Something Worth Shouting About

 

Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

The chapter begins with Jesus sending out the seventy-two, much like he had the twelve.  Having given them detailed instructions and pronouncing woes on cities that would not receive them and repent, they went out and came back would glowing reports of their mission.  Jesus too rejoiced, but not over their great signs and wonders, but their salvation.  He goes on to rejoice not over making a name for Himself, but the privilege of carrying out the Father's will.  He then is confronted by the religious lawyer who came wanted to justify himself. He bragged about how well he had obeyed all the law of God.  Jesus, of course, knew the full story and revealed a gaping hole in his argument: the man was proud and greedy. Jesus applies the story of the Good Samaritan to show what is really important. Finally in the chapter, Jesus goes to the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is making a big fuss about a big meal. That is all well and good, but Jesus is much more excited by Mary's pursuit of spiritual truth. That was something worth shouting about.