1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.
7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.
9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,
11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’
12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.”
14 But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.
15 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades.
16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
42 But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.
The True Meaning of Luke 10
This passage from the Gospel of Luke provides valuable insights into the ministry of Jesus Christ and the early days of his followers. The author, Luke, was a physician and companion of the apostle Paul, who had a deep understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus appointed and commissioned seventy-two disciples in this chapter, sending them out to prepare the way for his arrival in various towns and cities. This event foreshadows the rapid growth and expansion of the early Christian movement, as Jesus empowers his followers to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God.
The chapter also includes Jesus’ lament over the unrepentant cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, echoing the warnings found in the prophets, such as Ezekiel’s message to the rebellious house of Israel (Ezekiel 2:3-5). This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting the divine message and the importance of heeding the call to repentance.
Luke 10:1-12
The verse in Luke 10:1-12 can be broken down into several important sections. The first section is found in verses 1-3 where Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them out two by two ahead of him to every town and place he was about to go. This act of sending out the seventy-two disciples symbolizes the importance of cooperation, support, and companionship in the ministry. Jesus did not send them out alone, but in pairs, emphasizing the value of teamwork and mutual encouragement in spreading the Gospel. This act also highlights the idea that believers are not meant to walk their spiritual journeys alone but are called to partner with others in this mission.
Next, in verses 4-9, Jesus gives specific instructions to the disciples on how to conduct themselves during their mission. He instructs them not to take anything extra with them, to rely on the hospitality of those they visit, to heal the sick and declare the kingdom of God near. Jesus teaches the disciples about humility, dependence on God’s provision, and the importance of spreading the message of the kingdom of God by asking them to rely on the kindness of strangers. This act also demonstrates the concept of trust in God’s providence and the power of faith in His ability to meet their needs as they carry out His work. Jesus warns the disciples in verses 10-12 that not every place they go will receive them or listen to their message. He tells them that if a town does not welcome them, they are to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them. This action signifies the disciples’ commitment to preach the Gospel regardless of the response they receive. It also serves as a reminder that rejection is a possibility when sharing the message of Christ, but that should not deter believers from fulfilling their mission. This rejection serves as a testimony, holding those who rejected the message accountable for their decision.
The overarching message of this passage in Luke 10 is the call to spread the Gospel diligently, relying on God’s provision and trusting in His plan. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation, humility, faith, and perseverance in the face of rejection. This passage also reminds believers that their mission is to declare the kingdom of God and to be faithful in sharing the message of salvation, regardless of the response they receive. Believers can gain insight into how to actively participate in the work of spreading the Gospel and living out their faith in their daily lives by studying and reflecting on the actions and teachings of Jesus in this passage.
Luke 10:13-16
Jesus pronounces judgment on the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum in Luke 10:13-16 for not repenting despite witnessing His miracles. Let’s break down this verse into important sections and explore their meanings in the context of Luke 10.
Firstly, in verse 13, Jesus expresses his disappointment and sorrow over the lack of repentance in Chorazin and Bethsaida, two towns where He performed many miracles. These towns had seen firsthand the power and love of Jesus through His works, yet they chose not to turn from their sins and follow Him. This emphasizes the importance of responding to the revelation of God with repentance and faith. It is a reminder that having the opportunity to witness miracles or hear the Gospel message comes with the responsibility to respond and make a personal decision to follow Christ.
Secondly, in verse 14, Jesus warns that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for these towns. This is a striking statement because Sodom was known in the Old Testament for its extreme wickedness, leading to its destruction by fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24-25). Jesus is indicating that even in the face of such great evil, the lack of response to His message by these towns is even more grievous. This highlights the severity of rejecting God’s grace and the consequences of willful disobedience.
Moving on to verse 15, Jesus mentions Capernaum, a town where He spent much of His ministry and performed numerous miracles. He states that Capernaum will be brought down to Hades, or the depths of the grave, due to its unbelief. This pronouncement against Capernaum is significant because it was a place where Jesus had shown great compassion and power, yet it remained hardened in unbelief. This serves as a reminder that privilege and proximity to the Gospel do not guarantee salvation; genuine faith and repentance are what truly matter.
