Vicar Peter M. Horn, Seminary Intern
Last class, we finished with Jesus praising his disciples. The kingdom of God is present wherever Jesus does his ministry and wherever others do ministry in his names as the 70 disciples just did. They have succeeded in fulfilling the mission that Jesus has sent them out to do. Just as Simeon was shown the messiah, to see the kingdom of God come to earth, before he was able to die, so to the disciples now see it and hear it! We enter our story at this high point in the relationship of Jesus and his disciples.
25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
“Just then:” There is no transition here; we are in the same conversation, the same gathering. Read in continuous form, we may think the lawyer is interrupting the reunion of Jesus and the 70 by asking this question about himself. The lawyer, however, is not interrupting. Jesus has been focusing on the ministry of doing. He sent out the 12 apostles and now the 70 disciples have returned. Let us not forget all the acts of healing and casting out of demons Jesus has already done either. This is all the ministry of doing. This is obvious to us in the verbs that are used. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Do this, and you will live.” “Go and do likewise.”
Next is the difference in the social status of the two in the conversation. First, we have the lawyer. Recall that legal experts have been present to monitor Jesus and that legal experts are among those identified as persons responsible for Jesus eventual suffering. Even more so, priests of the temple served as experts on the law when not performing duties. This bring more tension to this parable. Second, we have Jesus, who is referred to by the lawyer as “teacher.” This is a term of respect used while the lawyer is standing, showing esteem for Jesus.
The questions follow. Jesus is questioned about inheriting eternal life and he responds with a question. The answer the lawyer gives is in harmony with Jesus’ teachings. Perfectly said and simply stated, we now have a cornerstone to go on for our faith lives. However, interpreting the law and the scriptures is one thing, doing and internalizing is another. Jesus calls us to action!
The lawyer then seeks clarification. For Israelites, the neighbor was defined as all those who believed in and embraced the covenant of the God of Abraham and David. Jesus expands this notion by bringing in a foreigner to be the helper rather than an Israelite helping presumably one of their own. This pushed the thought of loving the neighbor from more than just proximity and blood relation. We now see the question, how far should love reach?
The parable then commences. This man going from Jerusalem to Jericho has no name or no identifying features. This leads us to see the man, quite simply, as a fellow human being in need.
Danger in the areas outside of town was more frequent in these times. No identifying marks for the robbers either. They only beat the man and left. Like the man who our story is about, the robbers could be anyone.
Who will help this man? What is going to happen to him? We get our answer quickly. A priest and Levite appear but they do the same thing: came à saw à passed by on the other side. We see these two, sometimes, with some resentment. Why didn’t they help, they should know better! But this is more about class than it is about blame. The priest and Levite, being of leadership levels in the temple, would be obligated to bury a neglected corpse, if the man were to die, and the issue of clean and unclean would have come to their minds. They are accustomed to being evaluated by their bloodline, not their actions. This is what Jesus is getting to.
The third time is the charm. Here comes…a Samaritan?!? We can only guess at the emotions of the crowd as Jesus is saying this, that an unclean, gentile is going to help this man. Also, this Samaritan is a traveling merchant and his actions are different from the other two: came à saw à was moved with compassion à went to the wounded man + cared for him. Notice how many more steps were taken. Action is not simple but in depth, expensive, and time consuming.
The Samaritan’s emotions are not foreign to us in Luke. This shows us an example of God’s covenant faithfulness from 1:78 and of Jesus in the face of a widow’s loss of her only son in 7:13. We are shown how to love and care for another in need. Not only that but how far we are to go in helping, just as the Samaritan did entering into a monetary agreement with the inn keeper for an unknown amount of money.
Our story ends with another redirected question. Jesus asks whom the lawyer thinks is the neighbor in the story. Again, he answers correctly, “the one who showed him mercy.” We see the parallel in the exchange in verses 25-28 and 29-37. Jesus is telling us the same story twice. If we don’t get it the first time, then the second will do. As we all know, we are to be as the Samaritan, going and doing likewise.
38-42 Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
How many of us have heard this passage as a “who is better” depiction? Is action better than listening? Jesus redirects our thoughts on this to hospitality. Even the opening sentence says it all. Martha welcomed Jesus in to her home. Welcome is what the apostles and the disciples were seeking when they went out on their missions. Welcome is where our ministry starts.
The verses then turn towards the importance of hearing the word of God. The lawyer heard in our last passage but action was only encouraged, we don’t know what came next for him. The Samaritan had done mercy towards the injured man. He heard AND acted. Mary is on the right start. She is sitting, submitting to Jesus and hearing him speak. Martha is busy working and serving. So why do we criticize Martha and not Mary? Jesus is looking for a different kind of service than what Martha is providing. He desires for us to be like the Samaritan, hearing the word and acting accordingly. We can work the day away but Jesus wants our concern to be the word of God and to enter into relationship with Jesus.
