Sent, Sustained, and Stewards of the Kingdom: Lessons from Jesus’ Ministry
- Be God's Glory
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 299 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
Luke 10–12 captures Jesus’ teaching and ministry as He equips His followers, emphasizes Kingdom living, and addresses practical and spiritual challenges. These chapters highlight the sending of the seventy-two disciples, the importance of prayer, reliance on God, and discernment in a world opposed to God’s truth. Jesus teaches about compassion, stewardship, vigilance, and priorities in the Kingdom, offering guidance for both immediate ministry and long-term faithfulness. Miracles, parables, and warnings illustrate God’s authority, wisdom, and care for His people while emphasizing the cost and reward of faithful discipleship. Together, these chapters show God’s character as compassionate, sovereign, and just, while instructing believers on living faithfully as representatives of His Kingdom.
Luke 10
In Luke 10, Jesus sends seventy-two disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God, demonstrating God’s desire for the message of salvation to reach all people. He instructs them to depend on God’s provision, heal the sick, and proclaim peace, illustrating the importance of faith and obedience in ministry. The chapter also includes the parable of the Good Samaritan, which emphasizes mercy, love for neighbors, and breaking cultural barriers. Jesus teaches that salvation and service are about compassion and action, not merely ritual or social status. The disciples return with joy, witnessing God’s power and authority working through them, highlighting that God equips and validates His servants. Luke 10 presents God as a compassionate Father who empowers His people to extend His Kingdom with boldness and love.
Luke 11
Luke 11 focuses on the importance of prayer, persistence, and reliance on God’s Spirit. Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer as a model, emphasizing God’s provision, guidance, forgiveness, and protection from temptation. The chapter also demonstrates God’s authority over evil spirits through Jesus’ exorcisms, showing His sovereignty and power over spiritual forces. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, legalism, and superficial religiosity, calling people to authentic faith and obedience. Parables and teachings emphasize God’s generosity to those who seek Him and His desire for wholehearted devotion. Luke 11 reveals God as both intimate and powerful, inviting His people into consistent communication and trust in Him.
Luke 12
In Luke 12, Jesus teaches about vigilance, stewardship, and prioritizing the Kingdom of God. He warns against hypocrisy, fear of man, and misplaced security, highlighting God’s care for His people and the importance of trusting Him completely. Jesus encourages generosity, faithfulness in small responsibilities, and readiness for His return, showing that Kingdom living involves both practical obedience and spiritual awareness. The chapter includes warnings about greed, anxiety, and judgment, illustrating God’s justice and concern for righteousness. By teaching about watchfulness, preparedness, and reliance on God, Luke 12 emphasizes the balance of God’s mercy and accountability. The chapter portrays God as both loving and sovereign, calling His followers to faithful, attentive, and Kingdom-centered lives.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Luke comes from the Latin Lucas or Lucanus, which is believed to be derived from the Greek word Loukas, meaning “light-giving” or “bringer of light.” This meaning is fitting, as the Gospel of Luke shines light on Jesus as the Savior for all humanity, illuminating God’s love, mercy, and salvation.
Purpose of the Book:
Luke explicitly states his purpose in Luke 1:3–4:“…it seemed good to me also… to write an orderly account… that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
Primary Purposes:
To present an accurate historical account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
To show Jesus as the Savior of all people—not only Jews but also Gentiles, women, the poor, and the marginalized.
To emphasize the humanity and compassion of Jesus, highlighting His role as the “Son of Man.”
To provide assurance to believers that the Christian faith is grounded in truth and eyewitness testimony.
To prepare readers for the mission of the Church, which is continued in the Book of Acts.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Gospel of Luke is universally attributed to Luke the physician, a Gentile companion of the Apostle Paul. Evidence from Scripture and early church history strongly supports this authorship:
Biblical Evidence:
Colossians 4:14 – Paul refers to “Luke, the beloved physician,” distinguishing him from Jewish companions, indicating he was likely a Gentile.
2 Timothy 4:11 – “Only Luke is with me,” showing a close companionship.
Philemon 24 – Luke is listed among Paul’s fellow laborers.
Acts 1:1 directly references the Gospel of Luke as its first volume: “In my former book, Theophilus…”—showing that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts.
Historical and External Sources:
Early Church Fathers
Irenaeus (AD 180) stated: “Luke, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him.”
Eusebius of Caesarea (4th century) confirmed Luke as the author in his Ecclesiastical History.
The Muratorian Fragment (circa AD 170) identifies Luke as the physician who wrote the Gospel.
Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry but gathered his information carefully from eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1–4). His Gospel is the most historically and chronologically detailed, reflecting the work of a careful researcher and historian.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure; presented as the Son of Man and Savior of the world.
Mary – The mother of Jesus; her faith and prophetic declarations are highlighted.
Zechariah and Elizabeth – Parents of John the Baptist, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
John the Baptist – The forerunner of the Messiah.
