Day 281 – Jesus’ Sending of More Disciples

• Today’s passages will be familiar for three reasons. Some parts retell events similar to those we have read about in previous passages, some parts cover readings we have already read before, and some parts are new to our reading plan, but are undoubtedly stories that you know well. I hope you enjoyed reading these comforting passages.
• Luke 10 begins with the sending out of the “72” people. This is the only gospel account which reference Jesus sending out so many people in His name. This is a separate event to that of the sending out of the “12” (Luke also records this event separately in chapter 9).
• Did Jesus give any different instructions this time? What were they, and did any surprise you?
• Luke 10:17-24 showed the joy of the people who came to know the gospel for themselves. Jesus joined in the rejoicing too! Do you think that living with the promise of the Christian life is joyful too?
• Jesus recounted the parable of the Good Samaritan in today’s passage in Luke, coming directly after a conversation with a lawyer. The lawyer claimed to love God, but what clues are there in verses 25 and 29 that his heart needed to be challenged by Jesus?
• What does the parable of the Good Samaritan help you to consider? Flick back to day 253 if you need a reminder about Samaritans.
• We are called to love our neighbours. The question posed about who “our neighbours” are is a good one. Who is your neighbour, in this context?
• Do you love your neighbours? Do you go out of them way for the people in your life?
• Jesus’ called the lawyer, and us, to “go and do likewise” in Luke 10:37. This is a call to our hearts, rather than an “entrance requirement” for eternal life. Why is it so important to do then?
• The story of Martha and Mary is interesting. Martha was distracted with serving Jesus, and was annoyed that Mary was spending time in Jesus’ presence instead. I do encourage you to get involved with serving in your church, but is it possible for your serving to become a religion, rather than the God you come to learn about? Never forget that the gospel, the good news of your restored relationship with God, should always be the focus of your heart. Spending time with Jesus is more important than serving (but of course, there is time enough for both!).
• It’s good to drop back into a portion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34), and especially these wonderful words of peace and comfort. How might Martha have been encouraged by these words if she had read them? How are you?

Who do you resonate more like – Mary or Martha?

From time to time I can see myself acting – and speaking – like Martha to people who might be acting more like Mary. If we all pitch in it’ll get done faster! Come on Mary!

I was a little ruffled when I read Jesus’ compassionate answer to Martha’s complaint. But then, since when did Jesus not ruffle any feathers, huh?

If Jesus is our absolute priority, then of course Mary was right to be with him, to the detriment of anything else. All the work for the day was preparing to be ready for Jesus… but Jesus was already there! What’s the point in spending all the time getting ready for someone and then not enjoying their company when they get there?

It makes a lot more sense when you think of it that way, doesn’t it?

I wonder if this reading plan is a job you’re doing to prepare yourself for a Saviour who you’re not spending time getting to know. Is that possible? If so, be aware of that danger. This reading plan should be equipping you to come closer to Jesus, forming the bond of a relationship in which you love him and glorify him. If it’s just work, and no relationship, Jesus has the same words for you that he had for Martha: “Stop, and spend time with Me”!

Is that something you need to hear today, and act on? Pray about it if so.