What kind of hospitality is Jesus looking for then? “The nature of hospitality for which Jesus seeks is realized in attending to one’s guest, yet Martha’s speech is centered on “me” –talk. Though he refers to Jesus as “Lord,” she is concerned to engage his assistance in her plans, not to learn from him his.” Joel B. Green
What do we take form Jesus’ last few lines? What is the one thing that Mary is doing? This could be many things. She is focusing on Jesus and his word. She is focused on the coming kingdom of God as Jesus has preached about and could be here. She is focused on the hospitality of welcome and of hearing the word of God. In one of the commentaries, the title for this section is not “Jesus Visits Martha and Mary” but is “How to Welcome Jesus.”
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Gospel of Luke Study – Chapter 11
Vicar Peter M. Horn, Seminary Intern
At the end of chapter 10, we are left with an ambiguous comment from Jesus to Martha. He says, “there is need of only one thing.” We are left wondering what this one thing is...is it listening or serving by being attentive or thinking of others or welcoming or hospitality? The story tells us of hospitality and how to welcome in the stranger but next we will see that prayer could also be added to this list.
1-4 – The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus is a person of prayer. He seems to always be doing it. On this occasion, we have Jesus prayer in a certain place. This could have been a location where Jesus went frequently to prayer and to collect himself for the deeds he did. We see this habit of praying coming through of Jesus wanting to have time for him to talk with God and to recuperate. The disciples in this scene are attentive. They are shown as learners who often asked for aid and direction from their Lord. The prayer that Jesus gives them is a distinct one from Jesus to the followers and for the followers.
The term “Father” in reference to God was rarely used in this period. For Luke, Father is linked back to 10:22 where we see that “no one knows…who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” In this prayer, Jesus is showing us the Father and how to praise the Father. This is followed by how we respect this name. Father is not just another title for God but communicates the true essence of God, just as our names communicate who we are. We honor God’s name above all.
The prayer continues with declaring “Your kingdom come.” We join Simeon and Ann from earlier in Luke in their praises and waiting for the divine coming of the Messiah. We also know, at the same time, that Jesus is actively bringing the kingdom through our lives in service, conversation, and fellowship. God’s new order is being established by God through our lives and the community of believers.
The focus then turns to us. The disciples of the time relied heavily on God for the daily food. What would that feel like for us? Forgiving sins is linked with a condition of reminding us to forgive others while our sins are forgiven (as God always forgives sins). This points us back to the year of jubilee when all wealth would be returned to balance. God desires that balance in our lives and with one another. Lastly, we hear about testing. We are asking God to be excused from further testing and to see our own need for divine care.
5-13 – Perseverance in Prayer
In this section, Jesus does not put an end to the question by the disciples. Instead, Jesus talks about how our prayers move out of just talking and into action, as we are Christ to the world. Praying is not just the words we used but also the perseverance we display after the ritual of closing our eyes and folding our hands.
“Can you imagine…?” Jesus continues his instruction on prayer with a parable that begins with a statement with an obvious answer. Of course, my friend will help me out in my time of need in showing hospitality!
Jesus now transfers the story back into the present day. Of course, we help one another. If one is in need then we are to show hospitality and be shown hospitality. Jesus breaks it down even further with the conversation about the child. Would you hurt and innocent child by not giving them what they asked for? God’s Fatherly goodness exceeds that of human fathers as God gives us what we need always and without question. God gives us the Holy Spirit; there is no greater gift!
JESUS’ BEHAVIOR QUESTIONED (11:14-54)
14-23 – Jesus and Beelzebul
For the first time in our timeline, Jesus’ crowds are bringing skepticism. All previous times before this casting out of demons, the people left in amazement…now they are questioning the source of his power. Jesus will take each point from the crowd in turn.
Jesus counters their grievance that his work is that of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. Saying this would imply that Jesus is an agent of Satan and could have been a way to bring some social control over Jesus and his ministry. Jesus refocuses the argument from just on Beelzebul and places it on the struggle between the dominion of God and the dominion of Satan. Jesus continues in this section to disprove each point, saying that Satan’s house divided cannot stand. This is paraphrased in the Gettysburg Address.
Jesus deals another blow to the crowd in verse 19. Why are you questioning me when others are casting out demons and have been casting out demons for years? Jesus points to the power of other exorcists coming from God and not from Satan.
We hear about “the finger of God.” This denotes the active power of God working in the world, in this case, through Jesus. This is also seen in Exodus (8:19), where God is said to be working behind the plagues against the Egyptians. This shows us the advancing of the kingdom spoken about in the Lord’s Prayer.
The last verses show us another slap at the Roman Empire. Rome’s power came from being stronger than everyone else. So what would happen if a yet stronger force came in…say the kingdom of God and the reign of God? Jesus is stronger still than any other human because he has the power of God and uses it to bring about the kingdom.
