Gospel
1 The Lord appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. 3 Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. 5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6 If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. 8 Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, 9 cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
Historical Background
Luke 10 is part of the “travel narrative” (Luke 9:51–19:44), where Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem. This section is unique to Luke and emphasizes discipleship, mission, and preparation for the coming Kingdom.
Jesus sends out a larger group of disciples beyond the Twelve, symbolizing the universal scope of the Gospel. Some scholars link the number to the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10, suggesting a mission to all peoples.
The disciples were sent into towns and villages in Galilee and Judea, regions under Roman rule. Hospitality was a key cultural value, and traveling preachers relied on it for sustenance and shelter.
Theological Context
Jesus appoints and sends the disciples, emphasizing that mission begins with God’s call—not human ambition. Instructions to carry no purse or sandals (v.4) highlight radical trust in God’s provision and the hospitality of others. The disciples are to heal and proclaim, “The Kingdom of God has come near” (v.9), showing that the Gospel is both word and deed.
“The harvest is plentiful” (v.2) reflects the eschatological urgency—the Kingdom is near, and workers are needed now. The greeting “Peace to this house” (v.5) echoes Jewish blessings and signals the arrival of God’s reign.
Luke’s storytelling embeds theology in narrative. The sending of the disciples is not just a historical event but a model for Christian mission. Stoic ethics may subtly influence Luke’s portrayal of simplicity, endurance, and peace, especially in the broader context of Luke 10 (e.g., the Good Samaritan and Mary & Martha episodes).
Learning Lessons:
Jesus sends out His disciples with specific instructions. He instructs His disciples to go without extra provisions, emphasizing their need to rely on God’s provision and protection. This teaches us to trust in God’s care and guidance, even when we feel unprepared or vulnerable. Being sent out as “lambs among wolves” highlights the reality of facing opposition and danger. It calls for courage and faith, reminding us that our strength comes from God, not from our own abilities.
The instruction to “greet no one on the road” suggests a sense of urgency and focus on their mission. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual tasks and not be distracted by less important matters. By traveling light, the disciples were to live simply and humbly, avoiding material distractions. This can inspire us to lead lives of simplicity and humility, focusing on our spiritual journey and service to others.
Reflecting on these lessons can help us deepen our faith and commitment to living out our spiritual calling with trust, courage, focus, and humility.
In fields where shadows softly creep,
Where wolves in darkness prowl and leap,
The lambs, with hearts so pure and meek,
Find strength in faith, though they seem weak.
With gentle eyes, they gaze above,
Trusting in the Shepherd’s love,
Though dangers lurk and trials test,
In His embrace, they find their rest.
The wolves may howl, the night may fall,
Yet lambs stand firm, they heed the call,
To walk in light, to show the way,
In humble grace, they kneel and pray.
For in the Shepherd’s guiding hand,
They find the courage to withstand,
The world’s harsh bite, the tempter’s snare,
With steadfast hope, they persevere.
So let the wolves encircle near,
The lambs will never bow to fear,
For in their hearts, a fire burns bright,
A beacon in the darkest night.
Dear Lord Jesus,
In a world where shadows loom and wolves prowl near, we come to You, our Shepherd, with hearts sincere. Guide us, Your lambs, with Your gentle hand, through trials and dangers, help us to stand.
Grant us the courage to face each day, with faith unwavering, come what may. In Your love, we find our strength and peace, from fear and doubt, grant us release.
Though the wolves may circle and darkness fall, we trust in You, our Savior, above all. Your light shines bright in the darkest night, With You beside us, we walk in light.
Protect us, Lord, from every snare, With Your grace, keep us in Your care. In Your embrace, we find our rest, with hearts devoted, we are truly blessed.
Amen.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
Published:
October 18, 2024, 5:54 AM
