Jesus grants unprecedented delegated authority to seventy-two ordinary disciples, marking the only Gospel passage where he explicitly transfers his power over demons and disease to such a large group simultaneously.
Luke 10
The Mission of the Seventy-Two
1Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come.
2Then he said to them, “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.
3Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
4Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.
5Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’
6If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
7Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house.
8Into whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you.
9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘God’s Kingdom has come near to you.’
10But into whatever city you enter and they don’t receive you, go out into its streets and say,
11‘Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that God’s Kingdom has come near to you.’
12I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.
13“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
14But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you.
15You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.
16Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
17The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
18He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven.
19Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
20Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
21In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.”
22Turning to the disciples, he said, “All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him.”
23Turning to the disciples, he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see,
24for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them.”
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
26He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”
27He answered, “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.”
28He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.”
29But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”
30Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion,
34came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’
36Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?”
37He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Mary and Martha
38As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard his word.
40But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.”
41Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
42but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
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Theme
Luke 10 presents three pivotal teachings that demonstrate Jesus' expanding mission and the nature of discipleship. Jesus sends seventy-two disciples on a mission to prepare towns for his arrival, giving them authority over demons and instructing them about kingdom proclamation. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan and the account of Mary and Martha, Jesus reveals that true discipleship involves both compassionate action toward others and devoted attention to his teaching.
Context
This chapter follows Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem (9:51) and expands his mission beyond the twelve apostles to a larger group of disciples.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-12 Commission of the Seventy-Two Jesus sends disciples ahead with specific instructions for mission and kingdom proclamation.
- 13-16 Woes on Unrepentant Cities Jesus pronounces judgment on cities that rejected his mighty works and message.
- 17-24 Return and Rejoicing The seventy-two return with joy, and Jesus celebrates God's revelation to the humble.
- 25-37 The Good Samaritan Parable Jesus defines neighborly love through a story contrasting religious leaders with a compassionate Samaritan.
- 38-42 Mary and Martha Jesus teaches about priorities when Martha serves while Mary sits at his feet listening.
The Mission of the Seventy-Two
10:1–10:24 gospel instruction urgent
Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples with authority to heal and proclaim God's kingdom, warning of judgment for cities that reject them. The disciples return joyfully reporting their success over demons.
person_contrast
Jesus grants unprecedented delegated authority to seventy-two ordinary disciples, marking the only Gospel passage where he explicitly transfers his power over demons and disease to such a large group simultaneously.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
10:25–10:37 gospel parable-telling contemplative
Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate who is truly a neighbor, emphasizing compassionate action over religious status. The story responds to a lawyer's question about inheriting eternal life.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical role as judge and authority figure to become a teacher of love and mercy, making this one of only three passages where he directly addresses "eternal life" through compassionate action.
Mary and Martha
10:38–10:42 gospel dialogue tender
Jesus visits Martha and Mary, gently correcting Martha's anxiety about serving while affirming Mary's choice to sit and listen to his teaching. He emphasizes the priority of spiritual devotion over busyness.
person_contrast
Jesus employs the rabbinic phrase "one thing is needful" (hen de estin chreia), typically reserved for Torah study, elevating a woman's discipleship to the highest religious priority.
Insights
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical role as judge and authority figure to become a teacher of love and mercy, making this one of only three passages where he directly addresses "eternal life" through compassionate action.
Jesus employs the rabbinic phrase "one thing is needful" (hen de estin chreia), typically reserved for Torah study, elevating a woman's discipleship to the highest religious priority.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 10:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 1:2 Lexical
As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you:
Luke 9:52 Lexical
and sent messengers before his face. They went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him.
Luke 7:27 Lexical
This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
Matthew 11:10 Lexical
For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before y…
Acts 12:6 Lexical
The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Gu…
Luke 10:2 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 9:37 Lexical
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Matthew 9:38 Lexical
Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Acts 17:12 Lexical
Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.
Luke 10:3 1 reference
Luke 10:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 22:35 Lexical
He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
Matthew 10:10 Lexical
Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Mark 6:8 Lexical
He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in…
Luke 9:3 Lexical
He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—no staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money. Don’t have two tunics each.
Luke 22:36 Lexical
Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has none, let him sell…
Luke 10:7 2 references
Lexicals 2
Luke 10:8 1 reference
Luke 10:10 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 14:21 Lexical
“That servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go…
Matthew 10:14 Lexical
Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
Matthew 10:11 Lexical
Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on.
Luke 10:12 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 10:15 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for…
Matthew 11:24 Lexical
But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”
Matthew 11:22 Lexical
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
Luke 10:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 11:21 Lexical
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in…
Matthew 11:22 Lexical
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
Mark 3:8 Lexical
from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what g…
Luke 6:17 Lexical
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples and a great number of the people from a…
Mark 7:31 Lexical
Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee through the middle of the region of…
Luke 10:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 11:22 Lexical
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
Matthew 11:24 Lexical
But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”
Matthew 10:15 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for…
Mark 3:8 Lexical
from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what g…
Luke 6:17 Lexical
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples and a great number of the people from a…
Luke 10:15 1 reference
Luke 10:19 2 references
Lexicals 2
Luke 10:21 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 11:25 Lexical
At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise an…
Matthew 11:26 Lexical
Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.
Matthew 5:16 Lexical
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 18:14 Lexical
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 5:12 Lexical
Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who w…
Luke 10:22 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 11:27 Lexical
All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the…
John 8:28 Lexical
Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing…
Luke 12:2 Lexical
But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
Matthew 10:26 Lexical
Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be kn…
Luke 10:23 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 13:16 Lexical
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
Luke 6:41 Lexical
Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Luke 6:20 Lexical
He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for God’s Kingdom is yours.
Luke 10:24 1 reference
Luke 10:25 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 18:18 Lexical
A certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Mark 10:17 Lexical
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I…
Matthew 19:16 Lexical
Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 19:29 Lexical
Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name…
John 6:54 Lexical
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Luke 10:27 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 12:33 Lexical
and to love him with all the heart, with all the understanding, all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his…
Mark 12:30 Lexical
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…
Matthew 22:37 Lexical
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Luke 10:31 1 reference
Luke 10:34 3 references
Lexicals 3
Revelation 18:13 Lexical
and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and p…
Acts 23:24 Lexical
He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
Luke 19:35 Lexical
Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them.
Luke 10:35 1 reference
Luke 10:38 2 references
Luke 10:40 2 references
Luke 10:41 1 reference
Interlinear
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Lemma
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