Bible Pathways - October 25, 2005

October 25

Read Luke 10

In Today's Reading:

Seventy sent out by Jesus; Good Samaritan; Martha and Mary; teaching on prayer; Pharisees denounced

A scribe, who was an official interpreter of both the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders, stood up, and tempted Him (Jesus), saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 10:25). Jesus replied: What is written in the Law? The scribe answered: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbuor as thyself. And Jesus said: Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (10:26-29).

Jesus illustrated the answer by saying: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment (clothing), and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed . . . when he saw him, he had compassion on him . . . and bound up his wounds . . . and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. . . . Which now of these three . . . was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do likewise (10:30-37).

Our neighbour is anyone who needs our compassion and whom we have the opportunity and ability to help. It does not matter what his position, race, or religion may be. We are simply to enter into the feelings of another's sufferings or misfortunes as Christ has done for us (Hebrews 4:15). Whatever is considered ours actually belongs to God and whatever belongs to God should be shared with our neighbor because our neighbor was also created by and in the image of God.

All of us need to be reminded of our Lord's answer to the lawyer's (scribe's) question: What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus caused him to recognize that the evidence of eternal life within us is a desire to obey God's Word. Jesus said: A new Commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to (for) another (John 13:34-35).

Word Studies:

10:40 cumbered about = frustrated; 10:41 careful = overly concerned; 11:8 importunity = persistence; 11:39 ravening = greed, covetousness; 11:46 lade = load; 11:53 vehemently = fiercely.

Cross References:

For Luke 10:27: See Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5. Luke 10:28: See Leviticus 18:5.

Prayer Needs:

Pray The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Vincent & Joan Naples and in honor of Rick Hash · for Staff: George Kopchak · Country: Sweden (9 million) in northern Europe · Major language: Swedish · Religious freedom · 66% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and intercede for your family (Job 1:5).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:14