Jesus Sends Out the Seventy Two
Scripture
Luke 10:1-23
Similar Passage
Jesus Sends out the
Twelve
Commentary
Jesus sent out the group of seventy two with
similar instructions to that of the Twelve. Those who
reject the disciples are rejecting Jesus and ultimately God the
Father.
We are given some insight into the way God works
with regard to reward and punishment. People and cities
who had more opportunity to respond to the gospel will receive
greater punishment than those who did not. This doesn't
mean that people who haven't heard the gospel are off the hook -
what would be the point of evangelism if it only punished those
who heard and rejected the message? Romans tells us that
if nothing else, all of creation is a testament to God and
declares His power. While it is not the complete gospel
story, everyone should see creation around them and search for
its creator. People who search for God will find Him.
When the disciples return to Jesus, they are
amazed by the power that God has given them to perform miracles,
particularly the ability to cast out demons. Jesus
responds by saying that He witnessed Satan's fall from glory.
In other words, the one who gives them the power to cast out
demons cast out Satan from heaven long ago. They should
not be surprised by their ability to cast out demons.
Nevertheless, they shouldn't rejoice over the power which God
gave them but rather over the fact that they are saved.
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