Last time, we finished the 3-part series of Jesus is Laying Down the Law. (See Part 1; Part 2; & Part 3.)
Next, Jesus moves on to the next phase of His Gospel (the golden path to salvation). efficacy. He did that through multiplying Himself by appointing 72 new disciples as His ‘messengers’.
They were to precede Jesus’ arrival to places where He was going to evangelize His Gospel. Their mission was to prepare the people by alerting them that the ‘Kingdom of God’ was coming to them. He instructs the 72 before their departure:
“The harvest is abundant [for there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation], but the workers [those available to proclaim the message of salvation] are few. Therefore, [prayerfully] ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Lk. 10:2 AMP
“Go your way; listen carefully: I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not carry a money belt, a provision bag, or [extra] sandals; and do not greet anyone along the way [who would delay you]. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God] to this house.’ And if anyone of peace is there [someone who is sweet-spirited and hospitable], your [blessing of] peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move from house to house.” Lk. 10:3-7. AMP
“Whenever you go into a city and they welcome you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick [authenticating your message], and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Lk. 10:8, 9. AMP
“But whatever city you enter and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say,‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you [breaking all ties]; yet understand this, that the kingdom of God has come near [and you rejected it].’ I tell you, it will be more bearable in that day [of judgment] for Sodom than for that city.” Lk. 10:10 – 12. AMP
What’s Christ doing? He’s empowering the 72 to preach about the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick to demonstrate the power of it. And finally to impress upon those who would listen, that the only way to salvation was through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, they were to convey the dire gravity awaiting those who reject Him.
Our job, when we present the Gospel, is to humbly invite the hearer without trying to coerce them. What they do with your invitation is between them and God.
There is an urgency that surrounds our duty as followers of Christ to evangelize. It stems from the fact that God has a finite timetable for people to accept Him. Or, for the backsliders to return to Him. Once Jesus returns, those who are rejectors or fence-sitters will be condemned to death.
Jesus ‘seals’ the 72, and sends them off with an admonition:
“The one who listens to you listens to Me; and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and the one who rejects Me rejects Him [My heavenly Father] who sent Me.” Lk. 10:16 AMP
When the 72 return from their tasks, they are elated for having seen the power of Christ work through them. And they exclaim:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Lk. 10:17 CSB
Jesus responds:
“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!” Lk. 10:18 NLT
He is speaking metaphorically, describing how Satan lost that battle with the 72.
Afterwards, Jesus tells them (and us) that He will continue to empower His disciples:
Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Lk. 10:19, 20. AMP
Empowered and having their (our) salvation assured out or their / our obedience.
(The ‘scorpions and snakes’ are not literal! It is symbolism for victory over demonic opposition. Also, note that Jesus is telling them not to fall into the sin of pride because He empowers us. Instead, we need to remain humble and give all the glory to God.)
The apostle Paul would later put giving all the glory to God this way – using evangelism as the example:
( I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 1 Co. 3:6 NLT)
Then, Jesus allowed Himself a little personal celebration. He rejoiced in the fullness of the Holy Spirt over the results of the ministerial success of the 72. Simultaneously thanking His Father as He celebrated:
“I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight.” Lk. 10:21 AMP
Christ is rejoicing over the grace of God – choosing to reveal the Good News to those with childlike faith. Salvation was lost to those who feel so wise in their own eyes, whilst ‘rationally’ rejecting His Son. It’s all about the faith.
The Holy Spirit expresses this faith eloquently through the apostle Peter:
(You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.) 1 Pt. 1:8 – 12. NLT
All followers of Christ have received the Great Commission to multiply our Savior by expanding the Kingdom of God through our sharing of the Good News…
Goodnight and God bless.
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