Most people are familiar with Jesus’ 12 disciples, but the 72 He sent out in Luke 10 played a crucial role in preparing hearts and communities for His arrival. These disciples were sent in pairs to bring peace, heal the sick, share the message of the Kingdom, and trust God completely for their needs. They weren’t just spreading information—they were living examples of the power and presence of God, opening doors for Jesus to step in.
Their mission shows us that effective ministry doesn’t require status or spotlight—it requires obedience, faith, and a willingness to go. Whether you’re leading in your church or just trying to live out your faith day to day, you’re called to do the same: go ahead of Jesus, prepare the way, and let Him do the rest. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how the 72 disciples fulfilled this mission—and how you can too.
Most people know about Jesus’ 12 disciples, but fewer are familiar with the 72 others He sent out during His ministry. These 72 (or 70, depending on your Bible translation) played a key role in preparing the way for Jesus’ message. Their work helped expand His reach beyond just a few towns—and it shows us what real ministry looks like in action.
If you’ve ever wondered how Jesus managed to get His message out before the days of social media, mass transportation, or even a printing press, this is how: He trained others to go before Him, speak truth, heal the sick, and prepare people’s hearts.
Let’s break down how the 72 disciples helped lay the groundwork for Jesus’ mission.
1. Where Do We Learn About the 72?
You’ll find this story in Luke 10:1-24. Right at the start, Luke writes:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” – Luke 10:1 (NIV)
The purpose was clear: go ahead of Jesus, prepare the people, deliver His message, and open the door for His arrival. They weren’t the stars of the show—they were the ground crew.
2. Why 72?
There’s significance in the number 72 (or 70 in some translations). Many scholars believe it reflects the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10—a symbolic way of saying that the message of Jesus was for the whole world, not just Israel.
This wasn’t a random mission. Jesus was pointing to something much bigger: a global kingdom.
3. How Did They Prepare the Way?
The 72 disciples weren’t just handing out leaflets or standing on street corners. They were trained and given specific instructions. Here’s how they actively paved the way:
1. They Went in Pairs
Jesus sent them out two by two. This wasn’t just for safety—it was strategic.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 says, “a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- In Jewish law, two witnesses made testimony credible.
Jesus was making sure the message had legal, spiritual, and practical strength. It also allowed for mutual support. Ministry is hard—Jesus knew they’d need backup.
2. They Focused on Peace
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” – Luke 10:5
They weren’t barging in with judgment or debate. They were bringing peace—shalom. It was a message of hope and restoration.
If the people received it, great. If not? They moved on. No arguments.
3. They Trusted God for Provision
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals…” – Luke 10:4
This seems strange at first, but it taught dependence. They weren’t to rely on their own resources. Jesus wanted them to experience what it meant to trust God completely—that He’d provide through the kindness of others.
4. They Healed the Sick
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” – Luke 10:9
The message wasn’t just words. It was power in action. The sick were healed, and lives were changed. This showed people that God’s kingdom wasn’t just theory—it was real, present, and transformative.
5. They Warned and Moved On
If a town rejected the message, they weren’t to linger or argue.
“Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet…” – Luke 10:11
It was a bold move, a public way of saying, “We did our part. Now it’s up to you.” Jesus taught them not to waste time where hearts were closed. They were to focus on fertile ground.
4. What Was the Result?
When the 72 returned, they were blown away.
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” – Luke 10:17
They saw miracles. Demons fled. People responded. It was powerful—and Jesus affirmed their work.
But then He gave them perspective:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:20
He reminded them that while power is impressive, relationship with God is the true treasure.
5. Lessons You Can Apply Today
The mission of the 72 is ancient—but it still applies. You’re called to prepare the way for Jesus too, wherever you are. Here’s what we can learn:
1. Start with Peace
Lead with kindness, not conflict. Whether you’re sharing your faith or just living it, peace is the door that opens hearts.
2. Work in Community
Don’t try to do everything alone. Just like the 72 worked in pairs, you need community, accountability, and encouragement.
3. Be Ready to Move On
Not everyone will accept your message. That’s not a failure—it’s part of the job. Share the truth, but don’t force it. Let God work on their hearts.
4. Rely on God
You’ll never feel “fully equipped” to share your faith or serve others. That’s okay. The 72 didn’t take extra supplies. They learned that God is the provider.
5. Do Real Work
They didn’t just preach—they healed. They got involved. They met real needs. Your actions can preach louder than your words.
6. Final Thought: A Kingdom-Minded Mission
The 72 disciples were forerunners—preparing cities, towns, and hearts for Jesus. Their mission teaches us that ministry isn’t reserved for the elite. Jesus didn’t send out just the “12 VIPs.” He sent regular people with a bold calling.
And He’s still sending today.
Whether you’re leading a church, raising kids, managing a team, or just trying to live with integrity, you’re a part of this same mission:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Luke 10:2
You don’t have to do everything. But like the 72, you can do something—go ahead of Jesus into your community, build relationships, share peace, meet needs, and trust that He’ll do the rest.
FAQs: How the 72 Disciples Prepared the Way for Jesus
1. Who were the 72 disciples in the Bible?
The 72 disciples (also recorded as 70 in some Bible translations) were followers of Jesus appointed to go ahead of Him into towns and villages to prepare the way for His arrival, as recorded in Luke 10:1-24.
2. What was the mission of the 72 disciples?
Their mission was to preach peace, heal the sick, announce the coming of God’s Kingdom, and prepare hearts for Jesus’ teaching. They acted as forerunners, opening spiritual doors for His message.
3. Why did Jesus send the 72 disciples in pairs?
Jesus sent them in pairs (Luke 10:1) for mutual support, credibility, and accountability. In Jewish law, the testimony of two witnesses was required to confirm truth (Deuteronomy 19:15).
4. How is the number 72 significant?
The number 72 may symbolize the nations listed in Genesis 10, representing a global mission. It reflects that Jesus’ message was intended for all people, not just Israel.
5. What instructions did Jesus give the 72 disciples?
Jesus told them to travel light, rely on hospitality, offer peace, heal the sick, and proclaim that the Kingdom of God had come near. He also warned them not to waste time in places that rejected them.
6. What did the 72 disciples experience when they returned?
They were amazed by the power they saw—especially that demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus reminded them to rejoice more that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:17-20).
7. What can we learn from how the 72 disciples prepared the way for Jesus?
We learn to lead with peace, rely on God, act with purpose, and serve in community. It’s a model for anyone wanting to share the gospel through both word and action.
8. How were the 72 disciples different from the 12 apostles?
The 12 apostles were Jesus’ closest followers and held leadership roles in the early Church. The 72 were broader disciples given a specific evangelistic mission during Jesus’ ministry.
9. Does this mission apply to us today?
Yes. The principles—going out, preparing hearts, and living the gospel—still apply. Believers today are also called to make disciples and be witnesses of Christ.
10. What does “prepare the way for Jesus” mean practically?
It means helping others encounter Christ—by building relationships, speaking truth with love,
