Read: Luke 10:1-24
Luke’s masterful writing and arrangement of the text gives us a narrative that’s quite compelling. I love how the first two words of this chapter sets up the significant story:
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1
After this…after challenging people to consider the cost of discipleship, after checking all the excuses for not following Jesus, after the dead are buried, the family and friends considered, auto-payment setup, after this — we can get going.
The first nine chapters have been a whirlwind — things are about to start getting very interesting as the perfect ministry of Jesus is handed to a small number of people compared to the masses of those who heard Jesus preach, teach, and heal.
I wonder what it was like to be one of the seventy-two appointed by Jesus himself. Let that sink in for a minute.
Coach Jesus sends out his selected few with great words of encouragement, ending with:
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16
Boom! When we pray as a worship team before stepping out on stage, we follow the amen with, “ready, break,” and all clap our hands once in unison. When I read these words, I imagine the group in a big circle listening to their coach, eager to get out into the mission field: ready…break!
Giddy with excitement, perhaps, they bolt off to proclaim the great news of salvation for the world.
What is at stake is the destiny of every person who hears the gospel. There is no room for the suggestion that one does not need the forgiveness Jesus offers or that somehow sin is passé. That is why Jesus tells his messengers to make clear that God’s blessing rejection is at stake. NIVAC Reference below
Mission Number One Complete
It’s encouraging and exciting to read the words Luke provides to describe the results of the first mission:
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Luke 10:17
These words are some of the most encouraging words in the entire New Testament. Jesus is filled with joy and the excitement has to be overwhelming!!
Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. Luke 10:23
Be encouraged you ministers of gospel. Amen. Amen. Amen!
Reference: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 50041-50043). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new post is available.
Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.