Luke 10

Chapter 9 started with Jesus sending out the 12. Chapter 10 begins with Him sending out 72. Same instructions. Same mission.

Jesus pronounced judgement on the places where seems to have spent the most time. Capernaum was a major fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Chorazin was a short walk north of it, and Bethsaida was to the east of it on the river that flows into the Sea of Galilee. A walk taking you through all three towns would only be about 6-10 miles. They are known as the "evangelical triangle." Tyre and Sidon were pagan/gentile port cities on the Mediteranian Sea. In the Old Testament they are used as symbols of pride, idolatry, greed, and opposition to God's people.

When the 72 returned Jesus pronounced the power and protection that He granted them, but He told them not to focus on the demons, but rather stay focused on the fact that they are saved. Don't get distracted by the gifts you have been given - or even the fruit of those gifts - but always stay focused on the One who gave them to you and bears that fruit through you.

The most precious gift of all is to know the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is unique to Luke. It is presented in the context of the Great Commandment. An expert in the law (i.e. an Old Testament scholar) tested Jesus by asking what He had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered with a question - "what is written in the law?" And the expert answered correctly - Love God and your neighbor with all that you are. And then the expert tried to throw a curve - "But who is my neighbor?"

Jesus used the example of a Samaritan helping an injured Jew when the priests and Levites who should have helped him neglected to do their duty. Jesus's answer both made His point that loving your neighbor means helping those in need, but it also pointed out the pride in the religious leaders.

And then there's another story that is unique to Luke. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Mary sat at Jesus's feet while Martha worked hard trying to prepare food for her guests. When she complained about Mary not helping, Jesus simply told her that she worries too much, and that Mary was doing the right thing. We don't need to worry - it often draws us farther from God rather than closer. We only need to keep our eyes on Him. Keep Calm and Focus On God.