Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
6 Now it happened that [a]Jesus was passing through some grainfields on a Sabbath, and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus, answering them, said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the [b]consecrated bread, LOAVES OF PRESENTATION which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?” 5 And He was saying to them, “The Son of Man SEE https://www.ligonier.org/posts/difference-between-son-god-and-son-man?srsltid=AfmBOoqco0k7yFgdJc4PrH79QeMt0xJzOp_fYz0MnAOvArWKZX8v1Ehc
is Lord of the Sabbath.” 6 On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught; and a man was there [c]whose right hand was withered. 7 Now the scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him [d]closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse Him. 8 But He knew [e]what they were thinking, THIS CAN BE THE WORK OF KNOWLEDGE/WISDOM FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 12 and He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and [f]come forward!” And he got up and [g]came forward. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all, He said to him, “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and his hand was restored. 11 But they themselves were filled with senseless rage, and began discussing together what they might do to Jesus. CHRIST HAD COMPASSION TO FEED AND HEAL ON THE SABBATH, BUT THE PHARISEES/SCRIBES DIDN'T LIKE THIS.
Choosing the Twelve NOTICE CHRIST DIDN'T CHOOSE ANY WOMEN. MARY MAGDALENE WAS THE FIRST TO TELL ABOUT HIS RESURRECTION. PROPHETESSES WERE MENTIONED IN LUKE 2:36, ACTS 21:9, AND REVELATION 2:20. ROMANS 16: 1 MENTIONS PHOEBE AS A SERVANT/DEACONNESS; ROMANS 16:7 MENTIONS FEMALE JUNIAS (JUNIA) "fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles,"
12 Now it was [h]at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer with God. THIS IS IMPRESSIVE, SINCE HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE HE CHOSE THE RIGHT PEOPLE. DO WE? IF I CAN'T SLEEP, SOMETIMES I PRAY AND IT HELPS. 13 And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: PETER WAGNER, PHD WROTE THEY WERE DISCIPLES (FOLLOWERS) FIRST, THEN APOSTLES (SENT OUT ONES). 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and his brother Andrew; and [i]James (OR JACOB) and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; 15 and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 And then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place; and there was a large crowd of His disciples, and a great multitude of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled by unclean spirits were being cured. THIS IMPLIES THAT THEY EXIST AND WE CAN BE HEALED. 19 And all the [j]people were trying to touch Him, because (DYNAMITE IN THE GREEK) power was coming from Him and healing them all. I PRAY WE HAVE THAT POWER AS WELL. SEE THE BOOK OF ACTS, HOW CHRIST SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER US.
The Beatitudes
20 And He raised His eyes toward His disciples and began saying, “Blessed are [k]you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are [l]you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are [m]you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when the people hate you, and when they [n]exclude you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. WE MAY BE PERSECUTED BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH. 23 Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, DO WE? for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to [o]treat the prophets the same way. 24 But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. 25 Woe to you who [p]are well-fed now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all the people speak well of you; for their fathers used to [q]treat the false prophets the same way. I WAS CAREFUL WHEN I WORKED IN FEDERAL PRISONS FOR 12 YEARS, WHEN PEOPLE WERE TOO NICE TO ME. 27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you. THIS IS HARD TO DO. 29 Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your [r]cloak, OUTER GARMENT do not withhold your [s]tunic LONG SHIRT WORN NEXT TO THE SKIN from him either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back WE CAN BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF, SO WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL. 31 [t]Treat people the same way you want them to [u]treat you. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. 36 [v]Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not [w]judge, and you will not be judged; IT IS BIBLICAL TO JUDGE THOSE IN THE CHURCH. SEE MATTHEW 18: 15-17 and do not [x]condemn, and you will not be condemned; [y]pardon, and you will be pardoned. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will [z]pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT GIVING TO GET. PAUL WAS CONTENT BEING RICH AND POOR. (Philippians 4:11-13) 39 Now He also spoke a parable to them: “A person who is blind cannot guide another who is blind, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A [aa]student is not above the teacher; but everyone, when he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you look at the [ab]speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the [ac]speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the [ad]speck that is in your brother’s eye. DO WE EXAMINE OURSELVES BEFORE WE EXAMINE OTHERS? 43 For there is no good tree that bears bad fruit, nor, [ae]on the other hand, a bad tree that bears good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 The good person out of the good [af]treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from [ag]that which fills his heart. ARE WE BEARING GOOD FRUIT?
