The 70
In the tenth chapter of the book of Luke, we see Jesus sending out 70 of His disciples to go ahead of Him into every village. He sent them out two by two. Jesus’ 12 were not included in these 70 believers. We do not know their names or anything about them, other than they were followers of Jesus. In the previous chapter, we see a conflict arising among the “first string” of His disciples. They were arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest. They also found themselves to be impotent in expelling demons and yet they wanted to call down fire upon a Samaritan village for not receiving Jesus. It seemed as if these “chosen ones”, were on a different page than Jesus. They just didn’t get it when Jesus talked about the kingdom of God. Chapter 10 is like Jesus saying: “guys, sit down and watch what I am really saying.”
The 70, no-face, no-name people, were given four basic instructions before they were sent out. They were told to do what any of us can do. Jesus was so confident of their success that He told these 70 to take nothing with them. They were to take no extra provisions, no second suit of clothes, in other words, “no plan B”. Jesus said for them to keep focused, keep to the plan, and they would see the glory of God.
The plan went like this: First, they were to go to the houses of the people and declare a blessing over each house. They were to say: “Peace be to this house!” Now, that is pretty easy to do. I think we can all do that. To bless is to say something positive. It is to declare what is good. It is saying: “My, what a nice house you have….I just love the way you have decorated your home…your children are so good looking…etc.” Can you do that? I can.
The next step was to eat with them. When you bless, you will be blessed. It is so natural, when someone, (other than a salesman), comes into your home, to offer them something to drink or eat, especially to someone nice. The Lord told the 70 to accept their invitation and eat with them. There is something about eating together that breaks down barriers between people. Jesus knew that when people share a meal together, they also begin to share their lives. They open up their heart and talk about their problems. If there is any one sick or facing a crisis of some kind, it comes out.
When this happens, the third instruction comes into play. These disciples were to offer to pray for those in need. The prayer of faith would heal the sick. And it happened just as Jesus said it would happen. Many were healed and even demons were expelled. After a manifestation of the power of God was evidenced, then these 70 were to do the fourth step. They were to tell them that the Kingdom of God had come to them. They were to share with the inhabitants of the house the Good News.
The 70 are like any one of us. Most of us are not famous and we may not have a lot of Bible training, but we can do what Jesus has told us to do and be an instrument of blessing to so many hurting people. The 12 had to learn from the 70 that it was not about them, but about helping others come to know the Lord.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Luke 10:1-9; Acts 10:38; II Peter 3:9; John 3:16; I Timothy 2:4