The Sending of the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:1-12)
Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them two by two, emphasizing the importance of partnership in ministry.
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (v. 2). This highlights the urgency and need for laborers in God's kingdom.
Jesus instructs them to rely on God's provision and to bring peace to the households they enter, demonstrating trust and faith in God's care.

Woe to Unrepentant Cities (Luke 10:13-16)
Jesus pronounces woes on cities that witnessed His miracles yet did not repent, underscoring the seriousness of rejecting the Gospel.
The accountability of those who hear the message of Christ is emphasized, as rejecting the messengers is akin to rejecting Christ Himself.

The Return of the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:17-24)
The disciples return with joy, reporting that even demons submit to them in Jesus' name, illustrating the authority given to believers.
Jesus rejoices in the Spirit, thanking the Father for revealing truths to the humble and childlike, highlighting the value of humility and dependence on God.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
A lawyer's question about inheriting eternal life leads to the parable, which redefines the concept of 'neighbor' beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries.
The Samaritan's compassion and action serve as a model for true neighborly love, challenging us to show mercy to all, regardless of differences.

Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)
The story of Martha and Mary illustrates the importance of prioritizing time with Jesus over busyness, emphasizing the need for spiritual focus and devotion.Engage in Ministry
Partner with others in sharing the Gospel, recognizing the importance of community and collaboration in ministry efforts.

Practice Humility
Approach God with a childlike faith, valuing humility and openness to His teachings.

Show Compassion
Actively seek opportunities to demonstrate love and mercy to those in need, following the example of the Good Samaritan.

Prioritize Spiritual Growth
Balance service with time spent in God's presence, ensuring that spiritual nourishment is not neglected in the busyness of life.1. The Lord (Jesus Christ)
Jesus is the central figure in this chapter, sending out the seventy-two disciples and teaching them. He provides instructions and parables, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The Greek term used for "Lord" is "Κύριος" (Kyrios), emphasizing His authority and divinity.

2. The Seventy-Two Disciples
These are the individuals Jesus appoints and sends out in pairs to every town and place He is about to visit. They are tasked with preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick. The number seventy-two is significant, reflecting completeness and universality in Jewish tradition.

3. The Lawyer (Expert in the Law)
This individual tests Jesus with a question about inheriting eternal life, leading to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The Greek term for "lawyer" is "νομικός" (nomikos), indicating someone skilled in Mosaic Law.

4. The Good Samaritan
Although a character in a parable, the Good Samaritan is a key figure who exemplifies love and compassion by helping a wounded man. The term "Samaritan" reflects the historical enmity between Jews and Samaritans, highlighting the radical nature of the parable's message.

5. The Priest
Another character in the parable, the priest passes by the wounded man without offering help. The Greek word "ἱερεύς" (hiereus) denotes someone who performs religious duties, emphasizing the failure of religious leaders to show compassion.

6. The Levite
Similar to the priest, the Levite also neglects the wounded man. Levites were members of the Hebrew tribe of Levi, responsible for temple duties, and their indifference is a critique of religious formalism.

7. The Wounded Man
The victim in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, who is attacked by robbers and left half-dead. His plight sets the stage for the demonstration of true neighborly love.

8. Martha
A woman who welcomes Jesus into her home. She is described as being distracted by her many tasks, leading to a gentle rebuke from Jesus about being worried and upset over many things.

9. Mary (Sister of Martha)
Mary is Martha's sister, who chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus commends her choice, highlighting the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment.1. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in Luke 10, Jerusalem is the central city in the Gospel narratives and serves as the backdrop for many of Jesus' teachings and parables. It is the spiritual and cultural heart of Judaism.

2. Samaria
Although not explicitly named in Luke 10, Samaria is implied in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Samaritans were considered outsiders by the Jews, and the parable highlights themes of compassion and neighborly love across cultural boundaries.

3. Jericho
Mentioned in Luke 10:30, Jericho is the setting for the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It is described as the destination of a man traveling from Jerusalem, who falls among robbers. Jericho was an ancient city known for its strategic location and historical significance.1. The Sending of the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:1-12)
Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them in pairs to every town and place He is about to visit. He instructs them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Luke 10:2). The Greek word for "appoint" (ἀνέδειξεν, anedeixen) implies a formal commissioning for a specific task.

2. Instructions for the Mission (Luke 10:3-12)
Jesus provides specific instructions for their mission, including traveling light and relying on the hospitality of others. He tells them to say, "Peace to this house" (Luke 10:5) when entering a home, and to heal the sick and proclaim, "The kingdom of God is near you" (Luke 10:9).

3. Woe to Unrepentant Cities (Luke 10:13-16)
Jesus pronounces woes on Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance despite witnessing His miracles. He states, "He who listens to you listens to Me; he who rejects you rejects Me" (Luke 10:16), emphasizing the authority given to His messengers.

4. The Return of the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:17-20)
The seventy-two return with joy, reporting that even demons submit to them in Jesus' name. Jesus responds, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18), indicating the spiritual victory achieved through their mission. He reminds them to rejoice that their names are written in heaven.

5. Jesus' Joy and Thanksgiving (Luke 10:21-24)
Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit and thanks the Father for revealing truths to the childlike rather than the wise and learned. He declares, "No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son" (Luke 10:22), highlighting the unique relationship between the Father and the Son.

6. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
A lawyer tests Jesus by asking how to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27). The Greek word for "neighbor" (πλησίον, plēsion) emphasizes proximity and relational closeness.

7. Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)
Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is distracted with preparations, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Jesus tells Martha, "Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42), underscoring the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment.Matthew 9:37-38
Reinforces the call for laborers in the harvest.

James 2:14-17
Discusses faith in action, complementing the message of the Good Samaritan.

Philippians 2:3-4
Encourages humility and considering others' needs, aligning with Jesus' teachings on servanthood.Pray for more workers to be sent into the harvest, asking God to raise up laborers for His kingdom.
Seek God's guidance in showing compassion and mercy to those around us, asking for a heart like the Good Samaritan.
Ask for the wisdom to balance service and spiritual growth, prioritizing time with Jesus amidst life's demands.
Pray for humility and openness to God's revelations, embracing a childlike faith in our walk with Him.

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?