98. Seventy disciples
sent on ahead- Luke 10:1-24
-Jesus sends out His 70 men, which He considered few (Luke
10:2), with the Word of God and various instructions on how they are to handle
their gospel business and power in the proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Luke
10:4-11). He prepared them fully and then rebuked three cities for their
unbelief: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum (Luke 10:13-15). He gave ultimate
power and authority to His workmen in sending them out with the message and
when they came back they were rejoicing about this (Luke 10:17). Jesus’ comment
in verse 18 has left scholars puzzling over the interpretation. Was Jesus
talking about: A) His fore coming victory on the cross, B) His view of Satan
when he was cast out of Heaven at the fall (Isaiah 14:12-17), or C) a warning
to the thrilled disciples who may have had a new found and potentially
destructive pride that could be associated with the power they had received,
which led to Satan’s downfall in the past and could happen to them as well? The
context gives some support in my mind to choice C) here, but the other two have
much validity as well. God remarks how He has hidden the mystery of the Kingdom
from the wise and intelligent and revealed it to infants, those with whom He
was well pleased according to His will (Luke 10:21-22). He tells His disciples
how privileged they are to see these things as an encouragement and a building
of their faith (Luke 10:23-24). *Application* No matter how few join you, keep
fervent in your work in the Name of the Lord Jesus. His call is paramount to
your life and will give all the blessings and power of Heaven in this day and
time. Our cities are places of ministry and you will experience different reactions
as you are sent out as lambs in the midst of wolves (Luke 10:3). We carry the
message of peace with God, but some will reject us. Shake the dust off of your
feet and move on to the next assignment when this happens. You have done the
Lord’s work and now they are responsible for the Word from Him you gave in
obedience to His command. Rejoice, for as you humbly follow His will you will
see His power and glory revealed in your ministry along with the suffering and
rejection it often brings.
Verses to Memorize-
Luke 10:2, 17
99. The Good
Samaritan- Luke 10:25-37
-This well known story in response to a pertinent question
asked by a lawyer who wished to inherit eternal life gives us the true value of
loving our neighbor as much as we love our self. This loves springs first from
the ultimate and unadulterated love of the Father and gives us compassion and
mercy on even our enemies. *Application* Go and do good wherever you are and
with whomever the Lord calls you to minister. Be selfless in your kindness and give
up your time to help others who may be in need. In other words, don’t become too
busy to do the works of the Lord during your day.
Verse to Memorize-
Luke 10:37
100. Jesus visits
Martha and Mary- Luke 10:38-42
-Keeping with the theme of protecting against becoming too
busy. Luke recounts the scene when Jesus came into the home of Martha and Mary,
whose family became close companions with the Lord. Martha was too busy to sit
at the feet of Jesus because of her preparations and committed the sin of
complaining (Philippians 2:14). She forgot about the necessary first thing of
paying attention to the Lord. *Application* Chose the “good part, which shall
not be taken away” in your life (Luke 10:42). This is your devotion to the Lord
and His Word. Rest and have peace in these things first. Don’t become too busy
with the minutia of life that you miss the most important elements of His
goodness, grace, and teaching. Don’t be a Martha, be a Mary! Worry and bother
does not behoove anyone (Luke 10:41).
Verses to Memorize-
Luke 10:41-42
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