Luke 10:1–24
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.”
23 Then 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 Luke 10:1–24, we see that Jesus sent seventy-two followers out in pairs, launching them on a mission. Jesus sends them to prepare the way by marking each place with the Kingdom’s peace and presence before he arrives. Jesus’ instructions are surprising. He tells them, “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (v.3). Their task was not going to be an easy one, not only would some people be unwelcoming to them, but on top of this, they are told not to take any money, bag, or sandals with them—nothing extra for security or comfort. This means they’ll need to depend entirely on God and the kindness of those that they encounter. This journey isn’t only about sharing the message of the Kingdom, but also about learning firsthand what it means to trust in God’s provision. Every meal they receive and every home that welcomes them is a chance to witness God’s care and provision. Jesus shows them that following him requires both faith in God and openness to the hospitality of others.
This radical dependence stands in stark contrast to our modern, self-sufficient North America. If you’re like me, you like to plan—to make sure everything is in place and nothing essential is missing. But here, Jesus calls his disciples to experience reliance on God in its purest form, knowing that each moment of uncertainty is an opportunity to see God’s faithfulness in action.
Jesus also emphasizes a posture of peace: “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house’” (v.5). Their mission isn’t to confront or force; instead, they bring God’s Kingdom as an offering, not a demand. For those who welcome them, this peace brings God’s presence. For those who reject them, Jesus instructs them to “shake the dust off [their] feet” (v.11) as a symbolic release of responsibility. They’re not to waste time on closed doors but to keep moving forward with peace. There will be times when our words and actions aren’t accepted, and that’s okay. Jesus reassures us that he’s in control; our role is to sow seed peacefully and trust that God will work in open hearts.
When the seventy-two return, they’re ecstatic, joyfully saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name” (v.17). They had witnessed God’s power in ways beyond what they’d expected, even seeing spiritual forces stop in Jesus’ name. Jesus acknowledges this and is excited with them, but he also gently shifts their focus. He tells them, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (v.20). Their deepest joy is to come from their relationship with God, who knows and claims them as his own. This truth brings us back to the foundation of our faith. No matter our achievements, calling, or gifts, the core of our identity is found in being God’s deeply loved children. Jesus reminds us that our worth doesn’t come from what we accomplish for him but from who we are in him. When we anchor ourselves in this truth, we’re free from the pressure to “perform” in ministry or life. Our true joy flows from the grace we receive—the assurance that God knows and loves us.
In verses 21–24, we see Jesus’ own joy as he prays, celebrating that the Father has revealed his truth not to the “wise and learned” but to “little children” (v.21). In God’s Kingdom, greatness isn’t about status or intelligence but a heart that’s humble and open. The disciples, ordinary people with no special credentials, were chosen to experience God’s power and grace firsthand. Jesus rejoices in this—he sees the beauty in their simple faith and obedience.
This is the great reversal of God’s Kingdom: the humble are lifted, the “least” are welcomed, and those with open hearts know God most deeply. It’s a powerful reminder for us today that God isn’t looking for the most impressive or prepared; he’s simply looking for those willing to say “yes.” When we come to him with open, childlike faith, we, too, experience the depth of his joy and presence.
Reflection Questions:
1. Think about a time you had to rely on God’s provision. How did that experience deepen your faith, or reveal something new to you about him?
2. Jesus emphasizes bringing peace to each place we go. How can you actively carry peace into your daily environments?
3. Are there areas in your life where you feel the pressure to “prove” yourself? How might the reminder that your name is “written in heaven” shift your perspective?
4. How can you approach your relationship with God more like a child—trusting, open, and willing to receive what he has to show you?
Pray
Author Bio
My name is Emma Donnan, I am 24 years old, and I have the absolute privilege of being the Pastor of Children and Youth at
Bramalea Alliance Church, located in Brampton Ontario.
At Bramalea, we’re all about Knowing, Growing, and Showing: we’re committed to knowing God and his Word, growing as followers of Jesus, and showing God’s love through our words and actions. We would love to get to know you, and when you join us, you’ll find not only a wonderful bible believing church, but also a wonderful family.
Here are our five main values:
1. Multi-Generational Family: We love being a church for all ages! On Sunday mornings or any day of the week, you’ll see every generation represented here.
2. God’s Word: Preaching and teaching the Bible is central to who we are. We stand on God’s Word and we allow it to guide everything we do.
3. Outreach: We believe in sharing Jesus with others. Whether it’s in our community or beyond, we look for ways to spread the hope we’ve found in Christ.
4. God’s Love in Action: This is love put to work. From our annual clothing giveaway to ministries like Meal Ministry, we’re dedicated to caring for people with God’s love.
5. Leadership Development: We believe in equipping everyone to use their gifts for God’s glory. When you join us, you’ll see youth on stage, leaders growing in their roles, and opportunities to step into your calling.
Luke and Acts taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.