SERMON OUTLINE:
• There Is A Call to Be Answered
• There Is A Consequence That Needs To Be Considered
• There Is A Joy That Needs To Be Tempered
• There Is A Grace That Needs To Be Remembered
• There Is A Privilege That Needs To Be Contemplated
Ill:
• Did you hear the story about the teacher;
• Who was helping one of her nursery pupils put on his boots?
• She pulled while he pushed and the boots still didn’t want to go on.
• Finally, after the second boot was on, and after she had worked up a sweat,
• The little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.”
• She looked and sure enough, they were on the wrong feet.
• Getting the boots off wasn’t any easier than getting them on.
• But the teacher managed to keep her cool as together they put the boots on the right feet.
• Once they were on, the little boy announced, “These aren’t my boots.”
• The teacher bit her tongue as she then took the boots back off.
• Once off, the little boy said,
• “The boots are my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them.”
• She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
• The teacher mustered up the grace and courage to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
• When she was finished, she said to him, “Now, where are your mittens?”
• The little boy replied, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots.”
Ill:
• Bigger pupils can be hard work as well:
• Like the teacher who in the middle of a lecture, noticed one student sound asleep.
• “Billy, wake up that boy beside you.”
• Billy replied: “You put him to sleep, you wake him up!”
• TRANSITION:
• In this passage Jesus the teacher,
• Is about to send his disciples out of the classroom and on assignment.
Note:
• This event in Luke chapter 10 should not be confused with another similar event
• That we read about in Luke chapter 9.
• In Luke chapter 9 Jesus commissioned or sent out ONLY the 12 disciples.
• Here in Luke chapter 10 Jesus commissioned or sends out 72 of his followers.
• Now there are a number of similarities in both incidents;
• And this should be expected;
• After all it is the same master, who is sending out his followers to do the same basic job.
So there are similarities but there are also two important differences:
(1st).
• The 12 disciples were sent out to minister in Galilee (north);
• But these 72 men were sent out to minister in Judea (south).
(2nd).
• And the men in this chapter are not called apostles;
• They were anonymous disciples N.I.V. ‘others’. K.J.B. ‘seventy also’.
• Anonymous disciples and yet they were true followers of Jesus;
• They were just not members of the inner-core,
• What we know as and refer to as the 12 disciples.
• All followers of Jesus are ‘sent out’ on mission,
• The Christian life is a calling to mission .
Quote: Jürgen Moltmann
“It is not the Church of God that has mission but the missionary God who has a Church”
Ill:
• I have mentioned before that one Church I speak at,
• Has a sign above their front door,
• The sign is on the inside and you see it as you exit the Church.
• The sign reads; “You are now entering the mission field!”
(1). There Is A Call That Needs Answering (vs 1-4)
“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. 2He 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.
3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.”
Ill:
• My Passport; What I hold in my hand is a fairly common document.
• It’s my passport, it allows me right to travel around the world,
• It shows not only where I come from but also who I am.
• It shows that I am a citizen of the United Kingdom,
• (and no! You are not seeing the photo!);
• Therefore I am also a representative of my country to the rest of the world.
• The way that people abroad view me will have an impact on how they view my county.
• TRANSITION: These 72 followers (passport holders) of Jesus,
• They were not just his followers:
• They were also his ambassadors;
• The way that people they encounter view them,
• Will have a massive impact on how they view Jesus.
Question: What is an ambassador?
Answer:
• An ambassador is an authorized representative of a sovereign.
• He speaks not in his own name but on behalf of the ruler whose deputy he is,
• And his whole duty and responsibility;
• Is to interpret that ruler’s mind faithfully to those to whom he is sent.
• The followers of Jesus:
• Went out to represent him, to serve him, and with his authority and blessing!
In these opening verses Jesus tells the seventy 4 key truths:
(1). Be willing - "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.”
• Jesus tells the seventy-two that there is much work to do,
• But not enough people to do the work:
• That was true in Jesus day, it is true in ours;
ILL:
Oliver Cromwell who was Lord Protector of England following the English Civil War.
• During that war there was a shortage of currency, a shortage of silver,
• Cromwell sent out his men to look over the land and find more silver,
• When they returned and reported back to him, they said:
• "We have searched in vain, there is none, we have used it all up,
• The only silver left is in the cathedrals, where the saints are carved from choice silver".
• Cromwell replied:
• "In that case, let's melt down the saints and put them into circulation ".
• TRANSITION:
• Where ever you are tomorrow and the next day, that is your mission field.
• For some it’s the factory or the office,
• For others it will be on the walk to school or the playground.
• For others it’s the coffee shop or the post office que,
• For others….well fill in your own blanks.
• We do NOT need to ask should I witness,
• But we should CONSTANTLY be asking give me wisdom on HOW should I witness.
ILL:
• Some days we will speak a word or a smile.
• Some days by just an act of kindness or deed.
• Some days we can pass on some literature or an invitation.
• Some days by some other means.
Notice:
• In the text we see that the ones who he had commanded to pray for labourers;
• Became workers themselves.
• i.e. He told THEM to pray (vs 2).
