‏ Luke 10

The Mission of the Seventy Disciples

This section describes how Jesus sent out seventy of his followers, two by two, to different towns and places. He gave them instructions on how to behave, what to say, and how to depend on God. This mission was like a training for the larger work the disciples would do after Jesus’ resurrection, and it shows the importance of sharing the message of God’s kingdom with others. Jesus also prepared them for the challenges and dangers they would face.

v. 1: Jesus appointed seventy other disciples and sent them out in pairs to every city and place where he planned to go. He wanted them to prepare the way for him. Sending them two by two helped them support each other, and it made their message stronger. This also shows that sharing the good news is not just for a few special people, but for many followers of Jesus.

v. 2: Jesus told them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” He meant that there were many people ready to hear God’s message, but not enough workers. He told his disciples to pray for more people to be sent out to do God’s work. This teaches us that we should pray for more workers, and also be willing to be workers ourselves.

v. 3: Jesus warned them that he was sending them out “as lambs among wolves.” This means they would face dangers and people who might reject or hurt them. Jesus wanted them to be gentle and innocent, but also wise and careful. They needed to trust God to protect them.

v. 4: He told them not to take extra money, bags, or shoes, and not to greet people on the way. They were to travel simply and focus on their mission. By not bringing extra supplies, they would have to trust God and the kindness of others to provide for them. Not stopping for long greetings meant they should not be distracted from their purpose.

v. 5: When they entered a house, they were to say, “Peace be to this house.” If the people in the house were peaceful and welcoming, the blessing would rest on them. If not, the blessing would return to the disciples. This shows that God’s peace is given to those who are open and ready to receive it.

v. 6: If the house was worthy, the peace would stay. If not, it would return to the disciples. This teaches that God’s blessings are not wasted, and that we should not be discouraged if some people do not accept the message.

v. 7: They were to stay in the same house, eating and drinking whatever was given to them, because “the laborer is worthy of his hire.” This means that those who do God’s work deserve to be supported. They should not go from house to house looking for better food or comfort, but be content with what was provided.

v. 8: Whenever they entered a town and were welcomed, they were to eat what was set before them. They were not to be picky or act like they were too important or special for ordinary food.

v. 9: They were to heal the sick in the town and say, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Their actions—healing and caring for people—would show the power and love of God, and their words would explain the meaning behind it.

v. 10–12: If a town did not welcome them, they were to go into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that sticks to us we wipe off against you; but be sure of this, the kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus warned that it would be worse for those towns than for Sodom in the day of judgment. This shows that rejecting God’s message is a serious matter and brings consequences.

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The Return and Joy of the Seventy

This section describes how the seventy disciples returned from their mission with joy. They were excited because even the demons obeyed them in Jesus’ name. Jesus helped them understand the deeper meaning of their success and encouraged them to rejoice in what matters most—being part of God’s kingdom. He also praised God for revealing spiritual truths to humble people and reminded the disciples how blessed they were to witness God’s work in their lives.

v. 17: The seventy disciples came back to Jesus, rejoicing because even evil spirits obeyed them when they used his name. Their mission was a success, and they saw God’s power at work through them. This shows that when we serve God faithfully, we can experience his power working through us, sometimes in surprising ways.

v. 18: Jesus responded by saying, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” He meant that the disciples’ victory over evil spirits was a sign that Satan’s power was being broken and that God’s kingdom was advancing. Jesus wants his followers to know that the power of evil is limited, and that through him, they can overcome the enemy (Luke 10:18 ^a).

v. 19: Jesus told them he had given them authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Nothing would harm them. This was a special promise for the disciples on their mission, showing that God would protect them from spiritual dangers. It teaches us that God gives his people strength and protection when they are doing his work (Luke 10:19 ^b).

v. 20: However, Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice just because evil spirits obeyed them, but to rejoice because their names were written in heaven. The most important thing is not what we achieve, but that we belong to God and have eternal life. Our greatest joy should be that we are part of God’s family and have a place in heaven (Luke 10:20 ^c).

v. 21: At that time, Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit. He praised God the Father for hiding spiritual truths from people who thought they were wise and clever, and for revealing them to humble people, like the disciples. God often chooses to reveal himself to those who are simple, childlike, and willing to trust him. Jesus thanked God for working in this way (Luke 10:21 ^d).

v. 22: Jesus said that all things had been committed to him by his Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. This teaches us that we can only know God the Father through Jesus, and that knowing him is a special gift (Luke 10:22 ^e).

v. 23–24: Jesus then turned to his disciples privately and told them they were blessed to see and hear what they did. Many prophets and kings of the past had wanted to see and hear these things, but did not. Jesus reminded his disciples that they were experiencing something very special—the fulfillment of God’s promises and the coming of his kingdom. We should be thankful for the spiritual blessings God gives us (Luke 10:23-24 ^f).

