In part one of the current series on what prayer is, Pastor Paul has preached on three points. They are prayer is communication, prayer advances the Christian into another realm, and prayer is a gift for the children of God. In today’s text, three additional points will be covered on what prayer is as Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray.

Prayer is a primary weapon against Satan. In our minds, there’s a spiritual battle constantly happening. But we can also pray continuously in our minds and hearts. This is why Satan hates those who pray, and he is also afraid of those who pray. The Christian must pray unceasingly as the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen and equip us. 

In the church, it is important to pray for one another. We are all on the frontlines of spiritual warfare. What helps tremendously in our battles against the flesh, sin, the world, and the evil one is prayer.

When we pray according to the will of God, that is true prayer. The Apostle Peter denied Jesus three times because he depended on his own will and thinking rather than seeking the will of God in prayer. This command is a common occurrence in Scripture (1 Jn. 3:22, 24). Those who seek obedience to God’s word will pray God’s will more often than not. In other words, how much you’re closer to the Bible determines how much you pray and if it’s according to the will of God. And when God answers prayer, God will be glorified.

A high view of God and his word produces a man of obedience and prayer. As we draw nearer to the Lord and his word, we will 

Prayer is fellowship with God. There is a great calm in the hearts of those who commune with God through prayer. And in fellowship with God, we learn more about his love for us. 

Private prayer and fellowship with God also result in our desire for public prayer and fellowship with the saints. If we fail in private, how can we expect to be successful publicly?

Prayer is essential and Jesus did not ever hesitate to teach his disciples how to pray. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray because they witnessed the power and success of Jesus’ own prayers. It was his prayer that helped him overcome the constant persecution and trials he faced throughout his ministry.

Jesus shows there is no replacement for human fragility, and he was not an exception (Heb. 5:7). Jesus was truly man and he bore the title of “man of sorrows”. “Just as we live in dependence upon the Father and his provisions, so did Jesus Christ” (Phil Newton). If this was true of our Lord, how much more should we pray as we are nothing but dust and clay (Gen. 2:7)? Knowing this, why don’t some Christians pray? Idolatry and worldliness deter some from praying. 

Prayer is essential because it is a hallmark of a true Christian. Even though we might neglect certain things, prayer is not one of them. One thing all believers have in common is a prayerful life. Jesus knew he prayed to the living Father as we should (1 Thess. 1:9).

“I do say this. That not praying is a clear proof that a person is not yet a true Christian. They cannot really feel their sins. They cannot love God. They cannot feel themselves a debtor to Christ. They cannot long after holiness. They cannot desire heaven. They have yet to be born again. They have yet to be made a new creature. They may boast confidently of election, grace, faith, hope, and knowledge, and deceive ignorant people. But you may rest assured it is all vain talk if they do not pray” (J.C. Ryle).

Christians are the temple of God where prayer is always occurring. In other words, true Christians pray. God gifts every believer with the ability to pray in the Spirit to him. Christians are not only able to pray to God but they are also commanded to pray unceasingly (1 Thess. 5:16). Therefore, a life of prayer is a hallmark of all believers as they become the temple of God when they are saved.

As Christians, one of the first things we do is give thanks to the Lord for our salvation. Thanksgiving is one of the key aspects of the Christian life. Even a Christian’s death is full of thanks because they pass into glory. Giving thanks is not only natural but also commanded by God. Jesus was always giving thanks to the Father as He obeyed (Matthew 14:19).

Giving thanks is an act of obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 doesn’t have the word always, but we can assume that we must always be giving thanks. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul says he is always giving thanks for them. Just prior to this passage, the apostle says to rejoice always. Therefore giving thanks must be our continual habit, giving thanks in everything. Thomas Watson once said, “Every time we draw our breath, we suck in mercy”. Every breath we take is a mercy from God and for which we should be grateful.

One reason we should always be thankful is because God is always working. From Genesis 1, in the beginning, God has been working. Jesus explains that both He and His Father are always working (John 5:17). So every day is a miracle. God is working as our Shepherd who doesn’t slumber or sleep (Psalms 121:4). He is leading, saving, and delivering His people (Psalm 23:4). He is Lord over all things, sovereign, holding everything in His hands (Colossians 1:16). He sustains the universe and nothing happens without His care. In this fallen world, we are powerless against the spiritual powers, but God is Lord and working.

