Luke 9:26 – “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus issues a serious warning: if someone is ashamed of Him and His message, then when He returns in glory, He will be ashamed of them. The idea of being “ashamed” here doesn’t just mean feeling embarrassed—it refers to rejecting or distancing oneself from Jesus and His teachings because of fear, peer pressure, or the desire for worldly acceptance.
Jesus is making it clear that following Him requires boldness and loyalty, even when it’s unpopular or difficult. Those who deny Him or hide their faith to avoid suffering or rejection will face the ultimate consequence when He returns in judgment. However, those who are faithful and unashamed of Jesus will be honored when He comes in His glory.
The reference to Jesus returning in the “glory of the Father and of the holy angels” points to the second coming, when Jesus will return as the King and Judge of the world. This is a moment of vindication for those who have remained loyal to Him and a warning to those who have rejected Him.
Historical Context
In the first century, following Jesus often meant facing persecution, rejection, and even death. Early Christians lived in a world dominated by the Roman Empire, which tolerated many religions but was hostile to any faith that declared allegiance to someone other than Caesar. Publicly identifying as a follower of Jesus could result in social isolation, loss of status, and severe punishment.
The Jewish religious leaders also opposed Jesus, making it risky for His followers to openly declare their faith. Jesus knew that His disciples would face pressure to deny Him, which is why He warned them of the spiritual consequences of being ashamed of Him.
Theological Implications
- Loyalty to Christ Is Essential – Jesus demands total commitment. Being ashamed of Him and His words reveals a lack of faith and trust.
- Judgment and Accountability – This verse highlights the reality of future judgment. When Jesus returns, there will be a distinction between those who were faithful and those who denied Him.
- Christ’s Glory Is Certain – Jesus’ mention of returning in glory confirms His role as the victorious King and Judge. His words remind believers that present difficulties are temporary compared to the eternal glory to come.
Literary Analysis
This verse follows Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship, including self-denial and taking up the cross (Luke 9:23-25). The warning about being ashamed fits within this theme, emphasizing that true discipleship involves standing firm in faith, even when it’s costly.
The contrast between being ashamed now and being rejected later is key to the verse’s structure. The “now” refers to the temporary challenges and rejection Christians face in this world, while the “then” refers to the eternal consequences when Jesus returns. The structure forces the reader to think about their current choices in light of eternity.
The phrase “the Son of Man” is significant. It highlights both Jesus’ humanity and His divine role as the one who will judge the world (Daniel 7:13-14). This title connects His present suffering with His future glory.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 10:32-33 – “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
- Mark 8:38 – A parallel passage emphasizing the same warning about being ashamed of Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we disown him, he will also disown us.”
- Romans 1:16 – Paul declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a call to be bold in their faith, even when it’s unpopular or brings criticism. In a world that often mocks or rejects Christian beliefs, it’s tempting to stay silent or compromise. But Jesus reminds us that temporary rejection by the world is nothing compared to the eternal consequences of denying Him.
This verse challenges believers to evaluate whether they are fully committed to Christ. Are we willing to speak up for our faith when it matters, or do we stay quiet to fit in? True discipleship means standing firm in our belief in Jesus, no matter the cost.
It also offers encouragement. While standing for Christ can be difficult, the promise of His return in glory reminds us that our loyalty will be rewarded. Faithfulness to Him is never in vain.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His warning. He doesn’t want anyone to face judgment, which is why He warns us about the consequences of denying Jesus. His desire is for all people to come to repentance and salvation (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s love is also seen in the promise of Jesus’ return. For those who remain faithful, this will be a moment of joy and vindication. God’s love ensures that the suffering believers endure for His sake is temporary, while the glory they will share with Him is eternal.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse centers on Jesus as both Savior and Judge. As the “Son of Man,” He experienced rejection and suffering during His earthly ministry, but He will return in glory to judge the world. His call for believers to be unashamed of Him reflects His own willingness to suffer for our sake.
Jesus’ words also highlight the significance of His teachings. Being ashamed of Jesus means rejecting His message of salvation, which is why He ties this warning to His return. The cross was a symbol of shame in Roman times, but through His death and resurrection, Jesus transformed it into a symbol of victory. Those who embrace the cross and follow Him will share in His glory.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there situations where you’ve been tempted to hide your faith to avoid criticism or rejection? How can you respond differently?
- What does it mean to be “unashamed” of Jesus in your daily life?
- How does the promise of Jesus’ return in glory motivate you to stay faithful in challenging times?
- What practical steps can you take to share your faith with others, even when it’s uncomfortable?
- How does Jesus’ example of enduring rejection and suffering encourage you to remain loyal to Him?