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Luke Chapter Ten

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Teachings of the Son of Man the Savior

I. His teaching towards workers:

  A. The laborer is worthy of his wages (v.1-7).

  B. He who rejects them rejects the Lord (v.8-16).

  C. Do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven (v.17-20).

  D. Rejoice and be thankful for seeing the good will of God (v.21-24).

II. His teaching towards the lawyer------he should do like what the good Samaritan did (v.25-37).

III. His teaching towards Martha------she should choose that good part just like Mary (v.38-42).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Luke. 10:1 “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.

   YLT: “And after these things the Lord did appoint also other seventy and sent them by twos before his face to every city and place whither he himself was about to come ”

   The Background: “the Lord appointed seventy others also” Seventy Gentile nations were recorded in the Genesis of the Old Testament (See Gen. 10); seventy of the sons of Israel went to Egypt (Gen. 46:27); there were seventy of the elders going to the Mount Sinai (See Exod. 24:1 9); the Jewish council was made up of seventy members.

   Literal Meaning: “and sent them two by two” The purpose for the Lord’s sending them two by two is not that the witness of two is more faithful (See Deut. 17:6) but that they could help and support each other during the period of their being trained.

  “Into every city and place where He Himself was about to go” They went to preach before Jesus and they were like the trailbreakers.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord sent the disciples two by two. This shows that when we serve the Lord we have to cooperate with other brothers and sisters and help each other and we should not act alone.

2) If two agree on earth concerning anything that they ask they will be answered (See Matt. 18:19); in the assembly the work of two who are of the same mind is more effective than that of one (See Deut. 32:30).

 

Luke. 10:2 “Then He said to them The harvest truly is great but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

   YLT: “then said he unto them ‘The harvest indeed [is] abundant but the workmen few; beseech ye then the Lord of the harvest that He may put forth workmen to His harvest.”

   Literal Meaning: “the harvest truly is great”: the harvest is great.

  “Labor”: manpower toil.

  “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest” the Lord here used harvest and the Lord of the harvest to liken the relation between Him and men (Rev. 14:15).

  “Send out laborers into His harvest” “Into His harvest” means to partake in His harvest. “He” indicates “the Lord of the harvest” i.e. our Lord.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Though the Lord’s harvest is plentiful laborers who are able to endure the suffering are few.

2) The Lord needs men to work with Him on earth (Is. 6:8). And the need of the Lord’s works is always more than the laborers that He could send out.

3) Though the Lord is willing to send out laborers He sends out laborers unless we pray for this. Praying is to pave the track for the will of God so that His will would run forth.

4) We should always pray for the preaching of glad tidings (Col. 4:3). Praying is to work with the Lord and praying may rise many good soldiers of glad tidings.

5) Workers do not go out voluntarily and they are “sent out” to work by the Lord.

 

Luke. 10:3 “Go your way; behold I send you out as lambs among wolves.

   YLT: “’Go away; lo I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves;”

   Literal Meaning: “as lambs among wolves” Lambs’ natural disposition is meekness and wolves are brutal. Lambs are in danger if they are among wolves.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) To work for the Lord one will unavoidably meet difficulties and persecutions.

2) Since we are sent out by the Lord He will assuredly take responsibility for our safety. Otherwise if not being sent out by the Lord we should not take risks by ourselves.

3) Lambs are very dangerous among wolves. Christians profit nothing among the unbelievers and may even be harmed by them.

4) Men’s natural life is like the wolves and they like to obey the law of the jungle. However the life of the Lord is the life of Lamb------standing aloof from the world and being willing to suffer losses.

5) Lambs do not have the strength to protect themselves and therefore believers on earth should rely on the Lord in everything.

 

Luke. 10:4 “Carry neither money bag knapsack nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.

   YLT: “carry no bag no scrip nor sandals; and salute no one on the way;”

   Meaning of Words: “bag”: it is used to keep foods.

   Literal Meaning: “Carry neither money bag knapsack nor sandals” “money bag” indicates the money in reserve; “knapsack” indicates the food in reserve.          The Lord has ordained to those that announce to the glad tidings to live of the glad tidings (1Cor. 9:14). Therefore workers of the Lord being sent out by the Lord to work among God’s people should not prepare superfluously for the daily necessities.

  “Nor sandals” It does not mean that we should not “wear” sandals but that we should not “carry” the additional sandals.

  “And greet no one along the road.” Their tasks are so urgent that they should not greet others conventionally lest they may waste time on the way (See 2Kings. 4:29).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The principle of the life of a worker of the Lord is not to prepare for himself and not to plan for himself and in him it is proved that God is able to feed us and He is responsible for us.

2) Workers of the Lord should have faith towards God and should not trust on the uncertainty of riches but in God who affords us all things richly for enjoyment (1Tim. 6:17).

3) Those who serve the Lord should not be distracted by material enjoyment on earth. Having sustenance and covering we will be content with these (1Tim. 6:8).

4) Workers of the Lord should do their utmost to make use of time to preach the gospel and they should not waste their time in insignificant talk.

 

Luke. 10:5 “But whatever house you enter first say Peace to this house.’”

   YLT: “and into whatever house ye do enter first say Peace to this house;”

   Spiritual Meaning: “Peace to this house.” It indicates to provide Christ to him because Christ Himself is peace.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Everyone who is willing to receive the Lord’s workers partakes in the Lord’s works and he could be counted as a co-worker in the Lord.

2) Christ Himself is peace. Where there is the Lord’s presence there will be peace (2Thess. 3:16). This peace is the peace of Christ (Col. 3:15).