God’s work is loving. Like a mother taking care of their children, God will not forget you (Isaiah 49:15). He is always loving and caring for you. His love is not minimal but goes above and beyond. His work on earth, especially His death, shows the length of Jesus’ love for His own (John 13:1). His love and care are constant, demonstrated by His interceding for us (Romans 8:34). We are safe because God is constantly working for us.

What must we be thankful for? In everything. There is not one thing that cannot be excluded from giving thanks to God. Both the good and bad. Just today, we heard news that Conrad Mbewe’s son passed away. He gave thanks for his son who has entered into glory. Even in sickness, tough times, poor times, in everything, we give thanks. We can give thanks for everything because God loves us. The God who loves us causes everything. We can’t quantify or explain why certain things happen but we know God causes it (Romans 8:27-28). “To those who are called according to His purpose”. “Those who are called” are the Christians and God has His purpose for them. One example we can think of is Joseph who was sold as a slave. Joseph endured many hardships until His word came to pass (Psalm 105:17-19). However, we must understand, that until God’s purpose was fulfilled, God sustained and refined Joseph. So God causes all things and He is providing His care until His work is done. We might not know what’s happening but we can trust God in everything.

Another reason we can trust God in everything He causes is because He is good (Psalm 103:8-14). God is slow to anger and does not accuse us. He doesn’t deal with us according to our sins as we deserve. Instead, he removes our transgressions completely and forgives us. He shows compassion to us who do not deserve it. He is so good and gives good gifts (Matthew 7:11). His goodness is intrinsic, His nature, His essence. God is love and God is good. This is most demonstrated by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of punishing us, He poured out His wrath and punishment upon His beloved Son (2 Corinthians 5:21). His goodness and love are freely shown to us (Romans 8:32). Therefore we thank God always in everything.

“For this is God’s will for you”. It is God’s will for us to give thanks. The will of God has nothing to do with non-Christians. God’s will is not a law but it’s a gift of God (Isaiah 46:9-10). There are six key things associated with God’s will in the New Testament.

• God wills everybody to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
• God’s will is for the Christian to suffer for sanctification (1 Peter 4:19)
• God’s will is for Christians to be submissive to authorities (1 Peter 2:13)
• God’s will is to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18).
• God’s will is for you to be holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
• God’s will is for you to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

So we can see how important God’s will is and how important giving thanks is. Giving thanks is Christ-likeness, following the will of God. It is very significant and impactful. The Israelites were unable to enter the promised land because of their grumbling (Numbers 14:29-30). They did not give thanks. Only Josh and Caleb who were faithful, thankful, and trusted the Lord were able to enter.

The will of God is our partnership. The will of God designs and we obey with thanksgiving. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). The Lord works in our lives for sanctification and we respond with thanksgiving. Our thanksgiving brings glory to God. In tragedy, it is hard to give thanks, but when we practice faith and worship and give thanks, it glorifies God. We honor God and lift up His name when we give thanks (Psalm 50:23, Job 1:21-22). So we are commanded to give thanks in everything so that God be glorified. This is God’s invitation to us to enjoy and partake in His goodness, His love, and His salvation.

Prayer is important. Prayer exists for every Christian as they are internally transformed by the Spirit of God to practice a life of prayer. But what is prayer according to Scripture? There are six aspects to prayer according to Luke in today’s text. The text is one of only two prayers of Jesus recorded in Scripture; the other being Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus did not hesitate to teach prayer when anyone asked as prayer is a gift from heaven. 

Prayer is to speak consciously to God with a definite aim. Christians talk and commune with the living God who is able to respond. Prayer’s aim is to worship the living God. Every time the word ‘prayer’ is mentioned in Scripture, it involves worship.

What is prayer?

Prayer is communication. God allows every Christian to approach him in prayer to talk with him. Prayer is a two-way street where both parties must be engaged or there is no true conversation that takes place. In order to have better communication with the Lord, Christians must grow in their knowledge of the Word of God. God does not reveal anything beyond Scripture. God continues to reveal his will and helps the believer to understand. 

Communication cannot occur between the living and the dead. God is not dead but alive. He is eager to communicate with the believers and seeks them to be his worshippers. God is ready to incline his ear to anyone who is also yearning to pray to him.

Prayer is the door to pass into another realm. Jesus showed this during his baptism as the Father and Spirit communicated to him from heaven. Isaiah also experienced this when his spirit entered heaven and saw the vision of God. In prayer, God takes the believer into another realm as it was for the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:2-4). In addition, the Lord gives confidence to the Christian; that is, through faith in order to receive his mercy and find grace for help at the time of need (Heb. 4:16; Ac. 16:25). Without faith, prayer is merely wordplay. 

