THURSDAY 3.16.23: How Would You Share Your Faith? Surprises – Luke 10:25-11:13
As Jesus chose “to go to Jerusalem” (9:51), he met more and more legal experts and Pharisees testing him with questions that sought to trap him. He answered the tricky question in 10:29 with a story showing vividly what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. He told his friend Martha it was vital to make him her first priority, and he taught his disciples how to pray—and why.
Reflection
• The Samaritan (in Israel today he’d be a “Palestinian”) in Jesus’ story put the injured man on “his own donkey” (i.e., he walked), took him to an inn, cared for him, paid two days wages, and offered to pay more if needed on his return. How did that story reflect God’s vast generosity to us? How
can knowing God’s been generous to you make you more generous to your neighbors?
• After the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus gave insight into “answered prayer” (11:11-13). He said God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to any who ask is like the “good gifts” parents give children. But we often don’t ask for the Holy Spirit. What are you praying for today? If God gives you the Holy Spirit, will you thank God for that or complain that you didn’t receive the specific thing you asked for?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the bread I need for today. And give me your presence, too, because your word and presence gives me life.