LUKE 10
JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES TO LOVE GOD + LOVE THEIR NEIGHBOR
Jesus sends out seventy-two of His followers, instructing them to heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. He tells the disciples they will be like sheep in the midst of wolves, innocent men in a hostile environment. Wanting the disciples to rely on God for provision during their travels, Jesus instructs them to stay with those who receive and welcome them. If they are turned away, they are not to worry. In the end, God will bring judgment on those who rejected the disciples of Jesus.
Naming many of the cities where Jesus performed amazing miracles, Jesus also denounces the cities who witnessed His works and were not repentant. He travels to share the Good News of salvation, but is ignored or mocked by many. Whoever rejects Him has rejected God.
When the seventy-two men return to Jesus, they are amazed at the abilities they had been given under His authority. The men mention the power to cast out demons, and Jesus speaks of the fall of Satan. Satan is believed to be God’s creation who rebelled and fell from heaven. Jesus confirms this idea with His short statement of reflection on the fall of Satan. He tells His followers that their rejoicing should revolve around their future in heaven, not only their ability to cast out demons.
Jesus revels in God’s divine plan and praises God for His graciousness. Emphasizing the humility of child-like faith, He is thankful that God’s character was revealed not to the wise, but to children. He says that the disciples are blessed to be able to hear and see what they have experienced.
When asked about inheriting eternal life, Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:5, which teaches to love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. When He is asked who is considered their neighbor, Jesus teaches the parable of the good Samaritan.
In this parable, Jesus describes a man who is left on the side of the road, injured, robbed, and in dire need of help. Both a priest and a Levite man, two people considered moral authorities in Israel, walk past the man and do not provide assistance. A third man, a Samaritan, sees the man struggling and takes care of him. Because the people of Samaria and the Jewish people had a tumultuous history, this story highlights the Samaritan man’s compassion and mercy towards his enemy. Jesus explains whoever is around us constitutes as our neighbor, regardless of race, background, or status.
Jesus visits Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, siblings who were very close friends with Jesus. Jesus was a welcomed guest in their home on many occasions (John 11, Luke 10:38-42, and John 12:3.)
When He arrives at Martha’s house, she is distracted with serving and providing for her guest. Instead of helping Martha, Mary simply sits with Him and listens to His teaching. When Martha wants help from Mary, Jesus calms her, letting her know that her anxiety is not necessary and that He desires her presence over her provision.
