Read Luke 10:38-42

The Good Part

Life in the twenty-first century is full of many activities. I sometimes wonder how a person from the first century would view the busyness of our modern world, between fast-food restaurants, interstate travel, and the technology of the internet. Yet, even in the first century, they found ways to keep themselves busy.

When Jesus visited the sisters Mary and Martha, one sister paid close attention to Jesus while the other was distracted by the busyness of serving. Martha got quite frustrated that her sister was not helping, so she approached the Lord and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40).

Jesus’ answer is very interesting. He did not condemn Martha for her choice to focus on “much serving,” but neither did He commend her for it. He explained that both women had a choice to make, and it was a choice that only they could make for themselves. Would they focus on the physical, as Martha did, or on the spiritual, as Mary chose? “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

If we focus too much on the physical, we will miss out on so much that Jesus has to offer. He warned in the Sermon on the Mount that worrying about physical things was a sign of little faith, and said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Have you chosen that which is needed, the good part? Consider the words of Paul: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

Where is your focus?

Day 10/260: Read Luke 10

The young man, well-versed in the Scriptures, summed up the requirements of the Law in two ways: (1) love for God, and (2) love for your neighbor. Not quite satisfied, he asked Jesus one more question: “Who is my neighbor?”

How would you summarize the Lord’s answer to this man? Your neighbor is not just the person who lives next door, or your friend on your street. Your neighbor is not just the fellow who sits in front of you while you worship. Your neighbor is not just the man who looks like you, talks like you, and dresses like you.

Your neighbor is every man. Regardless of your personal relationship. Regardless of how he treats you. What is this parable usually called? “The Good Samaritan.” The Jews viewed Samaritans as dogs, less than people.

Yet, this Samaritan helped a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, who never would have considered helping him if the roles were reversed. Jesus says they were neighbors.

How have you treated your neighbors at school or at work? How have you treated those who have mistreated you? How should you treat them?

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Luke 6:45. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and en evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to be a good neighbor to someone who has treated you poorly. Pray that the love of Christ might shine through your actions so that He is seen and glorified.