"There Were Others Sent"
Luke 10:1-24
A sermon for 5/15/22 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Pastor John Bright
Luke 10 “17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 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.”
23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “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.”
Pause right there. Those words I just read; they were “Breathed by God”! God wants you to hear His Word right now! So, what is your response? Do you want to transformed by that Word or do you want to be informed about the words? You have to choose.
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Luke began chapter 9 with Jesus sending out the 12 disciples. Now, he starts off chapter 10 with the sending out of whole bunch of “normal folks.” What I mean – Jesus was setting up lots of folks to do ministry… NOT JUST THE PREACHERS!
As Jesus speaks to them, we read familiar words from the other Gospels:
v 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
v 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
v9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
He also gives them the same instructions that He gave the disciples in Luke 9:
• Travel light – v4
• Stay in one place – v7
• If a place does not receive you – shake off the dust – v.10-11
Jesus also gives another, very clear, rebuke of those places where He had been rejected – Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. I want to make sure we don’t miss what Jesus said about that rejection: v.13 “For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” Jesus had done miracles in the places He was rejected and He is sending out a whole bunch of normal folks to do what they had seen Him already do.
Jesus tells them - “v9 And heal the sick there”. When the disciples went out, we have this summary – Luke 9:6 “So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”
Get this – Jesus was healing physical bodies and the disciples were healing physical bodies and the normal folks were told to be healing physical bodies. Period. Now before your whine and complain – I KNOW God does the healing. God decides who will be healed now and who will be healed later. God is in control… but God uses people in this work to go to those who need healing. Let me paraphrase this for you - the need for healing is great, but the healers are few. What about you and me? Wait right there – will you say YES to God?
The Normal Folks Set Others Free v17-20
“17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Who remembers the reason I told you that we never need to fear satan and his demons? (Anybody notice how I skipped right past asking you if you believe they are real – we are way past that!)
I have told you before, more than once, that there is NO COMPARISON between the power of satan and the power of the HOLY SPRIT IN YOU. The power of satan is like a little firecracker while the power of the Holy Spirit inside of you is like a NUCLEAR BOMB!
When Jesus was sending out people to do the work of God in the gospels, they would have had to receive the Holy Spirit in the same way the prophets of the Old Testament did. It was different from you and me. Back then, God gave a limited amount of the His Spirit, for a limited time and for a limited work. What about now? We receive the Holy Spirit when we are saved because Jesus promised we would receive Him in John 14 “15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “
Raise your hand if you have the Holy Spirit within you. If you do, you can do the same things we read in the Bible through the power of the Holy Spirit. A long time ago, preachers would describe Believers having all that power and doing nothing as being like a horse that is kept in the basement. Today, a more popular analogy is having a car that can easily go 60mph on the highway, but you never exceed 25mph wherever you drive. That makes no sense, you agree?
Believers can lay on hands, pray, and see folks healed by God in their physical bodies. What about in their spirits and souls? That’s what the regular folks come back and have joy about – the power of satan to oppress people has been defeated. That’s what we call deliverance ministry. I have been involved in deliverance ministry and deliverance counseling for about 20 years. It was a natural progression for me after receiving deliverance myself.
I believe any church can have a deliverance ministry to help those who are oppressed by the demonic. I have warned you recently that we can expect a tsunami of mental health issues after young people have been locked down for a couple of years. There is an addiction to rage in this country that is off the charts. We have lots of folks with digital addictions and lots of young people who have grown up with hard core porn on their phones day after day. They need mental and emotional help. They also need spiritual help – that’s deliverance counseling.
For many in the local congregation, these types of concerns feel like they are “whole other world” away. Those folks still struggle with guilt and shame over the past. They struggle with overwhelming feelings of worthlessness. They have refused to walk in forgiveness. All of these, and more, can be offered freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Gives Praise for the Normal Folks v21-22
“21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 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.”
In the Early Church, some folks were setting the Apostles on a pedestal and others were getting “puffed up” because they knew more than others or had better spiritual gifts than others. Paul addresses this situation in his letters to the Church in Corinth. Listen to 1 Corinthians 4 “10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.“
Let’s be clear about my role in the church. I am set apart – NOT ABOVE. We are partners in the ministry of the church. I have been set apart for order and sacraments. Beyond that – I’m just like each of you. Have I had extra training? Sure. Could you have been studying for the last 35 years? Did you choose not to? I want to learn and grow in the knowledge of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Why? To bring glory to God! But you don’t have to be book-smart to be used by God!
What did Jesus call these normal folks? Wise or babies? “…You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”
God used those normal folks – what about you?
Jesus Proclaims We Will Be Blessed to See This v.23-24
“23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “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.”
In a few weeks we will celebrating Pentecost Sunday (June 5). In Acts 2 we read about Peter sharing from the prophet Joel on that day when the Holy Spirit was given – “14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.”
That’s the promise long ago that they could not see – now these and all the spiritual gifts are with us all the time. I want to tell you a quick story – not to make me look special or gifted – no, to let you see how normal folks are used by God today.
This happened back when I was living in Richmond. I had attended a meeting at a church. Following the meeting, there was a covered-dish dinner and worship time. After the meeting, I went to the car to put my briefcase up. In the parking lot, I saw a woman I knew walking toward the church with a food container in her hand. I said hello and asked how she was doing. We were both still walking toward each other as she said, “I’m horrible. I’ve had a migraine all day.” At this point I had a “divine impression” which is different than hearing words. It can be like a picture on a screen or a drawing in a book. In a flash I saw what God wanted me to do. I never stopped walking but as I got to her I said “In the name of Jesus be healed” and I touched my finger to her forehead.
