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.

Jesus is the Man of Sorrows because of how much suffering he had to endure, especially suffering the wrath of God as the sin-bearer. At the same time, Jesus is filled with joy even though he knows what he has to suffer in the near future. What was the source of Jesus’ joy while carrying the title of Man of Sorrows?

Jesus rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit by praising the Father, Lord of heaven and earth (v 21). As the Christian’s joy is knowing their names are recorded in heaven (v 20), Jesus also rejoices in this truth that the Christian is secured by God in their salvation. At the same time, Jesus’ joy is found in the Holy Spirit praising God the Father. The Father is the one who 

Jesus’ joy is found in the truth that God the Father has hidden the mystery of Jesus Christ from the wise and intelligent and has revealed them to infants (v 21). In this context, the disciples were sent out by Jesus to perform miracles in healing the sick and casting out demons. Being sent out by Jesus implies that they belong to Jesus and that the disciples are followers of Jesus Christ. And apart from Jesus, the disciples can do nothing. To the wise and intelligent, Jesus is hidden, unknown, and tasteless because God the Father is the only one who opens eyes to see and know that Jesus is the Savior (i.e., the gospel of Jesus Christ). 

Even when the gospel of Jesus Christ is heard by many, they cannot understand without the Holy Spirit. Specifically in today’s text, Jesus rejoices that the Father has hidden the gospel of Christ from the wise and intelligent. The wise and intelligent are worldly people who are learned, proud, and spiritually blind. But those whom God has chosen before the foundation of the world are given eyes to see what is hidden. In other words, God makes his truth digestible, attractable, and believable to spiritual infants. The spiritual infants have total dependence on God. They are humble, hunger for the truth, and have repentant hearts. By faith, they become spiritual infants.

Moreover, the spiritual infant is poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3). The profound truths of God and salvation are the contrast between being able and unable to hear, understand, and believe (John MacArthur). The spiritually poor who have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20) are the ones who personally know the love of Jesus Christ by God’s revelation to them in the Holy Spirit. 

Lastly, Jesus gives glory to God the Father for his doing in hiding the truth of the gospel to the wise and intelligent and only revealing it to the spiritual infant (v 21). Everything God wills is perfect and brings pleasure to him, and in that, Jesus rejoiced greatly.

One of the many characteristics a Christian demonstrates is joy because Jesus Christ is the greatest source of joy. But even for some Christians, their joy can be circumstantial instead of being rooted in Christ himself. Circumstantial or worldly joy is unstable and has its ups and downs depending on what surrounds the person. However, the joy of the Lord is steady and always present in any circumstance. In today’s text, Jesus was with the seventy-two disciples to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and their joy is expressed when they are given the power and authority to subdue the evil spirits.

The joy of the disciples is genuine. When even the demons are subject to Jesus’ name, they do not pride themselves in the ability to do so but give glory to Christ because it was only done by using his name. Throughout Scripture, God’s name is lifted on high and praised highly. When the disciples used Jesus’ name and depended on it to exorcise demons, they were elated to be given the task of casting out demons while sharing the gospel.

God’s permanent protection from Satan’s schemes gives joy to the disciples. God empowered and allowed the disciples to use Christ’s name over all the power of the enemy (v 19). In other words, it is important to understand the power of Jesus’ name. Not only did Jesus give them authority over all the power of the enemy, but he also guaranteed that nothing would injure them. They were able to walk on snakes and scorpions but without harm. What this implies is that Christians are protected by God in the midst of Satan’s schemes that will lead them to the pits of hell. Outside of the seventy-two being sent, Christians in general are protected from eternal punishment. Moreover, God eternally protects Christians as they are ultimately able to rest in heaven forever.

Christians have inner joy as they have their names recorded in heaven. Without this, Christians easily build on something that will crumble and their sanctification cannot even be achieved. Jesus himself is the author of the Book of Life that is in heaven.

To be written in the Book of Life means that every Christian is precious to God. Without the sovereignty of God, there is no life. God gives kingdom citizenship to those who are in the Book of Life as well. Heaven’s citizens are merely passing through this life to be used by God for his purpose and heading home for eternity. Lastly, those whose names are in the Book of Life have been elected by God before the foundation of the world. 