(23) 24-26 – The Return of the Unclean Spirit
Jesus continues his discussion of the kingdom and the domain of God. We are shown that Jesus’ ministry is the focus point of the salvation project of God and Satan’s conflict. Jesus is the center of how we are to choose sides for this conflict.
We find out a large amount about unclean spirits in these verses. First, they can dwell without a host. Second, they live in the desert areas (waterless regions). Third, they prefer to live in humans and have a sense of what used to be. Lastly, more than one can dwell in a human. This is hard to reconcile as the gospel for us. When the spirit returns to the “house,” it finds the place clean and in order. Our lives are changed with the in bringing of Jesus and the kingdom of God whereas the evil spirits lead to destruction. This shows us the importance of the ministry of Jesus in our lives and responding in faithfulness.
27-28 – The Blessedness of Obedience
Luke continues his attack on the Israelite definition of status. The woman blesses the way Jesus was raised and the person who bore him. Jesus corrects her and speaks of obedience. The woman is specific but Jesus has the big picture in order. Again, we are told to hear and obey; to live lives of faith following the command of Jesus. Doesn’t this sound like all of the faithful people we have heard of in our study of Luke? Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, Joseph, John, and even Mary are all who have heard and obeyed. Yes, Mary is blessed…just as we are blessed.
29-32 – The Sign of Jonah
This section is in reference to verse 16 when people were asking Jesus for a sign from heaven. This was all done in the guise of testing. Other places where signs are asked for or testing of God is done is by Zechariah in 1:18 and by the devil in 4:1-13. By casting out demons, wouldn’t we have our sign already? Jesus takes this questioning very seriously, just as God did with Zechariah by striking him blind.
Jesus relates this request for a sign to the “sign of Jonah.” Jonah came to urge the people of Nineveh to repent before judgment came, just as Jesus now does. Jesus is also our rescue from condemnation just as Jonah with his divine rescue from the whale.
Both the queen of the South (Sheba) and the people of Nineveh were blessed with the message of repentance and obedience to the will of God for them. The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon and found him worthy of being an ally and follower of the way of God. The people of Nineveh also turned from their ways and followed the call of Jonah. God’s favor was extended to both of the parties and so will their partaking in the resurrection and the judgment. For they have turned to God just as those who hear and obey do!
33-36 – The Light of the Body
“Your eye is the lamp of your body.” This was a Greco-Roman way of addressing the eyes. Sight was gained not by the eye gathering light to see but the eye giving the light of the body. If our eyes are healthy then this is proof of inner light. If our eyes are unhealthy then this is proof of inner darkness. Inner light is those things that are contagious to others, such as kindness and sincerity. Inner darkness is those things that are contagious to us, such as selfishness, greed, and upheaval.
Light and darkness is present throughout the gospel of Luke. This starts with the song of Zechariah, “…to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…” The power of darkness is seen as Satan’s power, whereas the power of God is the power of light. Again, we see the struggle between God and Satan over the people of God headed for the ultimate salvation in Jesus.
37-54 – Jesus Responds to the Pharisees and Teachers
Eating a meal with Jesus is dangerous. This is the second meal in Luke where you could say Jesus insults the host and those gathered. First, in chapter 7, was the forgiving of a woman and the discussion of how a large debt when forgiven is greater than a small debt forgiven. Jesus again crosses the social boundary of eating a meal at the house of a Pharisee. Jesus is the one who provokes the conversation…he does not wash before supper! Having just heard the discussion on the light of the body and where that light comes from, Jesus continues it by urging these people to be clean and to let light enter into their bodies and lives.
Jesus sees the piety of the Pharisees as a hindrance to the mission he is preaching, the search for justice and the love of God. This line about “neglecting the others” points us back to the Parable of the Compassionate Samaritan. Just as the Samaritan showed mercy and compassion, go and do likewise. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being wrapped up in their Old Testament laws and being faithful to the law for their own benefit. Public recognition and honor is not our goal but instead to further the love God has for us to others by shining the light God has given us on others.
All of these woes point towards what the Pharisees and experts of the law are doing in their lives to prevent them from being good and faithful followers of Jesus. Their orientation towards God given to them through the Old Testament scriptures is now being turned over by Jesus and his will for our lives. Jesus is going against the grain of their authority; it is a small wonder they begin to actively try to catch Jesus for something they can warrant getting rid of him by. The Pharisees now move from just watching Jesus to the beginning of the plot to kill him.
At the end of chapter 10, we are left with an ambiguous comment from Jesus to Martha. He says, “there is need of only one thing.” We are left wondering what this one thing is...is it listening or serving by being attentive or thinking of others or welcoming or hospitality? The story tells us of hospitality and how to welcome in the stranger but next we will see that prayer could also be added to this list.