Lastly, in verse 16, Jesus declares that rejecting His disciples is equivalent to rejecting Him, and rejecting Him is equivalent to rejecting God the Father who sent Him. This underscores the interconnected nature of the Trinity and the unity of purpose within the Godhead. It also emphasizes the seriousness of heeding the message of Jesus and His messengers, as they are representatives of God Almighty. By rejecting them, one ultimately rejects God Himself and His offer of salvation. Luke 10:13-16 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responding to the Gospel message with faith and repentance. It highlights the accountability that comes with witnessing God’s power and mercy and calls for a genuine heart transformation in response to His grace. The fate of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum serves as a cautionary tale for all who hear the Word of God, emphasizing the need to heed His call and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Luke 10:17-20
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name,’ in verses 17-18 of Luke 10:17-20.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’”
Here, the seventy-two disciples return to Jesus with joy, reporting their successful ministry in casting out demons in His name. This section not only demonstrates the authority given to the disciples by Jesus but also highlights the power and victory that comes from doing God’s work. Jesus’ response, mentioning seeing Satan fall like lightning from heaven, signifies the defeat of evil and the triumph of good through the work of His disciples. This moment is a powerful reminder of the authority believers have in Christ to overcome evil forces and the importance of relying on His name for spiritual warfare.
This section also connects to other biblical verses, such as in Luke 9:1 where Jesus gave His twelve disciples power and authority over all demons. It reinforces the continuity of the disciples’ authority in casting out demons and performing miracles, reflecting the ongoing work of God through His chosen messengers.
Verse 19: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Jesus reassures the disciples of the authority given to them to overcome all the power of the enemy in this verse. The imagery of trampling on snakes and scorpions symbolizes victory over evil and the ability to conquer dangerous and harmful situations. This verse emphasizes the protection and empowerment that believers receive when they are aligned with God’s will and actively engaged in His mission. It serves as a reminder that God equips His followers with the strength and authority to face any challenges that may come their way.
The concept of believers having authority over harmful creatures or dangerous situations is also echoed in Psalm 91:13, where it says, “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” This imagery of triumph over dangerous animals signifies the divine protection and victory granted to those who trust in God.
Verse 20: “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus’ final statement in this passage directs the disciples’ focus towards an eternal perspective. While the disciples were amazed by the authority they had to cast out demons, Jesus redirects their attention to the greatest cause for rejoicing—having their names written in heaven. This message emphasizes the importance of salvation and the eternal security found in being a part of God’s kingdom. It serves as a reminder that earthly achievements, no matter how significant, should never overshadow the ultimate gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
This verse aligns with other biblical teachings, such as in Philippians 4:3 where Paul talks about fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life. It underscores the significance of one’s name being recorded in heaven and the profound joy that comes from knowing one’s eternal destination is secured in God’s kingdom. Luke 10:17-20 captures the essence of spiritual warfare, divine authority, and the eternal significance of salvation. The passage emphasizes the power and victory granted to believers, the protection and authority received through Christ, and the ultimate cause for rejoicing in salvation and the promise of eternal life. It encourages believers to focus on the eternal treasures of heaven rather than earthly accomplishments and to walk in the authority and victory that Christ has bestowed upon His followers.
Luke 10:21-24
Several significant sections to explore are found in Luke 10:21-24. “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Jesus expresses joy and praise to God in this section for revealing His truths not to the wise and learned, but to those who are humble like little children. This passage emphasizes the importance of having a childlike faith and humility to understand the mysteries of God’s kingdom. Throughout the Bible, we see God choosing the humble and unlikely individuals to carry out His plans, showing that true wisdom comes from God and is often counterintuitive to human ways of thinking (1 Corinthians 1:27).
- “All things have been committed to me by my 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.” (Luke 10:22)
Here, Jesus asserts His divine authority and the unique relationship He shares with the Father. This verse reflects the concept of the Trinity, highlighting the intimate connection between the Father and the Son. Jesus claims to have exclusive knowledge of the Father, indicating His role as the mediator between God and humanity (John 14:6). Through Jesus, the Father’s nature and will are revealed to those whom He chooses, emphasizing the role of divine revelation in understanding God.
- “Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. Jesus acknowledges the privilege His disciples have in witnessing His ministry and hearing His teachings firsthand in these verses. The prophets and kings of the Old Testament longed to see and understand the fulfillment of God’s promises, but it was reserved for the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This highlights the significance of the disciples’ role in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation and the realization of prophecies foretold in the Old Testament (Matthew 13:16). It also serves as a reminder for believers today to appreciate the spiritual blessings and insights we have through the Scriptures and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Luke 10:21-24 captures the themes of humility, divine revelation, the Trinity, and the fulfillment of prophecy in the context of Jesus’ ministry. It underscores the importance of approaching God with childlike faith, recognizing Jesus as the revelation of the Father, and appreciating the spiritual blessings available to believers through the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit. This passage invites us to reflect on our own receptiveness to God’s truths and the privilege we have in knowing and following Jesus.
