Good morning and good news!
Jesus begins this chapter by send out 72 (or 70, depending on your translation) disciples, using very similar instructions as when he sent out the 12-- don't take anything with you, travel light, etc. Again, emphasizing relying on the goodness of others. Why are we so unable to accept help from others? Jesus says some uncomfortable words in V 3, "sending you out like sheep among wolves", but that is how Jesus was sent to us! Do you feel more like a wolf or a sheep? He comments that the harvest is plentiful, but the numbers of workers are few. Why is that? Why are so many people unwilling (or unable) to help with the harvest? Do you feel like a worker? How is the harvest going?
Then we see a side of Jesus that we don't see very often (vv 13-16). Maybe he is frustrated, maybe he is anxious knowing that the end is coming closer. Does it surprise you that Jesus gets this angry with he people of Korazin and Bethsaidia? I think a big point Jesus is making here is, there more we see "evidence" of Jesus (miracles, healings, teachings) the more we should have faith and believe, and these cities don't seem to have that belief yet! Why do you believe?
Satan falls! I can almost see the newspaper headlines! We can read about Satan falling in a few places (Ezekiel 28:14-16, Revelation 20:1-3, 10, and a few others). Pride is what hurt Satan. And that's the statement Jesus is trying to make in V 20- don't brag, don't let pride take control of you! Why do people feel like they need to brag or be prideful? Are you one of those people?
The story of the good Samaritan is one we all know. I have preached on it a few times, I'm sure. The whole concept of this passage is about mercy and compassion. And having mercy and compassion for all (your neighbors). The way I look at it...if you don't "love your neighbor" how can you say you love God? Who are your "neighbors" and do you love them like the Samaritan loved the injured traveler?
Then we come to the famous (?) Mary and Martha story. Another common one that we all know. Many churches have Mary- Martha circles. The way I see it, Martha, in my opinion, has become a crabby and irritable person in being so busy doing God's work! How many Marthas do you know? Are you one of them? Mary may still do work for God, she isn't lazy., but when she has the chance to sit at the feet of Jesus, she takes it! I wish I was more like Mary, slowing down and appreciating the time just sitting at the feet of Jesus, but I am afraid I am more like Martha- except for the crabby and irritable side of her! Are you Mary or are you Martha? Why do Marthas get that way?
I hope you have a great day! We are travelling to State College to see Lauren, I will definitely post tomorrow- not exactly sure when though!
Find peace and be like Mary!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
I love helping others and always have. If I say what I feel It would be judging, but some people do need help. I always have believed ,but now sence I have been studying Gods word I understand more. I think people brag or talk loud ,is people want to be long not be an unworthy person. I think I would feel scared and unworthy.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to read and to enhance our understanding of what God desires! I know I am learning much too! I am glad to see your responses! Thank you!
DeleteI found it interesting that Jesus sent the 72 ou t with the exact same instructions as the 12 Reminds me of the saying of "keeping your nose to the grindstone" or pay attention to what you are doing and stay alert"
ReplyDeleteit is human nature to be boastful at times as"look what I did or look what my daughter/son grandchild/
did for example.
I strive to be helpful and caring that I think is a part of me as what I did for my job
I can honestly say that I was a Martha, then a Martha Mary then a Mary Martha and now a Mary alto sometimes my Mary forgets what was said yesterday
Have a great visit, Paul, maybe we could see some pictures of the little guy.
I like your comment "keep your nose to the grindstone!" That's a great way to look at it! And I know I am boastful when it comes to my kids and now Joseph! Mary and Martha are in all of us and I am sure they get confused!!
DeleteI struggle with the Mary/Martha story. I am a Martha - whether I want to be or not. In my family someone had to be the Martha and there was only me! (Because of family dynamics). Sometimes Martha’s get a bad rap, don’t they? The interesting thing is with Covid, and holidays and special occasions canceled, this Martha has had a chance to see what it’s like to have less to do. Some things about this “new normal” are good!
ReplyDeleteI agree that ever family needs a Martha ad they sometimes do get a bad rap! And I also agree that these times are helping all of us slow down and maybe become more like Mary! God is using these times to help us grow and learn! I agree too that some of the "new normal" is ok! Great commentary Cathy!
DeleteYou know, I honestly don’t remember reading this part of Luke before - the mission of the seventy. When I read it, however, I had to look back in my Bible and saw that they were the exact instruction Jesus gave his apostles - I thought they seemed familiar to me. 😃 Unfortunately, we cannot do either in this world today. We can’t depend on the goodness of others nor can we offer our homes up to those who are strangers. There is too much evil in the world. So it’s a catch 22 - I WANT to help strangers but in today’s world I can only do so up to a certain point. I cannot give them a ride (if I am alone) nor invite them into my home. Because of that, other’s cannot rely on the kindness from me to help them. How wonderful it must have been to live in a time where you invited strangers in to stay in your home, or stopped along the road to help an injured stranger as the Good Samaritan did. I do as much as I can - but within the limits of being sensible and safe. Sad. Funny - I don’t feel like either a wolf or a sheep - hmmmmm - is there a choice in between? LOL. But I am a worker! I am a little surprised at Jesus’ words in vs. 13-16. So many times Jesus says that he does not come to condemn but to save so I was a little confused about those statements. Here Jesus seems to be saying that the people, including his disciples (meaning us) who have heard his word and had the gospel preached to them were more accountable. Does this mean that those of us who have read the gospel and heard the word and then sin our punishment would be greater? When I read vs. 20 I wasn’t thinking that Jesus said don’t brag. In my translation, he said - “ don’t rejoice.” I think what he was saying was - Look, don’t rejoice in the power that I gave you. But instead, rejoice because your name is written in heaven! Man’s salvation is far greater than the power. BUT - of course sometimes I brag. After all, I have the smartest, best looking, and nicest grandchildren in the world! Hahahah - don’t you? I say I agree with Clara - sometimes I am a Mary - sometimes I am a Martha. But now that my children are grown - I can afford to be more of a Mary and enjoy this world and what is offered more! But, honestly, if Jesus were to visit my home - I am sure I would be a Martha. AFter all - how would we eat? Have fun with your visit!
ReplyDeleteBut, I think we can (sometimes) rely on the goodness of others! To some extent! But I see your point and understand! Collectively, though, we can do lots to help strangers and maybe get the feeling of compassion and grace spread to others! I can remember one time when my mom was driving me home from college (mid- 1980s) and we picked up a hitch-hiker. He rode with is for close to three hours and may times throughout the ride she commented, if you try anything I will slam this car into the nearest tree! Oh the compassion and mercy of strangers! I think Jesus does hold us more accountable for what we do and what we say, not that our punishment is more or our sins are different, but like I had/have different expectations for my kids (both personal and school), I think we are held to a different level! And I think Jesus is OK with us bragging about grandchildren!! Like Cathy said above-- every home needs to have a Martha!! Great commentary Donna! Thanks!
ReplyDelete