The 72 disciples in Luke 10 give us a clear, powerful example of what obedient faith looks like in action. They weren’t famous or specially gifted—they were everyday believers who said “yes” when Jesus called. Without hesitation, they followed His instructions, trusted Him for provision, and brought peace, healing, and the message of God’s Kingdom to every place they entered. Their story reminds us that obedience to God isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about trusting the One who sends us.
Their faith wasn’t comfortable, but it was effective. Despite challenges, they returned filled with joy, not because of what they did, but because of who they belonged to. If you’re wondering what it looks like to live a life of real faith today, their journey has a lot to teach. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how their actions model bold, simple obedience—and how you can walk in the same faith today.
When we talk about faith in action, it’s hard to find a better example than the 72 disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10. These weren’t just followers—they were active participants in God’s mission. They modeled obedient faith in a way that still speaks directly to us today.
So, how exactly did they do it? What can we learn from them? Let’s break it down.
1. Who Were the 72 Disciples?
You might already be familiar with the 12 apostles, but in Luke 10:1, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them out in pairs:
“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)
These weren’t famous names like Peter or John. They were ordinary believers—people like you—given an extraordinary mission.
They represent the “everyday Christian” who responds to God’s call without needing fame or status.
2. They Said Yes Without Hesitation
One of the most striking things about the 72 disciples is this: they obeyed without delay.
There’s no mention of excuses or questions. Jesus gives the instructions, and they go.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Luke 10:2
Jesus is saying, “The need is urgent. Go now.”
Obedient faith says yes even when:
- The path isn’t fully clear.
- The mission seems risky.
- The outcome isn’t guaranteed.
Faith isn’t waiting until it feels safe. It’s trusting the One who sends you.
3. They Went Empty-Handed (on Purpose)
Jesus gave them strange marching orders:
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” – Luke 10:4
Basically: Travel light. Trust God.
Why? Because obedience isn’t about being fully equipped. It’s about being fully dependent.
What did this mean practically?
- No backup supplies = total reliance on God.
- No distractions = total focus on the mission.
- No small talk = urgency over social customs.
Today, you don’t need to have it all together before saying yes to God. Obedient faith walks even when your hands are empty—because your heart is full of trust.
4. They Carried Peace Into Every Home
Jesus told them:
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” – Luke 10:5
This wasn’t just a greeting. It was a spiritual blessing.
They didn’t bring judgment. They brought peace, healing, and hope. Faith-filled obedience isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about showing up in love.
Here’s how obedient faith looked in their actions:
- Healing the sick – Luke 10:9
- Staying where they were welcomed – Luke 10:7
- Declaring the nearness of God – Luke 10:9
They did what Jesus told them to do. No more. No less.
5. They Didn’t Expect Comfort
Jesus warned them upfront:
“I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” – Luke 10:3
Not exactly a motivational speech. But He was honest.
Obedient faith doesn’t seek ease—it embraces sacrifice.
What challenges did they face?
- Rejection from towns (Luke 10:10)
- No financial security
- Physical discomfort
- Social resistance
And still, they went.
The truth is, obedient faith often costs something. But what you gain is far more valuable.
6. They Returned with Joy
When the 72 came back, they were thrilled:
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!'” – Luke 10:17
Notice something here: their joy came after obedience, not before.
They saw God work through them because they stepped out in faith. And Jesus responds:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:20
Obedience leads to lasting joy—not just temporary results.
7. They Understood Their Authority Came from Christ
Jesus reminded 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.” – Luke 10:19
The 72 weren’t strong in themselves. Their power came directly from Jesus.
Obedient faith recognizes its source. You don’t move forward because you’re confident in yourself. You move forward because you’re confident in Him.
8. Key Lessons for Us Today
If you’re a believer wondering what it looks like to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, the 72 disciples offer a powerful model.
Here’s what you can take away:
- Be Available – You don’t need status. Just say yes.
- Be Dependent – You don’t need all the answers. Just trust.
- Be Bold – You may face resistance. Go anyway.
- Be Peaceful – Bring the Kingdom with grace, not aggression.
- Be Joyful – Your obedience will bear fruit—sometimes in ways you’ll only see later.
9. How You Can Live with Obedient Faith
Here are 5 practical ways to walk in the footsteps of the 72:
- Start your day with surrender – Say, “Lord, I’m available. Use me today.”
- Look for divine appointments – Ask God to show you people who need encouragement or prayer.
- Take faith risks – Whether it’s sharing the gospel or stepping into a new ministry, trust God with the outcome.
- Serve without expecting recognition – Remember, the 72 aren’t even named—but their obedience mattered.
- Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer – Obedience grows when you stay close to Jesus daily.
Final Thought: Faith That Moves
Obedient faith isn’t flashy. It’s not always easy. But it’s powerful.
The 72 disciples show us that when we trust Jesus fully and obey Him completely, God uses ordinary people for extraordinary impact.
Your obedience could change someone’s life. Just like theirs did.
So ask yourself today:
👉 What’s Jesus calling you to do?
👉 Will you say yes?
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” – Luke 11:28
10 FAQs – How the 72 Disciples Modeled Obedient Faith
1. Who were the 72 disciples mentioned in Luke 10?
The 72 disciples were followers of Jesus appointed and sent out in pairs to preach, heal, and prepare people for His arrival. Unlike the 12 apostles, these were ordinary believers—faithful, unnamed individuals who obeyed Jesus’ instructions and served in His mission.
2. How did the 72 disciples demonstrate obedient faith?
They modeled obedient faith by saying “yes” immediately, going out with no supplies, trusting God for provision, bringing peace into homes, and faithfully carrying out Jesus’ commands without questioning the results.
3. What does it mean to have obedient faith today?
Obedient faith means trusting and obeying God even when you don’t have all the answers. It’s about responding to His call, stepping out even when it’s uncomfortable, and relying on Him instead of your own strength.
4. Why did Jesus send the 72 disciples in pairs?
Jesus sent them two by two for support, accountability, and encouragement. Ministry and mission were never meant to be done alone—community and partnership are part of obedient faith.
5. What can we learn from Jesus’ instructions to the 72 disciples?
We learn that God’s mission requires urgency, simplicity, and total dependence on Him. Jesus told them not to bring money or supplies, reminding us that obedience often starts with letting go of our need to control everything.
6. Why didn’t the 72 disciples carry money or extra supplies?
Jesus told them to travel light to teach them reliance on God’s provision. It wasn’t about being unprepared—it was about learning to walk by faith, not by sight.
7. How did the 72 disciples respond to rejection?
They were instructed to shake the dust off their feet and move on (Luke 10:10–11). They didn’t take it personally or get discouraged. Obedient faith means staying focused on the mission, not the outcome.
8. What was the result of their obedient faith?
They returned with joy, amazed that even demons submitted to Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17). More importantly, Jesus reminded them that their true joy should come from their salvation (Luke 10:20).
9. Are Christians today expected to have the same kind of obedient faith?
Yes. While the specific mission may look different, the call to follow Jesus with immediate, wholehearted obedience is still the same. We’re called to go, serve, and trust Him completely.
10. How can I develop obedient faith like the 72 disciples?
Start by making yourself available to God daily. Stay rooted in Scripture, take faith-based risks, trust God with the results, and focus more on being faithful than being perfect.
