1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him].
23 And he turned him unto [his] disciples, and said privately, Blessed [are] the eyes which see the things that ye see:
24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them].
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded [him], and departed, leaving [him] half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked [on him], and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him],
34 And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave [them] to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Overview of Luke Chapter 10
Luke Chapter 10 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Luke, illustrating Jesus’ ministry and teachings. It contains significant events, parables, and instructions that highlight the nature of discipleship, the mission of the seventy-two, and the importance of loving one’s neighbor.
Key Themes
- Mission and Evangelism: The chapter emphasizes the sending out of disciples to spread the message of the Kingdom of God.
- Rejection and Acceptance: It discusses the varying responses to the Gospel message, including rejection by some towns.
- Love and Compassion: The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the command to love one’s neighbor.
- Joy and Authority: The return of the seventy-two highlights the joy of discipleship and the authority given to them by Jesus.
Structure of the Chapter
- Sending of the Seventy-Two (Verses 1-12)
- Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them in pairs to every town and place he intends to visit.
- Instructions are given on how to conduct themselves, emphasizing reliance on God and peace.
- Warnings about rejection and the consequences for those who do not accept the message.
- Return of the Seventy-Two (Verses 17-20)
- The seventy-two return with joy, reporting their success in casting out demons.
- Jesus affirms their authority and reminds them of the greater joy found in salvation.
- Jesus’ Praise to the Father (Verses 21-24)
- Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, thanking God for revealing truths to the humble rather than the wise.
- He emphasizes the privilege of the disciples in witnessing these things.
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Verses 25-37)
- A lawyer tests Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life.
- Jesus responds with the command to love God and neighbor.
- The parable illustrates who qualifies as a neighbor through the actions of a Samaritan.
- Visit to Martha and Mary (Verses 38-42)
- Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary, highlighting the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over busyness.
- Mary’s choice to listen to Jesus is commended, while Martha’s distraction is gently corrected.
Analysis of Key Passages
Sending of the Seventy-Two (Verses 1-12)
This section emphasizes the collaborative nature of Jesus’ mission. By sending the seventy-two in pairs, Jesus underscores the importance of community and support in ministry. The instructions regarding peace and reliance on God illustrate the spiritual principles that should guide the work of evangelism.
Return of the Seventy-Two (Verses 17-20)
The joy expressed by the seventy-two upon their return highlights the transformative power of engaging in God’s mission. Jesus’ response serves to redirect their focus from their accomplishments to the greater reality of salvation, reminding them of the ultimate purpose of their work.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Verses 25-37)
This parable is central to understanding the nature of love and compassion in the Christian faith. It challenges societal norms regarding who is considered a neighbor and emphasizes that true love transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan’s actions serve as a model for how to live out the command to love one’s neighbor.
Visit to Martha and Mary (Verses 38-42)
This passage contrasts two approaches to serving Jesus. Martha’s busyness represents a common struggle with distraction in ministry, while Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet symbolizes the importance of spiritual attentiveness. Jesus’ gentle correction of Martha highlights the need to prioritize relationship with Him over mere activity.
Conclusion
Luke Chapter 10 encapsulates essential teachings of Jesus regarding mission, love, and discipleship. Through the sending of the seventy-two, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the visit to Martha and Mary, the chapter calls believers to actively engage in loving service while maintaining a deep relationship with God.