• i.e. He said in answer to their prayers; “I am sending YOU!” (vs 3)
• Be careful when you pray,
• Because you might not like the answer God gives you to your prayers!
(2). Be aware - This evangelistic mission will be dangerous (vs 3),
“I send you out as lambs among wolves.”
• It is a bizarre image that Jesus uses:
• Of having a lamb that is weak, feeble and harmless,
• And sending it out to round up a bunch of vicious, strong ferocious beasts.
• But Jesus knew that they would face opposition and danger;
• As they go around preaching this radical message.
• And so he warns them in advance.
Following and proclaiming Jesus would be a dangerous calling (vs 3)
• As they went out into enemy territory (vs 17);
• They would be like “lambs among wolves”.
• Quote: “You and I are called to preach treason in the devils kingdom”
• So expect some obstacles and difficulties!
• It appears that each year Christians around the world;
• Are being more and more persecuted!
• And here in the UK we are being more and more restricted;
• In what we can do and say,
• We need to pray that the door of opportunity remains open.
• I am not sure that the little ones in the crèche and Explores Club,
• Will enjoy the freedom and privileges I have enjoyed in sharing the gospel!
Notice:
• There is something comical in that statement of Jesus;
• Can you imagine a farmer seeing a wolf in his field,
• Who wanting to remove the wolf decides to pick up a lamb (not even a sheep)
• And says to that lamb; “Go get em!”
• There is a name for lambs who go chasing after wolves;
• It is called ‘dinner!’
The picture Jesus gives to the seventy-two is one of utter helplessness;
• A picture of extreme danger.
• But note in verse 3 the emphatic “I” – “I am sending you”,
• It is no less than their Shepherd who is speaking.
• And apart from him, they would surely be in a hopeless situation;
• But commissioned by him the opposite is true!
• Some people here tonight know from experience,
• Some know from second hand knowledge (biographies of missionaries/prayer letters);
• Of how Jesus Christ sends lambs out to capture the wolves!
(3). Be urgent (vs 4-8)
• Jesus also conveys a sense of urgency to the mission;
• We see that is several ways.
(a).
• By telling them to travel light (vs 4).
• Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
• When Jesus says, “greet no one along the road,”
• He is not telling the disciples to be rude to people,
• He is warning then against engaging in the Jewish custom of;
• Long and elaborate time-consuming greetings which could take place.
• He is telling them to get on with what they have been called to do;
• And not let anything turn them aside.
• In other words;
• Don’t live cluttered lives or get so caught up in the social whirl;
• That we forget the spiritual purpose of our existence!
(b).
• That is that the disciples are not to go from house to house socializing (vs 7).
• “And remain in the same house do not go from house to house,”
• In other words;
• They are sent out to work and not to party.
• They must remember their goal on this occasion;
• Is not to make friends and acquaintances but to share good news!
• There is a time and a place for what we call ‘friendship evangelism’
• But this was not it!
• This was the time for proclamation!
(4). Be trusting (vs 4-8).
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 the head of the house loves peace, your peace will rest on that house; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for workers deserve their wages. Do not move around from house to house.
8 "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you
• These disciples had to trust God to provide homes and food for them,
• ill: Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord will provide”.
• But notice how God provides, it is through his people;
• So they were not to reject any offer of hospitality.
• The principle throughout the New Testament is always the same;
• God provides for his work and workers through his people – the Church!
• Question: Who are you providing for?
• Every Christian is called to pray and to give, they are not optional extras!
Ill:
• William Carey (1761 – 1834) was an English Baptist missionary;
• He is often called "father of modern missions”.
• On one occasion in a meeting he heard about the spiritual needs of India,
• The secretary of the meeting remarked:
• "There is a gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the centre of the earth.
• Who will venture to explore it?"
• Carey said:
• "I will venture to go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes."
• It is the responsibility of EVERY Christian;
• To support the work and workers of evangelism and mission.
Ill:
• If you don’t know where to start,
• The start with Liz, great to hear this morning what she is doing in mission work.
(5). Be clear (vs 9&11).
• The message that the seventy-two took with them was simple.
• Twice, once in verse nine and again in verse eleven,
• The disciples are instructed to convey the message that
• “The kingdom of God has come near to you”
• The message then and now, is of God’s kingdom,
• That means “His (the kings) right to rule our lives.”
• The seventy-two followers of Jesus had one message to proclaim:
• Jesus the King is coming! Don’t miss him!
• Therefore God’s kingdom is very near. Be ready!
Note:
• Our message is similar today!
• Are you ready to meet the King?
• Are you saved?
• Are your sins forgiven?
• Are you living for his Kingdom?
• Are you possessed by the Holy Spirit?
• Is Jesus Christ your Saviour and Lord? If not, then why not!
(2). There Is A Consequence That Needs to Be Considered (vs 13-16)
"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 up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. [b]
16 "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me."
• In verse 13 Jesus mentions the name of two cities, Corazin and Bethsaida,
• Which refused to turn to God as examples of the cost of the rejection of God.
• A third city (in verse 15) Capernaum is also pointed out for judgment;
• Capernaum is a city that was so often mentioned in relation to Jesus;
• ill: In Matthew chapter 9 verse 1 it is called “His own city”.