The Parable of the Builders
46 “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and [ah]acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who [ai]dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when there was a flood, the river burst against that house and yet it could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; and the river burst against it and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO DISCIPLE BELIEVERS.
Footnotes
Luke 6:1 Lit He
Luke 6:4 Lit loaves of presentation
Luke 6:6 Lit and his
Luke 6:7 Or maliciously
Luke 6:8 Lit their thoughts
Luke 6:8 Lit stand into the middle
Luke 6:8 Lit stood
Luke 6:12 Lit in these days
Luke 6:14 Or Jacob, also vv 15 and 16
Luke 6:19 Lit crowd
Luke 6:20 Lit the poor
Luke 6:21 Lit the ones who
Luke 6:21 Lit the ones who
Luke 6:22 Or excommunicate
Luke 6:23 Lit do to
Luke 6:25 Or have plenty to eat
Luke 6:26 Lit do to
Luke 6:29 Or outer garment
Luke 6:29 A long shirt worn next to the skin
Luke 6:31 Lit Do to
Luke 6:31 Lit do to
Luke 6:36 Or Prove yourselves merciful
Luke 6:37 Or continually judge
Luke 6:37 Or continually condemn
Luke 6:37 Or continually pardon
Luke 6:38 Lit give
Luke 6:40 Or disciple
Luke 6:41 Or splinter
Luke 6:42 Or splinter
Luke 6:42 Or splinter
Luke 6:43 Lit again
Luke 6:45 Or treasury, storehouse
Luke 6:45 Lit the abundance of
Luke 6:47 Lit does
Luke 6:48 Lit dug and went deep
Jesus Heals a Centurion’s (OVER 100) Servant
7 When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum. 2 And a centurion’s slave, [a]who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some [b]Jewish elders asking Him to come and [c]save the life of his slave. 4 When they came to Jesus, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; 5 for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.” 6 Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “[d]Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; 7 for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just [e]say the word, and my [f]servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, GREEK IS EXOUSIA, (The power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed, blueletterbible.org, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 9 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” THE MILITARY UNDERSTANDS AUTHORITY. 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. 11 Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, [g]accompanied by a large crowd. 12 Now as He approached the gate of the city, [h]a dead man was being carried out, the [i]only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion GREEK MEANS GUT-WRENCHING for her, and said to her, “[j]Do not weep.” 14 And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” 15 The [k]dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has [l]visited His people!” 17 This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district.
A Deputation from John
18 The disciples of John reported to him about all these things. 19 Summoning [m]two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the [n]Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” 20 When the men came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, ‘Are You the [o]Expected One, or do we look for someone else?’” 21 At that [p]very time He cured many (NOT ALL HERE) people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; THIS SHOWS CHRIST BELIEVED IN THEM and He gave sight to many who were blind. 22 And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 Blessed is he [q]who does not take offense at Me.” 24 When the messengers of John had left, He began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 [r]But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft [s]clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet. JOSH MCDOWELL WROTE A FAMOUS SMALL BOOK, “MORE THAN A CARPENTER” 27 This is the one about whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send My messenger [t]ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.’
28 I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is [u]least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they [v]acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and the [w]lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by [x]John. 31 “To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children who sit in the market place and call to one another, and they say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a [y]drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and [z]sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” 36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to [aa]dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a [ab]sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a [ac]sinner.”" ACCORDING TO (Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 12), the alabaster box filled with spikenard perfume was valued at 300 denarii" (ABOUT A YEAR'S WAGE), C/O GOOGLE AI. SHE WAS ANOINTING HIM FOR HIS DEATH.