 

Luke. 10:6 “And if a son of peace is there your peace will rest on it; if not it will return to you.

   YLT: “and if indeed there may be there the son of peace rest on it shall your peace; and if not so upon you it shall turn back.”

   Literal Meaning: “a son of peace” This verse means that if the greeting is replied kindly it shows that the owner of this house is “a son of peace” who has the nature of peace and is willing to receive the message of peace otherwise peace still goes back to the grass roots and waits to be received by the fit one. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If there is “a son of peace” in the house he will bring the whole house peace. In other words if there is one who has been granted grace in the house he could bring the whole house grace.

2) After believers have been granted grace it is our right and responsibility to bring grace and peace to the whole house.

3) Being sent out by the Lord is important because those who have been sent out are representatives of the Lord. The moment they are sent out by the Lord they have the Lord’s authority presence and peace. Therefore wherever they go the Lord’s authority presence and peace go with the workers who are sent out by the Lord just as the flow of water.

4) Everyone that receives those who have been sent out by the Lord receives the Lord’s presence and peace. Everyone that rejects those who have been sent by the Lord rejects the Lord’s presence and peace.

5) Any kind of circumstance could not affect the peace in the workers of the Lord however the peace in the workers of the Lord is able to change the circumstances.

6) Before the devil makes us fail it will make us lose our peace at first. If we hold fast the peace in our hearts the devil will do nothing to us.

7) Whether someone is worthy of the Lord’s blessing and peace is determined by the Lord. While someone acts positively we should hold an active attitude towards him and we should not doubt his intention or motive.

 

Luke. 10:7 “And remain in the same house eating and drinking such things as they give for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.

   YLT: “`And in that house remain eating and drinking the things they have for worthy [is] the workman of his hire; go not from house to house ”

   Literal Meaning: “for the laborer is worthy of his wages” When Paul wrote the first epistle of Timothy he quoted this sentence as the classics (See 1Tim. 5:18); it shows that the Book of Luke was published earlier than the first epistle of Timothy. In the laws of the Old Testament it was set that the lord should not covet the wages of workers (See Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14-15).

  “Do not go from house to house.” The Lord said so with the purpose that His workers could preach single-mindedly and they should not be distracted by the enjoyment of life or be inconstant so that they may waste time to find the more comfortable lodgments.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “For the laborer is worthy of his wages.” If we truly are workers of the Lord He will assuredly be responsible for realizing this promise. If we work for ourselves certainly we should prepare food for ourselves.

2) When believers do the work of the Lord they not only receive the food and drink of the flesh but also gain the spiritual provision.

 

Luke. 10:8 “Whatever city you enter and they receive you eat such things as are set before you.

   YLT: “and into whatever city ye enter and they may receive you eat the things set before you ”

   Literal Meaning: “eat such things as are set before you.” It means that they should not be fastidious about food. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) What those who serve the Lord should pay attention to is how to provide life for others instead of seeking enjoyment for their flesh.

2) Having food and clothing with these the workers of the Lord shall be content (1Tim. 6:8) and they should not seek the desire for good food.

 

Luke. 10:9 “And heal the sick there and say to them The kingdom of God has come near to you.'

   YLT: “and heal the ailing in it and say to them The reign of God hath come nigh to you.”

   Enlightenment in the Word: there are two main works for the ministers: 1) healing the diseases of men’s souls; 2) bringing men into the kingdom of God.

 

Luke. 10:10 “But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you go out into its streets and say

   YLT: “`And into whatever city ye do enter and they may not receive you having gone forth to its broad places say ”

 

Luke. 10:11The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this that the kingdom of God has come near you.'

   YLT: “And the dust that hath cleaved to us from your city we do wipe off against you but this know ye that the reign of God hath come nigh to you;”

   The Background: When the Pharisees departed from a gentile place they usually wipe off or cleanse the dust which clung to them indicating that they have nothing with the “uncleanness” of the Gentiles.

   Spiritual Meaning: “against you” It means that the men or place that have rejected Christ should suffer their own actions and their endings in future have nothing with us (Acts. 13:50-51).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Our relations with the world should be established on the ground that whether they desire the Lord. To those who do not desire the Lord we should not maintain earthly intimate relations with them.

2) The disguised social services should never replace Christ’s gospel. What the Lord cares about is whether men receive the glad tidings. The Lord does not care about whether we have improved men’s living standard.

 

Luke. 10:12 “But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.

   YLT: “and I say to you that for Sodom in that day it shall be more tolerable than for that city.”

   Meaning of Words: Sodom”: burn to enfetter.

   The Background: Sodom” was the fountainhead of homosexuality. It was of the most heinous guilt and it was ruined by God (See Gen. 18:20; 19:5 24; Jude 7).

   Literal Meaning: “that Day” indicates the end of the world when men are confronted with God’s judgment.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) In that Day the judgment that men would receive is determined by men’s reaction to the Lord.

2) If those who have tasted the heavenly taste fall away their ending will be more terrible than those who did not know the Lord (Heb. 6:4-8).

3) In the time of grace those who have heard the gospel of salvation and still obstinately reject the gospel probably will suffer more in future than the ignorant sinners.

4) Today men receive more truth and enlightenment than the former time. If they still reject and do not listen to them their sins are inexcusable and their sins are greater because to every one to whom much has been given much shall be required from him (See 12:48).

5) Why do we preach glad tidings? Because there will be that Day. If men do not receive glad tidings they will suffer more in that Day.

6) The greatest sin of men is rejecting the Lord. All men’s sins come from their rejection of the Lord.

