Luke 10

Go! I am sending you out as lambs among wolves” (3). Jesus proclaimed and demonstrated “the kingdom of God” and sent his disciples to do the same. Vulnerable as “lambs” in the world’s eyes, the disciples healed the sick and cast out demons in Jesus’ name. When a religious leader tried to “justify himself” (29), Jesus’ story about a Samaritan who helped a stranger showed that, in Jesus’ kingdom, God’s compassion extends past our prejudices and comfort.

“Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near” (11). The kingdom of God is near when our participation in Jesus’ mission of forgiveness, healing, and compassion causes us discomfort with the norms of the world. He is the king we serve.