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Gospel Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 |
1 At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others 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.’ 10 Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 11 ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. 12 I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.” 17 The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” 18 Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. 19 Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus empowers His followers to confront evil, but warns against pride. Rejection is part of the call, not all will receive the message, but the messenger must remain faithful. Our deepest joy isn’t in success or power, but in being known and loved by God. We’re not sent alone. Partnership in ministry strengthens witness and support.
Sent Ahead of Grace
We walked the roads with dust and prayer,
Two by two, with hearts laid bare.
No purse, no cloak, no worldly gain,
Just peace to speak and heal the pain.
The towns we entered, some received,
And others turned, their hearts deceived.
Yet still we walked, with joy and flame,
For demons fled in Jesus’ name.
But greater still, the joy we hold—
Not power, not fame, nor stories told.
Our names inscribed in heaven’s scroll,
Beloved by God, made fully whole.
Lord Jesus,
You sent Your disciples with nothing but Your word and peace. Send me too—with courage to speak, humility to serve, and joy to endure. Let me not rejoice in power or praise, but in the quiet truth that I am Yours. Write my name in heaven’s book and teach me to walk as a citizen of Your Kingdom.
Amen.
Historical Background
Setting: Jesus is on His final journey to Jerusalem. He appoints 70 (or 72) disciples to go ahead of Him, echoing the 70 elders of Moses (Numbers 11:16–30) and symbolizing outreach to all nations (Genesis 10).
Mission Strategy: They are sent two by two, a practice rooted in Jewish law (Deuteronomy 19:15) to establish credible witness.
Cultural Context: Hospitality was central in Jewish society. Accepting a messenger meant accepting their message; rejecting them was a serious offense.
Cities Mentioned: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are rebuked for their unbelief despite witnessing miracles.
Theological Context
Divine Commissioning: Jesus publicly appoints the disciples, paralleling John the Baptist’s role as a forerunner (Luke 1:80; 7:27).
Kingdom Urgency: “The harvest is plentiful” reflects eschatological readiness—God’s kingdom is near, and laborers are few.
Authority Over Evil: The disciples return rejoicing that even demons submit to Jesus’ name. Jesus affirms this but redirects their joy to eternal identity: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Cosmic Imagery: “I saw Satan fall like lightning” signals a decisive spiritual victory through the mission.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE MISSION OF THE SEVENTY-TWO / THE MISSION OF THE SEVENTY-TWO
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Gospel Acclamation
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Reflection:
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