series blesses listeners.
Memorable Quotes with Timestamps
- "[04:02] God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. God chooses the most unqualified people, oftentimes to do a miraculous work."
- "[06:11] Sometimes we need a friend like John the Baptist, you know, that walks up in there, say, hey, stop doing that. Stop. Quit it. Stop sleeping with your bro's wife."
- "[08:35] God can do extraordinary things with the wrong ingredients. God can do magnificent, beautiful things with an honest heart, even if it’s broken."
- "[09:34] We have to ask ourselves this question every day: Who do we say Jesus is?"
- "[10:49] Have the same intention with your life that I’m having with mine. The same way I’m loving you unto death, you must love me unto death."
- "[13:39] Jesus Christ is the new Moses who came to set the captives free… You and I have been grafted into the family tree of God… so that you and I are now Israel."
- "[16:41] There’s no competition in the kingdom of God. We’re all on the same team. Why are we jealous of other people doing work for God, big or small?"
- "[18:46] No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. It’s going to cost something to follow Jesus."
- "[19:09] God doesn’t compromise to fit our standards. We should be allowing the word of God to change our life and conform our heart."
Notable Moments & Timestamps
- [03:02] Bryce receives a harmonica as a Christmas gift, briefly lightening the mood before diving into scripture.
- [06:50] Raw commentary on Herod’s scandalous birthday party.
- [11:57] Bryce highlights the wonder of the Transfiguration and draws a vivid comparison between Moses and Jesus as liberators.
- [17:42] Comical take on James and John wanting to “tiki torch” the Samaritan village, followed by Jesus's rebuke.
Overall Takeaway
Bryce Crawford delivers an engaging, passionate, and thought-provoking walk through Luke Chapter 9. He combines real-world application, honest reflection, and deep theological insight, encouraging listeners to embrace the cost of discipleship, practice humility, and appreciate the breadth and grace of the Gospel. This episode stands as a strong reminder to rely on God, serve without jealousy, and allow the Word to transform our lives at any cost.