Parable of Two Debtors
40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he [ad]replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred [ae]denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say [af]to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Footnotes
Luke 7:2 Lit to whom he was honorable
Luke 7:3 Lit elders of the Jews
Luke 7:3 Lit bring safely through, rescue
Luke 7:6 Or Sir
Luke 7:7 Lit say with a word
Luke 7:7 Or boy
Luke 7:11 Lit and
Luke 7:12 Lit one who had died
Luke 7:12 Or only begotten
Luke 7:13 Or Stop weeping
Luke 7:15 Or corpse
Luke 7:16 Or cared for
Luke 7:19 Lit a certain two
Luke 7:19 Lit Coming One
Luke 7:20 Lit Coming One
Luke 7:21 Lit hour
Luke 7:23 Lit whoever
Luke 7:25 Or Well then, what
Luke 7:25 Or garments
Luke 7:27 Lit before Your face
Luke 7:28 Or less
Luke 7:29 Or justified God
Luke 7:30 I.e. experts in the Mosaic Law
Luke 7:30 Lit him
Luke 7:34 Or wine-drinker
Luke 7:34 I.e. irreligious Jews
Luke 7:36 Lit eat
Luke 7:37 I.e. an immoral woman
Luke 7:39 I.e. an immoral woman
Luke 7:40 Lit says
Luke 7:41 The denarius was equivalent to a day’s wages
Luke 7:49 Or among
Ministering Women
8 Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. HERE IT APPEARS 3 WOMEN WERE ALLOWED TO PROCLAIM AND PREACH UNDER CHRIST’S LEADERSHIP.
Parable of the Sower
4 When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: 5 “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the [a]air ate it up. 6 Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. 8 Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.” I PRAY WE ARE THAT FRUITFUL. As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, [b]let him hear.” 9 His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. 10 And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. 12 Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF EVIL TAKING TRUTH OUT OF OUR LIVES.13 13 Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; [c]they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. THIS SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING THE WORD.14 The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with [d]perseverance. THIS REMINDS ME OF https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070121/
Parable of the Lamp
16 “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OUR REPUTATION ISN’T RUINED. 18 So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he [e]thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” 19 And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” IN OTHER WORDS, FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS.
Jesus Stills the Sea
22 Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. 23 But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. 24 They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and [f]it became calm. 25 And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?” WHEN I WAS IN YOUTH WITH A MISSION FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS, WE SOMETIMES PRAYED ABOUT THE WEATHER, AND I DID AS AN ARMY CHAPLAIN AS WELL.
The Demoniac Cured
26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. THIS SOUNDS LIKE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES. 28 Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “[g]What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. EVIL CAN HAVE SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH AS WELL. 30 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/legion SAYS IT'S ABOUT 4500. 31 They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter [h]the swine. And He gave them permission. 33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. CHRIST SENT THEM INTO UNCLEAN PIGS. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. 35 The people went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened. 36 Those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon-possessed had been [i]made well. 37 And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district asked Him to leave them, for they were gripped with great fear; and He got into a boat and returned. THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH CHRIST. 38 But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might [j]accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. DO WE?
Miracles of Healing
40 And as Jesus returned, the [k]people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, and he was an [l]official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and began to implore Him to come to his house; 42 for he had an [m]only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.43 And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His [n]cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the [o]people are crowding and pressing in on You.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.”THE GREEK HERE IS DUNAMIS, LIKE DYNAMITE. 47 When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. WE NEED TO BELIEVE JESUS HEALS. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has [p]made you well; go in peace.” 49 While He was still speaking, someone *came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” 50 But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be [q]made well.” 51 When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52 Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” 53 And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. 54 He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat. 56 Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened. HE WASN’T READY TO BE CRUCIFIED.
Footnotes
Luke 8:5 Lit heaven
Luke 8:8 Or hear! Or listen!
Luke 8:13 Lit who believe
Luke 8:15 Or steadfastness
Luke 8:18 Or seems to have
Luke 8:24 Lit a calm occurred
Luke 8:28 Lit What to me and to you (a Heb idiom)
Luke 8:32 Lit them
Luke 8:36 Or saved
Luke 8:38 Lit be with
Luke 8:40 Lit crowd
Luke 8:41 Lit ruler
Luke 8:42 Or only begotten
Luke 8:44 Or outer garment
Luke 8:45 Lit crowds
Luke 8:48 Or saved you
Luke 8:50 Or saved
Luke 9: 1-50 Ministry of the Twelve
9:1 And He called the twelve together, and gave them power (LIKE DYNAMITE) and authority THE GREEK HERE IS EXOUSIA over all the demons and to heal diseases. LUKE WAS A DR, SO HE GETS DETAILED IN THIS BOOK AND IN ACTS. 2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. SEE GEORGE E. LADD'S WRITING ON THIS ABOUT THE ALREADY AND NOT YET. WE GET A HINT OF HEAVEN HERE SOMETIMES. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a [a]bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have [b]two tunics apiece. INNER GARMENTS 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there [c]until you leave that city. 5 And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” I DID THIS WHEN I LEFT A JOB THAT WOULD NOT LET ME BE A CHAPLAIN ANYMORE. 6 Departing, they began going [d]throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch (a subordinate prince) heard of all that was happening; and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen again. 9 Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him. 10 When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing. ARE WE PRAYING FOR THE SICK?