Prayer is a means to benefit the children of God. Prayer exists because God wants to bless the believer. The children of God know they are sinners, rescued by grace alone, and trust in Jesus Christ alone. So, when a child of God prays to their God, he always listens. Christians have a love for Christ that encourages them to pray more because it increases their communication with the object of their faith and love.

Moreover, the children of God benefit from his blessings as he freely gives them everything they need (Rom. 8:32). God does not withhold the best as he did not even spare his own Son, Jesus Christ. And is through prayer that God gives blessings to those that ask him (Matt. 7:11). Jesus paid the price for believers to receive the privilege to pray and thereby become partakers in the blessings of God. Jesus not only paid the price for every Christian’s salvation, but he continues to intercede on behalf of the believer so that they can freely pray and continue to receive God’s blessings.

We are in the third and final part of this series while learning from Mary and Martha. One thing to remember is that Mary and Martha are both Christians and they are expressing their love for Jesus in different ways. Martha was trying to serve Jesus but the way she served and her heart in that service was misplaced. She allowed other things to bother her and cause her to worry. She was driven by herself and not by God’s will. Her priorities were her own and not the Lord’s.

“Only one thing is necessary” Jesus defines the essential, as the one thing that is not just better but singularly needed without comparison. Jesus clarifies that one thing is supremely necessary. Now in the church, there is a diversity of believers. Some love studying theology while others don’t like reading but instead prefer serving with their bodies. Unfortunately, many churches prioritize a Martha-style service while ignoring their members’ devotion to holiness and truth like Mary. An emphasis on devotion, holiness, and listening to God’s word is needed in our churches once again.

What is necessary? If someone is sick and dying then they need a doctor (Luke 5:31). What we need most as sinners is Jesus’ word. Mary’s proper view of her own sin resulted in her need for Jesus. She understood whatever manual service she offered was worthless. Only Jesus could help her get away from her depravity and He alone could give her a new life and a new heart. Only Jesus could save her from the wrath of God (Ephesians 2:3). We are all dead in our sins, without hope, joy, or power. Only a guilty judgment and a terrifying punishment of hell waits for the sinner who remains in their sin (Hebrews 9:27). The tragic thing is that all of us as sinners are deceived by our own hardened hearts (Jeremiah 17:9) and under the power of sin (Romans 3:9). Because of sin, our relationship with God is broken, we are enemies of God in need of reconciliation. Eventually, we will fall to our last enemy which is death. Only Jesus can save us from our sins, our deceitful hearts, impending death, and final judgment.

Because Mary knew her situation and how Jesus saved her from despair, she respected and honored Jesus. Her salvation drove her to sit at Jesus’ feet to listen. Martha also knew Jesus saves but tried to serve the Savior in her own way. Mary chose the good part. The knowledge of salvation in her head had also settled in her heart and resulted in devotion. She truly understood the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:35-36) and loved the Lord with all her heart. She had found her treasure and gave up everything else for the good part (Matthew 13:44).

Both Martha and Mary made choices. Martha’s choice is actually easier and better in man’s eyes. Serving is practical and more visible in its impact. It is easier to measure our faithfulness by our service. However, Mary chose devotion, passion, and hunger for God’s word. She chose the good part by faith. It is by faith the Christian listens to God’s word and obeys (Hebrews 11:8).

Attributes of Mary’s faith:

• Faith implies resting. Mary rested in the work of Jesus Christ. In contrast, Martha was working to please Jesus.
• Faith trusts the atoning work of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.
• Faith trusts in Jesus alone. Jesus is the one who declared “It is finished” on the cross and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).
• Faith also takes risks. It is bold and adventurous seeking God’s will and trusting in Him to conquer and overcome (Hebrews 11:27). A bold faith finds its source in God’s word (Joshua 1:8).

“Which shall not be taken away from her”.

The true Christian’s possession shall never be taken from him. He alone, of all mankind, shall never be stripped of his inheritance. Kings must one day leave their palaces. Rich men must one day leave their money and lands. They only hold them until they die. But the poorest saint on earth has a treasure of which he will never be deprived. – J. C. Ryle

Out of all the people in this world, it is only the Christians that gain. The unbeliever, no matter how rich or how powerful, will eventually lose everything. For the Christian, we gain Christ and we will have Christ forever. Even in death, the Christian will gain (Philippians 1:19).

