Once again,
Jesus’ instructions aren’t confusing; they’re just challenging.
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So, in Luke 10, we get three real-time examples of how to put Jesus’ clear but challenging instructions into action. The instruction doesn’t come directly from Jesus, but He has said it before and affirms it here.
“You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind.” And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Love God + Love People. Simple but not easy.
Before and after these instructions we find three stories that give us a picture of what that kind of loving life looks like.
- Seventy-two of Jesus’ followers go from town to town sharing the good news, love and grace of God’s Kingdom.
- An unlikely Samaritan (unlike the religious leaders) responds to the suffering and pain of a man lying beaten on the side of the road.
- While Martha hurries around with a cluttered mind and cluttered schedule, Mary sits and connects with Jesus.
Perhaps these are pictures of love in action:
- Spreading the good news of God’s love and grace to those who need to hear it.
- Caring for those who are beaten down and overlooked.
- Taking time to focus on and connect with Jesus.
That’s what it looks like to Love God + Love People. So, the opposite may also be true.
- If I’m NOT telling others about God’s love and grace . . .
- If I’m NOT caring for the hurting and marginalized . . .
- If I’m NOT spending time connecting with Jesus . . .
. . . then I’m not Loving God + Loving People. I’m missing the very things that I’m supposed to be pursuing. Yikes!
Jesus, thank you for that clarity. Help me to put it into action.
Dr. Paul McGuinness 