Luke 10:38-42 & 11:1-13
Q.1. What attitudes characterized Martha and Mary? What did Jesus teach us about giving priority to our relationship with Him? – (Lk.10:38-42)
Jesus often went to stay with Martha, Lazarus, and Mary in Martha’s home. This explains the forthrightness of the interchange. It is clear that Martha had the gift of hospitality, and that the relationship between Jesus and the trio was strong. The idea that Martha’s role was less respected by Jesus is not supported by Scripture (c.f. Jn.11:5). Though Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, she became agitated during her acts of service, and was outspoken enough to confront Jesus with her grievance (verses 38-40 c.f. Jn.11:20-21). Mary was more reserved. She loved to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His explanations of the Word, and the heart of God. Later, she would prove her love by making a generous display of devotion for Jesus (Lk.10:39 c.f. Jn.11:2). Martha was annoyed by her sister’s perceived laziness. As well, she was unhappy with Jesus for not asking Mary to help her. In response, Jesus chided her for her attitude and her wrong priorities. Martha’s interest in Jesus’ priorities was obscured by her pre-occupation with her own. It seems that it was standard procedure for Martha to do what needed to be done. However, she was in danger of losing the opportunity that most believers would have so longed to have … to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Q.2. Why did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray? What attitude should ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ cultivate in us? – (Lk.11:1-4)
Many of the followers of Jesus had previously been followers of John the Baptist. They would have been familiar with his ministry style (Jn.1:35-40). John preached a clear message of the need for repentance. Here, Jesus also clearly taught His disciples the disciplines of dependence on God, through prayer. This model of prayer given by Jesus, caused His disciples to thirst for more insight. Not surprisingly, the underlying theme of the Lord’s Prayer was to do with DEPENDENCE ON GOD: (i) They were to focus on God and His rule. This reminds us that He is always on the throne (Lk.11:2); (ii) They were to recognize that it was God alone Who would provide their basic necessities (Lk.11:3); (iii) They were to keep short accounts with God and others. Jesus reminded us that forgiveness is a two-way responsibility – we cannot claim forgiveness from God if we won’t extend it to those who offend us (Lk.11:4); (iv) God’s provision of forgiveness is not to be treated lightly. We should call on God to – lead us not into temptation (Lk.11:4). Meaning that our relationship should bring about growth in godliness.
Q.3. What quality did Jesus underscore in His parable? Why is this so crucial? – (Lk.11:5-8)
Jesus commended the neighbour because of his PERSISTENCE … The Greek word Jesus used is variously translated as ‘shameless’, ‘audacious’, or ‘impudent’. When sharing our faith with friends, we are to be unembarrassed and bold … and persistent. Persistence is crucial because answers to prayer are not automatically granted as soon as we ask. If prayer worked that way, it would suggest we are in control and that we know what is best. Neither of these propositions is true. God is in control, and our Heavenly Father knows what is best.
Q.4. What did Jesus teach us about the heart of our Heavenly Father? What are we promised? – (Lk.11:9-13)
Jesus was teaching persistence when He challenged the crowds – 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened (Lk.11:9-10). The translation from the Greek should read – Ask and keep asking; seek and keep seeking; knock and keep knocking. We should persist in asking – seeking – knocking. The promise in verse 10 is only to the persistent ‘asker’, seeker’, and knocker’. In the example of an earthly father in verses 11-12 it is obvious that even a caring father will not always give the child what he asks or seeks. Jesus was making the point, that however graciously an earthly father may give (or not give), his giving will be excelled by our Heavenly Father. Luke seemed to convey the idea that God will give far more than good gifts to His children. God will – give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Lk.11:13). There are no gifts that God could give to His children that will ever be as good as the gift of the all-wise Holy Spirit (Lk.11:13 c.f. Rom.8:26-27).