Luke 10:25-37
The well-known parable of the Good Samaritan is found in Luke 10:25-37. This passage can be broken down into several key sections that provide valuable insights for believers.
The verse opens with a legal expert testing Jesus by asking Him what he must do to inherit eternal life. This question reveals the heart of a common debate during that time among the Jews regarding the nature of salvation. The expert sought to test Jesus’ knowledge of the Law. Jesus, in His wisdom, redirects the question back to the expert by asking him what is written in the Law. This interaction sets the stage for the subsequent teaching through the parable.
The parable itself involves a man who is left half-dead by robbers on the road to Jericho. It is significant to note that both a priest and a Levite pass by the wounded man without stopping to help. These were respected figures in Jewish society, and their failure to extend assistance to the wounded man speaks volumes about the state of religious hypocrisy and neglect of mercy. However, a Samaritan, who was considered an outsider and despised by the Jews, stops to show compassion and care for the wounded man. This act of kindness and love demonstrates the true meaning of neighborly love that transcends boundaries of race, religion, and social status.
The Samaritan’s actions teach us a profound lesson about the essence of true discipleship and love for our neighbors. Jesus highlights the command to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves in responding to the expert’s initial question. The Good Samaritan exemplifies this second commandment by showing mercy and compassion to a stranger in need. His selfless act challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those in distress and prompts us to reflect on the measure of our love and compassion towards others.
This parable teaches us about the radical nature of Christian love that goes beyond mere words or religious observance. It calls us to embody the love of Christ in practical ways, reaching out to those who are hurting and marginalized in society. The Samaritan’s example serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves sacrificial love and compassion for those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The story of the Good Samaritan resonates with the overarching theme of redemption and reconciliation that runs throughout the Bible. It echoes the message of forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation found in the teachings of Jesus. We, as believers, are called to follow the example of the Good Samaritan by extending grace and mercy to others, just as we have received from our Savior. This parable challenges us to examine our hearts and actions, urging us to live out our faith in tangible ways by showing love and kindness to all, just as the Samaritan did.
Luke 10:38-42
The story of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha, is presented in Luke 10:38-42. This passage begins with Martha opening her home to Jesus, while her sister Mary sits at his feet listening to his teachings. Martha, however, is distracted with the preparations for the hospitality and she becomes frustrated that Mary is not helping her. She expresses her concern to Jesus, essentially asking Him to tell Mary to help in serving. Jesus responds to Martha by gently rebuking her, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
This passage highlights an important lesson about priorities and the importance of spending time with God. Martha represents the distractions and busyness of life, symbolizing those who are consumed by the cares of the world. Mary symbolizes those who prioritize spending time with Jesus, sitting at His feet to learn from Him and nourish their spiritual lives. Jesus commends Mary for choosing the better portion, emphasizing the value of seeking Him above all else.
This story teaches us that while serving others and being hospitable are important, it is equally vital to prioritize our spiritual growth and relationship with God. Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in Matthew 6:33, and all these things will be added unto us. Mary’s decision to prioritize learning from Jesus sets an example for us to prioritize our spiritual nourishment above all distractions and worries of the world.
Additionally, this story exemplifies the different ways individuals may choose to approach their faith. While both Martha and Mary have good intentions, Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet signifies a desire for deeper spiritual understanding and communion with the Lord. This mirrors the various responses people have to Jesus throughout the Bible, some choosing to follow Him closely like the disciples, while others, like the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-23, struggle to prioritize Jesus above their worldly possessions. This passage ultimately reminds us of the importance of balancing our responsibilities and service with a deep, personal relationship with God. Just as Mary chose the better portion by focusing on Jesus, we too are encouraged to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek a close relationship with Him above all else.
After Luke 10
Jesus sent out seventy-two of His followers to spread the message of peace and the kingdom of God in this chapter. They were instructed to heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God was near. The disciples returned with joy, amazed at the power they had been given to perform miracles in Jesus’ name. Jesus reminded them that their true joy should come from their names being written in heaven. We are reminded of the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others as we reflect on the faith and obedience of these disciples. Just as the seventy-two were sent out to spread the message of peace and healing, we too are called to be ambassadors of God’s love in the world. Their example should encourage us to continue boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God in our own lives. As we prepare to enter the next chapter, let us carry with us the same zeal and joy that the disciples had when they returned from their mission. May we be inspired by their faith and dedication, knowing that we too have been called to be messengers of hope and healing in a broken world. We go forth with confidence, knowing that God’s kingdom is near and that we have been given the power to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.