How to choose the good part like Mary? Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor. To be more specific, we practice our love of God in corporate worship. Just as God called the people of Israel out from Egypt to worship Him, the church is called on Sundays to worship. The church is the body of Christ and we worship Christ our head. God enjoys true worship. Corporate worship is sitting at the feet of God listening to His word and offering your devotion to Him. The result of true worship is sanctification. The church, brothers and sisters, together in corporate worship is the most important and blessed service. It is the good part. Like the early church, let’s devote ourselves to the apostle’s teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42).

Today’s text shows the priority of priorities, which is to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Only then can a person believe and follow after Christ as Savior and Lord. The setting demonstrates what discipleship looks like and the importance of devotion before service. The question all Christians need to ask is if they follow Jesus Christ. If they follow, they must seek God’s Word and seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first.

When Jesus arrived and spent time at Martha and Mary’s home, Mary showed what must be the highest priority as she “was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to his word” (v 39). Mary knew what was of utmost importance, which was to be near the Lord Jesus Christ and listen to his every word. Mary was Jesus’ disciple and she also showed her total surrender and love for the Lord no matter what the circumstances might be. 

Martha was distracted, encumbered, and preoccupied with something that was secondary mistakenly thinking that that would be pleasing to the Lord. Martha’s psychology is revealed in this text as Luke describes what is happening. Luke shows that Martha made the wrong choice as he begins verse 40 with ‘But’. Martha should have been entirely focused on the Lord and his words, but she “was distracted with all her preparations” (v 40).

Martha failed to focus on her relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. Martha emphasized her service more than her relationship to Christ. Martha’s mistake was thinking that she could improve her relationship with the Lord by doing work for him rather than listening to his words.

Martha’s distraction caused her to lose her sense of joy. She even complained to the Lord if he did not care that Mary was not helping her in all her preparations (v 40). If Christians fail to heed to God’s word, they will inevitably serve joylessly. When believers seek the Lord first, their joy remains in all circumstances.

Martha gently but wrongly accused Jesus. Martha accused the Lord as a careless God, which is a serious charge. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares about his sheep more than anything else. The Shepherd is always leading, fighting, caring, and praying for the sheep. But, Martha accuses Jesus that he does not care about Mary leaving Martha to do the serving by herself (v 40).

Martha failed to know the will of God. Martha says to Jesus, “Then tell her to help me” (v40). But the Lord Jesus responds by telling Martha that she is not seeking the Lord’s will in this situation. On the contrary, Jesus points to Mary’s love and devotion to the Lord. To know the will of God is related to a person’s holiness. Martha’s love for the Lord was mixed with her love for the world. 

Martha committed a sinful worry. Martha tried to figure out things herself rather than consulting with the word of God. She did not chase after consultation to increase her sanctification. Only if she sat at Jesus’ feet would she have avoided being worried.

Martha was bothered by many things. This attitude and heart manifested the tumultuous and turbulent worried heart that resulted in external agitation. The world and the things of the world unceasingly distract those who do not put the Lord first.

Martha’s biggest problem was that she could not pray biblically. Biblical prayer was impossible for Martha because she failed to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his word. Prayer is another means of communion with the Lord for believers. Worship and devoted reading of God’s word to truly know God more is accomplished in continuous communion with him. But Martha’s vital issue was that she failed to heed God’s word, which led to unbiblical prayer. Moreover, prayer is an echo of what goes on in the heart.

In contrast to Martha, Christians must continually devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42). This is the only way to avoid the same mistake that Martha made. Therefore, first things first must be total devotion to God’s word, then everything else will follow in submission to the Lord’s will and his glory.

The two greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) When asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate a loving neighbor. However, that’s the second commandment, not the greatest. What does loving God look like? The author Luke recalls this moment with Martha and Mary to show us what it means to love God above all else. Many have pursued and gone far with the second commandment but loving our neighbor without loving God first only ends up in morality. We must love God with all our hearts first. The greatest commandment must come first.

This is important because if we understand our lives as Martha does then it causes problems and we won’t know how to deal with them. During difficulties, many people fail to seek the spiritual first. This happens even when serving the Lord. They fail to sit at the feet of Jesus and love Him. Instead, their lives are full of worries and anxiety. They try to do things by their own strength instead of depending on Jesus and holding fast to His word.

“Jesus entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home” – Luke 10:38. Martha is the older sister, the head of her household and she is the one credited with welcoming Jesus into her home. She welcomes Jesus warmly and heartily, wanting to give her best to Him.

