Study Journal: Luke 9-11

Additional Resources:

• Bible Gateway: God's Provision
• Bible Gateway: Mary and Martha

Notes

• Luke 9:10-17 - Although Christ attempted to take his apostles "privately" into the desert, there were still a lot of people that followed him. However, instead of rejecting them and telling them to go away, he taught them. Then, at the end of teaching them, he also fed them. This is a great example of Christ's charity and compassion. Even though he wanted to be alone with his apostles, he took the time to share the word with those that were seeking it. Then, he took care of their temporal needs by feeding them. We should also be looking to serve others, even when it might be a little inconvenient for us.

  Also, when Christ distributes the bread and the fish, he doesn't just make it miraculously appear in front of everyone, though he no doubt could have. He allows his disciples to make use of their previous experience in working in the "food industry" and in civil services in order to organize the people and distribute the food. God could do everything by himself. But he allows us to use our talents to serve in the kingdom of God. This gives each of us the opportunity to serve and to learn and grow (see Bible Gateway: God's Provision).

• Luke 10:13 - Anyone can see miracles, anyone can receive a "sign". However, that isn't what will convert us. Our ground must be fertile, broken-up, clear of weeds, like in the parable of the sower, in order to be converted. Laman and Lemuel saw great miracles, they even saw an angel. However, their repentance was short-lived. They ended up rebelling against their brother and against God.

• Luke 10:38-42 - Christ is visiting Mary and Martha. Martha gets to work preparing the house for Jesus in order to welcome him. Mary, on the other hand, sits down at the feet of Jesus and listens to his word. When Martha complains about Mary not helping her to clean up and serve Jesus, Jesus gently corrects her, telling her that "Mary hath chosen that good part." Thus, we should be ensuring that we are spending our time in ways that will be most beneficial for us in the eternity.

  However, at the same time, Jesus does not tell Martha that what she is doing is wrong. The hospitality that Martha is showing is likely appreciated by the Savior. However, Martha's actions need to be grounded in her love for the Savior and his word (see Bible Gateway: Mary and Martha).

  In the same way, it's not a bad thing for us to participate in the world. We can go to work, go to school, and hang out with friends. However, it's important that we do everything "with an eye single to the glory of God." Work isn't bad, but we need to make sure that we are keeping the Sabbath day holy at the same time. Studying for school can help us to progress in life, but we need to ensure that we are studying the scriptures, too.

• Luke 11:28 - "Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."

• Luke 11:34-36 - If your eye is single to the glory of God, your whole body will be filled with the light of Christ, with the Holy Ghost. You will be guided towards things of righteousness.

  On the other hand, if your eye is on other things, such as money or video games, then you can't be filled with light because money, video games, or other things of the world don't provide light. They suck it out.