Living and Loving the Kingdom Way: Luke 10

Luke 10 explores the nature of God's kingdom through various narratives and teachings. The Good Samaritan becomes a timeless example of compassionate neighborliness, while the contrast between Martha and Mary redefines priorities in our spiritual journey. This chapter invites us to embody love, peace, and wisdom, while acknowledging the joy of being known by God.

Verses 1-12: The Sending Out of the Seventy-Two

Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples, sending them out two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go, equipped with His authority and instructions for their mission.

Verses 13-16: Woes to Unrepentant Cities

Jesus rebukes the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance despite witnessing His miracles.

Verses 17-20: The Seventy-Two Return with Joy

The disciples return, rejoicing in their successful mission. Jesus, while rejoicing with them, reminds them to find joy not in power over demons, but in the assurance of their salvation.

Verses 21-24: Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving

Jesus thanks God for revealing divine truths to "little children," rather than the wise and learned, expressing the joy of divine revelation.

Verses 25-37: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

In response to an expert in the law, Jesus narrates the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting what it truly means to "love your neighbor as yourself."

Verses 38-42: Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

Visiting Martha and Mary, Jesus commends Mary's choice to listen to His teaching, rather than being distracted by much serving, emphasizing the importance of spiritual nourishment.

Luke 10 presents a vivid picture of God's kingdom in action. As the Seventy-Two Disciples are sent out, we gain insights into the nature of discipleship and ministry. Jesus presents the model of the Good Samaritan to challenge prevailing notions of neighborliness, and concludes with the contrast between Martha and Mary, thereby underlining the significance of choosing the "good portion."

Mission and Ministry
Wisdom and Understanding
Love and Neighborliness
Priority and PeaceCommissioning of the Seventy-Two
Woes to Unrepentant Cities
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Jesus' Visit to Martha and MaryJesus
The Seventy-Two Disciples
Residents of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum
The Good Samaritan
The injured man
The robbers
Priest and Levite
Martha and MaryVarious towns and places where the seventy-two are sent
Chorazin
Bethsaida
Capernaum
The road from Jerusalem to Jericho
Martha and Mary's house

1. What can we learn from Jesus' instructions to the Seventy-Two about our own mission as Christians?

2. How can we apply the message of Jesus' rebuke to unrepentant cities in our modern lives?

3. What do you think Jesus meant by "rejoice because your names are written in heaven"?

4. In what ways does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge your current understanding of "neighbor"?

5. How can you apply the lessons from the Good Samaritan parable in your daily interactions with people who are different from you?

6. How does the story of Martha and Mary address the question of balancing service and devotion in our own lives?

7. What significance does the return of the Seventy-Two hold for contemporary Christian communities?

8. How does the prayer of thanksgiving made by Jesus emphasize the importance of childlike faith and humility?

9. How can the woes to the unrepentant cities serve as a warning to societies today?

10. How do you interpret the notion of "loving your neighbor as yourself" in today's context?

11. How can the story of Martha and Mary teach us to prioritize in a world full of distractions?

12. How does the Good Samaritan parable challenge societal prejudices and stereotypes?

13. In what ways does Jesus' commissioning of the Seventy-Two provide a model for Christian evangelism today?

14. How does the rejoicing of the Seventy-Two inspire us in our Christian walk?

15. How can we develop the ability to see people as our "neighbors" in the way the Good Samaritan did?

16. In light of Jesus' teaching to Martha, how do we discern when we are too busy serving to hear Jesus' teachings?

17. How does Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving illuminate the importance of divine revelation in understanding the kingdom of God?

18. How do the woes to the unrepentant cities make us reflect on our responsiveness to God's work in our lives?

19. How does the parable of the Good Samaritan provide a model for social and humanitarian action in the world today?

20. How can the contrast between Martha and Mary help us evaluate our spiritual disciplines and practices?