Luke 10 and 19
Luke 10
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”
Luke 19
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
The Significance of Luke 10 and 19
Luke 10 and 19 are pivotal chapters in the Gospel according to Luke. They reveal key aspects of Jesus’ ministry and teachings. These chapters highlight the mission of Jesus’ followers and the transformative power of encountering Christ.
In Luke 10, Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples. He sends them out in pairs to prepare the way for his arrival. This mission underscores the urgency and importance of spreading the message of the Kingdom of God. Jesus instructs them to travel light, emphasizing reliance on God’s provision. The disciples are to offer peace to households and heal the sick. This mission is not just about words but also about actions that demonstrate God’s power and love.
The instructions Jesus gives are practical and spiritual. He warns them of the challenges they will face, likening them to lambs among wolves. This metaphor highlights the vulnerability and danger of their mission. Yet, Jesus assures them that their work is vital. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. This statement underscores the need for more people to join in spreading the Gospel.
Luke 19 shifts focus to a personal encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector. Zacchaeus is eager to see Jesus but faces obstacles due to his short stature. His determination leads him to climb a sycamore-fig tree. This act of desperation and curiosity sets the stage for a life-changing moment.
When Jesus sees Zacchaeus, he calls him by name and invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house. This invitation shocks the crowd. Tax collectors were despised for their collaboration with the Roman occupiers and their often corrupt practices. Jesus’ willingness to associate with a sinner like Zacchaeus challenges social norms and expectations.
Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus is immediate and profound. He pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he has cheated four times over. This act of repentance and restitution demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus’ presence. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus leads to a radical change in his life and priorities.
Jesus’ declaration that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house is significant. It reaffirms that Jesus’ mission is to seek and save the lost. This statement encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. Jesus reaches out to those marginalized and despised by society. His love and grace extend to everyone, regardless of their past.
Together, Luke 10 and 19 illustrate the breadth and depth of Jesus’ ministry. They show the collective mission of his followers and the individual transformation that comes from encountering him. These chapters remind us that the message of the Kingdom of God is both urgent and inclusive. It calls for action and promises redemption.