The Mission:

Context:

• Jesus appointed seventy others to go ahead of Him.
• The plentiful harvest needed more laborers.
• He warned them they would be lambs in the midst of wolves.
• They weren’t to rely on their own supplies.
• Where received, they were to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom.
• Woe was awaiting the unrepentant cities.
• They returned with joy, explaining that even the demons were subject in Jesus name.

Luke 10:18-20 “...And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven...”

What was taking place at this time?

• The defeat of Satan.
• The expanded work of Jesus through believers.

What defeat was possible?

• For believers going out, even among wolves - “...nothing shall hurt you...”
• Jesus gave authority over ALL the power of the enemy.

Does Jesus still give this authority to the people He sends out?

•  Do you have this authority?

 What are people sent out to do?

• Does Jesus still send people to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom?

What type of rejoicing does this mission create?

• The temptation is to rejoice in the authority.
• The temptation is to feel pretty special that the spirits are subject to you.
• The appropriate response is to appreciate being in relationship with the One who has all the authority - the one who sends you.
• The appropriate response is to rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:21-22 “...In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him...”

Does everyone understand and accept the mission?

• There are things that are hidden from the wise and understanding. 
• People who don’t know the Son, are blind to the mission.

Luke 10:23-24 “...Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it...”

Does everyone get to see and hear what the sent ones get to see?