Jesus' instructions

January 27, 2021 (Wednesday)

 

Jesus appointed 12 to be His disciples. Later He appointed 72 to be His vanguard. These people became the advanced messengers, announcing Jesus soon arrival. “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.” [Luke 10:1 ESV]

 

With the commission came very detailed instructions. The first was to pray. “And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” [Luke 10:2 ESV] This work was going to be more than they could handle. Even going out in pairs, the work was overwhelming. There’s also the point that God is the “Lord of the harvest.” Harvest happens only at His will.

 

Jesus tells them, “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” [Luke 10:3 ESV] As we move about, we are not predators. In fact, we are to take the posture of the lamb. Wolves call a lamb “lunch.” Kind of a hard lesson for those who want the church (or pastor) to be the apex predator.

 

The next set of instructions is about distractions and safety nets. “Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.” [Luke 10:4 ESV] In some sense not having a moneybag or knapsack is a safety buffer. Traveling poor makes us less of a target for robbers. Traveling light makes us less attached to stuff. Traveling light also makes us dependent on God for provisions. Traveling light makes us grateful.

 

Jesus then gives them the power to bless. “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’” [Luke 10:5 ESV] This also comes across as a test. “If anyone there shares God’s peace, then your peace will rest on that person. If not, your blessing will return to you.” [Luke 10:6 CEB]

 

Some have suggested this as instructions for evangelism in new communities. The idea is to find people of peace. People who work for the peace of their neighborhood. People who influence others in positive ways. The point is to find such people and ally ourselves to them.

 

Jesus later instructs these advanced heralds with these instructions, “Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” [Luke 10:9 ESV] With the commission to heal the sick must come the power to do so. Healing people was a sign to them that their message was real. Heal and witness is the commission.

 

Jesus also tasks them with the ability to curse. If a town did not receive them, they were to brush off the dust of their shoes. The result, “I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” [Luke 10:12 ESV] I wonder if we have not done that too easily. Like, maybe with the inner city or neighborhoods where people do not look or sound like us.

 

Before Jesus retunes to the Father, He commissions all His followers, “A change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” [Luke 24:47 CEB] If we are going to proclaim repentance and forgiveness, we need to follow Jesus instructions.

 

Give it a try. Pray for someone’s healing. After all, you carry the kingdom of God. See what happens.