 

Luke. 10:13Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

   YLT: “`Wo to thee Chorazin; wo to thee Bethsaida; for if in Tyre and Sidon had been done the mighty works that were done in you long ago sitting in sackcloth and ashes they had reformed;”

   Meaning of Words: “Chorazin”: secret; “Bethsaida”: the place of nets fishing-house and house of bread; “Tyre”: rock to suffer pains; “Sidon”: fishing hunting.

   The Background: “Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!” “Chorazin” “Bethsaida” and “Capernaum” (v.15) were big cities in Galilee and Decapolis. The Lord Jesus started to work in the region (See Matt. 4:23-25).

  “For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon.” “Tyre and Sidon” were old cities in Phoenicia which was in the north of Galilee. They had been ruined in about B.C. 300. Therefore the Lord Jesus had never been there.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Woe to the proud ones who think that only they in the world know the secret (the meaning of “Chorazin”) and others do not know it.

2) Woe to this kind of people who can do everything but reject the Lord: they are good at preaching the glad tidings------“fishing” (the meaning of “Bethsaida”) and edifying the saints------“providing bread” (another meaning of “Bethsaida”).

3) Those who “have repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes” will not fall into judgment. Without repentance it is impossible for men to be delivered from God’s judgment.

 

Luke. 10:14 “But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

   YLT: “but for Tyre and Sidon it shall be more tolerable in the judgment than for you.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) This verse shows that the judgment in future is not the same. There is degree of seriousness concerning the judgments.

2) The consequence of the judgment in future is related to what we have received from the Lord today. Everyone to whom much is given from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed of him they will ask the more (See 12:48).

 

Luke. 10:15 “And you Capernaum who are exalted to heaven will be brought down to Hades.

   YLT: “`And thou Capernaum which unto the heaven wast exalted unto hades thou shalt be brought down.”

   Meaning of Words: Capernaum”: house of comfort the town of Nahum;

   Literal Meaning: Capernaum was the center of the Lord’s works and grace in the beginning. Heavenly blessing came to them and they did not receive it. Therefore they were definitely judged by God to turn into the desolate land.

  “You who are exalted to heaven will be brought down to Hades.” “Hades” was in the heart of the earth (See Matt. 12:40) and it was the temporary place for souls after men were dead (See Acts. 2:27 Luke. 16:22-23). The whole sentence shows that it has been brought down to the lowest status of punishment from the supreme status of honor (See Is. 14:13 15).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1) To those who have received “comfort” (the meaning of “Capernaum”) by repentance and then thought something of themselves today though they are exalted to heaven they will be brought down to Hades.

2) Many first shall be last and last first (Matt. 19:30 20:16).

 

Luke. 10:16 “He who hears you hears Me he who rejects you rejects Me and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.’”

   YLT: “`He who is hearing you doth hear me; and he who is putting you away doth put me away; and he who is putting me away doth put away Him who sent me.’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers should never look down upon themselves as we are “ambassadors” of the kingdom of God and we speak to the world on behalf of God.

2) If believers want others to hear us we have to speak in the communion of the Holy Spirit and we can’t speak randomly as we please.

3) He who rejects the disciples rejects the Lord and he who rejects the Lord rejects the Father. This shows the wonderful union of believers with the Holy Trinity. It is no wander that when Saul of Tarsus persecuted believers the Lord questioned him that “why are you persecuting me?” (See Acts. 9:4)

 

Luke. 10:17 “Then the seventy returned with joy saying Lord even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’”

   YLT: “And the seventy turned back with joy saying ‘Sir and the demons are being subjected to us in thy name;’”

   Literal Meaning: “even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” It shows that casting out demons is one the tasks for the seventy disciples (See 9:1-2).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (See 1John. 5:19). Only believers have the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore the demons are contrarily “subject to us”.

2) The name of the Lord is above every name (Pill. 2:9) and His name is the best equipment for believers. As long as we attack the enemy in the name of the Lord we will conquer it.

 

Luke. 10:18 “And He said to them I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

   YLT: “and he said to them ‘I was beholding the Adversary as lightning from the heaven having fallen;”

   Literal Meaning: “Satan fall like lightning from heaven” It means the rapid defeat of Satan.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Every strong believer must subjectively experience that “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”.

2) As long as we live in the risen Lord we will ascend up into heaven with the Lord and cast Satan out into the earth (See Rev. 12:9).

3) It is the external phenomenon that the disciple returned with joy that the demons were subject to them (See v.17). The Lord saw “Satan fall like lightning from heaven” and this is the fundamental reason. One should first binds the strong man and then he will plunder his house (Matt. 12:29).

 

Luke. 10:19 “Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

   YLT: “lo I give to you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and on all the power of the enemy and nothing by any means shall hurt you;”

   Spiritual Meaning: trample on serpents and scorpions” “serpents and scorpions” symbolize the evil spirits.

  “Over all the power of the enemy” “the enemy” indicates Satan itself.

   Enlightenment in the Word: though Satan has “the power” believers have “the authority”. The authority overcomes the power. 

 

Luke. 10:20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’”

   YLT: “but in this rejoice not that the spirits are subjected to you but rejoice rather that your names were written in the heavens.’”

   The Background: In ancient times the book of citizens was prepared in the city gate lest the enemy was mingled into the city.

   Literal Meaning: but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Men’s being saved is recorded in heaven (See Ps. 69:28; Dan. 12:1; Pill. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:5).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Salvation is the fountainhead of joy and this joy overcomes every joy.

