Luke Part 2 Week 13

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 10:33-35 

³³ “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. ³⁴ Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” 

As Jesus talked to the religious Jewish lawyer He referred to the Samaritan as “a despised Samaritan.” This is the way the lawyer would have thought of him. Jesus told about the love and care of the Samaritan for this person found on the road. That was in contrast to those who passed by him, which included a priest and a Levite. 

REFLECT 

Does this story catch your attention? Do you think it caught the lawyer’s attention? 

RESPOND 

Have you seen someone step forward to help another person when others were not? Talk to a friend about this and how to be helpful while being cautious. Pray for the many first responders such as policemen and firemen. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 10:36-37 

³⁶ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. ³⁷ The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” 

Jesus then faced the religious Jewish lawyer with a pointed question. Jesus asked, “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” At least the lawyer was intellectually honest enough to admit it was the person who showed mercy. He likely knew where this would lead when Jesus responded, “Yes, now go and do the same.” 

REFLECT 

What do you gain for your life from the story Jesus told the lawyer? 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about this story. Suggest to each other that when you show compassion to a needy person you are honoring Jesus. This is because it is what He commanded the religious lawyer. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 10:38-40 

³⁸ As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹ Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 

Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived in Bethany, a place about two miles east of Jerusalem. Lazarus is not mentioned in this passage. The main problem concerned Mary and Martha. It can be assumed that Mary had been helping prepare the meal. When Jesus came, however, she wanted to be with Him instead of working on the meal. Martha was frustrated by Mary’s actions and asked Jesus to intervene. Notice Martha was concerned about what was fair. Same as today. 

REFLECT 

Have you experienced being so concerned about preparations for a coming guest that you didn’t pay much attention to the guest when he or she came? For Mary, this was the most important guest of all.  

RESPOND 

Life can be so busy that a Christ-follower becomes frustrated in doing things and does not spend enough quiet time with Jesus. Spend time in the Bible. Think on God’s sovereignty; that He is in ultimate control of everything. Consider the importance of Romans 8:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 10:41-42 

⁴¹ But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! ⁴² There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

This is how Jesus answered Martha when she asked Him to rebuke Mary and tell her to help. Spending time with and worshiping her Lord and Savior was the most important thing to Mary. The choice of her relationship with Him would be a lasting memory. This seems in contrast to Martha who would only have the memory of fixing the meal without Mary’s help. 

REFLECT 

How is it with you? After a loved one has passed away, what kind of memories do you have? Are they memories of your work or of spending time with them? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading Ephesians 1:15-21 and Philippians 1:3-8. These passages tell how Paul remembered fellow believers and prayed for them. They can be example prayers for you. 

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 11:1 

¹ Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 

Usually the focus is on what Jesus taught His disciples to pray. It is often overlooked that John the Baptist also taught his disciples to pray. What John taught is not recorded in the Bible. He was preparing people for the Kingdom of God to come, so likely they prayed about that. Notice the request of Jesus came as it was observed He had finished praying.  

REFLECT 

Are there some who have observed you praying? Children would have an interest in praying if they saw and heard parents praying. 

RESPOND 

Be a model of the Christian life to others. You may not be conscious of it, but others are watching those who claim to be followers of Jesus. If they know you pray, and perhaps have viewed you doing so in a restaurant, that may stimulate them to ask questions. Some even ask waiters or waitresses what they can pray for them as they return thanks over their meal.