Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 12:9

"but he that denieth me in the presence of men shall be denied in the presence of the angels of God." — Luke 12:9 (ASV)

Jesus underscores the seriousness of the issues by referring to the ultimate issue—whether or not one sides with him. The cruciality of the present situation calls for its restatement (cf. 9:26). Jesus’ third-person reference to the “Son of Man” (see comment on Mk 8:31) is consistent with his guarded use of titles. Not until his trial does he publicly combine the terms “Son of Man,” “Son of God,” and “Messiah” in an eschatological context (22:67–70). “Acknowledge” and “disown” are opposites. The reference is apparently to a future scene when the Lord Jesus, having achieved victory and honor, acknowledges those who have supported him and disowns those who repudiated him during the present age. He does this publicly before God the Father and the assembled angels.