Have you ever wondered who they were? The texts are Lk 10:1-24; Mt 11:20-30, the accounts of Jesus sending out the 72, His EVANGELISTIC STRIKE TEAM.
Note: When Jesus sent out the Twelve (Mt 10:1-11:1; Mk 6:7-13; Lk 9:1-6), 6 teams of 2, His instructions were very detailed, 830 words in Zarley’s blended account; their report, however, was very short, 18 words (Mk 6:30; Lk 9:10). Directions for the 72 were only 227 words (Mt 11:25-30; Lk 10:17-24); but their report and Jesus’ response were 70 words (Mk 6:30; Lk 9:10).
Other than the math differences, what are we to learn from the sending out of the 72?
First, like the Twelve, He sent them out in pairs (2 by 2). This emphasized the importance of fellowship and partnership with fellow believers; they needed each other’s company, encouragement and correction. Note: Today, there are 3 pillars for a new believer’s growth: prayer, study of God’s Word and fellowship with other dedicated believers.
Second, Jesus told them to ask Father God’s help through prayer. Prayer is a measuring stick for us also, seeking God’s help for us in our walk with Him.
Third, He emphasized that they would be entering a world filled with wolves; it was a war, not a vacation. Wolves follow us around too; servants of Satan, demons seeking our destruction through temptations.
Fourth, Jesus told them not to get distracted (don’t take things, don’t greet people) from their mission. Us too. We often forget that we were “saved to save others.” So don’t allow things or people to hide our mission.
Fifth, He sent them out as peacemakers and assured them that they would see God bring peace to their contacts and to them. That’s the same guarantee He supplies for us.
Sixth, warn those who do not welcome you and your message, that judgment will surely fall on them one day. We too, must warn the lost of God’s judgment for their refusal to surrender/serve the King of God’s Kingdom. Jesus made sure they knew,
Seventh, WOE to everyone who would not receive you or what you had to say; there will be failures. For us, there will be times when the gospel seeds we sow will fall on barren places, not on good hearts.
Eighth, He told them to bless all those who listen to their message, “the Kingdom of God is near You.” Finding a way to bless new believers is still important.
Ninth, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” He didn’t want the 72 to focus on “self” and their accomplishments, so He reminded them of the most important part of their mission: “God scribbled their names in the Lamb’s book of life in heaven.” Same for us today. Nothing we ever do, no one we ever meet, will equal the importance of our name being in God’s book.
Tenth, Jesus retold the 72, that Father God and He were a package deal. Receiving the Son was receiving Father God. Rejecting the gospel of Christ was rejecting Father God.
Finally, Jesus told them that when they found themselves weary and burdened, to come to Him and He would fill them with rest for their souls. Next time life has weighed us down, we need to close our eyes and draw near to Jesus in prayer and He WILL also fill each of us with rest.
Mike “Pawdad” Sublett, Pastor @ Hi-Land Christian Church, Pampa, Texas 79065, 630-730-8015
