Luke 10:1-6 NRSVue

¹After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. ²He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. ³Go on your way; I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. ⁴Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. ⁵Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ ⁶And if a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on that person, but if not, it will return to you.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
This passage came up a few weeks ago, but it bears repetition. Reflecting on a passage a second time can be fruitful, whatever happened the first time.

Reflection
Jesus does not send them out alone, but in pairs. Do I see myself as part of a Christian 'team' or as someone 'going it on their own'?

Reflection
Someone sending you out on a journey today might tell you to take food, money - maybe even a gun - to avoid being vulnerable. But what does Jesus say about this?

Reflection
Have I asked Jesus where he wants me to go? What he wants me to do?

Reflection
Jesus did not send out the disciples as singletons but in pairs, for mutual support. We lean on one another, and on the community of faith and worship which we call the church. On our own in an unwelcoming world, it may be almost impossible to keep our end up. Sacred Space is one way of keeping in touch with other believers. Read their reactions in Feedback.

Reflection
Jesus sent the disciples out to be joyful presences is in a troubled world. I am sent in the same way. How might my words and my presence by a proclamation of peace?