Five Thousand Fed (MATTHEW 15 AND MARK 8 HAVE THE FEEDING OF 4000, A DIFFERENT EVENT)
12 Now the day [e]was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get [f]something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people.” 14 (For there were about five thousand men.) THIS DOESN'T INCLUDE THE WIVES AND THE CHILDREN And He said to His disciples, “Have them [g]sit down to eat in groups of about fifty each.” 15 They did so, and had them all [h]sit down. 16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the [i]people. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied; and [j]the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full. 18 And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the [k]people say that I am?” 19 They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.” 20 And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The [l]Christ of God.” MESSIAH 21 But He [m]warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.” 23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his [n]life will lose it, but whoever loses his [o]life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. 25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, an, D loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” I WROTE A SONG IN HIGH SCHOOL ABOUT PETER'S DENIAL, WHEN HE WAS ASHAMED OF CHRIST.
The Transfiguration
28 Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and [p]gleaming. 30 And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, 31 who, appearing in [q]glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. 33 And as [r]these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three [s]tabernacles: SACRED TENTS one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud [t]formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” 36 And when the voice [u]had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. 37 On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. 38 And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my [v]only boy, 39 and a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves. THIS SEEMS LIKE EPILEPSY. 40 I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.” 41 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was still approaching, the demon [w]slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. SOMETIMES EVIL CAN BE SHOCKING. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the [x]greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be [y]delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they [z]did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement. THEY DIDN'T REALIZE HE WAS GOING TO BE CRUCIFIED.
The Test of Greatness
46 An argument [aa]started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing [ab]what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.” 49 John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is [ac]for you.” THAT IS A REASON WE NEED TO GET ALONG WITH DIFFERENT CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS.
Footnotes
Luke 9:3 Or knapsack or beggar’s bag
Luke 9:3 Or inner garments
Luke 9:4 Lit and leave from there
Luke 9:6 Or from village to village
Luke 9:12 Lit began to decline
Luke 9:12 Lit provisions
Luke 9:14 Lit recline
Luke 9:15 Lit recline
Luke 9:16 Lit crowd
Luke 9:17 Lit that which was left over to them of the broken pieces was
Luke 9:18 Lit crowds
Luke 9:20 I.e. Messiah
Luke 9:21 Or strictly admonished
Luke 9:24 Or soul
Luke 9:24 Or soul
Luke 9:29 Lit flashing like lightning
Luke 9:31 Or splendor
Luke 9:33 Lit they
Luke 9:33 Or sacred tents
Luke 9:34 Lit occurred
Luke 9:36 Lit occurred
Luke 9:38 Or only begotten
Luke 9:42 Or tore him
Luke 9:43 Or majesty
Luke 9:44 Or betrayed
Luke 9:45 Lit were not knowing
Luke 9:46 Lit entered in
Luke 9:47 Lit the reasoning; or argument
Luke 9:50 Or on your side
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born Feb 4, 1906, and died Apr 9, 1945. He was a German Lutheran pastor who became a leading spokesman for the Confessing Church and was active in the resistance movement under the guise of employment in Military Intelligence (Abwehr). He was arrested and imprisoned in 1943. The discovery of documents connecting him with the 1944 attempt on Adolf Hitler's life led to his execution a month before the end of World War II. One of his best-known works is The Cost of Discipleship (1937). (c/o www.encyclopedia.com)
What is our belief in Christ costing us?
Nothing or everything?
Our time (with family, friends, ourselves)? How do we manage it?
Our talents? Are they only for us or for Christ?
Our treasure? Are we using it just for us?
Luke 9: 51-62:
51 When the days were approaching for His [a]ascension, He [b]was determined to go to Jerusalem; 52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to [c]make arrangements for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because [d]He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, [[e]and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”] And they went on to another village. (Early manuscripts do not contain the bracketed portion.)