1-4 – The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus is a person of prayer. He seems to always be doing it. On this occasion, we have Jesus prayer in a certain place. This could have been a location where Jesus went frequently to prayer and to collect himself for the deeds he did. We see this habit of praying coming through of Jesus wanting to have time for him to talk with God and to recuperate. The disciples in this scene are attentive. They are shown as learners who often asked for aid and direction from their Lord. The prayer that Jesus gives them is a distinct one from Jesus to the followers and for the followers.
The term “Father” in reference to God was rarely used in this period. For Luke, Father is linked back to 10:22 where we see that “no one knows…who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” In this prayer, Jesus is showing us the Father and how to praise the Father. This is followed by how we respect this name. Father is not just another title for God but communicates the true essence of God, just as our names communicate who we are. We honor God’s name above all.
The prayer continues with declaring “Your kingdom come.” We join Simeon and Ann from earlier in Luke in their praises and waiting for the divine coming of the Messiah. We also know, at the same time, that Jesus is actively bringing the kingdom through our lives in service, conversation, and fellowship. God’s new order is being established by God through our lives and the community of believers.
The focus then turns to us. The disciples of the time relied heavily on God for the daily food. What would that feel like for us? Forgiving sins is linked with a condition of reminding us to forgive others while our sins are forgiven (as God always forgives sins). This points us back to the year of jubilee when all wealth would be returned to balance. God desires that balance in our lives and with one another. Lastly, we hear about testing. We are asking God to be excused from further testing and to see our own need for divine care.
5-13 – Perseverance in Prayer
In this section, Jesus does not put an end to the question by the disciples. Instead, Jesus talks about how our prayers move out of just talking and into action, as we are Christ to the world. Praying is not just the words we used but also the perseverance we display after the ritual of closing our eyes and folding our hands.
“Can you imagine…?” Jesus continues his instruction on prayer with a parable that begins with a statement with an obvious answer. Of course, my friend will help me out in my time of need in showing hospitality!
Jesus now transfers the story back into the present day. Of course, we help one another. If one is in need then we are to show hospitality and be shown hospitality. Jesus breaks it down even further with the conversation about the child. Would you hurt and innocent child by not giving them what they asked for? God’s Fatherly goodness exceeds that of human fathers as God gives us what we need always and without question. God gives us the Holy Spirit; there is no greater gift!
JESUS’ BEHAVIOR QUESTIONED (11:14-54)
14-23 – Jesus and Beelzebul
For the first time in our timeline, Jesus’ crowds are bringing skepticism. All previous times before this casting out of demons, the people left in amazement…now they are questioning the source of his power. Jesus will take each point from the crowd in turn.
Jesus counters their grievance that his work is that of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. Saying this would imply that Jesus is an agent of Satan and could have been a way to bring some social control over Jesus and his ministry. Jesus refocuses the argument from just on Beelzebul and places it on the struggle between the dominion of God and the dominion of Satan. Jesus continues in this section to disprove each point, saying that Satan’s house divided cannot stand. This is paraphrased in the Gettysburg Address.
Jesus deals another blow to the crowd in verse 19. Why are you questioning me when others are casting out demons and have been casting out demons for years? Jesus points to the power of other exorcists coming from God and not from Satan.
We hear about “the finger of God.” This denotes the active power of God working in the world, in this case, through Jesus. This is also seen in Exodus (8:19), where God is said to be working behind the plagues against the Egyptians. This shows us the advancing of the kingdom spoken about in the Lord’s Prayer.
The last verses show us another slap at the Roman Empire. Rome’s power came from being stronger than everyone else. So what would happen if a yet stronger force came in…say the kingdom of God and the reign of God? Jesus is stronger still than any other human because he has the power of God and uses it to bring about the kingdom.
(23) 24-26 – The Return of the Unclean Spirit
Jesus continues his discussion of the kingdom and the domain of God. We are shown that Jesus’ ministry is the focus point of the salvation project of God and Satan’s conflict. Jesus is the center of how we are to choose sides for this conflict.
We find out a large amount about unclean spirits in these verses. First, they can dwell without a host. Second, they live in the desert areas (waterless regions). Third, they prefer to live in humans and have a sense of what used to be. Lastly, more than one can dwell in a human. This is hard to reconcile as the gospel for us. When the spirit returns to the “house,” it finds the place clean and in order. Our lives are changed with the in bringing of Jesus and the kingdom of God whereas the evil spirits lead to destruction. This shows us the importance of the ministry of Jesus in our lives and responding in faithfulness.
27-28 – The Blessedness of Obedience
Luke continues his attack on the Israelite definition of status. The woman blesses the way Jesus was raised and the person who bore him. Jesus corrects her and speaks of obedience. The woman is specific but Jesus has the big picture in order. Again, we are told to hear and obey; to live lives of faith following the command of Jesus. Doesn’t this sound like all of the faithful people we have heard of in our study of Luke? Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, Joseph, John, and even Mary are all who have heard and obeyed. Yes, Mary is blessed…just as we are blessed.