Mary is also there, and In the beginning, she most likely helps Martha with all the preparations. While preparing, Mary stops what she is doing and chooses to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. She knew what must be prioritized. Many Christians are confused about our priorities in our lives. We have many different options for how to serve. There are many things that require our attention in the home, at work, and at church. They are all good and responsible things. However, in all of these things, we must put loving Jesus first. In a train, it is the locomotive that is in the front and it pulls all the other cars. Devotion to God and His word is the locomotive of our lives driving the rest of our actions (Joshua 1:2,8). People go through life accomplishing great things without knowing Jesus. In the end, they are worthless without Jesus. To know Jesus, to sit at His feet and listen to His word is the most important and valuable.

There are those who know of Jesus and those who know Jesus like Mary does. Even the demons know Jesus and tremble but they do not surrender to Him (Mark 1:24:26). In contrast, the disciples worshipped Jesus when they realized who He was (Matthew 14:33). They desired to know Him. We all should follow the example of Mary who desired to know Jesus. She sat at Jesus’ feet in total surrender, submitting to every word He spoke. This is what it means to be a Christian. She denied herself and took up her cross to follow Jesus Christ. This is not a perfect external service like Martha pursued. Christians are not perfect. We have our ups and downs. However the Christian surrenders.

Mary was also putting her faith in Jesus Christ by sitting at His feet. She chose Jesus because she knew He was the only way. She placed her trust and hope in Jesus. Jesus is absolutely good and perfect. He is our Lord and Savior. Why would we go anywhere else?

Mary was His disciple or in other words His student. Being at His feet and listening to Him meant this was a teaching environment. Jesus was preaching as usual and Mary stopped doing whatever she was doing to give Jesus her complete attention. Listening and obeying is the mark of discipleship because God desires obedience more than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

Mary was “listening to His word.” There are many voices out there in the world but there is only one voice we must listen to. There is only one voice that is true and divine. The converted Christian knows the voice of their Lord and listens to His voice in spite of all the other voices. Satan often whispers sweet lies to tempt us. Like Mary, the Christian only listens to Jesus. We listen to Jesus by learning and obeying. Think about your life and actions. What drives you? Is it your plans for the future, the needs of this world? Do they call you here and there? There is only one voice that is true, the voice of Jesus. Place yourself at His feet and listen to Him.

A Christian can hear the voice of God through His word, the Bible. This is where you must go primarily to hear Jesus. Go directly to Jesus in the Bible, spend time there, meditate on His word, wrestle with the truths, and find treasure in it (1 Peter 2:2,1 John 2:27). Do not solely rely on the preacher, the authors, or the commentator or other teachers. A faith without your own reading of the Bible is a proxy faith depending on men instead of God. Instead, you must read and listen to yourself so that the word of God may be planted in your heart (Psalm 119:11). Sit at the feet of Jesus by opening the Bible and listening to His word by reading and obeying.

Are you struggling with something in your life? Do you need answers? Do you have doubts? Are you lacking in some area of your life? Then you must go and meet the Lord in His word. Be like Jacob who wrestled all through the night until He received the Lord’s blessing (John 20:25). Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection but that‘s because He wanted to verify with His own eyes and hands. He desired more than someone else’s testimony. That’s why when Thomas meets Jesus for himself, he declares “My Lord and my God”. (John 20:25,28) If we pursue Jesus when we struggle or doubt then we place ourselves at His feet. The world tells us there are many things to do, but we know where we must be and what comes first. Mary completely surrendered to Jesus. She sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him.

Only Christ has fulfilled the Law, which no one else has done or can do. Therefore, we can only depend on Christ Jesus for our salvation. Today’s text describes a famous portion of Scripture titled the Good Samaritan. Even the secular world knows that a good Samaritan is someone who has shown a remarkable act of love and care. However, this is also one of the most misunderstood and misapplied parables. Augustine rightly understands that the point of this parable is “Every human who is in need is our neighbor”.

The scholar was similar to the rich young ruler in Luke 18 who claims to have kept the law from his youth. The problem was their hypocrisy. They may have appeared on the outside to be faithful but on the inside, they were dead, like white-washed tombs. The bold claimed to be righteous without understanding that only Jesus was righteous and they needed him. Instead of admitting their guilt, the scholar asks, “Who is my neighbor”? So Jesus responds with a parable. A man is robbed on the road to Jerusalem. They stripped him and beat him. Historians record that the road from Jericho to Jerusalem was particularly dangerous and many people had been brutally robbed and murdered there. Miraculously, the Jew in this parable survives the attack.

