Sometimes at a person’s job, the workload becomes so big that it is difficult for one person to do alone. Where I worked as a secretary at a foster care agency for a number of years, the workload of the caseworkers was so huge that it was impossible for them to get done what they needed to each month for their cases. They really needed more caseworkers, but with the budget, the agency could never afford to hire more. The need was great, but the workers were few. We see that in our Scripture passage for today from the Gospel of Luke.
As our passage opens, Jesus is sending out a large group of disciples, two by two, to go into various different villages to prepare the people for when He would later come to them (vs. 1). There were many more dedicated followers of Jesus than just the twelve apostles. Here, there were 70 followers who were available and willing to go out on a short preparatory mission trip to villages in Galilee and Judea. There were a lot of people who Jesus needed to reach with His message before He would go to the Cross, and it was more than just the twelve could handle. As we look around today, we see thousands, millions, who need to hear the message of Jesus and salvation through His Blood. How can we reach them all? Jesus tells us to pray that the Lord will send more dedicated workers into the “fields” to win more souls for Him (vs. 2). There is work enough for everyone!
When we go out to bring God’s message of salvation to the world, there is often hostility, sometimes even dangerous opposition. Jesus told these 70 that they were like lambs going out among wolves (vs. 3). It was the case back in Jesus’ day, and is certainly the case today, as well. We must be careful and be alert, but not face our opposition with similar hostility. We must come to them with love and gentleness.
Jesus proceeded to give these 70 disciples some instructions for going out with His message (vs. 4-9). The disciples were not to burden themselves down carrying all sorts of personal items (vs. 4). They were to depend on God to provide for their needs. The instruction to “greet no one” may sound strange, even impolite. In that era and culture, a proper greeting was an elaborate ceremony with many formalities and often even a meal, which could cause a long delay. If one was on an urgent mission, one could be excused. Jesus’ instructions indicated that there was a shortness of time and an urgent task that they had. The time is even shorter today. Jesus’s return is imminent. He could come at any day, and there is an urgent need to get the Gospel out to those who haven’t heard.
Jesus continues with His instructions, telling them that they were not to waste time moving around or seeking more comfortable housing. They were to accept the hospitality that was given them, without being picky (vs. 7-8). Jesus’ message is more important than our own personal comfort.
As we all know, the Gospel is very often not well received by unbelievers. When that happens, we should leave them. Jesus warned, though, that those who have had the Gospel clearly presented to them, and have rejected it, will have greater judgment (vs. 10-12). Those who reject the message of the Gospel reject God, and will face guilt and condemnation (vs. 16).
When the disciples returned they were excited with their results. Even demons fled at the Name of Jesus! (vs. 17) Jesus is the source of the authority that makes demons subject to genuine believers. Demons shudder at the Name of Jesus, and must obey. His Name and Word are powerful, and He has given us power in His Name. Jesus has already conquered evil, and because of that, we can live without fear (vs. 19). Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4). Jesus has given us authority, but if we fail to take up our position in Christ, we will feel overwhelmed and defeated.
As the disciples rejoiced with the tremendous results they had, Jesus reminded them that the most important thing was that they were saved and their names written in heaven (vs. 20). Even more marvelous than power over demons and healings, is the salvation of souls. That is the point of the Gospel!
No comments:
Post a Comment