29-32 – The Sign of Jonah
This section is in reference to verse 16 when people were asking Jesus for a sign from heaven. This was all done in the guise of testing. Other places where signs are asked for or testing of God is done is by Zechariah in 1:18 and by the devil in 4:1-13. By casting out demons, wouldn’t we have our sign already? Jesus takes this questioning very seriously, just as God did with Zechariah by striking him blind.
Jesus relates this request for a sign to the “sign of Jonah.” Jonah came to urge the people of Nineveh to repent before judgment came, just as Jesus now does. Jesus is also our rescue from condemnation just as Jonah with his divine rescue from the whale.
Both the queen of the South (Sheba) and the people of Nineveh were blessed with the message of repentance and obedience to the will of God for them. The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon and found him worthy of being an ally and follower of the way of God. The people of Nineveh also turned from their ways and followed the call of Jonah. God’s favor was extended to both of the parties and so will their partaking in the resurrection and the judgment. For they have turned to God just as those who hear and obey do!
33-36 – The Light of the Body
“Your eye is the lamp of your body.” This was a Greco-Roman way of addressing the eyes. Sight was gained not by the eye gathering light to see but the eye giving the light of the body. If our eyes are healthy then this is proof of inner light. If our eyes are unhealthy then this is proof of inner darkness. Inner light is those things that are contagious to others, such as kindness and sincerity. Inner darkness is those things that are contagious to us, such as selfishness, greed, and upheaval.
Light and darkness is present throughout the gospel of Luke. This starts with the song of Zechariah, “…to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…” The power of darkness is seen as Satan’s power, whereas the power of God is the power of light. Again, we see the struggle between God and Satan over the people of God headed for the ultimate salvation in Jesus.
37-54 – Jesus Responds to the Pharisees and Teachers
Eating a meal with Jesus is dangerous. This is the second meal in Luke where you could say Jesus insults the host and those gathered. First, in chapter 7, was the forgiving of a woman and the discussion of how a large debt when forgiven is greater than a small debt forgiven. Jesus again crosses the social boundary of eating a meal at the house of a Pharisee. Jesus is the one who provokes the conversation…he does not wash before supper! Having just heard the discussion on the light of the body and where that light comes from, Jesus continues it by urging these people to be clean and to let light enter into their bodies and lives.
Jesus sees the piety of the Pharisees as a hindrance to the mission he is preaching, the search for justice and the love of God. This line about “neglecting the others” points us back to the Parable of the Compassionate Samaritan. Just as the Samaritan showed mercy and compassion, go and do likewise. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being wrapped up in their Old Testament laws and being faithful to the law for their own benefit. Public recognition and honor is not our goal but instead to further the love God has for us to others by shining the light God has given us on others.
All of these woes point towards what the Pharisees and experts of the law are doing in their lives to prevent them from being good and faithful followers of Jesus. Their orientation towards God given to them through the Old Testament scriptures is now being turned over by Jesus and his will for our lives. Jesus is going against the grain of their authority; it is a small wonder they begin to actively try to catch Jesus for something they can warrant getting rid of him by. The Pharisees now move from just watching Jesus to the beginning of the plot to kill him.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Gospel of Luke Study – Chapter 10 (part 1)
Chapter 9 began with Jesus sending out the 12 Apostle’s, and they did so-so. They preached and taught about the Kingdom of God. They healed many people. They however didn’t mention casting out demons, and we heard that they couldn’t cast one out while Jesus was on the mountain in the presence of Moses & Elijah. Now Jesus begins this chapter by expanding on those he sends out into ministry. Jesus’ ministry continues to expand and get bigger and spreads out with a wider net. This will explode after the Resurrection as the Church is given the Holy Spirit and send out to the ends of the earth!!
70 or 72 - Ancient manuscripts are evenly split. The number probably comes from Genesis 10 where there is a listing of the nations on earth. In the Hebrew the listing is 70, in the Septuagint (Greek OT) this listing is 72. This number obviously represents the Gospel being sent out to the entire world. Moses also called 70 elders to help him judge over Israel
1-11 – Mission of the 70 (or 72)
70 or 72 - Ancient manuscripts are evenly split. The number probably comes from Genesis 10 where there is a listing of the nations on earth. In the Hebrew the listing is 70, in the Septuagint (Greek OT) this listing is 72. This number obviously represents the Gospel being sent out to the entire world. Moses also called 70 elders to help him judge over Israel
Jesus commissioning of these 70 (72) is very similar to his commissioning of the 12 he sent our earlier. This time we have a fuller picture of some of the things he tells them to do and be. Again Jesus sends this group out in pairs (the reason why the Mormon’s send their missionaries out in pairs). It is probably not good to be alone in ministry. When we are alone (as Jesus was in the wilderness) Satan’s temptations can overwhelm us very easily. Also, in this day and age it was needed to have two witnesses for someone’s testimony to be credible, therefore two people saying the same thing about Jesus and God’s kingdom was more credible to the people of that day. Luke has shown us other groups of two also. Think back what other pairs are there? He sends these disciples to the towns he is going to go to. They are the preparation. They are the scouts to see which towns will accept Jesus and his message and which will reject. Here we have the beginning of an expansion of ministry. Some lay the groundwork, others (Jesus) follow behind and harvest and expand on what was laid down before. These disciples receive similar instructions to that of the 12 before. This group very possibly is the whole group of disciples that is following Jesus around. If so, then this group includes women as well.
