[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 10
Bible Verses:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:2-3)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “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.” (Luke 10:41-42)
JESUS SENDS OUT THE SEVENTY TWO (vs.1-24)
The Lord appointed 72 and sent them two by two to every town to preach the Kingdom of God. He gave them the following instructions:
- As you enter the house, say “Peace” and stay in that house. Eat and drink whatever they gave out without moving from one house to another (v. 7)
- Eat what is being served (v. 8)
- Heal the sick and tell them “the Kingdom of God is near you” (v. 9)
- If you are not welcomed, go to the street and say, “Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near” (vs. 10-11)
The 72 returned with joy because they were able to drive out demons in Jesus’ name.
THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN (vs. 25-37)
An expert of the law asked Jesus on how to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him what is written in the law. And he cited the greatest commandment. Then he asked jesus: “Who is my neighbor?” (v. 29) Jesus replied with a parable:
While a man was going on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho, he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped his clothes, beat him and leaving him half dead. A priest passed by without doing anything. Then a Levite came and saw him, but he also passed by on the other side. When a Samaritan saw him, he took pity on him. He bangled his wounds, poured oil and wine on him, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. He paid the innkeeper and told him to look after him until his return. And he paid for all the extra expenses. Jesus asked him: “Which of these three was the neighbor to that man being robbed?” (v. 36). The expert of the law replied: “The one who had mercy on him” and Jesus told him to go and do likewise. (v. 37)
AT THE HOUSE OF MARTHA AND MARY (vs. 38-41)
Martha invited Jesus and his disciples to their house. Martha was busy making all the preparations while Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to him. Martha came to Jesus and asked him to let Mary help her. But Jesus answered: “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (vs. 41-42)
REFLECTION:
- Laborers are few and serving God is difficult. Are you obedient to His call?
- The disciples rejoiced over their successful ministry. Jesus told them to rejoice for being citizens of heaven. What brings joy to your heart?
- It costs something to be a real neighbor. Do you help people in need or do you look for an excuse?
- The example of Martha and Mary shows us that Jesus values spending time with Him rather than any other things. Are you busing serving the Lord that you have no time to listen to Him?
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