Exacting Discipleship
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the [f]air have [g]nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” SOMETIMES HE DID NOT HAVE HOUSING.59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” THIS SEEMS HARSH, BUT PEOPLE DIE DAILY NOT KNOWING CHRIST. 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Footnotes
Luke 9:51 Lit taking up
Luke 9:51 Lit set His face
Luke 9:52 Or prepare
Luke 9:53 Lit His face was proceeding toward
Luke 9:55 Early mss do not contain bracketed portion
Luke 9:58 Or sky
Luke 9:58 Or roosting-places
COST IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Luke 14:28 - "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
Revelation 21:6 - Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
Revelation 22:17 - The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Luke 10: 1-24 START
The Seventy Sent Out
10 Now after this the Lord appointed [a]seventy others SOME MANUSCRIPTS SAY 72, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. IT IS WISE FOR US TO HAVE A PARTNER. 2 And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no money belt, no BEGGAR'S [b]bag, no EXTRA shoes; and greet no one on the way. CHRIST WANTED THEM TO HAVE FAITH. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 If a [c]man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in [d]that house, eating and drinking [e]what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet [f]be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the [g]miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in [h]sackcloth and ashes. SYMBOLS OF MOURNING 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades! 16 “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”
The Happy Results
17 The [i]seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. THIS CAN BE SYMBOLIC OF DEMONS. APPALACHIA TAKES THIS LITERALLY. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” 21 At that very [j]time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, DO WE? and said, “I [k]praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 22 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” 23 Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, 24 for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? [a]How does it read to you?”
Footnotes
Luke 10:1 Some mss read seventy-two
Luke 10:4 Or knapsack or beggar’s bag
Luke 10:6 Lit son of peace; i.e. a person inclined toward peace
Luke 10:7 Lit the house itself
Luke 10:7 Lit the things from them
Luke 10:11 Lit know
Luke 10:13 Or works of power
Luke 10:13 I.e. symbols of mourning
Luke 10:17 Some mss read seventy-two
Luke 10:21 Lit hour
Luke 10:21 Or acknowledge to You
Luke 10:26 Lit How do you read?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself." (v 27)
This is the triple love commandment. We must love the Lord, others, and ourselves (by having an appropriate self-esteem).
Psalm 133: 1 "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
What we are determines what we see, and what we see determines what we do.
What does Christ require of us in relation to Him?
Do we love Him?
What's required in relation to our neighbors?
Do we love them?
How do we love them as ourselves?
Are we like the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan?
Last week I preached on Dr. Luke's account of The Good Samaritan. This is my last Message to preach at Kelley Chapel, so I'm a little sad. It's been an honor to preach and lead worship here for almost three years. We continue on in the life of Jesus with
LUKE 10: 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
The Good Samaritan
30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and [a]beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. DO WE IGNORE THE NEEDY? 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. REMEMBER THE SAMARITANS WERE NOT LIKED BY THE JEWS. https://bible.org/illustration/hatred-between-jews-and-samaritans 35 On the next day he took out two [b]denarii A DAY'S WAGE and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do [c]the same.”
Footnotes
Luke 10:30 Lit laid blows upon
Luke 10:35 The denarius was equivalent to a day’s wages
Luke 10:37 Or likewise
LUKE 10: 38 - 42 At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41. Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
As they traveled doing ministry, Christ and His disciples had to trust God to provide for their food, clothing, shelter, and other needs. We see that Martha may have had the gift of hospitality as she opened her home to Him. But was she too busy?
Mary wanted to get close to Jesus as she listened to Him speak. It's like our children coming up to hear CH Weichl today. No, I'm not picking on the people who like to sit in the back row. I tend to sit there during services if I can, to observe everyone.
John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist Church. His Explanatory Notes say about verse 40 "Martha was encumbered - The Greek word properly signifies to be drawn different ways at the same time, and admirably expresses the situation of a mind, surrounded (as Martha's then was) with so many objects of care, that it hardly knows which to attend to first.
