Luke
By Joyce Webb 2020
Chapter 10 Vs.1-20
Verse 1 Jesus now sends out 70 men to preach to the towns. He sent them out —two together.
He told them —the harvest—meaning the people who would believe when they heard about Jesus—-is very many.
Pray that there would be more workers who would go out to preach and teach to all these people.
Vs. 3 As Jesus sent them out—he said they would be like “lambs among wolves.”.
Lambs are gentle, Wolves try to eat and devour lambs. Christians –out among people of the world—- who do not believe in God, will have a hard time standing up among the “Wolves”.
Those who do not believe often try to destroy, take down, insult, or hurt believers.
Jesus warned them—it will not be a friendly world—be prepared for people to be against you.
Vs. 4 Jesus told them, do not carry money, extra shoes, or written papers of what to say, and do not be friendly to those you meet on the road.
Vs.6 and 7 Jesus told them to go to a house and tell them who they were , what they were there for, and see if the people in that house was interested in hearing about Jesus, and if they would invite them in to stay for a few days and also feed them.
If the people in that house was not interested, then they were to move on to another house.
When they found someone who welcomed them in—-they were to stay there in that house for a time as they preached to the people in that area.
Jesus told them “the worker is worthy to be paid—in food and drink–while they are there. And they are to be grateful for whatever food is given to them and eat it.
These men are preachers and teachers telling them about Jesus and explaining to them the things of God. And so for this learning and instruction, they deserved to be given a place to stay and food.
Vs. 9 Jesus told them to pray for the sick so they are healed.
Vs.10-12 If you go into a city and they will not receive what you have to say—then leave that place—-as you go—shake the dust from yout feet and say—-we have tried to bring the kingdom of God to you—but you would not hear it. So you will be as Sodom —under God’s curse.
Vs. 13-16 Jesus speaks about several cities who would not hear the preaching and teaching of Jesus.
Vs/ 17 When the 70 returned, they were excited. They said, even demons and evil spirits had to go in the name of Jesus.
Vs. 18 Jesus said, I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning falling.
Jesus is telling them that he was in heaven at the time that Satan sinned in heaven and was thrown out of heaven.
Jesus is God—-There is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit—–three as one.
Jesus was there from the beginning–except that eternal beings do not have a beginning.
The disciples and others needed to understand that Jesus was not just a man in his 30’s. He was an eternal being. His flesh body may be 30 some years old, but Jesus’ spirit and person was eternal. Eternal beings do not have a beginning.
This is hard for us to understand —how God could always be there and have no beginning. He also has no end.
Vs.10, 20 Jesus said, Yes, I gave you power to be able to walk on snakes and not be hurt. I gave you power over all the enemy (Satan). Jesus said, Do not rejoice and be happy about the power.
You need to be happy that your sins are forgiven and your names are written in heaven.
(This was a warning. As humans it is easy for us to get caught up in power. To have power over demons could make a person proud and have a feeling that he had power in himself.
That would not be true. That would be dangerous. We are weak humans and without God’s power working in us—-Satan would win over us. He is much smarter and more powerful than human power.
Only God’s power is stronger than Satan’s power.
So Jesus warned them—do not get all puffed up thinking you cast out demons. You did not do it by yourself. It was God’s power.
So that you do not get proud and thinking about the wrong thing—-forget about casting out demons —-and remember that having your sins forgiven so you can go to heaven is the greatest thing for you.