Experiencing God - Day 07
Day 07 - Tuesday, February 13
Read Luke 10
Highlight
Luke is strategically highlighting a theme in this chapter that would have gone against all social norms in the ancient world. It is the fact that Jesus came for all people. At a first read, it might not be obvious. Yet, as scholars have unpacked the gospel of Luke, they have noticed the theme runs through both of Luke’s letters (Luke and Acts).
Specifically here in chapter 10, Jesus is seen sending out the seventy-two. These would have been disciples who had seen Jesus do miraculous things. He then sends them out to the surrounding villages to share the things they have seen and tell about Jesus. The news about Him was to be spread from village to village. All people, Jewish religious leaders to the everyday Jew.
Next, Luke places the telling of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus uses an unlikely person, a Samaritan, to be the one who shows mercy and grace to the hurting. He then commands us to do the same for our neighbor, who is anyone near us. Show compassion, mercy and grace to those around you. All people, Jews and Samaritans.
Finally, Luke shares the time Jesus shows up to Mary and Martha’s house. The disciples are mentioned, and the customary place for the disciples would have been at the table with Jesus. The customary place for Mary would have been in the kitchen with Martha. When Martha points this out to Jesus, he says to her, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (vv. 41-42). Jesus makes it clear that the place for Mary to be is the same as His disciples. With Him, learning from Him, and experiencing Him. All people, men and women.
Jesus is for all people. The ones we expect it to be for and the ones we often cast aside.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Luke 10
Highlight
Luke is strategically highlighting a theme in this chapter that would have gone against all social norms in the ancient world. It is the fact that Jesus came for all people. At a first read, it might not be obvious. Yet, as scholars have unpacked the gospel of Luke, they have noticed the theme runs through both of Luke’s letters (Luke and Acts).
Specifically here in chapter 10, Jesus is seen sending out the seventy-two. These would have been disciples who had seen Jesus do miraculous things. He then sends them out to the surrounding villages to share the things they have seen and tell about Jesus. The news about Him was to be spread from village to village. All people, Jewish religious leaders to the everyday Jew.
Next, Luke places the telling of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus uses an unlikely person, a Samaritan, to be the one who shows mercy and grace to the hurting. He then commands us to do the same for our neighbor, who is anyone near us. Show compassion, mercy and grace to those around you. All people, Jews and Samaritans.
Finally, Luke shares the time Jesus shows up to Mary and Martha’s house. The disciples are mentioned, and the customary place for the disciples would have been at the table with Jesus. The customary place for Mary would have been in the kitchen with Martha. When Martha points this out to Jesus, he says to her, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (vv. 41-42). Jesus makes it clear that the place for Mary to be is the same as His disciples. With Him, learning from Him, and experiencing Him. All people, men and women.
Jesus is for all people. The ones we expect it to be for and the ones we often cast aside.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God