How can Christians be assured that their names are written in the Book of Life? When Christians have genuinely repented and believe in their hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead (Ro. 10:9). In addition, having a desire to be more like Christ is not something sinners are able to do on their own, but by God. There is no justification without ongoing sanctification. In other words, is sanctification a top priority and concern in one’s life? Moreover, true Christians demonstrate their true faith through their obedience and prayer as it is the expression of love for God.

The greatest joy is understanding the wonder of salvation. Without this understanding, all other joys are temporal and circumstantial. But as Christians know the Lord Jesus personally and knowing where they’re headed is the greatest joy anyone can possess. God sent his one and only Son to die for sinners who would repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be used by him for his glory.

God warns everyone of His holy judgement out of His compassion. For example, God used Noah to warn the people about the coming flood for over 100 years so that they might turn from their sins and be saved. Jerusalem was also warned about the upcoming desolation (Luke 21:21-22). Those who didn’t pay heed suffered the most horrible siege where people resorted to eating trash and attacking each other to avoid starvation. In Luke 10 Jesus is warning about the upcoming judgement for sinners. In light of the prior examples, we should take this warning with extreme seriousness.

One thing to notice, God will judge differently those who have heard versus those who haven’t heard. This shows that God’s judgement is not general but specific, exact and fair. The disciples were sent into the cities to heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God. To those who did not receive them, the disciples were to wipe the dust off (Luke 10:11). The wiping of the dust is the damning verdict where Jesus wants nothing to do with them. Not only does Jesus cut them off, but they will be punished more severely than the city of Sodom. Sodom was one of the most immoral cities in the history of mankind, yet it will be worse for those who have heard and rejected it. This should terrify everyone.

In today’s world, there are many countries that have free access to the gospel such as the United States where we live, Europe, Latin America and even Asia. But there are some countries that have never heard of Jesus, countries in remote parts of Africa and Asia. Not only has the gospel spread almost everywhere, but we also have smartphones which means the gospel and numerous Biblical resources are easily available. No era has had such astounding access to the Bible and the truth of the gospel. Yet this world doesn’t want to hear it, which means today’s generation is in much more danger because of the privilege it has (Luke 12:48). Woe to us because we are worse than Chorazin and Bethsaida.

The word “woe” is a scary word which means great calamity (Isaiah 6:5). Jesus declares woe as a divine judgement on those cities. Jesus had raised the dead, healed lepers and performed countless miracles day after day (John 21:25). Yet their reaction to such amazing demonstrations of God’s grace was poor. The same could be said of us who live in the United States. We don’t face persecution and live comfortably, not because we deserve it but because of God’s grace. Yet we react poorly with no repentance or obedience. The godless and pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon would have repented like Nineveh (Jonah 3:5). Where is our repentance?

Repentance is the proper response to the gospel (Mark 1:15). Everything flows from the gospel through repentance. By repentance, we gain entry to the kingdom of God. Without repentance, we are still slaves to sin and Satan. Repentance is realizing you are a guilty sinner before the holy God. You have a new desire to renounce sin, leave the world, take up the cross and follow Christ despite what it may cost. It is turning from your old sinful self and turning to God. What we must acknowledge is that repentance is a gift of God through the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us realize our sins and empowers us to seek after Jesus. Repentance is more than an external change but an internal dying of self and renewing in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20).

It doesn’t matter how bad your sin is or how many sins you have done, Jesus can forgive them if you repent. Jesus bore your sin fully on the cross and by repentance the power of the cross can be applied to you. There is nothing more powerful than the cross of Jesus Christ. No religion or tradition can save you from your sin. It is your dangerous pride that prevents you from truly repenting. Pride thinks we can be happy without God. Pride blinds you by claiming that you are a good person and you don’t need God. That is why humility is absolutely necessary for true repentance.

