Read Luke 9:51-10:24 (links are to the full chapters)
Jesus is headed for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare things for him, but he was not welcome. So he kept going. James and John (I imagine at this point are starting to feel pretty full of themselves) ask if Jesus wants them to call fire down on the village. They've already forgotten some of the lessons learned from the previous outing.
They were told shake the dust of an unwelcoming town from their sandals. Now they want to destroy the village. Jesus also told them they would face opposition and difficulty. Again, they were ready to call down devastation at the thought of not being welcome.
Jesus had other ideas. He was about to send people out again. Other disciples, but not the disciples. Because the verse in most translations say "he appointed seventy-two others." Now there may be a slight difference from 70 to 72 others. Either way it was a larger group of people than the previous twelve.
This time they were being sent to towns Jesus was about to go visit. He doesn't specify "the lost of Israel," this time. Just the towns he's going to.
He again gives the same basic guidelines:
1. Go
2. Proclaim the kingdom of heaven is near
3. Heal the sick, drive out demons, raise the dead
4. Don't take anything with you
5. Rules for conduct in towns/homes
This time he adds not to talk to people they meet on the road. Jesus tells them how to behave in the homes again. Looking for a man of peace, and allowing it to rest on him and his house. Stay in that house while there, eat and drink what they give you, "for the worker deserves his wages." (Luke 10:7)
The worker deserves his wages. How many times has that been used in Sunday messages, or to explain payroll for pastors, etc? When you read this does it seem like Jesus is establishing a guideline for his messengers to earn a full-time living doing this?
I don't think so. They are going to these towns for short periods of time, because Jesus is coming. They are there to get the town ready for his visit. They are the "roadies" if you will. They are only there briefly. Then they return to Jesus. While there, they are to heal, and proclaim the kingdom of heaven is near. They are to stay with "a man of peace." This person will serve the disciples while there in the way of providing room and board. After a few days they return to Jesus.
When you read the scripture, it's the very next sentence. Jesus gives his instructions, then "The seventy-two returned with joy..." (Luke 10:17)
Jesus instructs. They go. They do what they were sent to do. They come back.
And they were joyful.
Why?
They were casting out demons. That is what they took out of it. I probably would have too. Can you imagine? You and I are walking to a village, probably near the cemetery. Out jumps the crazy possessed guy. You stare him down and command him to leave in the name of Jesus. Suddenly the guy is back to normal. I look at you and say, "Dude, that just happened!" (No offense, but dude in my book is gender non-specific.)
Then we go back to Jesus all excited. "Jesus! Jesus, fill in your name here just cast out some demons! It was awesome!"
Jesus looks at us and says, "You should be more excited about having your name is written in heaven."
And we are humbled.
Jesus reminds us that no matter what we do, in his name or not, it's not about us. The mission was to tell others about Jesus, and proclaim the kingdom.
I've come to learn that that hard way. And I have to keep learning it.
Discipleship, mentoring, teaching, preaching, healing, and whatever else you want to add to that list, doesn't mean a thing with out Jesus. What we do is not important. It's our attitude, our heart, and motivations that matter.
Whether you lead a mega-church of 3,000-5,000 people or a group of 5, if it's about you it's all wrong.
So if you're like James and John and ready to call destruction down on those unwilling to accept Jesus, or like the 72, on a spiritual power trip...take a moment and pray.
Stop.
Right now. (I'm doing it too.)
Pray. Refocus on Jesus. Cause He is what matters. Not curriculum or lack of. Not fancy tech or flannel graph. It's about Jesus. The Word. Through him all things were made. You. Me. The very Earth itself.
Jesus sent the 12, and then the 72. He wanted them to be dependent upon him. They took nothing with them. Just the clothes on their back. Jesus told them it would be dangerous. Both times he compared them to sheep or lambs among wolves.
Sheep don't get lost or need to fear when they are with their shepherd. Jesus is our shepherd. He is with us wherever we go, whatever we do. Get to know his voice. Spend time with him in the word, in prayer, in worship, in fellowship with other believers.
Remember, they were sent in pairs, not alone. We are to help one another. And we go with Jesus.
Next Week: Sent Out - The Rest of Us
Read Matthew 28 and Luke 22:7-38
Until next time,
Grace, Peace and Love
-Jersey
