The private aside to the disciples is part of the general address.  But it could also be considered as a separate paragraph in which disciples are invited to "be blessed". Regarding what Jesus said. To say the extremely obvious, if anybody knew how exciting the setting up of Christianity was for civilisation, then surely Jesus realised this.  At the same time, one is given the impression of a huge spiritual force of positivity being behind the push for the 'coming of the Kingdom.'

 

6. . Make love basic

10:25-37

certain lawyer

"Love Lord the God of Thee"

10:25-37  Behold there was a certain lawyer who stood up tempting him.  He said "Teacher what should I do in order to inherit eternal life?" He (Jesus) said to him.  "What has been written in the law?  How do you read this?" (The lawyer) said "You shall love the Lord your God from all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbour as yourself."  He said to him. "You have answered rightly.  Do this and you shall live." But the lawyer wanted to justify his question and said to Jesus.  "And who is my neighbour?"  Taking him up on this Jesus said "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and robbers fell in with him.  They stripped him and beat him.  Then they went away leaving him half dead."  By coincidence there was a certain priest going down that same

way. On seeing him he passed by on the opposite side of the road.  Likewise also a Levite came to the place and seeing him passed by on the opposite side.  Then a certain Samaritan who was journeying came upon him.  On seeing him he was filled with pity.  He came up and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine.  Then placing him on his own beast he brought him to an inn and cared for him.  On the next day he took out two denarii and gave it to the innkeeper and said.  "Care for him and whatever you spend over and above this I will pay you when I return."  Now which of these three was the neighbour to the one who had fallen amongst the robbers."  He (the lawyer ) said.  "The one who acted towards him with mercy."  Jesus said to him.  "Go and do likewise."

 

How would the lawyer have been "tempting" Jesus with his question in the paragraph above?  Was he expecting Jesus to say something which was outside the laws of Judaism?  On the contrary Jesus points out that it is possible that people outside the Jewish way of life can in fact keep the spirit of Jewish law better than people who are supposed to be models of it.

 

7. . Prioritise reflection

10:38-42

Martha

“(Mary has) better place”

10:38-42  As they went along he went into a certain village.  A certain woman named Martha received him into the house.  She had a sister called Mary who was sitting by the feet of the Lord hearing his word.  But Martha was distracted with serving.  Coming up to him she

said  "Lord does it not matter to you that my sister has left me to serve alone?  Tell her to help me."  But answering the Lord said to her. "Martha Martha.  You are anxious and disturbed about many things.  But only a few things or one is needed.   Mary has chosen the good part and it shall not be taken from her."