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The Good Samaritan

This section tells the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus uses the story to answer a question about eternal life and to show what it really means to love your neighbor. The parable teaches that real love goes beyond religious rules and social boundaries. It shows that compassion and mercy are at the heart of God’s law.

v. 25: A lawyer stood up to test Jesus by asking, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He wanted to see if Jesus would say something different from what the Law of Moses taught. This question was very important, but the lawyer was not really seeking guidance—he was trying to challenge Jesus.

v. 26: Jesus answered him by asking, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” Jesus pointed him back to the Scriptures, showing that the answer was already there. He wanted the lawyer to think for himself and to recognize the truth in God’s Word.

v. 27: The lawyer replied by quoting the two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18 ^g). He understood what God’s law required—total love for God and for other people.

v. 28: Jesus told him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.” Jesus agreed with the lawyer’s answer and showed that eternal life is found in loving God and others. But Jesus also knew that the lawyer was not actually living this way.

v. 29: Wanting to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” He was looking for a way to limit his responsibility and to excuse himself from helping certain people. He wanted a strict definition of “neighbor” that would fit his own ideas.

v. 30: Jesus replied with a parable: A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him, and left him almost dead. This showed how dangerous the road was and how helpless the man became.

v. 31: A priest came down the road, saw the injured man, but passed by on the other side. Even a religious leader did not stop to help. This suggests that religion without love is empty.

v. 32: Next, a Levite came to the place, saw the man, and also passed by on the other side. Like the priest, he did not show mercy, even though he knew God’s law. Both the priest and the Levite ignored someone in need.

v. 33: But a Samaritan, who was traveling, saw the man and had compassion on him. Samaritans and Jews did not usually associate with each other, but the Samaritan did not let prejudice stop him from helping. He showed kindness even to someone who would normally be his enemy.

v. 34: The Samaritan went to the injured man, treated his wounds with oil and wine, bandaged him, and put him on his own animal. He took him to an inn and cared for him. His compassion led to real action and personal sacrifice.

v. 35: The next day, the Samaritan gave money to the innkeeper and said, “Take care of him, and when I come back, I will repay you for any extra expense.” He made sure the man would be cared for, even in his absence. This shows true generosity and responsibility.

v. 36: Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” Jesus turned the question around, showing that being a neighbor is about showing mercy, not just about who lives near you.

v. 37: The lawyer replied, “The one who showed mercy to him.” Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” Jesus teaches that everyone in need is our neighbor, and we must show mercy and kindness, just like the Good Samaritan.

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

This section tells the story of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. It shows the importance of listening to Jesus and putting spiritual things first. The lesson is that serving and being busy is good, but it should not distract us from spending time with Jesus and learning from him. True peace and happiness come from hearing and following his words.

v. 38: As Jesus and his disciples were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. Martha showed hospitality by opening her home to Jesus. This teaches us to be kind and willing to serve others, especially when we have the opportunity to welcome Jesus into our lives.

v. 39: Martha had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching. Mary chose to focus on Jesus and learn from him. She put spiritual things first, showing us that listening to Jesus and learning from him is the most important thing we can do.

v. 40: Martha was distracted with much serving. She became worried and upset because there was so much work to do. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” Martha’s problem was not that she was serving, but that she was anxious and upset about many things. Sometimes we can become so busy with serving that we forget to spend time with Jesus.

v. 41: Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things.” He gently corrected her, showing that she was letting her worries take over her heart. Jesus cares about our service, but he wants us to have peace and not be overwhelmed by our duties.

v. 42: Jesus continued, “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Jesus was saying that listening to him and being close to him is the most important thing. Mary made the right choice by sitting at Jesus’ feet, and no one could take that away from her. This teaches us to put spiritual things first and to find our true happiness in Jesus’ words and presence.