In Luke 10:1-12, Jesus sends out seventy disciples with a clear mission and a powerful message. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the urgency of the gospel and the responsibility we have as labourers in God’s harvest. This devotional will help us understand the significance of Jesus’ instructions and how we can apply them to our own lives today.
Scripture Reading:
“Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, ‘The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the labourers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out labourers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs amongst wolves. Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house.” If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the labourer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house. Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But into whatever city you enter, and they don’t receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near to you.’ I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.” — Luke 10:1-12 (WEBBE)
Reflection: Jesus appointed seventy disciples to go ahead of Him, sending them two by two into the towns and places He was about to visit. The urgency of the mission is evident in Jesus’ instructions: the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. The disciples were to pray for more workers and then to go out themselves, trusting in God’s provision.
Jesus sent them as “lambs amongst wolves,” a reminder that the mission would not be easy. They were to travel light, depending entirely on God and the hospitality of those they would meet. By instructing them not to carry extra provisions, Jesus was teaching them to rely on God’s care and the kindness of others, demonstrating that the work of the Kingdom is one of faith and dependence on God.
The message they were to bring was simple yet profound: “The Kingdom of God has come near to you.” This proclamation carried both hope and a call to repentance. The disciples were to offer peace to those who welcomed them, healing the sick and sharing the good news. But for those who rejected the message, they were to shake the dust off their feet and move on, knowing that they had fulfilled their responsibility.
This passage challenges us to consider our role in God’s harvest. Are we praying for more labourers? Are we willing to go out as Jesus’ disciples did, with faith and urgency, to share the message of the Kingdom? The task is great, but the reward is even greater as we participate in God’s redemptive work.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, we pray that You would send more labourers into Your fields. Give us the courage and faith to answer Your call, to go out into the world and share the good news of Your Kingdom. Help us to rely on Your provision, to trust in Your care, and to bring Your peace to those we meet. Strengthen us for the task ahead and guide us in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Plan:
- Pray for the Harvest: Set aside time each day this week to pray specifically for more labourers in God’s harvest and for opportunities to share the gospel.
- Trust in God’s Provision: Reflect on areas where you may be relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God. Choose to surrender those areas to Him and rely on His provision.
- Share the Good News: Look for opportunities to share the message of the Kingdom with someone in your life, whether through words or actions, bringing peace and hope to those around you.
Thoughts for Contemplation:
- Am I responding to Jesus’ call to be a labourer in His harvest?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God’s provision as I serve Him?
- In what ways can I bring the message of God’s Kingdom into the lives of those around me?
Reflect on these questions and seek to align your life more closely with the mission Jesus has given to all His followers.