The commentary before the instructions let us know that there are a lot of people out there who will hear, and be ‘GOOD SOIL’ for the message of the kingdom of God. The harvest is plentiful. Jesus (God) needs laborers (people who will work hard!!) to go out and gather in the harvest!! However, his next words speak of the difficulty of harvesting. It is dangerous, they are going out without any protection, and Jesus is deliberately not giving them any protection. Jesus himself is sent out like a lamb into the midst of wolves, and what will be his fate?? If we are willing to follow what is likely going to be our fate?? Wolves eat lambs!!!
It is following these two statements here that Jesus then gives them instructions. Not allowed to carry anything that you will depend on (no bag, purse, sandals). Greet NO ONE? Why not? This could speak to the urgency of their needing to get to the various towns that they are sent to, and greeting individual people along the road will sidetrack them from their greater purpose of preparing the towns for Jesus.
Jesus expands on how his disciples are supposed to receive the hospitality of those who welcome them. They are to say, “Peace to this house!” Words do have meanings, and carry great weight and actually do what we say!! For there to be peace between people peace must be extended and accepted. If it is the peace rests among the people. If it is not accepted it is interesting that the “peace” the disciples extended (realize here it is an actual thing extended like a hand, or an offering) will return to them. They won’t lose anything by extending peace to others!! They best possibility is that Peace will reign in the relationships. Worst case scenario is that their peace will return to them, and they will be no better off than before.
The disciples are to stay where they are welcomed, eating what is given, cure those who are sick, and proclaim to all that the “Kingdom of God has come near!” It is interesting to note that the message is the same whether the people accept them or reject them. It is just a matter of where they are making the proclamation; from within homes with peace surrounding their relationships, or outside in the streets where their peace has returned to the disciples. The message remains, “The Kingdom of God has come near!”
12-16 – What happens when we are not accepting of Peace??
Finally, a word to the disciples about those who reject this word, that Sodom will be treated better than those who reject them. This is powerful because we all know how Sodom was treated! These woes that follow against specific town further underscore that the in and through these disciples Jesus has given the full authority and power of God. That in coming into contact with these disciples the towns are coming into contact with the PRESENCE OF GOD in their midst, and when the disciples are rejected, Jesus (God) is rejected!! This obviously is a negative spin to the presence of God in their midst, but do we even realize the positive elements to actually having the presence of God in our midst? Do we realize the presence of God, or do we just figure God is far off and doesn’t pay any attention to us? It is very powerful to realize that Jesus has given us this same power and authority (not to bring down fire and brimstone like the disciples wanted to do earlier) to bring the Kingdom of God into people’s lives by our very presence together.
Pastors wear collars to signify our office in the church, and this collar shows the world who we are, and that we represent the Church (the Kingdom of God). When I am wearing the collar, even when I am alone, the church stands with me, I am not just Jeff, but I am a part of the Church of Christ, and speak for the Church. In representing the church Jesus says here that we bring the kingdom of God into people’s lives. This isn’t something just Pastor’s do, but all disciples are called to do in different ways. We, each, are called into different arenas to bring the kingdom of God into people’s lives by our presence.
Ten (?) Principles are Laid out in this Commission (Culpepper, p. 222)
1) The World needs us (laborers), the “harvest is plentiful!”
2) Prayer is key to getting laborers – “ask the Lord of the harvest…”
3) Disciples are called to “go” – be active in reaching out to others
4) There will be dangers
5) Have a focus about what you are doing, don’t be sidetracked
6) Create an atmosphere of PEACE, and no matter what proclaim “the kingdom of God has come near!!”
7) Pay attention to where you are placed, and to whom you are sent and be nice to them accepting everything provided with a gracious heart (which shows God’s acceptance of them!!)!!
8) Success is not measured always by acceptance, some will reject.
9) Persevere anyway, but do not bang your head against a brick wall, move on!!
10) The message remains the same and proclaim it to all, “the kingdom of God has come near!!”
17-24 – The Return & Celebration
The first thing that these disciples say that showed they were bringing the kingdom of God into people’s lives this time was that even the demons were submitting to them. They couldn’t do this before! Now they are trusting in God to work through them, and they are witnessing results, and they are filled with JOY!! Jesus responds with what can happen when we ourselves submit to God’s work in our lives, “Satan falls like a flash of lightening!!!” As we are obedient in being Jesus’ disciples the tide turns on Satan, his power languishes, and Satan’s authority is undercut, demons are cast out, and God (Jesus) rejoices!!
