What is Our Job Description as Christian’s. (Luke 10 1-24)

Jesus Sends Out Them Out Two by Two.

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

 5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.

 16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

 17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

 21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

 22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

 23Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

In this sermon, we explore a rather lengthy scripture passage that, upon closer examination, reveals a rather straightforward cohesive narrative. 

The passage commences with instructions directed at the individuals whom Jesus is preparing to send out. These instructions, encompassing the initial 12 verses, can be aptly referred to as their job description. However, an integral part of this job description unfolds in the subsequent section, covering verse 13 to verse 16, where Jesus sternly pronounces a woe upon those who reject the message.

A third part of the passage, situated between verses 16 and 17, marks their return after their mission. This aspect of the narrative is crucial as it ties together the overarching theme of sending them out and their subsequent return. Upon their return, Jesus imparts spiritual insights, a focal point extending from verse 17 to verse 24.

So, let's delve into the specifics of the instructions given by Jesus to the 70. This section needs an in-depth exploration, given the various metaphors employed by Jesus. For instance, in verse 10, he appoints them and sends them out two by two to every city and place where he is about to go.

For context, as we've been journeying together through the Gospel of Luke, it's evident that Jesus is on the verge of heading to, the Transjordan region. This geographical area, east of the Jordan River. The Roaman controlled area of  Palestine in those days was the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, it's noteworthy that the original Israel included land east of the Jordan.

Most of Jesus' ministry has been concentrated in the northern part of Galilee, between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River. Jerusalem, located in the southern part, lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Notably, Luke here provides an extended ministry account in Transjordan, the eastern side of the Jordan. 

Therefore, in this passage, Jesus is dispatching 35 teams (70 individuals, paired into teams) to where he is about to go, namely, the Transjordan.

While the 12 were previously sent, likely to the northern part of Israel, Jesus is now extending the reach of his mission to the east of the Jordan River.

The significance of this sending out is deeply rooted in Jesus' strategic plan, establishing a connection between the instructions and the subsequent phases of the narrative.

We find that these missionaries will serve as forerunners in verse 1, paving the way for his impending journey. In verse 2, Jesus acknowledges the vastness of the mission at hand and the scarcity of labourers, urging them to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send more workers. 

This highlights the collaborative nature of the task at hand. Evidently, the mission Jesus is entrusting to them is not something they can accomplish on their own. It is a challenging undertaking, covering extensive areas where Jesus intends to go.

Verse 2 portrays them as labourers, but verse 3 introduces another facet of their role, they are likened to lambs sent among wolves. 

This imagery conveys both the difficulty and danger inherent in their mission. The lambs amidst wolves need a shepherd for protection. Jesus emphasizes the need for a guiding presence to shield them from the impending danger they will encounter.

These initial verses, therefore, serve not only as instructions but also as a delineation of the identity and roles of those being sent. They are forerunners, labourers facing a formidable task, and as vulnerable lambs in need of a protective shepherd.

Moving to the next segment of the instructions, Jesus addresses the practical aspect of their mission – financial support. He instructs them not to carry money bags, a sack, or sandals. Furthermore, he advises against greeting anyone along the road. The underlying message here is a profound reliance on divine provision. By prohibiting the carrying of provisions, Jesus emphasizes that their needs will be met. 

Their labour is worthy of compensation, and the shepherd will ensure their care. The instruction to refrain from exchanging greetings along the way I believe is meant to signal to them the need for a focused and undistracted commitment to their mission.

In essence, these instructions encompass not only the spiritual aspects of their mission but also the practicalities of sustenance and focus. It encourages a deep trust in divine provision and a singular dedication to the task at hand, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the mission entrusted to these first 70.

A key emphasis is on maintaining focus and dedication to the mission at hand. The directive to avoid unnecessary conversation and stay focused on the task underscores the urgency and seriousness of their undertaking.

In verse 5, Jesus introduces the cultural custom of hospitality. As the 70 enter a town, they are to accept the first invitation they receive to stay in a home. The exchange of greetings and the expression "peace" is not just a formality but a recognition of the character of the host. 

This guidance ensures not only a place to stay but also an acknowledgment of divine provision.

Concerning their stay, Jesus advises them in verse 7 to remain in the same house, appreciating the hospitality offered, eating and drinking what is provided. 

The instruction not to move from house to house, we have seen before and indicates loyalty and contentment with the initial invitation. It emphasizes that their sustenance and support are directly tied to the worthiness of their labour and avoids anyone currying favour and promoting themselves through better and better hosts.

The instructions take a practical turn in verses 8-9, transitioning from hospitality to the mission itself. These guys are commissioned to heal the sick and declare, "The Kingdom of God has come near to you." Importantly, Jesus specifies that the Kingdom is near, not yet fully realized. This distinction is crucial, indicating a present reality but not yet in its complete manifestation.

However, if a city rejects them, Jesus instructs them to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against that city. This symbolic act signifies the severance of any connection and a warning of the consequences for rejecting the message. Interestingly, Jesus states that the judgment for such rejection will be more severe than even that seen by Sodom and Gomorrah.

