When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in Luke 10, He gave them real spiritual authority—not just to perform miracles, but to represent His kingdom with power and purpose. This wasn’t reserved for the elite; these were ordinary followers entrusted with extraordinary responsibility. From healing the sick to overcoming spiritual opposition, their mission shows that anyone who follows Jesus is equipped to carry out His work. The authority Jesus gives is about service, not status—and it’s available to you, too.
The story of the 72 also teaches us to walk in simplicity, partner with others, and expect resistance without fear. Jesus sends us out not as lone heroes, but as humble ambassadors of peace, hope, and healing. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use you or what your role in His mission is, this story is a clear answer: Yes, He can—and He already is. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how this applies to your everyday life and walk with Jesus.
When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1-20, He wasn’t just sending them on a mission trip. He was giving them a glimpse of what His kingdom is all about—authority, purpose, and partnership in His work. So, what exactly can we learn from that moment? Quite a lot. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a longtime Christian, there’s something powerful here for you.
Let’s unpack it clearly and practically.
1. Jesus Gives Real Authority
In Luke 10:19, Jesus tells them:
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
That’s not metaphorical fluff. He was talking about real spiritual authority—power over demonic forces, sickness, and resistance. These 72 weren’t apostles. They were regular followers, just like you.
What does that mean for you today?
- You don’t need to be a church leader to carry authority.
- If you’re in Christ, you carry the same spiritual power through the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8).
- You’re not helpless in the face of evil—you’re empowered.
Key takeaway: Jesus doesn’t reserve authority for the elite. He equips anyone who follows Him.
2. Authority Comes With Purpose, Not Ego
When the 72 returned, they were pumped:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17)
Jesus quickly grounds them:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
It’s a reminder: power isn’t about status. It’s about mission.
A few things to notice:
- Jesus isn’t anti-celebration. He’s pro-perspective.
- Authority is a tool for service, not self-importance.
- Your identity in Christ is more valuable than what you do for Him.
Ask yourself: Am I more excited about what I do for God, or about being with God?
3. Jesus Sends Us Out in Teams
Notice Jesus sends them two by two (Luke 10:1). He doesn’t ask them to go solo.
Why?
- Support: Two people can encourage each other when it gets hard.
- Accountability: No room for pride or abuse of power.
- Witness: Two witnesses validate a testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Even Jesus rarely worked alone. He modeled team-based ministry from the start. So should we.
Practical tip: If you’re trying to walk your faith alone, don’t. Find at least one person to walk with.
4. The Harvest is Plentiful, Workers Are Few
Jesus opens the whole mission with this:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2)
This verse is often quoted, but here’s why it matters:
- Jesus sees a world full of opportunity—not obstacles.
- He’s asking us to pray for more people, not just do more ourselves.
- God owns the mission—it’s His harvest.
So what can you do?
- Pray for more workers.
- Be available to go yourself.
- Stop thinking there’s nothing for you to do—Jesus says the field is full.
5. Expect Resistance, But Don’t Fear It
Jesus was blunt:
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3)
That’s not exactly comforting. But it’s honest.
Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat mission work. It’s risky, countercultural, and sometimes dangerous. But He also promises protection (Luke 10:19) and eternal reward (Luke 10:20).
Here’s how to apply that:
- Don’t be shocked when you’re rejected or misunderstood.
- Don’t compromise truth to avoid tension.
- Keep your peace, but don’t abandon your message.
Jesus gave them authority knowing they’d face pushback. Same goes for you.
6. Simplicity Keeps You Focused
Jesus tells them not to take bags, extra clothes, or money (Luke 10:4). He’s not against preparation—but He is against distraction.
Too much baggage—physical or emotional—can weigh you down. Jesus wanted them laser-focused on the mission.
How does this relate today?
- You don’t need a perfect setup to start serving God.
- Don’t wait until you’re “ready enough.”
- Keep things simple: go, trust, speak, love.
