Notes on Luke 10:21-35

Luke 10:21

Jesus used the picture of little children to represent the weakness and humility of his disciples (v. 23). They stood in contrast to the wise. God's revelation is surprising to highlight his glory (1:51-52; 1 Cor. 1:20-31).

Luke 10:22

Son . . . Father. Jesus revealed more about his relationship to the Father in the Trinity. Here the emphasis is on the unique relationship Jesus has with God the Father (John 10:26-30, 37-38; Heb. 1:5). The Father has supreme authority, which he extends to the Son (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23; Phil. 2:9-10). chooses to reveal. Jesus rejoiced (v. 21) in God's decision to reveal a saving knowledge of himself to certain people and not others. The Bible calls this doctrine election (Rom. 9:11-13, 16; see John 10:24-25; Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5; 2 Tim. 1:9). Salvation is always because of God's grace, not our works (Rom. 4:16; Eph. 2:8-9).

Luke 10:23-24

The Old Testament prophets and kings longed for the Christ and his kingdom (1 Pet. 1:10-12). The disciples were privileged to see these promised in Jesus (Rom. 15:8; 2 Cor. 1:20).

Luke 10:25

teacher of the Jewish laws. See note on 5:17. eternal life. Life with God, which comes by knowing Jesus by faith (John 3:16; 17:3; Rom. 6:23).

Luke 10:26-28

See WLC 93, 157.

Luke 10:26

written in the law. This was an important standard for Jesus (18:19-20; Matt. 12:3, 5; 19:4; 21:6; John 17:17). The truth of God's word is more important than traditions and human understanding (Matt. 22:29; Mark 7:13).

Luke 10:27

The answer came from the Law itself (Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18). It's also an answer that Jesus himself would use to summarize the Law (Matt 22:34-40). However, this is for those who already have eternal life. It is not how one earns eternal life.

Luke 10:29

justify himself. The teacher approached Jesus with an insincere motive (v. 25). He also wanted to show himself to be right with God by how he was living. This is one place in the gospels that uses distinctly Pauline language. "Who is my neighbor?" The question shows the teacher had a wrong mindset. This teacher wanted to know who he didn't need to love.

Luke 10:30-35

Jesus' parable was meant to reveal the teacher's dishonest motives and misunderstanding about life in God's kingdom. Rather than loving little, God calls his people to love abundantly.

Luke 10:30

down. This is according to elevation. Jerusalem sits atop a small mountain 2,500 feet above sea level. robbers. A common hazard in the ancient world. Jesus could have referred to bandits or thieves.

Luke 10:31-32

Both the priest and the Levite were descendants of Aaron. The priests were those responsible for leading Israel in worship through the sacrifices offered at the Temple (Num. 18:1-32). The Levites were of the same tribe but only assisted the priests in performing their duties (Num. 3:21-26). These men were supposed to be religious leaders in Israel. Because they were leaving Jerusalem it is reasonable to think that they have just worshipped at the temple.

Luke 10:33

Samaritan. See note on 9:52. compassion. This was a startling contrast to the response of the priest and Levite (vv. 31-32)! Assuming the injured man (v. 30) was a Jew, this could even be an example of loving one's enemy (6:27).

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