In these instructions, Jesus provides a comprehensive guide, addressing the practicalities of their journey, the nature of their mission, and the consequences of acceptance or rejection. It serves as a blueprint for the mission as they embark on their vital role as messengers of the Kingdom.

In summary, Jesus outlines a straightforward mission for the 70: heal the sick, preach the message of the Kingdom, and if rejected, move on without taking it personally. The instructions also include a reminder that not all places will receive their message, and judgment will be more severe for those who reject despite witnessing miracles.

The essence of the instructions is still applicable to believers today. We too are called to preach and share the message of the Gospel, we too are called to pray for the sick and proclaim the good news.

It prompts reflection for contemporary believers on the enduring call to share the transformative message of Christ with the world.

Jesus, then speaking metaphorically, tells Capernaum that although exalted to the heavens due to the reception of his message by some of its residents, it will ultimately be brought down to Hades. 

This symbolic language emphasizes the dichotomy between the individual responses of people and the collective fate of the city. This exaltation comes for those who embraced Jesus' teachings, but the impending judgment reflects the rejection by others.

In verse 16, Jesus reminds them, making it clear that their mission involves potential rejection. He emphasizes that those who reject them are, in essence, rejecting not just the messengers but also Jesus himself and the One who sent him. 

This repetition serves as a reminder to the messengers that personal rejection is inevitable, but it is not a rejection of them individually.

As the 70 returns with joy, their excitement is palpable. They report not only successful healing but they also found they had authority over demons in Jesus' name. 

The heightened enthusiasm stems from the realization that their power exceeded their initial expectations. They had been instructed to heal and preach, but the authority over demons was an unexpected and exhilarating revelation.

This episode underscores the dynamic nature of their mission and the power vested in us. The return of the 70 with joy showcases the tangible impact of their obedience to Jesus' instructions.

It also serves as a pivotal moment of affirmation for the messengers, revealing the profound authority and transformative power of the name of Jesus in their ministry.

In response to the joyous report of the 70 about their authority over demons, Jesus provides a crucial perspective. He tells them that he himself witnessed Satan falling like lightning from heaven, signifying the eternal defeat of the adversary. 

Jesus acknowledges that he has given them authority over serpents, scorpions, and all the power of the enemy, assuring them that nothing shall harm them. This is a powerful affirmation of their delegated authority and the victory over spiritual opposition.

However, Jesus redirects their focus in verse 20, cautioning them not to find their primary joy in these things. Instead, he urges them to rejoice because their names are written in heaven. 

This shift in emphasis underscores the eternal significance of their relationship with God and the grace extended to them. It serves as a reminder to keep their priorities aligned, not getting sidetracked by outward successes or accomplishments, or even miracles.

The emphasis on joy should always be held within the main context of our names being written in heaven reflects the profound importance of God's grace and salvation. The act of having their names written in heaven symbolizes the assurance of their place in God's eternal kingdom.

In verse 21, Jesus himself rejoices in the spirit, expressing gratitude to the Father, the Lord of heaven and earth. 

Interestingly he then adds that any and all divine revelation is not limited to the wise and prudent but is graciously extended even to babes in the faith, those who approach him with childlike faith. 

The exclusive knowledge of the Son by the Father and vice versa underscores the unique bond within the Trinity, and not any sort of perceived earthly wisdom.

This insightful passage encourages believers to find their ultimate joy in the grace of God and the assurance of eternal life rather than external successes. 

The essence of Jesus' message to the 70. In essence, Jesus emphasizes the profound truth that God reveals His spiritual insights to those who approach with humility and childlike faith. 

He even again rejoices that God hides these truths from the so called wise—the self-reliant and proud—while graciously revealing them to those who are like babes, dependent on Him.

This distinction serves as a reminder that spiritual understanding is not attained through human wisdom or self-sufficiency but through a posture of humility and dependence on God. 

Those who exalt themselves and trust in their own wisdom are often left in spiritual ignorance, whereas those who approach God with a childlike dependence are granted insight.

Then in closing, in a private moment with his disciples, he emphasizes the blessing they have received in witnessing the things they saw and hearing the things they heard. Jesus reminds them that prophets and kings from the past longed to witness the same, and that they are indeed blessed to have experienced the presence and teachings of the Son of God.

The overarching lesson for the disciples—and by extension, for us today—is to find joy in God's grace, in understanding His truth, and in witnessing the revelation of His Son. 

Rather than placing emphasis on personal achievements or external successes.

The disciples are called to rejoice in their relationship with God and the profound truths they have been privileged to witness. This resonates with the broader theme of humility, dependence on God, and finding true joy in God's grace and revelation.

So this is the job description I hope you find it helpful in fulfilling the mission and thereby also fulfilling its requirements.

The overarching lesson—find joy in God's grace, understanding His truth, and witnessing the revelation of His Son. The disciples' journey mirrors our own, calling us to humility, dependence on God, and true joy in His grace.

Join us as we navigate the depths of this scripture, uncovering timeless truths that resonate with the essence of our Christian calling, every day.