Luke Chapter 10 — The Good Samaritan and the Seventy
Jesus sends seventy disciples to preach, explains the meaning of being a neighbor through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and visits Mary and Martha.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Luke 10:2
“The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest.”
This verse emphasizes the urgent need for more people to share the message of God's Kingdom.
Luke 10:27
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus confirms these two commandments as the foundation for inheriting eternal life.
Luke 10:42
“but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus highlights the value of spiritual attentiveness over being overwhelmed by many tasks.
Chapter Summary
Luke Chapter 10 begins with Jesus commissioning seventy disciples to go ahead of Him into various towns to prepare people for His coming. He warns them of the challenges they will face and instructs them on how to respond to both acceptance and rejection. Upon their return, Jesus rejoices in their success and the spiritual authority they have been given. The chapter then transitions to a legal expert questioning Jesus about inheriting eternal life, leading to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This story illustrates that being a neighbor means showing mercy to those in need, regardless of social or ethnic backgrounds. Finally, the chapter concludes with Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is distracted by domestic chores, Jesus commends Mary for choosing to listen to His teachings, emphasizing the importance of spiritual focus over worldly anxieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jesus appointed seventy disciples to travel in pairs to towns He planned to visit, preparing the people for His arrival and preaching that the Kingdom of God had come near.
The parable teaches that a neighbor is anyone who shows mercy and compassion to another person in need, specifically showing that love should transcend social and ethnic barriers.
Jesus did not rebuke Martha for the act of serving, but for being anxious and troubled by many things which distracted her from the priority of listening to His word.
Study Note
The journey from Jerusalem to Jericho mentioned in the parable was a notoriously dangerous 18-mile descent through rocky terrain frequently plagued by bandits.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.