About verse 41. Martha, Martha – He wrote, "There is a peculiar spirit and tenderness in the repetition of the word: thou art careful, inwardly, and hurried, outwardly." No, it's not like the Brady Bunch saying "Marcia, Marcia." :)
Regarding Verse 42. Mary hath chosen the good part. Wesley wrote, "To save her soul. Reader, hast thou?" In other words, are we listening to Christ knocking on the door of our hearts? Tim sang about that last week.
http://www.biblemaster.com/bible/comm/wen/view.asp?book=lu&chapter=10
Dr. Peter Marshall was a Pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. About this passage, he wrote
"Notice that Martha was distracted "with much serving." What was she doing? She was in the kitchen, fixing supper for Jesus. She was serving Him, doing something special for Him. But it was her idea---Jesus had not asked her to do this. She had come up with her own idea of how to serve the Lord---and I believe that many of us do exactly the same thing.
You might say, "well, what's wrong with trying to serve the Lord?" The answer is: nothing! Unless it's not what the Lord wants you to be doing at the moment. It's quite possible to be involved in witnessing to somebody about the Good News of Jesus, or handing out tracts, or praying, or preaching, or even fixing a church supper---and be disobedient to God in doing it! How is that possible? Because, issues of obedience or disobedience are not restricted just to what we are doing, but also involve when we do it, or how we do it, or with what motives we do it. (5 Ws and How)
What Martha was doing was good, but it wasn't the best thing. What was the best thing? Sitting in the living room, listening to Jesus. Keeping Jesus central---that is the main thing.
The Lord makes a clear value judgment between Martha's actions and Mary's actions, and Martha comes up short. Jesus says that "one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion..." He values much more highly our concentrating on listening to Him than He does our self-styled ideas of how we would like to serve Him. He tells us here that listening to Him is necessary---at all times, in all situations!
By the way, when Jesus says that "Mary has chosen the good portion," He uses a pun here! What He actually says (in the Greek language of the New Testament) is that Mary has chosen the better "dish!" (You thought my sense of humor was bad!:)
Also, when Martha is distracted, she is so sure that she's right that she yells at Jesus to get Him to make Mary help her. As Christians, that's what we often do when we're trying to accomplish something, and we feel abandoned and left alone by other people to fend for ourselves. We start yelling at the Lord. "Lord, don't you care that I'm left alone here? Tell---her, him, them---to help me!"
The Lord responds to Martha: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things." That's how we get when we're not focusing on the main thing. Only one thing is necessary, Jesus tells Martha (and us!). That one thing is focusing on Him---sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to Him. What He wants is our attention. He wants us to focus on Him.
We are never going to get revival until our churches learn to keep the main thing, the main thing. And the main thing is our personal relationship with Jesus, and the need to stay focused on Him. Jesus does not want our self-chosen serving. He wants us sitting at His feet and listening to Him. You might say, "Look, I can't do that! I've got a job to go to every day," or "I've got three kids to raise. I haven't got the time to sit and listen to the Lord."
But I'm not talking about physically sitting down and being quiet for a length of time in order to listen to Jesus. Yes, we definitely need to do that on a regular basis. What I'm talking about, however, is that we need to develop a listening heart, no matter what we're doing physically. We must learn to go through our day with our inner ear tuned to that "still, small voice." The Lord usually does not yell at us; the Holy Spirit often speaks to us in whispers. And, it is so easy to disregard them, or to fail to listen for them.
This is what God means in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." I believe that prayer, and especially intercessory prayer for the nation and for the Church is the top priority on God's agenda these days for America. Are you feeling any nudges from the Lord these days about spending more time with Him in prayer? I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you were..."
http://www.petermarshallministries.com/commentary.cfm?commentary=77
Dr. Charles Eerdman was a Professor of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. His commentary (The Westminster Press, 1942, Philadelphia) states
"The unfailing human interest of Luke is nowhere more perfectly expressed than by this exquisite scene in the home at Bethany. It is to be regretted that it has become the occasion for endless debate as to the relative merits of Martha and Mary. Some imagine that the former was unloving but energetic and efficient, and that the latter was affectionate, but sentimental (and indolent.) In reality both sisters had admirable qualities; both loved the Master and longed to please Him; but on this occasion Martha, in her very eagerness to serve, had overburdened herself in the preparation of an elaborate meal, while Mary, with truer intuition of what Jesus wished, "sat at the Lord's feet, and heard His word." She knew that he desired, not for his own sake, but for theirs, to reveal himself and to deliver his heavenly message, and thus according to the fine art of hospitality, she considered first the wish of her guest and was thus doing more to entertain the Master than was her sister.
