Today’s Passage: Luke 10:1-37

Jesus’ power is remarkable. I must pause and remind myself of his astonishing works and words Luke is reporting. This power, and as importantly, its purpose, come into focus in the three vignettes we read in chapter 10.

Consider the 72, sent with very specific instructions. Again, we read that if people do not receive you, do them no harm, merely go. Their scant supplies demand full trust for God’s provision. They report back their success and Jesus unveils that God working through them could be seen in the spiritual realm. Juxtaposed against their success is Jesus proclaiming woes against cities that he has visited. You might ask why?

Perhaps he is expecting something from them. When Jesus is in our midst, the kingdom of God is literally breaking into this physical world. People are healed and restored. After he leaves, is there a permanent changed effect? It appears not. It appears that while they have received from Jesus what they desired, they did not live as changed people of God.

Perhaps this point is exemplified by Jesus’ response to the lawyer. His question is all about—him. “What must I do in order that I might have eternal life?” Jesus’ answer is all about doing for others. The story reveals those who passed by the injured man are acting in their own interests.

Why do I follow Jesus? Is it so I feel good about myself? Is it so I can feel like I have all the right answers? Is it so I believe I am trying to do everything right? Or is there supposed to be some other reason? Said differently, what is my full purpose in following Jesus? My sense is that within that answer, I will find his power for my life.