2) One’s being saved is more important than that he has received the power to overcome the demons or his being delivered from its harm.

3) The primary aim that believers should pursue is not whether one could do the signs and wonders but whether one truly partakes in the reward of the kingdom of God.

 

Luke. 10:21 “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said I thank You Father Lord of heaven and earth that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so Father for so it seemed good in Your sight.

   YLT: “In that hour was Jesus glad in the Spirit and said `I do confess to thee Father Lord of the heaven and of the earth that Thou didst hide these things from wise men and understanding and didst reveal them to babes; yes Father because so it became good pleasure before Thee.”

Meaning of Words: “good”: well-pleasing goodliness and wish.

Literal Meaning: “Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit” the “rejoice” in the original means “exultation or ecstasy”. It is the joy that is revealed when one conquers in the conflicts.

“I thank You Father Lord of heaven and earth.” “Father” shows that God is the fountainhead of everything. “Lord of heaven and earth” shows that God rules and arranges everything. The Lord here admitted that all that happened to Him is of God the Father (Rom. 8:28). “I thank You” shows that the Lord not only receives the arrangement from God’s hands but also receives it with thanksgiving.

“You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.” “The wise and prudent” indicate those who are opinionated and consider themselves wise; “babes” indicate the humble who are willingly to be instructed. This shows the principle how God reveals. Though God is pleased to reveal Christ in men (See Gal. 1:16) if a man wise and prudent in his own eyes wants to understand spiritual things by intelligence contrarily he will not receive revelations. Only those who are simple and open their hearts to God like babes will receive the full revelations.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If one knows that the Father is the “Lord of heaven and earth”------everything is under His mighty hands he will be thankful in everything.

2) Though we have received the circumstances and things arranged by God many times we receive them unwillingly and there are complaints in our hearts. Therefore we are unable to have rest like the Lord. 

3) If we could see persons things and circumstance that we are encountered with from the principle by which God works we will have unconventional state and still have rest in many troubles.

4) Christians’ misfortune circumstances and things are God’s will. If we could receive everything from God’s hands we will not complain at all.

5) God’s works in us are related to our intentions and attitudes. The more our intentions are like babes the more grace we will receive from God.

6) The humble ones who are willing to be instructed usually receive God’s revelations (1Pet. 5:5).

7) Whoever thinks that he knows the way how God does His work (“the wise and prudent”) does not know the will of God on the contrary. Whoever thinks that he knows nothing (“babes”) is easy to know God’s will contrarily.

8) The reason why one could not read the Bible very well is not that his brain is not good. It is that his brain is so good that he wants to use his own “wisdom and prudence” to read the Bible. Consequently he loses the attitude as “a babe” and God has hidden Himself from him.

9) “Even so Father.” It is the spirit of the Son and it is the attitude the Son should have. We should say “yes”------amen to everything that is of the Father.

10) We should seek God’s delight instead of our own delight in everything.

11) We should say “yes” i.e. “amen” to everything in which God delights. In this way we will be able to have rest even in adversity.

12) What seems good in the Father’s sight is that: we should attain glory through tribulations we should reach the throne through cross we should overcome through failures and we should achieve spiritual peak through the losses of souls.

13) Whether a servant pleases God lies in his intention to do the will of God instead of the effect of his works.

 

Luke. 10:22 “All things have been delivered 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 the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.’”

   YLT: “`All things were delivered up to me by my Father and no one doth know who the Son is except the Father and who the Father is except the Son and he to whom the Son may wish to reveal [Him].’”

   Meaning of Words: “wills”: counsel; “reveal”: take off the cover disclose.

   Literal Meaning: “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father” This sentence has two meanings:

1) All my misfortune and “possessions” are from God instead of men. Therefore there is no need for us to complain others.

2) Since everything is from God it seems good in His sight and therefore we should receive everything willingly.

“No one knows who the Son is except the Father.” It is just that men do not know the Lord because only Father and those who have been revealed by the Father know Him. It implies that: even if men do not know or understand me I am satisfied and able to have rest only if the Father knows me. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father.” It shows that:

    a) The Lord submits to all the arrangements of the Father.

    b) The Lord will inherit all the things of the Father ultimately.

What happens to the firstborn will happen to the sons of God. Whoever submits to all the arrangements of the Father with the Lord will ultimately inherit all things with Him.

2) “Nor does anyone know who the Father is except the Son and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Only those who have been revealed by the Father know the Son (See John. 16:17). Only those who have been revealed by the Son know the Father. The knowledge of the Divine Trinity must be of revelations.

3) Only those who have rest in being merely known by God are able to know God. Only those who know God are able to lead men to know God (John. 17:25-26).

 

Luke. 10:23 “Then He turned to His disciples and said privately Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see;

   YLT: “And having turned unto the disciples he said by themselves ‘Happy the eyes that are perceiving what ye perceive;”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The reason why one is “blessed” is not that he is better than others but that God is pleased to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven in him (See Gal. 1:16).

2) The hearing ear and the seeing eye the LORD has made even both of them (Prov. 20:12). Only those who look upon God’s mercy humbly are able to hear and see.

 

Luke. 10:24 “for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see and have not seen it and to hear what you hear and have not heard it.’”

   YLT: “for I say to you that many prophets and kings did wish to see what ye perceive and did not see and to hear what ye hear and did not hear.’”

   Literal Meaning: “prophets” are those who speak for God; “kings” are the authority that God has established and they represent God on earth. Men of old have desired to see but have not seen. They have desired to hear but have not heard because in other ages (the age of the Old Testament) this mystery was not made known to the sons of men (Eph. 3:5). We are luck to be born in last time and we are blessed that He had made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself (Eph. 1:9).