The Apostles – Especially Peter, James, John, and the Twelve.
Simeon and Anna – Prophets who confirm Jesus' identity shortly after His birth.
Herod Antipas – Ruler involved in Jesus’ trial.
Pontius Pilate – Roman governor who presides over Jesus’ crucifixion.
The women disciples – Especially Mary Magdalene and other women who play a prominent role in supporting Jesus’ ministry and witnessing His resurrection.
Theophilus – The individual to whom Luke’s Gospel is addressed; believed to be a high-ranking official or patron.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Luke concludes with Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, confirming His identity as the risen Messiah and Son of God. It emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the unstoppable nature of God’s salvation plan. Luke ends with a call to witness: Jesus commissions His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations, starting from Jerusalem (Luke 24:46–49).
The Book of Luke shines as a Gospel of hope, compassion, and divine purpose, inviting believers to see Jesus as the Savior who came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). It bridges the Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Christ and prepares the stage for the global mission of the Church continued in Acts. It is a testimony that the light has come into the world—not for one nation only, but for all humanity.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Luke 10
In Luke 10, God’s character is revealed as compassionate, empowering, and merciful. He equips His followers to serve, heal, and proclaim the Kingdom, demonstrating that His mission involves both love and action. God’s concern for the marginalized and oppressed is evident in the call to care for neighbors, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan. He invites His people to depend on Him fully, trusting His provision and authority in ministry.
No specific Hebrew names are mentioned in this chapter, but God’s nature reflects Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) through His care and provision for His disciples. The lesson God teaches in Luke 10 is that faithful service and Kingdom work require dependence on Him, compassion for others, and bold obedience in sharing His message.
Luke 11
In Luke 11, God’s character is shown as intimate, just, and powerful. He desires a close relationship with His people, teaching them to pray and depend on Him. His authority over evil spirits demonstrates His sovereignty, while His warnings against hypocrisy show His commitment to justice and righteousness. God’s generosity and responsiveness to persistent prayer highlight His loving and attentive nature.
Though specific Hebrew names are not explicitly mentioned, God’s character reflects El Shaddai (God Almighty) in His authority over spiritual forces and Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals) in His mercy and responsiveness to prayer. The lesson in Luke 11 is that God calls His people to authentic faith, persistent prayer, and reliance on His power, avoiding superficial religiosity.
Luke 12
In Luke 12, God’s character is revealed as sovereign, caring, and just. He calls His followers to trust Him over worldly security, emphasizing His provision and oversight for those who are faithful. God is both merciful and accountable, teaching that His people should live with vigilance, stewardship, and Kingdom-focused priorities. His care and guidance show that He desires faithful, attentive, and obedient followers.
No specific Hebrew names are mentioned, but God’s nature reflects Jehovah M’kaddesh (The Lord Who Sanctifies) as He calls His people to holiness and faithful stewardship. The lesson in Luke 12 is that God expects trust, readiness, and responsible use of His gifts, encouraging believers to prioritize His Kingdom, live faithfully, and rely on His guidance in all areas of life.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s compassion and mercy appear in His sending of the seventy-two disciples and in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
In what ways does God demonstrate His sovereignty and power over spiritual and earthly matters in these chapters?
How is God’s care for His people revealed through His provision, guidance, and encouragement to depend on Him?
How do the teachings about prayer and reliance on God reflect His intimate and relational character?
How is God’s justice and concern for authentic faith displayed in His warnings against hypocrisy and greed?
How does God reveal His holiness and call to obedience through the ethical teachings in these chapters?
In what ways do these chapters show God as both merciful and accountable, rewarding faithfulness and obedience?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of Kingdom mission and discipleship emerge through the sending of the seventy-two?
What does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach about mercy, compassion, and inclusivity in God’s Kingdom?
How is the theme of prayer, persistence, and dependence on God emphasized in Luke 11?
How do Jesus’ teachings on vigilance, stewardship, and preparedness highlight the theme of Kingdom priorities?
In what ways is the tension between faithfulness to God and worldly security addressed in these chapters?
How does the theme of spiritual discernment appear in Jesus’ warnings and teachings about hypocrisy and judgment?
How are God’s power and provision consistently connected to the responsibility and accountability of His followers?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can you apply the principles of mercy and compassion in your daily interactions, inspired by the Good Samaritan?
How does God’s empowerment of the seventy-two encourage you to trust Him in your personal ministry or calling?
What areas of your life require greater dependence on God’s guidance and provision, as taught in these chapters?
How can the teachings on prayer shape your daily communication and relationship with God?
In what ways can you practice vigilance and stewardship over your resources, time, and responsibilities for God’s Kingdom?
How do these chapters challenge you to confront hypocrisy, greed, or superficial faith in your own life?
What steps can you take to prioritize God’s Kingdom over worldly concerns, following the lessons from Luke 10–12?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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