Jesus’ training of the 72 in Luke 10 is a practical, powerful model for how He equips everyday people for kingdom work. He chose regular followers, gave them clear instructions, warned them of the challenges, and sent them out with authority. His method wasn’t complicated—go in pairs, speak peace, meet needs, share the Gospel, and keep moving even when rejected. Through it all, Jesus emphasized obedience over results and reminded them that their identity in Him was the foundation of their mission.
This simple approach still applies today. Whether you’re new to ministry or looking to grow in your calling, Jesus’ training strategy is a blueprint you can follow. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being willing. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how each part of His training unfolds and how you can apply it in your own life and ministry right now.
When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples, He wasn’t just giving them a mission—He was training them for kingdom work. These weren’t the original 12 apostles. These were everyday followers who were willing to be used. And what Jesus did with them teaches us how He equips ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or simply someone who wants to be used by God, what Jesus did in Luke 10 gives us a step-by-step look at how He trains people for ministry and mission.
1. Jesus Chose and Sent the 72 (Luke 10:1)
“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.”
Jesus personally appointed 72 people. This shows that He chooses people intentionally, not randomly. He didn’t just rely on the 12. He multiplied the work by including more followers.
What this means:
- Jesus values team expansion. He’s not looking for superstars—He’s looking for the willing.
- He sent them in pairs. No one does ministry alone. You need support, encouragement, and accountability.
2. He Gave Them a Clear Mission (Luke 10:1)
Jesus didn’t leave them wondering what to do. He told them exactly where to go—towns He was about to visit.
This is important: They were preparing the way for Jesus. The work wasn’t about them; it was about pointing people to Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Your job in kingdom work is to prepare hearts for Jesus.
- Don’t try to be the Savior. Your role is to lead people to Him.
3. He Told Them the Harvest is Plentiful (Luke 10:2)
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jesus made it clear: there’s no shortage of people who need the Gospel. But there is a shortage of workers.
Practical Lessons:
- Don’t wait to be more “ready”—Jesus says we need more workers now.
- Prayer is part of training. He tells them to pray before they go.
4. He Warned Them About the Risks (Luke 10:3)
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat it. He wanted them to know the mission would be tough.
What this teaches:
- Kingdom work involves spiritual opposition.
- Expect resistance, but go anyway. Jesus is upfront about the cost.
5. He Trained Them to Travel Light (Luke 10:4)
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.”
This wasn’t about being unprepared. It was about learning to trust God for provision and staying focused.
Application for You:
- Don’t get distracted by stuff.
- Stay focused on the mission. Trust God to provide what you need.
6. He Taught Them How to Engage People (Luke 10:5–9)
Jesus gave them a basic plan:
- Speak peace: “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’”
- Stay where you’re welcomed. Build relationships. Don’t jump around.
- Eat what’s given. Be humble. Don’t be picky.
- Heal the sick and preach the kingdom.
This reveals a simple ministry model:
- Start with peace.
- Build trust.
- Meet real needs.
- Proclaim truth.
7. He Prepared Them for Rejection (Luke 10:10–16)
Jesus didn’t promise every town would listen. He told them what to do if people rejected them: shake off the dust and move on.
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me.”
Key Point:
- Don’t take rejection personally. It’s not about you.
- You’re an ambassador. If someone rejects the message, they’re rejecting the King.
8. He Gave Them Authority (Luke 10:17–20)
When the 72 came back, they were amazed:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!”
Jesus gave them real spiritual authority. But He reminded them:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Training Truth:
- Kingdom power flows from relationship with Jesus, not just results.
- Stay humble. Your identity in Christ is your foundation.
9. He Rejoiced Over Their Obedience (Luke 10:21)
“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father…’”
Jesus celebrated their success—not because they were perfect, but because they obeyed.
This is huge. When you step out in faith, Jesus rejoices.
How You Can Apply This Today
Jesus’ training of the 72 wasn’t just for then—it’s for now. Here’s how you can walk it out in your life:
1. Be Available
You don’t have to be a pastor or missionary. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re called to kingdom work.
2. Pray and Go
Start by praying. Then take action. Who in your life needs peace, healing, or truth?
3. Go in Pairs
Find a ministry partner. Jesus sent them two-by-two for a reason.
4. Don’t Get Distracted
Stay focused. Don’t get caught up in fear, comfort, or material stuff.
5. Expect Resistance
It’s normal. Don’t let it stop you.
6. Celebrate Obedience
You may not see big results right away. But obedience is success in God’s eyes.
Final Thoughts
The way Jesus trained the 72 is simple, but it’s powerful. He called ordinary people, gave them clear instructions, and sent them out with purpose. Then He celebrated their faithfulness.
And that’s still His method today.
If you’re wondering how to serve God, look at Luke 10. Jesus isn’t waiting for perfect people—He’s looking for available ones. He trains as He sends. And if you follow His model, you’ll be doing exactly what the 72 did: real kingdom work that prepares the way for Jesus.
So, the question is: Are you ready to go?
Key Verse Recap:
- Luke 10:2 – “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…”
- Luke 10:3 – “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
- Luke 10:9 – “Heal the sick… and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
- Luke 10:20 – “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
FAQs: How Jesus Trained the 72 for Kingdom Work
1. What does Luke 10 teach about how Jesus trained the 72 for kingdom work?
Luke 10 shows that Jesus trained the 72 by sending them out in pairs with specific instructions to preach, heal, and prepare people to receive Him. He taught them to depend on God, expect rejection, and focus on obedience over results.
2. Why did Jesus send the 72 out two by two?
Jesus sent them in pairs for mutual support, accountability, and encouragement. Ministry is not meant to be done alone—Jesus modeled a team approach for effective kingdom work.
3. What was the purpose of sending the 72 ahead of Jesus?
Jesus sent them ahead to prepare the way for His arrival. Their mission was to get people ready to hear and respond to the message of the kingdom.
4. How were the 72 trained to handle rejection?
Jesus warned them that some would reject their message. He taught them to “shake the dust off” and move on, understanding that rejection of the message is ultimately a rejection of Him, not the messenger.
5. What authority did Jesus give the 72 disciples?
He gave them authority to heal the sick and cast out demons in His name. However, He reminded them that their joy should come from being saved, not just from seeing spiritual power at work.
6. What can we learn from how Jesus trained the 72 for our own ministry today?
We learn that Jesus values availability over perfection, obedience over results, and team-based ministry. His simple instructions are still effective for anyone called to serve today.
7. Why did Jesus tell the 72 not to take money, a bag, or extra sandals?
He was teaching them to trust God for provision and to stay focused on the mission without distractions or self-reliance.
8. What kind of message were the 72 told to preach?
They were told to proclaim, “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:9). Their message was about the nearness of God’s rule and the call to respond to it.
9. How did Jesus respond when the 72 returned from their mission?
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit over their obedience and faith. He celebrated their willingness to serve and reminded them to stay grounded in their relationship with God.
10. Is this model of training only for pastors or missionaries?
No, it’s for every follower of Jesus. The 72 weren’t elite leaders—they were everyday disciples. Jesus’ model shows how anyone can be equipped for kingdom work through obedience and trust.