 

Luke. 10:25 “And behold a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him saying Teacher what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’”

   YLT: “And lo a certain lawyer stood up trying him and saying ‘Teacher what having done life age-during shall I inherit?’”

   Literal Meaning: “a certain lawyer”: “Lawyer” was the scribe who was very familiar with the Law of the Moses and was of the sect of the Pharisees.

  “Stood up and tested Him” This lawyer must hold himself that He was very familiar with the Law and commandments. He wanted to examine the Lord Jesus in order to show that the knowledge of the Scriptures of the Lord Jesus was so so by this and make a fool of the Lord before the masses.

  “Teacher” is an inappropriate appellation. It shows that he regarded Jesus as “teacher” (See John. 3:2) who taught men instead of the “Savior” who saved men.

  “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This sentence includes four meanings: 1) he admitted the importance to “inherit eternal life”; 2) he confessed that there was no eternal life in him; 3) He thought that he may inherit eternal life by doing something in other words he thought that one could earn the eternal life; 4) he did not know what to do in order to inherit eternal life.

  “Inheriting eternal life” means that “names are written in heaven” (v.20) i.e. “being saved”------one has everlasting life of God and shall not perish (See John. 3:16).

 

Luke. 10:26 “He said to him What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’”

   YLT: “And he said unto him `In the law what hath been written? how dost thou read?’”

   Literal Meaning: the Lord Jesus asked so in order to remind him to grasp the key to “inherit eternal life” through the quintessence of the Law. He did not asked him to inherit eternal life through keeping the letters and words and regulations of the Law.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Law is not useless; the Law brings us unto Christ (Gal. 3:24).

2) The letter kills but the Spirit gives life (2Cor. 3:6).

 

Luke. 10:27 “So he answered and said You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.’”

   YLT: “And he answering said ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God out of all thy heart and out of all thy soul and out of all thy strength and out of all thy understanding and thy neighbour as thyself.’”

   Meaning of Words: “love”: agapao.

   The Background: the Ten Commandments could be divided into two parts. One part is towards God and the other towards men (See Exod. 20:3-17). At that time this verse was in the prayer of the Jews. The ordinary Jews knew that the great principle of the Old Testament is to love God and men.

   Literal Meaning: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your strength and with all your mind” It means to love God with the whole body and the whole life (See Deut. 6:4-5). Here the fourfold descriptions mainly express the tone of emphasis.

  “And your neighbor as yourself” is quoted from Lev. 19:18. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If anyone does not love the Lord let him be accursed (1Cor. 16:22). We love Him because He first loved us (1John. 4:19).

2) The love that God demands from us is the love “with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind”. We have to admit that we cannot do this. We could only let God’s love fill infuse and compel us more (2Cor. 5:14) and then we shall reveal His love naturally.

3) Men have to love God first and then they are able to love men and love their neighbor as themselves.

4) We in our behaviors should do our duty both towards God and men. Towards God the hinge must be love; towards men certainly love should be the key.

5) Those who love God are able to love men and therefore loving God includes the whole Law. Today the principle of Christians’ life is to “love the Lord your God”.

6) “Love your neighbor as yourself” is to love unconditionally i.e. the love of sacrifice. Only those who live in the divine life are able to do this. He loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).

7) Men should love others just like they love themselves and they are self-centered (See 6:31). The principle of prayer is also the life (not in word only).

 

Luke. 10:28 “And He said to him You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.’”

   YLT: “And he said to him ‘Rightly thou didst answer; this do and thou shalt live.’”

   Literal Meaning: “do this and you will live.” This is only a hypothesis------if men could truly love God with their whole life and love their neighbors as themselves they could inherit eternal life. The problem is that we could never meet this demand and therefore we have to rely on the Savior and look upon His salvation and by this we will have eternal life.

 

Luke. 10:29 “But he wanting to justify himself said to Jesus And who is my neighbor?’”

   YLT: “And he willing to declare himself righteous said unto Jesus ‘And who is my neighbour?’”

   Literal Meaning: “but he wanting to justify himself” The word of the Lord Jesus that “do this and you will live” (v.28) implied that he did not do this. Because of this he may want to make an excuse to defend himself concerning that “he knew this and did not do it”.

  “And who is my neighbor?” It means that “who is the neighbor that is worthy to be loved as I love myself?” This sentence implies that his problem is not that he did not “love” but that he could not find the “right person to show love”.

 

Luke. 10:30 “Then Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves who stripped him of his clothing wounded him and departed leaving him half dead.

   YLT: “and Jesus having taken up [the word] said `A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among robbers and having stripped him and inflicted blows they went away leaving [him] half dead.”

   Meaning of Words: Jerusalem”: the foundation of peace (See Heb. 7:2).

   The Background: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho” The land of Jerusalem was higher than that of Jericho and therefore it was said that “went down to Jericho”. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was tortuous and there was the wilderness with rocks along the way. Robbers were haunted there and they waited in ambush to attack the bare-handed strangers. 

  Jericho”: the city that was cursed by God (See Josh. 6:26; 1Kings. 16:34).

   Spiritual Meaning: “A certain man” implies the lawyer who was self-righteous (See v.29).

“Went down from Jerusalem to Jericho” It symbolizes that he fallen from the foundation of peace (Jerusalem) to the cursed state (Jericho).

“Fell among thieves” “Thieves” symbolize the leaders of Judaism who adhered to the Law (See John. 10:1). They forced men to obey the letter of the Law and consequently sin taking the opportunity produced in them (Rom. 8:7) and brought them into captivity to the law of sin which was in their members (Rom. 7:23).