A priest is the first person who encounters the dying victim. This priest would be a descendant of Aaron with a special role in Judaism for teaching and performing worship. Next, a Levite walks by who is also a special member of the Jewish society, usually an artist or craftsman. Their passing by on the other side shows the corruption and superficiality of their religion. Their obedience is mere lip service (Isa. 29:13).

Jesus dramatically changes the trajectory of the story to impress His point on the scholar when Luke writes, “But a Samaritan”. This must have surprised and shocked the listeners at the time. The Jews and Samaritans deeply hated each other. The history of Samaria goes back to the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel, where the Israelites were displaced and foreigners were brought into the conquered land. The foreigners brought their idols and pagan customs. Throughout the centuries there was severe conflict and hatred between them (Jn. 4:7-9; Lk. 9:52-54). The Jews and Samaritans did not interact and wanted nothing to do with each other.

However, this Samaritan in the story was different. This particular Samaritan felt compassion. This word compassion is associated with Jesus throughout the gospels (Matt. 15:32). This is the heart of Jesus for everyone even now (Matt. 9:36). The word compassion is not just feelings but a word of action. It is more than feeling someone’s pain. The priest and Levite most likely felt the victim’s pain and felt sorry for him, but they walked on the other side. It was the Samaritan who both felt and showed compassion (Matt. 14:14).

The dying man was an enemy, someone whom the Samaritan should have hated. Instead, he bandaged his wounds and poured oil and wine on them. This would have been a wonderful help and more than the fellow priest and Levite did. But he put the injured man on his donkey, while he walked, took him to an inn. He then stays with him overnight and the next day, takes out more money and commands the innkeeper to take care of this injured man to whatever extent. The Samaritan did this for a man who probably hates the Samaritan and could harm him in the future.

The Christian Way of Life is Love

At the end of the parable, Jesus asks a very obvious question. “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robber’s hands”? The answer, the neighbor is the one who shows mercy and love. Anyone who is in need is our neighbor. Not just our neighbors but also our enemies (Lk. 6:27-28). This does not mean Christians are pacifists. We must protect our families and uphold justice. However, we pray for our enemies regarding their repentance.

The Samaritan’s Love

It does not tarry but is quick to act. It is bold to love someone who is unfriendly. It is selfless to treat as himself. It is full. It is sacrificial. It is wise. It is continual. Love is like this. And if the sermon were to end here then it would be good morality, but it would forget the context (Lk. 10:22, 24). This whole discussion was started by Jesus stating that God the Father has handed all things over to Jesus and no one knows the Father except Jesus and those whom Jesus reveals. That is when the scholar asks his question about eternal life, to see if there is another way. So Jesus, after saying it is only through the Son, says the requirement for eternal life is the perfect keeping of the Law by loving the Lord with all his heart. The scholar thought he had kept it even though he really had not. Hence the example of the Samaritan.

If we are honest with ourselves, can we love like the Samaritan? Many people do many charitable things and devote themselves to noble causes in helping the needy. Some serve at orphanages, hospitals, or shelters. They do amazing acts of kindness and sacrifice, but this does not mean they have kept the whole law perfectly and constantly. We are all like the Apostle Paul when he says, “Oh wretched man that I am”. We are all lawbreakers (Jas. 2:10-11, Rom. 7:9-10). The law is impossible to keep because it demands love with all our strength, heart, and mind. It is hopeless. In fact, the purpose of the law is not to be kept by us but to reveal our sins. However, Jesus is the one who has kept the Law perfectly. Even while on the cross, suffering pain and betrayal, Jesus did not revile in return (1 Pet. 2:21-25). Therefore, life is possible in Christ alone.

The scholar admits the one who had mercy is the neighbor. Jesus then says, “Go and do the same”. Go and love like this Samaritan, not just once, but continually. We must admit that we cannot love like this, so we need Jesus for salvation and throughout our earthly life.

Do you place your trust in Jesus Christ? Do you rest on Him alone? Through Jesus, God is satisfied.

In the audience, there is a religious elite, a scholar of the Law who represents Judaism, salvation through the Law. It’s not just Judaism, but all religions fall under the umbrella of salvation by works. However, salvation is through Christ alone for God the Father has handed over all things to Jesus alone (Luke 10:22). With hard work and talent one can accomplish many things in this life. But eternal life, the most wonderful gift, can only be received through Jesus. Eternal life through Jesus is full of God’s mercy, grace and love can be experienced now in this life.

After hearing Jesus speak, the lawyer poses a question to Jesus. We do not know the motive for this question, whether to trap Jesus or find an answer to his own doubts. Whatever the motive, the question reveals this man’s faulty view of eternal life.

