October 23, 2026

Scriptures: Luke 10, John 10:1–11:54 |

Jesus sends seventy-two disciples out to announce that God's Kingdom has come near, reminding us that His mission was never meant to remain with a handful of people. Then a religious expert asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers with the story of the Good Samaritan. The better question is not which people qualify for our compassion, but whether we are becoming people who show mercy when someone is lying wounded in front of us! Grace is found in receiving mercy from Jesus and allowing that mercy to change how we treat others.

Luke then takes us into Martha's home. She is busy serving while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet listening. Martha is not criticized for serving, but she has allowed serving Jesus to distract her from being with Jesus. It is possible to become so occupied doing good things for God that we neglect the relationship those things were meant to flow from.

In John, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and lays down His life for them…but that claim becomes intensely personal when Lazarus dies. Jesus arrives after Lazarus has been in the tomb four days, meets Martha and Mary in their grief, and weeps with them. Then He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and calls Lazarus out of the grave!

The Good Shepherd does more than guide us through life. He enters our grief, lays down His own life, and possesses authority even over death. Lazarus walking out of the tomb is a preview of where John's Gospel is heading. Jesus has not simply come to make our lives better…He has come to give life that death itself cannot ultimately take away.

Challenge Questions:

Are you becoming so busy doing things for Jesus that you are neglecting simply being with Him?

Who is currently lying within reach of your compassion that Jesus may be asking you to see as your neighbor?