LUKE 10 THE EFFECT OF THE GOSPEL OF GOD. Around the world there are approximately 60,000 North American missionaries. The Gospel is being sounded out; souls are being saved. Fear is a real problem to people all over the world. There are some steps we can take to deal with our problems: fix the ones you can fix and identify the ones you can live with. For “the Lord’s sake” help others fix theirs if you can. Don’t do drastic things. Encourage people to trust God and use every opportunity to present the Gospel.
v.1-8. THE HARVEST: the offer of eternal life. “I send you forth…I give you power…”
- He is the Lord of the harvest.
- He is the One who sends forth the laborers.
- There are few laborers – more are needed.
- We are to pray that He will send forth laborers.
- There are “wolves” who want to stop the Gospel.
- It is important that we trust God alone.
- Some will appreciate peace and others are enemies.
- Peace may be lost but it can be regained.
- The harvest is ready to gather.
- There are laborers ready to work.
- Babes are able to see what wise men don’t see.
- Believers are able to rejoice because we know the Lord of the harvest. “I will send My Son…”
v.9-15. THE KINGDOM: receive eternal life. “I thank Thee, O Father…hast revealed to babes… I will come again.”
- Those that are sick – sin from within.
- Those that are injured – sin from without.
- Those that receive Him – Martha.
- Those that appreciate Him – Mary. He is building a kingdom.
v.12-16. THE JUDGMENT: rejection of eternal life. “I will repay.”
- Judgment on the morally unclean –Sodom.
- Judgment on spiritually ignorant – Sidon.
- Judgment on materially concerned – Tyre.
- Judgment on those who hear but don’t believe – Chorazin.
- Judgment on the home of many disciples – Bethsaida.
- Judgment on the earthly home of the Savior – Capernaum.
v.12-16. THE COMPARISON: S odom: men of Sodom . Capernaum: earthly home of Jesus . Wicked; given to lust. An unspeakable privilege. Vain imaginations. An incomparable Person. God gave them up to vile affections. Sodom: woman of Sodom . Capernaum: mighty works . Heard a word of warning. Healing: Hand linked to heavenly messenger. Centurion’s servant. Ran to escape – looked back. Peter’s mother-in-law. Palsied man borne of 4. Cast out devils. Healed all kinds of diseases. Raised Jairus’ daughter. Healed woman who touched Him. Believer outside Sodom: Abraham. Teaching:
Prayed for the city, family, woman. “Sinners to repentance.” Prayed in the early morning. “Power on earth to forgive sins.” Knew the end – judgment. Attitudes: John – he has a devil. Jesus – He is a glutton, winebibber. v. 17-20 THE 70 RETURN: It is cause for joy when God is working, but nothing compares with the value of being saved 00 having your names written in heaven.
v.21-24. CHRIST REJOICES AND SHOWS THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GOSPEL: Salvation is not by human wisdom but by revelation from the Father through the Son. Simple people can receive this. The disciples were blessed because they, eyewitnesses, could see what kings and prophets could only foresee.
v.25-37. THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITIAN: Samaria means, “watchtower.” It was the capital of the northern kingdom [1Kg.16]. It was Israel’s “crown of pride” [Is.28:1]. It was besieged twice by Benhadad [1Kg.20]. It was miraculously saved [2Kg.6]. Worshippers of Baal were destroyed here [2Kg.10]. It was threatened with divine judgment [Is.28; Amos 3]. When taken captive, it was repopulated with foreigners [2Kg.17]. Christ forbade his disciple to preach there [Mat.10:5]. The Gospel was preached there [Acts 1:8]. Churches were established there [Acts 9:31]. Paul preached there [Acts 15:3].
The Samaritans were a mixed race [2Kg.17]. Their help was rejected by Nehemiah [Neh.4]. Christ reached a woman of Samaria [Jn.4]; the story of the good Samaritan [Lu.10]; the beliefs of the Samaritans [Jn.4:25]; Samaritan converts [Acts 8]. Probably the most important question one can ask is, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The lawyer knew the requirements. Many know what is right but don’t want to do it. To the thieves the traveler was a victim to exploit: the world. To the priest the traveler was a nuisance to avoid: religion. To the Levite the traveler was a subject to discuss: forms (religious). To the Samaritan the traveler was a neighbor to help: the Lord Jesus Christ. To the innkeeper the traveler was a customer to serve: the assembly. v.38-42. MARY AND MARTHA:
- Both loved the Lord.
- Both were serving Him in different ways.
- Martha’s way was in physical service; Mary in spiritual ways.
- “One thing” is needful: fellowship with God.
- “Good part”: lasting blessing.