“Who stripped him of his clothing” It symbolizes that the Law exposes the shame of men.

“Wounded him leaving him half dead” It symbolizes that the Law harms men on the contrary (Rom. 7:9-10).

“And departed” It symbolizes that the leaders of Judaism only asked men to obey the Law and did not care about men’s life and death (See 6:6-11).

 

Luke. 10:31 “Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him he passed by on the other side.

   YLT: “`And by a coincidence a certain priest was going down in that way and having seen him he passed over on the opposite side;”

   The Background: “priest” had the responsibility to instruct and teach God’s people (See 2Chron. 15:3)

   Literal Meaning: “he passed by on the other side” The reason why he did so may be for his own safety or that he avoided touching the dead to make himself unclean (See Lev. 21:1).

   Spiritual Meaning: “priest” symbolizes the religious system that is helpless to those who are hurt by the Law.

 

Luke. 10:32 “Likewise a Levite when he arrived at the place came and looked and passed by on the other side.

   YLT: “and in like manner also a Levite having been about the place having come and seen passed over on the opposite side.”

   The Background: “Levites” took the responsibility to teach the Law to God’s people (See Deut. 33:9-10).

   Literal Meaning: “likewise a Levite” The priest is of the tribe of the children of Levite however not all the Levites are the priests. Therefore the “Levite” here should be those who are in the tribe of the children of Levite except the priests. Their duties were to help the priests to deal with things in the Holy Temple (See Num. 3:5-13; 8:23-26; 1Chron. 23:4).

   Spiritual Meaning: “a Levite” symbolizes the busy holy works that are helpless to those who are hurt by the Law.

 

Luke. 10:33 “But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed came where he was. And when he saw him he had compassion.

   YLT: “`But a certain Samaritan journeying came along him and having seen him he was moved with compassion ”

   The Background: “But a certain Samaritan” In the eyes of the Jews Samaritan could not listed in their “neighbors” concerning both their lineage and faith.

   Spiritual Meaning: “a certain Samaritan” symbolizes the Son of Man the Savior; when the Lord walked on earth He was despised by the ordinary Jews as the Samaritan.

  “As he journeyed came where he was” It symbolizes that the Lord Jesus came to the world and He was among the Jews.

  “He had compassion.” It symbolizes that when the Lord Jesus saw that the Jews were mislead by the traditions of their ancestors and they were hurt He was merciful.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord came to the world to seek sinners with His “feet” (“as he journeyed came where he was”) took care of sinners with His “eyes” (“saw”) and He loved sinners with His “heart” (“he had compassion”).

2) Those who can help others in the assembly may not the renowned ones (the priest and Levite) but brothers and sisters (Samaritan) who are despised by men. They always show love in secret.

 

Luke. 10:34 “So he went to him and bandaged his wounds pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal brought him to an inn and took care of him.

   YLT: “and having come near he bound up his wounds pouring on oil and wine and having lifted him up on his own beast he brought him to an inn and was careful of him;”

   Meaning of Words: “inn” is the place to receive all (in the original it is compounded of “receptive” and “all”).

   Literal Meaning: “pouring on oil and wine” “Oil” could relieve pain and “wine” could diminish inflammation. Both of them are the common medicaments of the ancient Jews.

   Spiritual Meaning: this verse shows that the Son of Man the Savior gives sinners the salvation:

  1) “Pouring on oil and wine” “oil” symbolizes the Holy Spirit (See 4:18) and “wine” symbolizes God’s life (See 5:38). He healed sinners with the Holy Spirit and God’s life.

  2) “Bandaged” It symbolizes the Lord’s nourishing and cherishing (See Eph. 5:29).

  3) “He set him on his own animal.” It symbolizes the Lord’s humbleness and condescension (See Zech. 9:9) and He carries us to go forth.

  4) “Brought him to an inn and took care of him” It symbolizes that He brings us into the assembly and takes care of us.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Went to”------if we want to serve men we should “go to” others to help them instead of asking others to go to us.

2) The service of Christ is meticulous: moistening (“oil”) healing (“wine”) winding (“bandaged”) supporting (“he set him on his own animal”) and rest (“brought him to an inn”).

3) The Holy Spirit comforts (“oil”) first judges (“wine”) later and wraps (“bandaged”) us finally. 

4) When serving those who have been hurt we should never uncover their wounds and we should help them to cover it. We should do this with love because love covers a multitude of sins (1Pet. 4:8).

5) The assembly (“an inn”) is the rest home for believers when they run on the heavenly way.

6) There is nowhere in this world for the Son of Man to lay His head (See 9:58) and the world is unwilling to receive the Lord and believers (See v.10). The Lord and those who have been saved by Him could find rest only in the assembly (“an inn”) that receives all.

 

Luke. 10:35 “On the next day when he departed he took out two denarii gave them to the innkeeper and said to him Take care of him; and whatever more you spend when I come again I will repay you.'

   YLT: “and on the morrow going forth taking out two denaries he gave to the innkeeper and said to him Be careful of him and whatever thou mayest spend more I in my coming again will give back to thee.”

   The Background: “he took out two denarii” The Roman money “two denarii” was about the wage for two days of an ordinary worker (See Matt. 20:2). It could afford one to stay in the inn for about a month.

   Spiritual Meaning: this verse shows how the Son of Man the Savior takes care of those who have been saved:

  1) “He took out two denarii.” “Denarii” symbolizes the gifts of service (See Matt. 25:15).