• He says “I” as if his self is still alive, as if he is not totally depraved and dead (John 6:44). Believing man is a sinner but still capable of choosing God and salvation is called Semi-Pelagianism, which is a heresy.
• “What shall I do?” is asking what they can contribute to earn salvation. This is what all men conclude, that they must do something as if they are capable or there is something of value in their deeds.
• Lastly, the scholar uses the word “inherit”. As a Jew, he thought he had the right to eternal life and it was promised to him through Abraham. This is a false hope for all are sinners before Holy God and the only thing we inherit is our sin from Adam. (Romans 9:7-8)

This question misunderstands man’s sin and the nature of eternal life. So Jesus wisely responds, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” The Law is referring to the Old Testament, particularly the five books written by Moses. “How does it read?” or in other words, “What have you heard?” The way Jesus phrases the second question, He is guiding the scholar to Deuteronomy 6:4-5. “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” Jesus directs him to the Law not because we are saved by keeping the Law but to show how impossible it is to be saved through it. Jesus doesn’t hate or dismiss the Law, in fact, Jesus kept the law perfectly and fully (Matthew 5:18-19). Jesus asks what the Law says in order to expose the futility and hypocrisy in trying to earn salvation by keeping it (Matthew 23:27). God’s holiness and His law demand perfect and complete love. You cannot deceive Jesus with exterior religion because Jesus can see inside the depths of your heart. He knows if you love him or not. So the purpose of the Law is not salvation but it is God’s word exposing the sin in our hearts (Romans 3:20-21).

The scholar answers Jesus by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 correctly. His confident response implies that he thinks he has kept it. He was proud of his life and actions. The scholar failed to understand the scope of God’s command. It is to love God with all that we have at all times. Not a single moment, a single thought, a single word, a single breath, or a single act can be outside of loving God. It is impossible to love God this way even for a brief moment let alone at all times. Some have tried to seclude themselves in the mountains or mutilated themselves and gone to other extreme lengths to try and rid themselves of all the things that hindered them from love. They have all failed to keep the law and ultimately stand condemned (Deuteronomy 27:26, Galatians 3:10). No man can justify themselves before God’s judgment. Just imagine yourself standing in God’s holy court without Jesus Christ knowing you have failed.

Only Jesus has kept the Law perfectly inside and out (Luke 22:42). Jesus as fully God and fully man loved God with all his heart, strength, and mind. Jesus was a sinless man who took up a sinful man’s position on the cross. Even while bearing our sins on the cross, He shows His unending love and prays for His killer’s forgiveness (Luke 23:34). He truly loved God and His neighbors and lived a life of real obedience. Therefore in Jesus, the Law was fulfilled and it is through faith in Him we are saved (Romans 10:4). This is why salvation is in Jesus alone and it is also why we need Him.

Jesus agrees, and while the scholar may have answered correctly, Jesus also points out that his answer is merely an answer of words. Jesus tells him he must do it to live. The scholar must have been offended by Jesus’ response. He probably thought he was being obedient. So the lawyer tries to justify himself. He asks, “Who is my neighbor?” The lawyer was prideful and did not trust in Jesus alone. We too must not be foolish or prideful by claiming we are fine without Jesus. We know that eternal life is in Jesus alone. This is a joyful thing because Jesus did what we could not do. Salvation is a gift of love and grace and it calls us to repent and believe in Him. What a sweet offer of salvation. By Jesus’ perfect keeping of the Law, we are saved from our failure to do so. Praise the Lord, He has done the impossible!

Jesus provides the wonder of salvation planned by God the Father in the text that Luke writes. And it is in this context that Jesus turns to his disciples and privately shares God’s truth of who are the blessed. In the same manner, Christians have a desire to privately meet with the Lord in prayer, this intimate relationship between God and his disciples happens naturally. What Jesus tells the disciples privately is that they are blessed.

Jesus’ disciples are blessed because they were given the ability to see that he was the Messiah and all the things Jesus did pertaining to salvation (v 23). When Jesus is seen as Lord, he becomes the only object of worship. After becoming Jesus’ disciples, the idols and worldly pleasures are done away with as Jesus becomes Lord and Savior. He is the only that is worthy and able to transform the hearts of sinners to live in the newness of life.

Jesus’ disciples are blessed because they are able to see the things that many prophets and kings wanted to see and hear (v 24). The prophets of the Old Testament continuously prophesied of the coming Messiah promised by God to save his people from their sins. For example, Isaiah was one of those prophets who was used by God and given a spirit of wisdom and understanding (Isa. 11:1-2). Even though they were manifested truths from God, they only saw a shadow of what was to come that had been revealed fully to the saints when Jesus came down from heaven (Col. 1:26; 2:17; Mk. 1:14-15).