Despite the dangers nothing will hurt Jesus’ disciples, but Jesus cautions the disciples, that while they certainly may rejoice in all that have taken place, not to place their emphasis on the results of the power, rejoice rather that they have followed obediently and well!! Jesus cautions us about rejoicing when evil falls, and placing our rejoicing here. It seems as though Jesus isn’t rejoicing about vanquishing an opponent (he may actually be saddened that this opponent will not be turned toward God), but rather Jesus rejoices when the disciples, and when we are obediently following God in our lives. The woes to the towns also show the disciples that God will take care of judgment, that isn’t our place (like John wanted to bring down fire upon a town) it is reserved for God, and God alone!!
We have a wonderful Holy Trinity moment at v21-22, where Jesus rejoicing by the Holy Spirit speaks to the Father!! This is a relationship were true peace, true unity, true love reigns!! We hear again about this reversal of earthly ways; hiding things from the wise and intelligent, and revealing to infants. This may very well be the difference Jesus sees from his sending out the 12, and this sending out the 70. The 70 seem to have been more obedient than the 12 Jesus has been training up!! We hear Jesus proclaiming God’s will is being done by these disciples, and the kingdom of God is being revealed, through those Jesus has given the ability to “see.” Revelation of God comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus lifts the blinders from our eyes!
Finally Jesus gives a blessing and this blessing not only is a blessing on the disciples, but also a word of reminder for them to realize what a blessing has been bestowed on them. Many of the great prophets and kings that have come before truly desired to see these things, so marvel at what you are hearing and seeing because it doesn’t come to all people. Do we truly take the time to marvel when we see God at work in the world and in our lives? Do we take the time to see God at work? God is most definitely at work in and through us making his Kingdom known, maybe we need to pay attention more, and marvel more!!!
70 or 72 - Ancient manuscripts are evenly split. The number probably comes from Genesis 10 where there is a listing of the nations on earth. In the Hebrew the listing is 70, in the Septuagint (Greek OT) this listing is 72. This number obviously represents the Gospel being sent out to the entire world. Moses also called 70 elders to help him judge over Israel
1-11 – Mission of the 70 (or 72)
70 or 72 - Ancient manuscripts are evenly split. The number probably comes from Genesis 10 where there is a listing of the nations on earth. In the Hebrew the listing is 70, in the Septuagint (Greek OT) this listing is 72. This number obviously represents the Gospel being sent out to the entire world. Moses also called 70 elders to help him judge over Israel
Jesus commissioning of these 70 (72) is very similar to his commissioning of the 12 he sent our earlier. This time we have a fuller picture of some of the things he tells them to do and be. Again Jesus sends this group out in pairs (the reason why the Mormon’s send their missionaries out in pairs). It is probably not good to be alone in ministry. When we are alone (as Jesus was in the wilderness) Satan’s temptations can overwhelm us very easily. Also, in this day and age it was needed to have two witnesses for someone’s testimony to be credible, therefore two people saying the same thing about Jesus and God’s kingdom was more credible to the people of that day. Luke has shown us other groups of two also. Think back what other pairs are there? He sends these disciples to the towns he is going to go to. They are the preparation. They are the scouts to see which towns will accept Jesus and his message and which will reject. Here we have the beginning of an expansion of ministry. Some lay the groundwork, others (Jesus) follow behind and harvest and expand on what was laid down before. These disciples receive similar instructions to that of the 12 before. This group very possibly is the whole group of disciples that is following Jesus around. If so, then this group includes women as well.
The commentary before the instructions let us know that there are a lot of people out there who will hear, and be ‘GOOD SOIL’ for the message of the kingdom of God. The harvest is plentiful. Jesus (God) needs laborers (people who will work hard!!) to go out and gather in the harvest!! However, his next words speak of the difficulty of harvesting. It is dangerous, they are going out without any protection, and Jesus is deliberately not giving them any protection. Jesus himself is sent out like a lamb into the midst of wolves, and what will be his fate?? If we are willing to follow what is likely going to be our fate?? Wolves eat lambs!!!
It is following these two statements here that Jesus then gives them instructions. Not allowed to carry anything that you will depend on (no bag, purse, sandals). Greet NO ONE? Why not? This could speak to the urgency of their needing to get to the various towns that they are sent to, and greeting individual people along the road will sidetrack them from their greater purpose of preparing the towns for Jesus.
Jesus expands on how his disciples are supposed to receive the hospitality of those who welcome them. They are to say, “Peace to this house!” Words do have meanings, and carry great weight and actually do what we say!! For there to be peace between people peace must be extended and accepted. If it is the peace rests among the people. If it is not accepted it is interesting that the “peace” the disciples extended (realize here it is an actual thing extended like a hand, or an offering) will return to them. They won’t lose anything by extending peace to others!! They best possibility is that Peace will reign in the relationships. Worst case scenario is that their peace will return to them, and they will be no better off than before.