  2) “Gave them to the innkeeper and said to him ‘take care of him’” “Innkeeper” typifies workers who have been instructed by the Lord to perfect the Saints (See Eph. 4:11-12).

  3) “Whatever more you spend when I come again I will repay you.” It symbolizes that when the Lord comes back He will repay us according to our service.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord Jesus had paid up the ransom of life “half a shekel” for us (See Exod. 30:11-16) i.e. “two denarii”. It is enough for us to sojourn in the world (stay in the inn) until He comes back to meet us.

2) We should serve the Saints with perseverance in the assembly. Especially we should not give up halfway when serving the weak Saints and we should take care of them until they could stand up to walk.

3) “And whatever more you spend when I come again I will repay you.” Those who serve others should think that they owe each other (Rom. 13:8).

4) The service of Christ is not only the provision in season (See v.34) but also the grace of accumulation for the need in future------“two denarii” “whatever more you spend”. How abundant is His provision!

 

Luke. 10:36 “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’”

   YLT: “`Who then of these three seemeth to thee to have become neighbour of him who fell among the robbers?’”

   Literal Meaning: that self-righteous lawyer thought that he could love his neighbor (See v.29) and he did not know that he himself was the one who “fell among thieves” (See v.30). But his “neighbor” was neither “the priest” nor “the Levite” (See v.31-32) but the Samaritan (See v.33-35) who was despised by him------Jesus Christ.

  This parable shows us that it is not that the lawyer loves his neighbor but the neighbor loved him. It is not that we love others but the Lord loved us first.

 

Luke. 10:37 “And he said He who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him Go and do likewise.’”

   YLT: “and he said `He who did the kindness with him ’ then Jesus said to him ‘Be going on and thou be doing in like manner.’”

   Literal Meaning: “He who showed mercy on him” It indicates the Samaritan.

  “Go and do likewise.” It means that “you should love likewise”. Love is the prerequisite to “inherit eternal life”.

  This parable shows that though the religious leaders of Judaism kept on saying the obedience of the Law they could not do the generally acknowledged outline of the Law------loving God and people (v.27). Contrarily the Samaritan who was despised by the Jews truly fulfilled this Law. Obeying the Law does no lie in sticking to the letter and articles but seizing the quintessence of the Law------“mercy”.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James. 2:13).

2) “Go and do likewise.” Believers should love men as the Lord loves men. We could not love the Lord only without loving men. Loving men is the manifestation of loving the Lord.

3) “Go and do likewise.” If one hears the word only and does not do it he deceives himself (James. 1:22-23).

 

Luke. 10:38 “Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.

  YLT: “And it came to pass in their going on that he entered into a certain village and a certain woman by name Martha did receive him into her house ”

   Meaning of Words: “Martha”: madam lady.

   Literal Meaning: “He entered a certain village” This village was Bethany (See John. 11:1).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The sister who is willing to receive the Lord is truly the lady (“Martha”).

2) “Welcomed Him into her house” Believers should open their house for the use of the Lord.

 

Luke. 10:39 “And she had a sister called Mary who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.

   YLT: “and she had also a sister called Mary who also having seated herself beside the feet of Jesus was hearing the word ”

   Meaning of Words: “Mary”: rebel bitterness.

   Literal Meaning: “also” is very important and it does not show that she did nothing and only sat there to enjoy. It shows that she had done something and then also sat down to hear the Lord’s word.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The good example of Mary:

  A. She sat at “Jesus’” feet------instead of others’ feet. Drawing near to the Lord Himself is the shortest and fastest way for the growth of the spiritual life.

  B. She sat at Jesus’ “feet”------she stood in the position of humbleness. Humbleness is the most important attitude to receive the Lord’s blessing (See 1Pet. 5:5).

  C. She “sat” at Jesus’ feet------she was quiet before the Lord. In quietness and in confidence shall be our strength (Is. 30:15).

D. She sat and heard His word-------the words that the Lord speaks to us are spirit and they are life (John. 6:63).

2) The Lord reveals Himself to men through His words. Therefore hearing the Lord’s words is to give the chance to the Lord to work in us. Letting the Lord work in us is more important than working for Him.

3) Nothing is more important for Christians than drawing near to the Lord having communion with Him and hearing His words.

 

Luke. 10:40 “But Martha was distracted with much serving and she approached Him and said Lord do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’”

   YLT: “and Martha was distracted about much serving and having stood by him she said `Sir dost thou not care that my sister left me alone to serve? say then to her that she may partake along with me.’”

   Meaning of Words: “was distracted”: be diverted trouble be overburdened.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Every Christian should work (See 2Thess. 3:10). We should work diligently like Martha.

2) When working we could be “busy” outside however we should not be “distracted” inside.

3) As long as our hearts are not “distracted” our hand won’t be in a muddle. The principle of serving the Lord is to give our inner hearts to the Lord first and then all the outside works will be in order.

4) In the assembly we should respect others’ service of different natures and positions. And we should never force others to do the work that we do.

5) The Lord lead everyone in different ways and we should never be jealous because of their states (See Matt. 20:15).

 

Luke. 10:41 “And Jesus answered and said to her Martha Martha you are worried and troubled about many things.

   YLT: “And Jesus answering said to her `Martha Martha thou art anxious and disquieted about many things ”

   Literal Meaning: “you are worried and troubled about many things.” The Lord did mean that “you have done too many things” but that “there is so much worry that she was troubled and disturbed”. The Lord did not mean that “you should not use your minds to do things” but that “your mind should never be troubled because of many things and lose the peace that you should have in the Lord”.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The problem does no lie in the amount of things but “one’s being worried and troubled”. When we do not work we may have rest. However when we start to work we always let many things come into our hearts.