Without Jesus Christ, the prophets were limited in understanding what they themselves were prophesying on behalf of God about the coming Messiah. They wanted to see the things that the disciples saw and did not see them (v 24). The prophets had a strong desire to see the Messiah but they were not given the opportunity to see based on God’s dispensation. Therefore, disciples during Jesus’ time and Christians that followed were blessed based on the Holy Spirit’s will and revelation. When Christ is seen by God’s grace, repentance and faith are possible and the Christian’s life is never the same into eternity. 

As Christians are able to see Christ as God, their sanctification and spiritual maturity grow as they depend on Christ more and more. Faith in Christ alone stems from the Christian’s understanding of the gospel and continued reminders of it through everyday life and circumstances. If eternal life is possible, the power of sin is removed, and knowing the value of walking with Christ, Christians must consider what kind of God dwells within them. 

“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us” (Rom. 8:32-34). 

May Christians worship this Lord Jesus Christ whom they have seen and heard, and evaluate their salvation and life by the gospel.

One view we have of Jesus is the suffering Christ, the man of sorrows portrayed in Isaiah 53, but here we see Jesus rejoicing greatly. This joy was exuberant and greater than a normal joy, an extreme elation that results in praise to the Father. The disciples were happy because they had driven out the demons (Luke 10:17) but Jesus’ joy came from their salvation, and their names were written in the Book of Life. This is a true and lasting source of joy. For this singular reason, Jesus was joyful and gave praise and glory to the Father. In contrast, many people claim to be Christian so salvation seems common which can explain why we are not so joyful with our own salvation. However, the only thing that is common is that we are all wretched sinners deserving punishment as the worst criminals. None of us deserve to know or receive God. Yet God is pleased to save us. Salvation was a mystery and unattainable. Everything else in this world is attainable (Mt 16:26) except for salvation. This is why Jesus is so joyful because now God was finally bestowing salvation through Him. How wonderful!

“All things have been handed over to Me by My Father (Luke 10:22)”. All things show there is no limit to the power of Jesus. All creation, all people, all truth, all righteousness, all victory, and all life are under the authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ power comes from His incarnation where He is God in flesh, fully man and fully God (Col 1:17,2:9). Jesus has the power of atonement through His righteous life, suffering, death, and resurrection (Hebrews 7:27). Jesus paid the price once and for all so that we no longer need to offer sacrifices or rely on a high priest. Jesus’ power gives every believer forgiveness, victory, and freedom from sin. The Christian is transformed by the power of Jesus Christ to live a holy life. The child of God enjoys the full blessings of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Only in Jesus Christ can we experience the power and love of God.

“No one knows the Father except the Son.” The Son is mighty in knowing the Father. Knowing someone is not easy. Even after many years of marriage, husbands and wives can still argue because they don’t know each other, and old relationships are still ruined. No one knows the Father except the Son and the Son knows the Father perfectly. Also, no one knows the Son except the Father. None of us can know the Son unless God allows it (John 10:24-25). That is why it is such a privilege and grace to know Jesus. God has chosen Jesus His Son to represent Him because Jesus knows Him and His will. The Father’s will was for Jesus to die so that He might save us (John 2:17). Jesus knew He was sent to earth to die and He did it lovingly, willingly, and trustingly, knowing who the Father is (Luke 23:46).

Without knowing Jesus we cannot know the Father. We know who God is through Jesus. If we know Jesus, we know that Jesus and what He offers is the best. It is through the Bible, God’s Word, that we know Jesus, who He is, and what He has done (Hebrews 1:1-3, John 1:1). When we study and obey God’s word, then we are following Jesus by which we will know God (John 8:19).

“And anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him”. Jesus shows that no elect will be lost while He is the mediator of God’s will. This is similar to John 6:39 where Jesus claims He will lose nothing. Who does Jesus reveal the Father to? To the infants mentioned prior. To the infants whom the Son reveals, they come to Him (John 6:37).

Being born again means the Holy Spirit has regenerated our hearts. We have been made new and given a new life. How can you continue to pursue your idols when you have been chosen to know God? The true Christian is the redeemed, chosen before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before their God who saved them (Ephesians 1:4). The Christian no longer follows the plans of their sensuality and sin but can depend on the Father’s will for them. This is what brought Jesus joy.