Martha was cumbered about such serving:" she was distracted by the many things she was trying to do. It is possible for a follower of Christ to attempt too much; sometimes this is due to a sense of self-importance and of pride. It may result in such a mood of irritation and temper as was shown by Martha when in criticizing her sisters he humiliated her by rebuking her in the presence of their Guest, and by addressing the remark to him rebuked him as well, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve along? Bid her therefore that she help me."
In his reply Jesus showed his affection by tenderly repeating her name, but he rebuked her spirit and revealed its cause, "Martha, Martha thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." There was no need for an elaborate meal: but few things or one would have sufficed: yet one thing was needful, and that Mary had chosen, for while the Master does appreciate all that we undertake for him, he knows that our first need is to sit at his feet and learn his will; then in our tasks we shall be calm and peaceful and kindly, and at last our service may attain the perfectness of that of Mary when in a later scene she poured upon the feet of Jesus the ointment, the perfume of which still fills the world."
Matthew Henry was a Presbyterian minister who wrote a famous commentary. He made several points I want to mention:
1. Christ honoured the country-villages with his presence and favour, and not the great and populous cities only; for, as he chose privacy, so he (tolerated) poverty. Whereever we go, big cities or small, the Holy Spirit can use us for the Kingdom of God.
2. Our Lord Jesus, when he was here upon earth, was so poor that he was necessitated to be beholden to his friends for a subsistence. (To me this statement is too strong.) Though he was (The) King, he had no house of his own either in Jerusalem or near it. There were those who kindly received Christ into their houses when he was here upon earth. It is called Martha's house, for, probably, she was a widow, and was the housekeeper. Though it was expensive to entertain Christ for he did not come alone, but brought his disciples with him, yet she would not regard the cost of it. (1 + 12 Guests!) (But how can we spend what we have better than in Christ's service!). Though at this time it was grown dangerous to entertain him especially so near Jerusalem, yet she cared not what hazard she ran for his name's sake. Though there were many that rejected him, and would not entertain him, yet there was one that would bid him welcome. Though Christ is every where spoken against, yet there is a remnant to whom he is dear, and who are dear to him.
Mary sat at his feet, as scholars at the feet of their tutors when they read their lectures; hence, Paul is said to be brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. (where?) Our sitting at Christ's feet, when we hear his word, signifies a readiness to receive it, and a submission and entire resignation of ourselves to the guidance of it. We must either sit at Christ's feet or be made his footstool; (Scripture? The Lord said to My Lord?) but, if we sit with him at his feet now, we shall sit with him on his throne shortly.
"Christ reproved her, though he was at this time her guest. Her fault was her over-solicitude to entertain him, and she expected he should justify her in it, yet he publicly checked her for it. Note, As many as Christ loves he rebukes and chastens. Even those that are dear to Christ, if any thing be amiss in them, shall be sure to hear of it. Nevertheless I have something against thee." This has happened in the body of Christ in the past, present and will in the future. We need to ask for His mercy and grace.
http://www.biblemaster.com/bible/comm/mhc/view.asp?book=lu&chapter=10
As I wrap up, for another view on this, I'm going to quote a Bishop of Durham of the Anglican Church, theologian N.T. Wright. He says the Bible's account of Mary and Martha is not about "active" and "contemplative" styles of spirituality but the boundary-breaking call of Jesus. The real problem was not Mary's absence in the kitchen; it was her behaving as a man—the public rooms were where men met. To sit at the feet of Jesus there was a decidedly male role. Christ was calling for Equal Opportunity.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/workplace/articles/interviews/bonniewurzbacher.html
III. APPLICATION
I remember a pastor at the church I used to work for in Pueblo, CO preach on how Frank Sinatra used to sing about the tension in life: "Do Be Do Be Do." Is it what we do that is more important in life, or is it our "being" a Christian?
A couple of my bosses recently have given be some tips that can be compared to the Martha and Mary story. One said I shouldn't always be in rescue mode, that I should let things take their natural course and only jump in if necessary. Another boss said a similar thing, that I shouldn't try so hard. So if I become more laid back, that's why. What is your gift? Is it hospitality? If so, open your home to others as Martha did. But remember, sometimes it's better to sit and listen to Jesus through the Holy Spirit instead of doing something. Once we hear what the Spirit is saying, then we can react. I want to close with a story that's inspired me over the years.
Read I Miss My Time With You from the YWAM daytimer
