“The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” -Luke 10:1
Close your eyes and picture Jesus and his followers together. Most likely we either picture Jesus sitting around with the twelve disciples or standing in the midst of thousands preaching and teaching. Yet in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus has seventy followers sent out in pairs to heal the sick and announce that God has come near. Seventy trusted preachers. Thirty-five pairs of preachers telling the good news of God. Telling the story is clearly not to be limited to the twelve disciples.
Our take away is that the good news is meant to be shared far and wide by those who trust Jesus and follow him.
Worship Music This Sunday
Sunday’s Traditional Worship Hymn of the Day: Here I Am, Lord
Jesus sends the people out to go where he would go and do what he would do in the reading from Luke and we sing about our exuberance to be sent as well. Here we are, Lord. We will go, Lord, if you lead us!
New Day Worship Song: I Will Follow
The Worship Song for this Sunday focuses on trusting God and following Jesus wherever he leads us. Why do we follow Jesus? The bridge of the song answers with the lyrics, “In You there’s life everlasting, In You there’s freedom for my soul, In You there’s joy, unending joy!”
For Further Reflection
Our Gospel story from Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 focuses on Jesus sending out disciples to share the good news about the kingdom of God. Good news about mercy, forgiveness, unconditional love, and life everlasting.
This is a reminder to all of the followers of Jesus of every time and place. Sharing the good news is not just the responsibility of “professionals” like clergy. Sharing the good news is the calling of everyone who follows Jesus.
Research has shown that when someone decides to try out a new church, join a support group, or help out with a new outreach program it was because a friend first invited them.
How can you be a friend to someone who could really use an invitation?
