Luke 10:1-9
1 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.’
Luke 10:1-9: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 1: “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.”
Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples. He sends them in pairs. This ensures mutual support and witness. They are to prepare the way for Jesus.
Verse 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.'”
Jesus uses the metaphor of a harvest. The harvest represents people ready to receive God’s message. There are many who are ready, but few to spread the word. Jesus instructs them to pray for more workers.
Verse 3: “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
Jesus warns them of the dangers. They will face hostility. They must be as innocent as lambs, despite the threats.
Verse 4: “Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.”
Jesus instructs them to travel light. They must rely on God’s provision. Avoiding greetings on the road emphasizes urgency.
Verse 5: “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.'”
They are to offer peace to each household. This is a blessing and a greeting. It sets a tone of goodwill.
Verse 6: “If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
If the household is receptive, the peace will be effective. If not, the peace will return to the disciples. This implies a spiritual transaction.
Verse 7: “Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”
They should accept hospitality without complaint. They deserve support for their work. Stability in one house fosters deeper relationships.
Verse 8: “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.”
They should accept local customs and food. This shows respect and builds rapport. It also demonstrates trust in God’s provision.
Verse 9: “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'”
They are to perform acts of healing. This demonstrates God’s power and compassion. They must proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom. This is the core of their mission.