• It was in Capernaum that Jesus performed several of his miracles.
• It was here that Jesus’ major teachings took place.
• It was in Capernaum that Jesus had a base and spent much time.
• Capernaum had seen the miracles and heard the teachings of Jesus;
• But had not responded in faith.
• These cities demonstrate that there is a cost for rejecting Jesus;
• And that cost, that consequence of rejection is eternal.
Note:
• Jesus refers these cities to three cities in the Old Testament;
• Sodom, Tyre and Sidon – all three cities were destroyed.
• If God judged and then destroyed these cities
• How could Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum hope to escape?
• The central truth here is that the more we know of God’s truth,
• And the more we see Him move, the more we will be accountable for our response!
• Since the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum;#
• Had received such convincing proofs,
• i.e. They were had been blessed with Jesus’ presence, preaching, and power,
• Yet they had not repented.
• They will be held to greater account for what they had seen.
• Jesus, in essence, shamed Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum,
• They, who were supposed to be God’s representatives on earth, refused to listen;
• Yet pagan cities would have quickly repented
Jesus completes his thoughts in verse sixteen by saying
“He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."
• The point for us (his followers) to remember is this,
• Don’t take it personally when people reject God’s message.
• He’s the one they are criticizing and rejecting - not you.
• Although it must be said that unfortunately sometimes the Gospel in rejected;
• Because of the lack of love or the way in which it is presented.
• Or even because of the trappings and baggage we wrap around the gospel message.
• Sadly some people sometimes reject Jesus because of Christian’s,
• May that never be true of us!
(3). There Is A Joy That Needs To Be Tempered (vs 17-19)
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."
• We don’t know how long the seventy were gone,
• We don’t know where they went,
• We don’t know who they spoke too,
• We don’t know or how people responded in each place.
But we do know from verse seventeen the excitement and high spirits in which they returned:
• Everyone wants to be successful in their ministry for Jesus.
• And it is both a great thrill (and very humbling),
• When you experience the Lord working through you.
• The disciples were on a high because they had healed the sick,
• Cast out evil spirits and preached the word.
• But they were aware that their authority was not in themselves;
• It was in Jesus Christ. Note: “In your name”.
Notice:
• That Jesus reminds them not to get side-tracked,
• Not to focus on the short term spectacular,
• At the cost of the long term essentials.
• Jesus tells them that if you are going to rejoice;
• Then do it because, “their names are written down in heaven.”
• This is the greatest miracle that ever takes place in the heart of a human being!
Ill:
• Jesus even raised Lazarus from the dead – wow!
• But do you know what? And a few years later he died again!
• But those who embrace God’s salvation;
• Never die! They are his for all eternity!
Verse 20: Rather rejoice because their ‘names are written down in heaven’.
• The verb means “they have been written and they stand written”
• It is a statement of assurance.
Ill:
• The Greek word translated as ‘written’ means to ‘inscribe formally or solemnly’.
• It was used for the signing of a will, a marriage document, or a peace treaty,
• It was also used for the enrolling of a citizen.
• And in the perfect tense in the Greek means; “It stands written”.
• Experiences may well be great;
• But never forget, the greatest miracle of all is the salvation of a lost soul.
(4). There Is A Privilege that Needs to be Contemplated (vs 21-24)
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 was your good pleasure.
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."
Something that is particularly powerful to me in this passage;
• Is found in verse twenty-one,
• Luke says Jesus “rejoiced” upon hearing the report of the results of mission of the 72.
• This is the only place in scripture;
• Where this particular word is used to describe the emotions of Jesus.
• It is mind-boggling to me to realize that we (you and I);
• Have the capacity to make Jesus rejoice by our faithful ministry.
Notice:
• Also that Jesus’ joy makes him break out spontaneously into a prayer of thanksgiving.
• ".. I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.....”
THE REASONS FOR HIS REJOICING ARE TWO-FOLD.
• FIRST, that the truth did not go only to the “wise and (prudent) intelligent”
• But is something that any humble heart can receive.
• He rejoiced because the understanding of that truth;
• Did not depend on natural abilities or education. It is revealed by God!
• In other words Jesus rejoiced because all-sorts of people responded to the gospel;
• The rich & poor, the young and old, the wise and the unlearned!
• SECONDLY, Jesus rejoiced because he was the revealer of the Father to men & women.
• Having praised God for revealing himself to children,
• Jesus now praises the Father for making Him the source of revelation.
• In verse twenty-two Jesus says,
“All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
Jesus is the way and the only way of knowing the God the Father:
• No wonder he turns to the disciples and says;
• To paraphrase; “You don’t know how privileged you are!”
"Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; (24)
For I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see,
And have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it."
Conclusion
• As the 72 were sent on a mission, so are we.
• The conditions may be different, but the principles the same.
• People need to hear the message of Jesus,
• They need to respond to the invitation of the King.
Quote from Richard Bach
"Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished:
if you're alive, it isn't."
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=cEvUHzADaHuA5KzS96FFdlMO0TMnHoux