Capernaum was a popular city that was a cultural, financial and religious center of that region. Their residents were proud of the greatness of their city. Again, this sounds similar to Americans today who think the United States is great and faithful. America’s greatness must be attributed to God because it all comes from Him. But now America has focused on the gifts instead of the God who gave them. The consequence is a Christ-less and powerless gospel that is flooding our churches. Without the warning of the evangelists, society has also declined into a ridiculous garbage intellectualism (Colossians 2:8). The modern western world is full of cultural Christians who have never heeded the warning. Therefore, like the city of Capernaum, our society “will be brought down to Hades”. This is the severe outcome of the cultural Christians who walk through the wide gate (Luke 13:23-24). Jesus condemns the pretenders and rejectors to hell. There is no relief in hell but eternal pain and agony. It is the most horrific and terrifying judgement. By God’s grace, you are warned.

So listen to the gospel message and its preacher because it’s Jesus’ compassion to send someone to warn you and rescue you. Those of us who are Christians were saved by someone sharing the gospel with us. Before it’s too late, listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ, repent and believe. Do not wait for a sign or miracle, but hear the message. God calls you to repentance. Otherwise be warned, if you reject the gospel message, then it’s over for you. Cast aside your pride, repent and receive the mercy and love of God through Jesus Christ which is the greatest joy.

Jesus is the good news. Jesus had sent out 72 disciples to preach the Kingdom of God, the gospel message. Up until this point since the fall of man through Adam, everyone had known only one way to be saved, through works and religion. But now, the good news is that Jesus the Son of God has come to save us from our sins, to give life to us who are dead, through His death and resurrection. This is the good news! Tragically there are many who reject the gospel, thanks but no thanks. So Jesus warns them.

Warnings are good and necessary to protect us from future harm. The Bible is full of warnings. From the beginning, God warns Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree or they will surely die (Genesis 2:16-17). Near the end of WWII, the US military distributed the Lemay leaflets and warned the Japanese of the terrifying power of the newly developed atomic bomb and pleaded with them to evacuate their cities. Those leaflets were largely ignored. Along the same lines, Jesus’ warning should not be taken lightly because the consequences are even more devastating.

Why do people reject the good news? They are not holy and fail to understand sin and the need for forgiveness. Forgiveness is the foundation of the gospel but without understanding God is holy and I am a sinner there is no desire for forgiveness. God demands perfection but we cannot accomplish it, so God sent Jesus to accomplish it on our behalf (James 2:10, 1 Cor 5:21).

They don’t realize that rejection brings judgment and punishment. Luke 10:12 How many of us warn those who reject the gospel? Jesus commands His disciples that after they are rejected, they are to go out into public and loudly declare the warning (Luke 10:10). Warnings are not to be whispered but shouted so that as many people as possible can hear them.

After they warn the people, they are to wipe the dust off (Luke 10:11, Luke 9:5). Jesus wants nothing to do with them because they rejected His message. Those who refuse to receive the gospel have no part with Jesus. This is more than just a goodbye, but a warning of their impending judgment (Psalm 49:12, Hebrews 9:27). Jesus is the only hope for us. The gospel is the message that draws us into the arms of God. When we share the gospel we share the good news of eternal life but we also must warn them of the judgment to come.

Luke 10:11 continues saying, “Yet know this, that the kingdom of God is at hand.” “At hand” means it’s near which means there is still time. Jesus shows compassion through His warning by saying it’s not too late. It’s not over until it’s over. Even though you rejected the gospel, there is still hope and this is your warning. Jesus is full of compassion and gives you another chance, even though you don’t deserve it. (Jonah 4:11, Luke 19:41-42). For example, Jerusalem killed the prophets, yes Jesus says he continually wanted to gather them under His wings (Matthew 23:27). His compassion is not a fleeting emotion but always there, ready to save you. Therefore, Jesus’ warning is not revenge but compassion. He gives you another chance through a warning.

Why is the warning important? Because the kingdom of God is real. The kingdom of God begins with Jesus and He established it (Matthew 3:17,4:23). Jesus is our King and He is here. He is a great and mighty King who raises the dead to life. It is a real kingdom that every believer experiences. Jesus is the only hope because He is the Savior King who actually saves us. There are many pretend kings that falsely offer salvation. It could be money, a thing, a religion, or a relationship but they all fail. Nothing can satisfy our needs or take away our guilt. Only Jesus can take away every sin, failure, and lacking as He enters our hearts. To receive the Gospel is to be in Christ and to be in Christ is to be infused with the divine life. This means the gospel brings us into the Kingdom where Jesus is our Lord and our life is of God and for God.

