Luke Chapter 10: Mission, Love, and Devotion


Summary
Luke 10 captures Jesus’ efforts to spread His message and teach kingdom values as He journeys toward Jerusalem. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Sending the Seventy-Two (10:1–24): Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples, sending them in pairs to towns ahead of Him, instructing them to pray for laborers, travel lightly, heal the sick, and proclaim the kingdom’s nearness. They return rejoicing that demons submit, but Jesus redirects their joy to their salvation. He praises God for revealing truth to the humble and blesses the disciples for witnessing His works.
  • Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25–37): A lawyer tests Jesus, asking how to inherit eternal life. Jesus points to the Law: love God and neighbor. The lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells of a man robbed and left for dead, ignored by a priest and Levite, but helped by a Samaritan who shows compassion. Jesus urges the lawyer to “go and do likewise.”
  • Mary and Martha (10:38–42): At their home, Martha is distracted by serving while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha complains, but Jesus says Mary has chosen the better part, which won’t be taken away.
Cross-References
  • Sending the Seventy-Two:
    • Matthew 9:37–38: Pray for laborers for the harvest.
    • Mark 6:7–13: Sending the Twelve, similar instructions.
    • Isaiah 61:1–2: Proclaiming good news, fulfilled in Jesus’ mission.
    • 1 Corinthians 1:26–27: God chooses the humble to reveal truth.
  • Good Samaritan:
    • Leviticus 19:18: Love your neighbor as yourself.
    • Deuteronomy 6:5: Love God with all your heart.
    • Luke 6:36: Be merciful, as God is merciful.
    • Galatians 5:14: The Law fulfilled in loving one’s neighbor.
  • Mary and Martha:
    • John 11:1–44: Mary and Martha’s faith during Lazarus’ death.
    • Psalm 119:105: God’s word as a lamp, guiding priorities.
    • Colossians 3:2: Set your mind on things above.
  • General Theme:
    • Luke 19:10: Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
    • Acts 1:8: Witnessing to all nations, echoing the mission.
Theological Meaning
Luke 10 is rich with theological themes that define mission and discipleship:
  • Mission Expansion: Sending the seventy-two (10:1–16) shows Jesus’ intent to reach all, empowering disciples to proclaim the kingdom and demonstrate God’s power (Acts 1:8). Their dependence on God (10:4) models trust.
  • God’s Revelation: Jesus’ prayer (10:21–22) reveals that God discloses truth to the humble, not the wise, emphasizing grace in salvation (1 Corinthians 1:27). The disciples’ privilege (10:23–24) underscores the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus (Hebrews 1:1–2).
  • Love as Law’s Fulfillment: The Good Samaritan (10:30–37) redefines “neighbor” as anyone in need, showing love transcends cultural barriers (John 13:34). It reflects God’s mercy and calls for action (James 2:17).
  • Priority of Worship: Mary’s choice to listen to Jesus (10:39–42) prioritizes devotion over busyness, teaching that communion with Him is the foundation of service (John 15:5).
  • Judgment and Grace: Towns rejecting the message face judgment (10:12–15), but the offer of salvation is universal, aligning with Luke’s theme of grace for all (Luke 2:32).
  • Joy in Salvation: Jesus redirects joy to salvation (10:20), emphasizing eternal security over temporary victories (Philippians 4:4).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did Jesus send seventy-two disciples (10:1)?
    • The seventy-two expanded His mission, preparing towns for His arrival (10:1). The number may symbolize all nations (Genesis 10 lists 70 nations), reflecting the gospel’s universal reach (Acts 1:8).
  2. Why were they told to carry no purse or sandals (10:4)?
    • Traveling lightly forced reliance on God’s provision and hospitality (10:7), teaching trust and urgency in their mission (Matthew 6:31–33). It also distinguished them from itinerant philosophers.
  3. What does “the kingdom of God has come near” mean (10:9)?
    • The kingdom’s nearness refers to Jesus’ presence, miracles, and message, bringing God’s reign (Luke 11:20). It calls for repentance to enter His salvation (Mark 1:15).
  4. Why did Jesus say demons submit to the disciples (10:17–19)?
    • The disciples’ authority over demons (10:17) came from Jesus’ power (10:19), showing His victory over evil (Colossians 2:15). It confirmed the kingdom’s advance but wasn’t their ultimate joy (10:20).
  5. Who is the Good Samaritan in the parable (10:30–37)?
    • The Samaritan represents anyone who shows mercy, especially across social divides. Some see him as a Christ-figure, reflecting Jesus’ compassion for the broken (Luke 19:10), but primarily he models love (John 13:35).
  6. Why did the priest and Levite pass by the injured man (10:31–32)?
    • They likely feared ritual impurity (Leviticus 21:1–3) or danger from bandits. Their inaction contrasts the Samaritan’s compassion, exposing their failure to love (Leviticus 19:18).
  7. Why did Jesus say Mary chose the better part (10:42)?
    • Mary prioritized listening to Jesus’ teaching (10:39), the “one thing” needed—communion with Him—over Martha’s busyness (10:41). Service is vital, but worship comes first (Psalm 27:4).
  8. Why were some towns judged harshly for rejecting the message (10:12–15)?
    • Towns like Chorazin and Capernaum saw Jesus’ miracles yet rejected Him (10:13–15). Their greater revelation brought greater responsibility, leading to judgment worse than Sodom’s (Matthew 11:20–24).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The seventy-two’s mission (10:1) mirrors Jewish elders (Numbers 11:16) or nations (Genesis 10), suggesting a broad outreach. Samaritans were despised by Jews for their mixed heritage (John 4:9), making the parable shocking (10:33). Women like Mary sitting at a rabbi’s feet (10:39) was unusual, showing Jesus’ elevation of women (Luke 8:1–3).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why the lawyer tested Jesus (10:25). Lawyers sought to trap or prove superiority, but Jesus redirected to love (10:27). The “two denarii” (10:35) equaled two days’ wages, showing the Samaritan’s generosity. Martha’s hospitality (10:38) was expected, but her distraction missed Jesus’ priority.
  • Application: Luke 10 calls believers to join Jesus’ mission, love others sacrificially, and prioritize devotion to Him. It challenges prejudice, busyness, and apathy, urging active faith and trust (Matthew 28:19).
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