2) We should use our minds to direct things and should never let our minds be directed by things.

 

Luke. 10:42 “But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her.’”

   YLT: “but of one thing there is need and Mary the good part did choose that shall not be taken away from her.’”

   Meaning of Words: “needed”: required; “part”: portion participation.

   Spiritual Meaning: “one thing is needed.” This “one thing” is “Christ” that had been revealed by the Lord in His words. Because she had received the revelation Mary caught the opportunity and anointed the Lord with the ointment before He was crucified (John. 12:3).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Serving the Lord is blessed however only the gaining of the Lord is “that good part” which cannot be taken away from us by other things even the most spiritual and holiest things.

2) The difficult for believers is that they are busy serving the Lord and neglect the Lord that they are serving. The Saint Laurence worked busily however he kept on having communion with the Lord in himself.

3) The Lord demands that we should not be influenced by any kind of circumstances. No matter how great the things are outwardly we should never let them come into our inner hearts. There’s only one in our hearts i.e. Christ. There is one thing that we should do in our hearts i.e. drawing near to Christ.

4) We should be like Martha outwardly however we should never be like Martha inwardly and we should learn to be like Mary inwardly.

5) Martha works for the Lord however Mary lets the Lord work in her. Martha gives the Lord the effect of works and Mary is the vessel that receives the Lord.

6) Martha satisfies the Lord with works and Mary satisfies the Lord with love. Though the Lord needs the service of works He needs the service of love more.

7) Martha speaks to the Lord and Mary lets the Lord speak to her. If you keep on saying there will be no chance for the Lord to speak and therefore you won’t receive the revelation.

8) God’s word is the foundation and root of service. We should never let the busy activities of the assembly or individual affairs occupy our attention and time that should be spent in God’s word.

9) Whether one desires the common blessing or the “good part” depends on his own “choice” and others could never choose it for him.

10) Many things we do today and the blessing that we gain may “be taken away” from us and only Christ Himself cannot be “taken away” from us.

11) In the assembly we should be like Martha. What’s more we should be like Mary. We should pay out invariably and enjoy the Lord continuously. Only those who enjoy the Lord could have the power to serve the Lord.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Nature of the Lord’s works

I. The fountainhead of the Lord’s works------the Lord’s sending (v.1).

II. The need of the Lord’s works------the harvest truly is great and the laborers are few (v.2).

III. The danger of the Lord’s works------as lambs among wolves (v.3).

IV. The provision of the Lord’s works------the Lord will be responsible for them (v.4a).

V. The urgency of the Lord’s works------they should not waste time on the road (v.4b).

VI. The aim of the Lord’s works------bring men peace (v.5-6).

VII. The reward of the Lord’s works------the laborer is worthy of his wages (v.7).

VIII. The treatment of the Lord’s works------eat such things as are set (v.8).

IX. The main things of the Lord’s works------heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God (v.9).

X. The targets of the Lord’s works:

  A. If one does not receive us we should not have the earthly relations with him (v.10-11).

  B. He who rejects the message of the kingdom of God will be judged in future (v.12-15).

  C. He who hears us hears the Lord he who rejects us rejects God (v.16).

XI. The reason for the overcoming of the Lord’s works:

  A. Because of the name of the Lord they overcome the demons (v.17).

  B. The authority that the Lord has given them overcomes all the power of the enemy (v.20).

XII. The joy of the Lord’s works------because their names are written in heaven (v.20).

 

The Example that the Lord Rejoiced

I. Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit (v.21a).

II. He thanked God for His arrangement of good will (v.21b).

III. He was satisfied that all things had been delivered to Him by the Father (v.22a).

IV. He was satisfied with His own will (v.22b-24).

 

The Example that the Lord Taught Men

I. He led men from the outward letters and words and behaviors to the inner quintessence and hearts (v.25-28).

II. He led men to know their own poor states (v.29-30).

III. He led men to know the useless of religious regulations and works (v.31-32).

IV. He led men to know the one who truly showed mercy on men (v.33-37).

 

The Example that the Lord Served

I. When he saw him he had compassion (v.33)------love is motivation to serve men.

II. Went to (v.34a)------come to others initiatively.

III. Pouring on oil and wine (v.34b)------heal him with the Holy Spirit and God’s life.

IV. Bandaged his wounds (v.34c)------cover the wounds with love and nourish and cherish.

V. Set him in his own animal (v.34b)------support and bear him.

VI. Brought him to an inn (v.34c)------bring him into the assembly and take care of him.

VII. The next day (v.35a)------serve him continually.

VIII. He took out two denarii gave them to the innkeeper (v.35b)------pay the price of love and life.

IX. He said to him “take care of him” (v.35b)------encourage others to serve him together.

X. Whatever more you spend when I come again I will repay you (v.35c)------serve men. 

 

That Good Part

I. Welcomed the Lord into her house (v.38)------open one’s heart to receive the Lord.

II. Sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word (v.39)------receive the word of the Lord humbly and quietly.

III. It is not the outward service (v.40a)------the one who serves the Lord may be far away from Him.

IV. It is the problem of heart (v.40b-41)------we should let the Lord have the preeminence in our hearts and should never let other things disturb this.

V. One thing is needed (v.42a)------others are not essential and only the Lord is indispensable.

VI. Which will not be taken away (v.42b)------the Lord is our eternal portion and we could enjoy Him forever.

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren