Luke 10

      23, 24. See notes on Matt. 13:16, 17. A similar occasion calls for the same language here recorded.

      25-29. The parable of the Good Samaritan, as well as that of the Prodigal Son and Lazarus and Dives, are given only by Luke. A certain lawyer. One versed in the Jewish law, a theologian, a scribe, and possibly a rabbi. Tempted him. Put him to trial. What shall I do to inherit eternal life? He probably had noted that Jesus was calling sinners to repentance, but he fancied that he belonged to another class, and hence asks, What shall I do? What is written? The Lord calls on the lawyer to state his own understanding of the law. Thou shalt love the Lord. The lawyer answered well and gave the sum of the whole law. See Deuteronomy 6:4 Deuteronomy 6:5 5 and Lev. 19:18 . This do and thou shalt live. He who fulfills the great law of love is born again. There is no inconsistency. We repent and live, believe and live, obey and live, and love and live. For these are all co-related. One cannot exist without the others. We cannot love God unless we believe and repent. "He that loves me will keep my words" ( John 14:23 ). Willing to justify himself. Evidently conscious that he did not keep the law of love. Who is my neighbour? The Lord answers by a parable.

      30-37. A certain man. A Jew of Jerusalem. Went down. It was a constant descent from Jerusalem to Jericho, over 3,000 feet in eighteen miles. Fell among robbers. The road is a dark, desolate, mountain pass, dangerous then, so beset by robbers still that no traveler dares go through it without a guard. Which stripped him. Not only of raiment, but of all he had; then left him, stunned, bleeding, unconscious, nearly dead. A certain priest. Jericho was a city of priests. A priest ought to be a holy man. The law commanded mercy and help to a neighbor ( Exod. 23:4-5 Deut. 22:1-4 ). The priest and Levite both disregarded the law in passing the poor sufferer. Likewise a Levite. A temple minister. He probably excused himself by the example of his priest. A certain Samaritan. The hereditary enemy of the Jews; despised and hated by the latter. "The Jews and Samaritans have no dealings" ( John 4:9 ). If any man had excuse for passing the wounded Jew by it was the Samaritan. But he, unlike the priest and Levite, had compassion. His compassion leads to action, to self-denial, and inconvenience. He dresses the man's wounds, sets him on his own beast, carries him to the inn, and when he left, left money for his care. For ancient inns, see note on Luke 2:7. Two pence was two days' wages, and there was promise of more. Which of these three . . . proved neighbour? The stranger became the neighbor. So we are to be neighbors to all who need help. Christian love must know no narrow bounds of race or sect. Genuine philanthropy is a Christian spirit.

      38. Entered into a certain village. Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. It is probable that this incident is not related in its order of time. It may have occurred on the last journey.

      39. Sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. Martha seems to have been mistress of the house. Her thought was to entertain the Lord; Mary's to hear his word; both commendable; the latter, best.

      40. Dost thou not care? Her sister seemed to her negligent and selfish, when her apparent neglect was do to the absorption in the truth.

      41, 42. Thou art anxious and troubled. Agitated over temporal matters while there are others more important. One thing is needful. Jesus cared nothing for bodily indulgence. The important thing was the bread of life. That, Mary had chosen. Heed the lesson that he who receives most of his word and spirit, is most pleasing in his sight.