I just kept walking to car and I assumed that she kept walking to the church. I put my briefcase in the car and turned to see her standing in the middle of the parking lot. I walked over and asked if everything was okay? She was crying tears of joy and told me, “Everything is wonderful. When you spoke and touched me all the pain, all the symptoms stopped instantly.” We had a little praise time and I told her to share her healing but leave me out of the story. It was so simple. It was one believer helping another believer. That’s how normal folks are used by God.
In the future, if God calls our church to this kind of ministry – remember to say “we won’t” rather than “we can’t”… or just say YES! Amen.
Teaching Sheet:
"There Were Others Sent"
Luke 10:1-24
May 15, 2022
There are similarities between then beginning of Luke chapters 9 & 10. The first - Jesus sending out the 12 disciples. The second - Jesus sending out of whole bunch of “normal folks.” Jesus was setting up lots of folks to do ministry… NOT JUST THE PREACHERS!
The Normal Folks Set Others Free v17-20
There is NO COMPARISON between the power of satan and the power of the HOLY SPRIT IN YOU. The power of satan is like a little firecracker while the power of the Holy Spirit inside of you is like a NUCLEAR BOMB!
Jesus promised we would receive the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-18
A long time ago, preachers would describe Believers having all that power and doing nothing as being like a horse that is kept in the basement. Today, a more popular analogy is having a car that can easily go 60mph on the highway, but you never exceed 25mph wherever you drive. That makes no sense, you agree?
That’s what the regular folks come back and have joy about – the power of satan to oppress people has been defeated. That’s what we call deliverance ministry.
Jesus Gives Praise for the Normal Folks v21-22
Paul addresses putting leaders on a pedestal in his letters to the Church in Corinth. Listen to 1 Corinthians 4:10-13
I am set apart – NOT ABOVE. We are partners in the ministry of the church. I have been set apart for order and sacraments. Beyond that – I’m just like each of you.
What did Jesus call these normal folks? Wise or babies? “…You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”
God used those normal folks – what about you?
Jesus Proclaims We Will Be Blessed to See This v.23-24
In Acts 2:14-18 we read about Peter sharing from the prophet Joel on that day when the Holy Spirit was given. Joel never saw that happen, but those at Pentecost did!
What might a healing ministry look like in the local church? I got this from an article by Dr. Peter Bellini (adapted): “…here is some practical wisdom: a list of 10 thoughts on a healing ministry.
1. Resurrection - Build your healing ministry on a robust and comprehensive theology of the resurrection. The resurrection is the origin, source, power, authority, and goal of our healing. Thus, healing is God’s gift to us. Healing is also progressive as well as instantaneous. It is something we receive now and in the future. The greatest healing is the resurrection and redemption of our bodies, as well as a new heaven and a new earth (the new creation).
2. God heals - Since the resurrection is the complete picture of our healing, then our faith and expectations should be based on it. Although repentance, faith, wisdom and proper medical treatment are essential to the process of healing, we rely ultimately on God who raises us from the dead. It does no service to healing to judge, condemn or blame persons of sin or a lack of faith when we do not see or receive our expectation or version of healing.
3. Education - Educate the community of faith concerning Divine Healing. Prepare the community by employing the teaching ministry and instruct on healing from the pulpit, Sunday School, small groups and by other means. Create a culture of nurturing and healing.
4. Common Language - If you are to officiate a healing service, do it in the liturgical language with which your congregation or participants are familiar. For United Methodists, which is my tradition, I use the healing service in the UM Book of Worship.
5. Train and Certify - Train, certify and install (publicly in a service) workers for a healing ministry. Those asked to pray for healing should feel equipped and confident for the task, and your people should feel confident to receive ministry from such persons.
6. Comprehensive - A healing ministry should be comprehensive, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, relational and other types of healing. Local churches and ministries should partner with other institutions and persons that are better trained at ministering healing in a certain area, like clinics, therapists, 12 step groups, nutritionists, physicians etc. Thus, a good holistic health network, in-house training, and a thorough referral system are essential.
7. Integrative Approach - A healing ministry is most effective when it takes on an integrative approach. Theology and science, at their best, should work hand in hand. Do not be afraid to take an approach that identifies multiple causes and solutions to problems. For example, counseling, medications, intercessory prayer, laying on of hands and anointing with oil can work together effectively to combat mental health issues. Not every problem is an ‘either/or’ issue of faith or science.
8. Network of Ministries - Contrary to popular opinion or even stereotype, there are many types of healing ministries that one can have in the local church: healing services, an altar team, a visitation team, 12 step groups, health fairs, an in-church clinic, deliverance and exorcism ministries (Yes, I said that). Think of creating an environment or culture for health and wholeness to be nurtured and fostered rather than merely having crisis intervention for when sickness or a problem arises. Think of creating a healthy environment that fosters wholeness as a lifestyle: prevention as well as intervention.
9. Expectation - Expect healing to come at any time, any place or in any way. If you are a leader, teach your people likewise. Many are disappointed because they do not receive the healing they wanted and in the way or time they wanted it. Resurrection comes in many ways and at different times, and at all times death and resurrection become the greatest healing. Teach people to look for and expect resurrection every day and in every way. Give God the space and time to work God’s will and expect miracles.
10. Our Part - Educate people to be responsible in terms of doing their part in the process. In Philippians, Paul instructs us that it is God who works within us the desire and the will to carry out his purposes. Healing is in God’s hands, but some things God has providentially given to our care and responsibility. God chooses to use the practice of medicine, proper diet, sleep, exercise, wisdom, repentance, faith and other means of grace to work healing. Teach responsibility and education for our health.”
https://seedbed.com/10-insights-for-implementing-healing-ministry-in-your-local-church/
In the future, if God calls our church to this kind of ministry – remember to say “we won’t” rather than “we can’t”… or just say YES! Amen.