Bottom line: Strip away distractions. Stay mission-minded.
7. Peace Is Part of Your Mission
Jesus tells them, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5)
They weren’t just preaching—they were bringing shalom (peace, wholeness, restoration). As followers of Jesus, we don’t just say peace. We bring it.
What this looks like today:
- Bless people before you argue with them.
- Lead with peace, not debate.
- Create calm in chaos. That’s part of your authority.
You’re not just a messenger. You’re a carrier of kingdom peace.
8. God Can Use Ordinary People for Extraordinary Work
This might be the biggest takeaway. These 72 weren’t famous. They weren’t trained. They weren’t the Twelve Apostles.
But Jesus trusted them with real ministry. He gave them power over demons, authority to heal, and the message of the kingdom.
What’s the lesson?
- You don’t need a platform to be powerful.
- You don’t need credentials to be used by God.
- Jesus still sends “ordinary” people to do extraordinary things.
If He trusted them, He can trust you too.
Final Thoughts: You’re Sent, Too
The mission of the 72 isn’t a one-time event—it’s a preview of the life Jesus calls us into. If you follow Jesus, you’re sent too. You’re equipped with authority, called into purpose, backed by the Spirit, and surrounded by a global team.
So what should you do?
- Pray for clarity – What is God asking you to do?
- Step out with courage – You have authority; act like it.
- Stay humble – Rejoice more in your salvation than in your success.
- Partner with others – Don’t go it alone.
- Keep it simple – Trust Jesus and take action.
Jesus gave the 72 more than a mission. He gave them a model. One that still works today.
Key Scriptures to Read:
- Luke 10:1–20 — The main story
- Matthew 28:18–20 — The Great Commission
- Acts 1:8 — Power from the Holy Spirit
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 — We are Christ’s ambassadors
FAQs: What Can We Learn from the Authority Jesus Gave the 72?
1. What is the significance of Jesus sending out the 72 in Luke 10?
Jesus sending out the 72 shows that He gives authority and responsibility to ordinary followers—not just apostles. It was a model for mission, power, and partnership that still applies to believers today.
2. What kind of authority did Jesus give the 72 disciples?
Jesus gave them spiritual authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of God (Luke 10:9, 19). This authority was real and effective, not symbolic.
3. Are Christians today given the same authority as the 72?
Yes. Through the Holy Spirit, believers today still receive spiritual authority to act in Jesus’ name (Acts 1:8). That includes praying for healing, sharing the gospel, and resisting spiritual opposition.
4. Why did Jesus send the 72 in pairs?
Jesus sent them two by two for support, accountability, and as a witness team. Ministry isn’t meant to be done alone. Partnership strengthens both the mission and the messenger.
5. What does it mean that the harvest is plentiful but workers are few?
It means there’s no shortage of people who need to hear and experience the gospel—only a shortage of those willing to go. Jesus wants more people stepping up and stepping out.
6. How should modern believers apply the lessons from Luke 10?
Start where you are. Share Jesus with people around you, pray boldly, partner with others, and rely on the Spirit. Keep things simple and mission-focused, just like Jesus instructed.
7. What does Jesus mean by “rejoice that your names are written in heaven”?
He’s reminding us that identity in Christ is more important than results in ministry. Your relationship with God matters more than what you accomplish for Him.
8. Why does Jesus warn that He’s sending them like lambs among wolves?
Jesus is honest—following Him will involve resistance. But He also promises protection and presence, so we can go with confidence, not fear.
9. What does “peace to this house” mean in Luke 10:5?
It means believers are meant to bring peace wherever they go—God’s peace that restores, calms, and blesses. It’s a reminder that we’re messengers of both truth and grace.
10. Can God really use ordinary people like the 72?
Absolutely. The 72 weren’t famous or specially trained. God still uses everyday people to do kingdom work—if you’re available and obedient, He can use you too.
