Thursday, March
22 – Read Luke 9:51-10:20
Soon after the transfiguration, Jesus
decides that the time has come for him to go to Jerusalem and the cross that
awaits him there. In the Gospel of Luke, the journey takes up many chapters,
from 9:51 to 19:28. In this section there are several parables and stories that
do not appear in the other Gospels. In this passage Jesus expands on something
he did earlier with his disciples (see March 15) by choosing no less than
seventy followers and sending them ahead in pairs to the villages he intends to
visit on his way to Jerusalem. As with the disciples, he sends them out with no
provisions – no money or bag of provisions, not even wearing sandals. They are
to heal the sick and preach the good news that God’s kingdom is at hand.
Whatever house they arrive at, they should bless that house with peace. But if
peace is not returned, they should go their way. There is a dramatic element of
judgment that runs throughout this passage. Jesus is on his way to the cross.
Some will accept what he is doing and move with him. Others will turn away. But
the time for decision is at hand. And with a prophet’s vision and language,
Jesus predicts stark consequences for his acceptance or rejection.
Reflection Questions: How does the tension in this passage
make you feel? What are the consequences of rejecting the invitation to follow
Jesus or of failing to understand that the kingdom of God is truly at hand?
Prayer: Dear God, be merciful for the times I
run from you and from Jesus. Forgive me and help me follow him with courage.
Amen.
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