Notes on Luke 10:40-11:13

Luke 10:40

overly busy. Hospitality is an important part of Christian discipleship (vv. 4-8; 9:4; Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9-10). However, it distracted Martha from something better (v. 42). not care. Martha's distraction with serving led her to be angry and anxious (v. 41). Apart from Jesus, even ministry can be a temptation to self-pity and resentment.

Luke 10:41-42

Martha, Martha. The repetition of the name was a sign of deep affection (see 2 Sam. 18:33; Matt. 23:37). anxious. Martha's preoccupation with the practicalities of service caused her to worry and miss what was most important. necessary. Mary understood that it was best for her to learn from Jesus before trying to serve him. This was especially true in that day when Jesus was physically present. Serving Jesus is good, but sitting at his feet in worship, submission, and learning is necessary to be his disciple.

Jesus' Teaching on Prayer - Luke 11:1-13

Jesus's prayer life provoked the disciples to want to pray better (v. 1; see note on 3:21). Jesus taught his disciples what to pray (vv. 2-4), how to pray (vv. 5-10), and why to pray (vv. 11-13). Prayer was an important part of the church's life (Acts 2:42; 4:31; 6:6; 9:11; 10:9; 13:3). It should be so in every age.

Luke 11:1

teach. In that day, many teachers would give their disciples prayers that set them apart from others. John the Baptist (3:1-20) did this, and Jesus' disciples wanted something as well (see 5:33).

Luke 11:2-4

The Lord's Prayer. This was a repeated teaching, but the form is slightly different than what is found The Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:9-13). This shows that The Lord's Prayer was not meant to be a ritualistic prayer. Instead, it was an outline of priorities for the prayers of Jesus' disciples. Also note that the prayer often uses plural language. Jesus expected his disciples to be part of the church. Their prayers should reflect the concerns of their own lives as well as the church community (Eph. 6:18). See WLC 186; WSC 99; BC 26; HC 119.

Luke 11:2

Father. God is referred to but is rarely addressed as Father in the Old Testament (Exod. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; Jer. 31:9; Mal. 2:10). The emphasis was on his fatherly guidance of ancient Israel as a nation, but not on the people as individuals. Jesus directly addressed God as Father. This revealed the glory of God as a triune Being (Matt. 28:19-20; John 14:16, 26; Rom. 15:16, 30; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2). Jesus' faith also exemplified the intimacy of the relationship his disciples would have with God. They are adopted as sons by God their Father (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 1:5). sanctified. Be made holy. God is perfect in all ways. So, Jesus did not tell his disciples to pray that God would be more holy. Rather, the prayer is for people to recognize and honor God's holiness (Lev 11:44; 21:8; 22:31-33; Ps 99:1-3). kingdom come. A request for humanity would enter God's kingdom by faith in Jesus (Acts 8:12; Col. 1:13-14). This results in a changed life lived under God's rule (6:17-49; Matt. 7:21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3-11). This prayer also included the request that the kingdom would come in its fullness. It was already present in Jesus (v. 20; 17:21), but is increasingly revealed as the end of the age draws near (22:16; 1 Cor. 15:24; Rev. 11:15). See WLC 187.

Luke 11:3

daily bread. In that day, bread was an everyday necessity. Here bread represents larger needs (see 7:33; 2 Thess. 3:8). Jesus' instruction was to ask for, and depend on, God to provide what is needed. This is opposite of asking for wanted luxuries.

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