Luke 10

Did you realize Jesus had attracted so many followers that by Chapter 10 he could send out 70 of them to preach and heal (v. 1, 9)? This has officially become a movement. It's fueled by Jesus' work and words -- healing, parables, preaching, forgiving sins, raising people from the dead, miraculously feeding the hungry, and more. He's building that kingdom of God -- a community of believers, as Shelby described it last week. The 70 are directed to talk about the kingdom as they move from city to city. All of it fits within the purpose Jesus laid out in 4:18-19.

This opening story reads like an expanded version of his earlier commissioning of the 12 disciples to do similar work (9:1-9). Compare the two accounts, you'll notice plenty of similarities in what Jesus tells them. What stands out to you? What do you think about the expanded condemnation he speaks to those who rejected his message (v. 11-16)? Share your thoughts on Sunday.

The 70 joyfully speak about their success upon returning (v. 16-20). Through the name of Jesus, they have authority over demons (v. 17) and -- apparently -- poisonous reptiles and arachnids (v. 19). Let's talk Sunday about if that means what it sounds like, as well as about Satan's great fall (v. 18). After basking in the glory of this authority with his followers, Jesus emphasizes that it's not the point. Instead, they should rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven. That's the destination for those who are part of the kingdom because they have a relationship with God.

Jesus, still caught up in the moment, rejoices in the Holy Spirit and praises his Father for the believers (v. 21-22). He again talks about things being hidden from some. As I've noted before, Jesus does want all people to understand his message. But his response to unbelief is thanking God for those who do believe -- and speaking of them with some hyperbole. The contrast between infants and the wise or intelligent also speaks to faith, though. The dependence of an infant on its parents is one picture of our need for God. Human intelligence and wisdom, on the other hand, often hinders belief for those who don't have faith (not that they're mutually exclusive).

The question posed by the lawyer (v. 25) is an interesting one. Other passages in the New Testament suggest that eternal life can't be earned by anything we do. Rather, we must believe in Jesus, trusting our sin is blotted out by his crucifixion, death and resurrection. Of course, that answer wasn't an option prior to the event we're celebrating Sunday. Nonetheless, the lawyer's answer (v. 27) should be our day-to-day reality as believers in Jesus. Actively loving God and neighbor -- doing good, showing compassion, being empathetic -- is how we demonstrate our Christian belief.

Jesus defines who a neighbor is by telling perhaps the greatest parable showing how we can love fellow human beings (v. 30-35). Samaria was a city and region in Palestine north of Judea and south of Galilee. Samaritans had intermarried with pagans and created a hybrid religion. They looked to the same ancestors as the Jews and built a rival temple to God. To understand the mutual hatred between Jews and Samaritans, look back to 9:51-56. Once the Samaritans knew Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, where the Jewish temple was located, they rejected him. Then look at the harsh reaction of James and John to this rejection. 

Listeners to the parable would have expected compassion from their religious leaders, not the hated Samaritan. To apply this today, think of yourself as the beaten and half dead person in the road. Who would rather leave you there to die than help? Or, if you can't imagine that, who would leave a white Christian American there to die? In your story, that person would be the Good Samaritan.

The story of the contrast between Mary and Martha (v. 38-42) is another good one to ask where you fit into the picture. Are you worried, bothered, distracted in the presence of Jesus like Martha (v. 40-41), or are you sitting at his feet and absorbing his words like Mary (v. 39)? It's OK if you're Martha. After all, it was Martha who welcomed Jesus into her home. And she raises an issue of fairness that does matter (those of you who are Mary, take note). But listening to Jesus, spending time in his presence is important (v. 42)! I'd like to hear your ideas of how we can do that.