jesus sends out the 72

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25-09-2024

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Jesus Sends Out the 72: A Mission of Healing and Proclamation

The story of Jesus sending out the 72 disciples, found in Luke 10:1-12, is a powerful example of his ministry and the importance of discipleship. This event serves as a turning point, highlighting the expansion of Jesus' mission beyond his immediate circle of apostles.

What prompted Jesus to send out the 72?

According to Luke, Jesus "sent out the seventy-two ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go." (Luke 10:1). Professor David E. Garland in his article "The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary" posits that this mission was part of Jesus' strategic plan to prepare the way for his own arrival. By sending out disciples, Jesus could:

• Spread the gospel: The 72 were tasked with proclaiming the Kingdom of God and offering healing to the sick. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of Jesus' message and his actions.
• Prepare the ground: By spreading the message beforehand, Jesus could anticipate a more receptive audience when he arrived. This is especially relevant considering the opposition he faced.
• Train future leaders: The 72 were not just messengers, but learners. This mission provided practical experience in ministry and deepened their understanding of Jesus' teaching.

What were the 72 instructed to do?

Jesus' instructions to the 72 were clear and practical:

• "Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you." (Luke 10:8) This indicates a focus on hospitality and acceptance, creating a bridge between the disciples and the communities they served.
• "Heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'" (Luke 10:9) This emphasizes the healing ministry of Jesus and its connection to the coming of God's reign.
• "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that town." (Luke 10:10) This instruction emphasizes the importance of choosing who to invest time and energy in, recognizing the limits of their influence.

What are the implications for us today?

The story of the 72 disciples is a reminder that we are all called to participate in the mission of God. Professor Craig Blomberg in his work "The Historical Reliability of the Gospels" highlights the importance of this story for contemporary Christians:

• Go out and share the gospel: This is a call to action, urging us to engage with our communities, sharing the message of hope and reconciliation offered by Jesus.
• Be prepared to serve others: Healing and serving are essential elements of our Christian walk. We are called to be instruments of God's grace, bringing hope and comfort to those in need.
• Discipleship is a process: We are not called to be perfect, but to grow in our faith and understanding of God's will. The 72's experience reminds us that following Jesus involves learning, serving, and continual development.

Beyond the text:

It's important to consider the historical context of this event. Bruce Chilton in his article "The Mission of the 72" argues that sending out 72 disciples was a deliberate act by Jesus to "parallel the sending out of the 70 elders in the Old Testament." This demonstrates the continuity of God's mission throughout history, linking Jesus' work to the broader narrative of Scripture.

The story of Jesus sending out the 72 is a powerful reminder of his mission, the importance of discipleship, and our call to participate in spreading the good news of God's love.

Note: This article uses information and insights drawn from the works of David E. Garland, Craig Blomberg, and Bruce Chilton, found on Academia.edu. However, the analysis and interpretation presented here are original and offer a fresh perspective on the text.