The disciples are to stay where they are welcomed, eating what is given, cure those who are sick, and proclaim to all that the “Kingdom of God has come near!” It is interesting to note that the message is the same whether the people accept them or reject them. It is just a matter of where they are making the proclamation; from within homes with peace surrounding their relationships, or outside in the streets where their peace has returned to the disciples. The message remains, “The Kingdom of God has come near!”
12-16 – What happens when we are not accepting of Peace??
Finally, a word to the disciples about those who reject this word, that Sodom will be treated better than those who reject them. This is powerful because we all know how Sodom was treated! These woes that follow against specific town further underscore that the in and through these disciples Jesus has given the full authority and power of God. That in coming into contact with these disciples the towns are coming into contact with the PRESENCE OF GOD in their midst, and when the disciples are rejected, Jesus (God) is rejected!! This obviously is a negative spin to the presence of God in their midst, but do we even realize the positive elements to actually having the presence of God in our midst? Do we realize the presence of God, or do we just figure God is far off and doesn’t pay any attention to us? It is very powerful to realize that Jesus has given us this same power and authority (not to bring down fire and brimstone like the disciples wanted to do earlier) to bring the Kingdom of God into people’s lives by our very presence together.
Pastors wear collars to signify our office in the church, and this collar shows the world who we are, and that we represent the Church (the Kingdom of God). When I am wearing the collar, even when I am alone, the church stands with me, I am not just Jeff, but I am a part of the Church of Christ, and speak for the Church. In representing the church Jesus says here that we bring the kingdom of God into people’s lives. This isn’t something just Pastor’s do, but all disciples are called to do in different ways. We, each, are called into different arenas to bring the kingdom of God into people’s lives by our presence.
Ten (?) Principles are Laid out in this Commission (Culpepper, p. 222)
1) The World needs us (laborers), the “harvest is plentiful!”
2) Prayer is key to getting laborers – “ask the Lord of the harvest…”
3) Disciples are called to “go” – be active in reaching out to others
4) There will be dangers
5) Have a focus about what you are doing, don’t be sidetracked
6) Create an atmosphere of PEACE, and no matter what proclaim “the kingdom of God has come near!!”
7) Pay attention to where you are placed, and to whom you are sent and be nice to them accepting everything provided with a gracious heart (which shows God’s acceptance of them!!)!!
8) Success is not measured always by acceptance, some will reject.
9) Persevere anyway, but do not bang your head against a brick wall, move on!!
10) The message remains the same and proclaim it to all, “the kingdom of God has come near!!”
17-24 – The Return & Celebration
The first thing that these disciples say that showed they were bringing the kingdom of God into people’s lives this time was that even the demons were submitting to them. They couldn’t do this before! Now they are trusting in God to work through them, and they are witnessing results, and they are filled with JOY!! Jesus responds with what can happen when we ourselves submit to God’s work in our lives, “Satan falls like a flash of lightening!!!” As we are obedient in being Jesus’ disciples the tide turns on Satan, his power languishes, and Satan’s authority is undercut, demons are cast out, and God (Jesus) rejoices!!
Despite the dangers nothing will hurt Jesus’ disciples, but Jesus cautions the disciples, that while they certainly may rejoice in all that have taken place, not to place their emphasis on the results of the power, rejoice rather that they have followed obediently and well!! Jesus cautions us about rejoicing when evil falls, and placing our rejoicing here. It seems as though Jesus isn’t rejoicing about vanquishing an opponent (he may actually be saddened that this opponent will not be turned toward God), but rather Jesus rejoices when the disciples, and when we are obediently following God in our lives. The woes to the towns also show the disciples that God will take care of judgment, that isn’t our place (like John wanted to bring down fire upon a town) it is reserved for God, and God alone!!
We have a wonderful Holy Trinity moment at v21-22, where Jesus rejoicing by the Holy Spirit speaks to the Father!! This is a relationship were true peace, true unity, true love reigns!! We hear again about this reversal of earthly ways; hiding things from the wise and intelligent, and revealing to infants. This may very well be the difference Jesus sees from his sending out the 12, and this sending out the 70. The 70 seem to have been more obedient than the 12 Jesus has been training up!! We hear Jesus proclaiming God’s will is being done by these disciples, and the kingdom of God is being revealed, through those Jesus has given the ability to “see.” Revelation of God comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus lifts the blinders from our eyes!
Finally Jesus gives a blessing and this blessing not only is a blessing on the disciples, but also a word of reminder for them to realize what a blessing has been bestowed on them. Many of the great prophets and kings that have come before truly desired to see these things, so marvel at what you are hearing and seeing because it doesn’t come to all people. Do we truly take the time to marvel when we see God at work in the world and in our lives? Do we take the time to see God at work? God is most definitely at work in and through us making his Kingdom known, maybe we need to pay attention more, and marvel more!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)
Posts
