In Luke 10:1–20, Jesus sends out 72 disciples to prepare the towns ahead of His visit, tasking them with proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is near. Their mission was clear and simple: heal the sick, share the message, and rely on partnership for strength and accountability. Though not everyone would welcome them, Jesus emphasized the importance of persistence and staying focused on their true identity as God’s followers, rather than on the power or success they experienced.
This passage isn’t just an ancient story—it’s a call for you today to step into your own mission with confidence, humility, and joy. Understanding the purpose and challenges faced by the 72 disciples can inspire and equip you for your journey. Keep reading to dive deeper into the lessons of Luke 10:1–20 and discover how this powerful passage applies to your life and calling.
Luke 10:1–20 tells the story of Jesus sending out 72 disciples (some manuscripts say 70) on a mission ahead of Him. This moment isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a powerful lesson in purpose, mission, and authority that still speaks directly to us today.
So what was the real purpose behind Jesus sending out these 72? What does it mean for you? Let’s break it down.
1. The Mission: Why Jesus Sent the 72
Luke 10:1 (NIV):
“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 didn’t send these 72 to hang out or pass time. He had a clear mission:
- To prepare the way: These disciples went into towns Jesus planned to visit. They were like spiritual advance teams.
- To spread the message: Their job was to proclaim that the Kingdom of God was near (Luke 10:9).
- To train them for ministry: This was hands-on training. They weren’t just listeners anymore—they were doers.
This wasn’t the first time Jesus sent people out. In Luke 9, He sent out the 12 apostles. But now He expands it to a larger group. That tells us the mission of the Gospel isn’t just for an elite few. It’s for anyone willing to follow Jesus.
2. The Method: Sent Two by Two
Why two by two?
- Accountability: It’s harder to fall into temptation or give up when someone’s with you.
- Encouragement: Ministry isn’t easy. Having a partner helps you stay motivated.
- Credibility: Jewish law required two witnesses to validate a testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15).
This model still applies. Whether it’s evangelism, missions, or simply helping others, doing it in partnership strengthens the work.
3. The Message: “The Kingdom of God Has Come Near”
In Luke 10:9, Jesus gives a simple message:
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
This wasn’t just a nice slogan. The disciples were declaring something radical:
- God’s rule is arriving: Not just in heaven, but right here, right now.
- Healing as a sign: They healed the sick to show the Kingdom’s power and compassion.
- Urgency to respond: When God’s Kingdom comes near, you can’t stay neutral.
Even when people rejected the message, the disciples were told to say (Luke 10:11),
“Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.”
The message didn’t change based on how people responded. And that’s key: truth doesn’t shift based on popularity.
4. The Warnings: Not Everyone Will Listen
Jesus was blunt. He said in Luke 10:3:
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
Not everyone would welcome the disciples. Some towns would reject them outright. Jesus gave them instructions for both responses:
- If welcomed: Stay, eat what’s offered, minister, and bless the household.
- If rejected: Shake the dust off your feet as a warning and move on.
Jesus even referenced ancient cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, saying some of them would fare better than the cities rejecting the Gospel (Luke 10:12–15). That’s a bold comparison. It shows that rejecting Jesus is serious.
5. The Results: Power and Joy in the Mission
When the 72 returned, they were pumped. Luke 10:17 says:
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!’”
Jesus acknowledges this success but redirects their focus:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
What’s He saying?
- Spiritual authority is real, and the disciples exercised it.
- But their identity shouldn’t be in success, power, or miracles.
- True joy comes from being known by God—their names written in heaven.
That’s a critical point. Power can be exciting, but it’s not the goal. Relationship with God is.
6. Key Lessons for You Today
So how does Luke 10:1–20 apply to you? This isn’t just a story—it’s a blueprint.
1. You’re Sent
If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re also sent. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) makes that clear.
2. Keep It Simple
Jesus didn’t give them a massive manual. Their message was short. Their actions—healing, blessing, and proclaiming—did the heavy lifting.
3. Not Everyone Will Accept It
Rejection is part of the deal. Jesus said to expect it. Don’t let it stop you.
4. Ministry Isn’t Meant to Be Done Alone
Find a partner in faith. Whether it’s for prayer, mission work, or accountability, you’ll go farther together.
5. Your True Identity Is in Christ
Success in ministry isn’t your identity. What matters most is being known by God.
7. Numbers and Symbolism: Why 72?
There’s a bit of debate here—some manuscripts say 70, others say 72. What’s the significance?
- 70 represents the nations listed in Genesis 10—symbolizing a mission to the whole world.
- 72 is linked to certain Greek versions of the Old Testament that count 72 nations.
Either way, the symbolism is clear: the mission is global. It’s not just for Israel. It’s for everyone.
8. Bonus Insight: Jesus’ Joy
Luke 10:21 says:
“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father…’”
Jesus was thrilled. Why? Because God revealed truth to the humble, not the proud.
That moment gives a rare glimpse into Jesus’ emotional life—and it shows how deeply He cares about people stepping into their calling.
Final Thoughts
Luke 10:1–20 is more than a story of an ancient mission. It’s a call to action.
You’re invited into that same mission—to go, speak, heal, love, and trust. And most importantly, to rejoice that your name is written in heaven.
So, the next time you read Luke 10, don’t think of it as “back then.” Think of it as your marching orders today.
Quick Summary
- 72 disciples were sent out to prepare the way for Jesus.
- Their mission was to heal, proclaim, and represent the Kingdom of God.
- They went in pairs for support and witness.
- Rejection was expected, but the message stayed the same.
- True success isn’t power—it’s being known by God.
Want to go deeper? Read Luke 10:1–20 yourself, and ask: Where is Jesus sending me?
FAQs: Luke 10:1–20: Understanding the Purpose of the 72 Disciples
1. Who were the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1–20?
The 72 disciples were followers of Jesus whom He appointed and sent out in pairs to towns ahead of Him. Their role was to prepare the way for His visit and spread the message of God’s Kingdom.
2. What was the main purpose of sending the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1–20?
Jesus sent them to proclaim that the Kingdom of God was near, heal the sick, and announce His coming. They were also being trained to carry on His mission.
3. Why did Jesus send the 72 disciples out two by two?
Jesus sent them in pairs for accountability, mutual support, and to provide two witnesses as required by Jewish law, ensuring their testimony was credible.
4. What message did the 72 disciples bring according to Luke 10:1–20?
Their message was simple: “The kingdom of God has come near.” They also demonstrated the Kingdom through healing and acts of compassion.
5. How were the 72 disciples instructed to handle rejection?
Jesus told them to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against towns that rejected their message and to move on without discouragement.
6. What authority did the 72 disciples have in Luke 10:1–20?
They were given authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons in Jesus’ name, showing the power of God working through them.
7. What lesson about joy did Jesus teach the 72 disciples upon their return?
Jesus told them to rejoice not because demons submitted to them, but because their names were written in heaven—highlighting the importance of their identity in God.
8. How does the mission of the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1–20 apply to Christians today?
Like the 72, Christians are sent to share the Gospel, help others, face rejection, work together, and find joy in their relationship with God.
9. What is the significance of the number 72 in Luke 10:1–20?
The number symbolizes the mission to all nations, reflecting the broader scope of spreading the Gospel beyond just the twelve apostles.
10. How does Luke 10:1–20 emphasize partnership in ministry?
By sending the disciples two by two, Jesus modeled that ministry is most effective when done in partnership, providing support and shared responsibility.