The warning is a terrifying truth and must be taken seriously. “It will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city” Luke 10:12 In Genesis 19, God destroyed the city of Sodom as judgment for their horrible immorality and depravity. God gives the verdict for everyone and executes His judgment. “In that day” points to the day of the Great White Throne where Jesus will open the books and everyone will be judged according to their deeds. (Revelation 20:11-15) Only those whose names are in the Book of Life will be spared from being thrown into the lake of fire.

Sodom is real and historical (Luke 17:29, Genesis 19:24). The fire and sulfur described are more powerful and hotter than what we can imagine, like hellfire. Everyone is a sinner already condemned to hell and the only way to escape such punishment is through Jesus the Son of God (John 3:18). “More tolerable” means there are different levels of punishment in hell. God is fair and all sinners deserve hell, however, he will not punish them the exact same (Matthew 23:14). The terrifying aspect of Jesus’ warning is that those who reject the gospel and His warning then they will be treated differently (Luke 12:48). Sodom didn’t get to hear the gospel but they were punished severely. The Pharisees will be judged more harshly because they received the Law first.

What about us who have received the full gospel and the fullness of the Scripture? We should tremble because we have rejected the complete and clarified revelation of the gospel and hear it spoken constantly every week. The church is not exempt but in fact, will be where judgment will begin and with a greater severity (1 Peter 4:17). So this warning is also to the church. Do you wholeheartedly love Jesus? Do you seek and desire for His presence? Do you submit to Him as King and obey Him? Repent and fully embrace the gospel.

Today’s message concludes the four-part series on what biblical evangelism is according to Jesus. So far the text has covered that soul winning involves divine nature, everyday Christians (not exclusive for leaders), preparation for Christ’s second coming, the act of harvesting, the act of few good faithful men, the act of prayer, the act of complete obedience (love for God), the act of total dependence on God (formidable enemy Christians face), and an act of urgency (many die each day).

Soul winning is an act of mediation (v 5-6). As the Lord Jesus instructed his disciples to greet whatever house they entered to say, ‘Peace be to this house’, every Christian possesses the peace of God to bring the hope of having peace with God. Between man and God, Jesus Christ was the Mediator who reconciled the sinner and God through his death and resurrection. For Christians, they bring peace with God to sinners through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). If there is no peace with God, there is only guilt and death (Jas. 2:10).

Christians have the peace of God because they have peace with God. Christians remain in God’s blessing and rest even though they might fail in their walk with God at times and when they get rejected in their evangelistic efforts. 

Soul winning is an act of hard work (v 7). Jesus commanded his disciples to “stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide; for the laborer is deserving of his wages”. The world will call Christians hostile, dividers, and all kinds of names, but they cannot be silent because they are part of the greatest work of soul-winning. The Lord himself experienced hate from the world as the Savior who preached the kingdom of God, and it is he who blesses the work of evangelism. 

Soul winning has discrimination (v 8). Soul winning is cross-cultural. The Jews at the time of Jesus were still faithful to their kosher diet. However, Jesus commanded them to eat what they provided because nothing should hinder the sharing of the gospel message. In other words, love for the lost sinner has no bounds.

Soul winning always involves the preaching of the gospel message (v 9). As Christ’s healing and miracles revealed his authority and authenticated who he was, the Son of God, he also commanded his disciples to heal so that the gospel message was affirmed. And sinners are only able to believe in the gospel by hearing from Christians the miracles of miracles; that is, the Lord and Savior Jesus came down from heaven to die and be raised up (Rom. 10:14; 10:9).

The Christians improve gospel sharing by preaching the gospel to themselves daily because Christians face temptation and sin every day. By not believing in the gospel, they will commit perjury and hypocrisy. In addition, daily preaching of the gospel helps to articulate the message and helps the Christian when sharing it with others. Most importantly, unceasing prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit will be the engine that drives the sharing of the gospel that brings about salvation.