Commissioning the Seventy

Luke 10:1-16

Many people think that Jesus only had twelve disciples. As has already been discussed, a disciple is a student or pupil. The number fluctuated considerably. He only called twelve apostles, or special messengers however. The twelve apostles received all the instruction the other disciples received and special instruction beyond that, because they were the ones who would have the primary responsibility for training the others and carrying on the ministry after Christ ascended into heaven.

Initially Jesus had sent out the twelve apostles to teach and learn what the ministry involved. Shortly there after, he chose seventy more of his disciples as advance teams to go to every city he would be visiting. Essentially, they were to go and prepare the ground to receive Jesus’ message, as described in the parable of the sower.

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” (Luke 10:1)

In many ways, the seventy have a job similar to that of John the Baptist. They were to share the word of God so that when Jesus came, they would already be thinking about God’s word and take Jesus’ message seriously. They were to pray for and seek others to assist in their efforts, because the job was greater than a team could do alone.

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

The instructions to the seventy is almost the same as that he gave the twelve when they embarked on their training mission. They were to go in complete dependence on the Lord, making no effort to raise support or provide a backup plan. Jesus describes it as sending lambs into a pack of wolves. They had no protection or reserves to rescue them.

In Jewish culture, it was customary to stop and talk if one had the time. Failure to spend the time visiting was considered almost rude, excusable only if one was on urgent business. The seventy were not on a training mission, but had a specific job to do. They were not to allow other things to delay their getting to work.

“Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.” (Luke 10:3-7)

Having been involved in missions, as a missionary kid, a missionary, and a supporting pastor, I have observed some troubling things, when I compare what Jesus instructed his emissaries with modern missions. Too often it appears that our focus on human planning and organization has led to the missionary’s faith resting in his supporting churches or missions organization, rather than in God. “You have not because you ask not” is quoted to justify asking other churches to supply things theat are not necessary, or that the local people should supply for themselves.

A major problem on the Navajo reservation is that most groups have hired people to preach for them. As a result, many view the ministry as a job, and are constantly looking for a better paying one. In addition, some will profess to believe whatever you ask in order to get the job. It has resulted in many morally or doctrinally unsound teachers, and a lack of commitment to Christ in many churches. They go to whoever pays the most. During the course of my ministry, I have dealt with a number of people resulting from such ministries, finding almost none have any real understanding of or commitment to God’s Word. The few that have gotten in and gone on are frequently confused as to how to trust God. Following Jesus’ instructions would eliminate part of this problem.

Jesus instructed both the twelve, and the seventy to stay in the place they came to and not spend time looking for something better but accept what was provided. In Numbers 11, God was angered by the Jews complaining about what he had provided, and killed a great many of them. I cannot believe he was pleased by complaints about the food he provided such as David Brainerd recorded in his journal, despite the exalted attitude of many toward his ministry. I don’t believe he is any more pleased by our complaining about what he supplies.

“And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” (Luke 10:8-9)

When my folks came to the Reservation, The only place we could get land was in the new town of Navajo. It was never intended to be any more than a housing community for employees of the tribal sawmill, so was not expected to grow, and dad was informed he’d never be able to build much of a church there because there were so few people.

The church is still there forty nine years later, and supports their own pastor. In addition, because the mill became a job training program, the church at Navajo was used to open the doors to twelve other communities where churches were started. Had we gone to the tribal capital or one of the larger towns in the area, those doors would have not been opened. Jesus instructed the seventy to stay where the door was open, and utilyze the opportunity there. How many have ignored some little place where the door was open to try to reach some more impressive place. Jesus advised his disciples not to waste their time in a place that wasn’t interested.

“But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” (Luke 10:10-11)

Paul makes it very clear that the gospel had to be first offered to the Jews, but that it was then to be offered to the Gentiles. Even the very Son of God had little impact in cities that chose to reject him, even though he had done more miracles and spent more time teaching in them than elsewhere. It is pretty arrogant to believe we can make it happen and devote our efforts in such a place when other, less popular and attractive cities would love to hear the Gospel.

Paul and Silas had definite ideas where the it would be best to preach the gospel, but God had a different plan, as Acts 16:6-10 describes. We need to learn to follow God’s plan rather than human wisdom. A willingness to hear is a definite indicator God uses to show his will.

“But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.” (Luke 10:12-15)

One thing we must keep in mind is that this is not our work, but God’s. It doesn’t matter how they treat us, except that the treatment of us indicates their attitude toward God. If they refuse to hear, it is not our problem. Our job is to offer them the choice, then teach those who accept the offer.

“He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” (Luke 10:16)

The great commission, Matthew 28:19-20 commands, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” We can’t properly teach those who believe if all our energy is expended trying to win those who refuse to listen.