The story of Jesus sending out the 72 in Luke 10 isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a powerful example of how ordinary people can live on mission with God. Jesus used this moment to teach key lessons about prayer, teamwork, boldness, trust, and focus. He showed that the harvest (people ready to hear the Gospel) is abundant, but what’s missing are willing workers. If you follow Jesus, you’re invited to step into that work, not with fear or pressure, but with confidence that He equips those He sends.
This mission wasn’t about titles or training. It was about obedience, partnership, and faith. Jesus told the 72 to go out humbly, stay focused, look for people ready to receive, and trust God with the outcome. And He reminded them that their true joy shouldn’t come from success, but from knowing they belong to Him. Want to see how these truths can shape your life and calling today? Keep reading for a deeper dive into each lesson.
The story of Jesus sending out the 72 disciples in Luke 10 is one of those moments in the Bible that’s often read quickly but deserves a much deeper look. It’s not just a historical event—it’s packed with lessons Jesus wanted His followers to understand and live out. If you’re serious about understanding what it means to follow Jesus and share His message, this passage is for you.
Let’s break it down simply, clearly, and directly.
What Actually Happened?
In Luke 10:1–3, we read:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.’”
Jesus handpicked 72 disciples, not just the 12 apostles. He sent them out two by two to prepare the way in towns He hadn’t yet visited. They were forerunners, like John the Baptist before Jesus’ public ministry.
Why 72? Some scholars tie it back to Genesis 10, where there are 70 or 72 nations listed—symbolizing the whole world. In other words, this wasn’t just a local mission. Jesus was pointing to something bigger: the global mission of the Gospel.
Why Two by Two?
There’s a practical and spiritual reason.
- Practical: You’re stronger together. Two people can support each other, hold each other accountable, and be safer on the road.
- Spiritual: In Jewish law, testimony required two witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus was sending out witnesses of the Kingdom.
If you’re trying to serve God or share your faith, don’t do it alone. You’re not meant to. Partnership matters.
The Core Lessons Jesus Was Teaching
1. The Harvest Is Ready, Workers Are Few
Jesus wasn’t talking about crops—He was talking about people. There are always more people ready to hear the Gospel than there are people willing to share it.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” – Luke 10:2
Lesson: Don’t assume no one wants to hear. Plenty of people are searching for truth and hope. The real shortage is in people willing to step out and go.
Ask yourself: Am I one of the laborers Jesus is asking for?
2. Pray First, Then Go
Jesus said to pray before sending them out.
That’s not random. He was teaching that mission always starts with prayer. You can’t rely on clever words or strategies. You need God’s direction and power.
Lesson: Don’t skip prayer. You’re joining God in His work—not doing Him a favor.
3. Expect Resistance
“I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.” – Luke 10:3
That’s not exactly comforting, is it? But Jesus never sugarcoated things.
He was preparing them—and us—for the reality that sharing the Gospel will sometimes be hard. People might reject you, criticize you, or worse. But you’re not alone.
Lesson: If you’re facing pushback, you might be right where Jesus wants you.
4. Travel Light and Stay Focused
“Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals…” – Luke 10:4
Jesus was teaching dependence on God. Don’t be weighed down by stuff. Don’t get distracted. Trust that your needs will be provided.
Lesson: When you’re on mission, you don’t need everything figured out. Obedience matters more than preparation.
5. Look for Receptive People
“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’… If not, it will return to you.” – Luke 10:5–6
Jesus wasn’t telling them to argue with people. He told them to find people open to the message and stay there. Invest in those who are spiritually hungry.
Lesson: Don’t waste time trying to force people to believe. Look for those who are ready and willing.
6. The Message Is the Kingdom
“Heal the sick…and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” – Luke 10:9
They weren’t just spreading a new philosophy. They were demonstrating God’s power and proclaiming His Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God means God’s rule breaking into real life—healing, freedom, forgiveness, restoration.
Lesson: When you serve others, heal, and speak truth, you’re showing people what life under God’s reign looks like.
7. God Judges Rejection, Not You
“It will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” – Luke 10:12
That’s a strong warning. But Jesus was showing that if people reject the message, they’re rejecting God—not you.
Lesson: Your job is to share. The results are up to God.
What Happened When They Came Back?
In Luke 10:17, the 72 returned with joy:
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
They were pumped. They saw real spiritual power. But Jesus gave a surprising response.
“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:20
Lesson: Success in ministry is great. But your identity in Christ matters more. Don’t base your joy on what you do for God. Base it on what He’s done for you.
So What Does This Mean for You Today?
The mission of the 72 isn’t just ancient history. It’s a blueprint for every believer. Here’s what it looks like today:
1. Be Willing to Go
- You don’t need a title or a Bible degree.
- You just need a heart that says “yes” when Jesus sends you.
2. Start With Prayer
- Ask God to open doors, guide your steps, and prepare people’s hearts.
3. Go With Someone
- Find a partner in faith. Don’t do it alone.
4. Trust God to Provide
- Whether it’s resources, words, or courage—He will.
5. Look for Open Doors
- Share with those who seem spiritually curious. Don’t force it.
6. Live the Message
- Let your actions show the love of Jesus. Serve. Heal. Be real.
7. Stay Grounded
- Don’t chase signs and wonders. Chase intimacy with Jesus.
Final Thoughts
The mission of the 72 shows us that Jesus is serious about reaching people—and He wants to use you to do it. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to step up, this is it. Jesus said the harvest is ready. The only question is—are you?
Let His words shape your next steps. Go where He sends. Say what He tells you. Trust Him for the rest.
“Here am I. Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8
Now it’s your turn.
FAQs: The Mission of the 72: What Jesus Was Teaching Through Their Sending
1. What is “The Mission of the 72” in the Bible?
The Mission of the 72 refers to the moment in Luke 10:1–20 when Jesus sent out seventy-two of His followers in pairs to go ahead of Him into towns, preaching the Kingdom of God and healing the sick. It was a major step in spreading His message beyond the core group of 12 apostles.
2. Why did Jesus send out 72 disciples instead of just the 12 apostles?
Jesus was showing that the mission wasn’t limited to church leaders or a special inner circle. He wanted all believers to be involved in spreading the Gospel, making it clear that ordinary followers had a role in God’s work.
3. What was Jesus teaching through the sending of the 72?
He taught several core lessons: the urgency of the harvest, the need for prayer, the importance of going in pairs, how to trust God for provision, how to handle rejection, and the need to stay grounded in their identity, not just their results.
4. Why did Jesus send them out two by two?
Sending them in pairs provided spiritual support, accountability, and fulfilled the Jewish requirement for two witnesses. It also helped them stay encouraged and effective in ministry.
5. What does “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” mean?
Jesus meant that many people are spiritually ready to receive the Gospel, but few are actually willing to go and share it. It’s a call for more believers to step into active mission work.
6. How should Christians today apply the mission of the 72?
Christians today can apply it by being available to serve, praying before acting, working with others in ministry, looking for open hearts, trusting God to meet their needs, and focusing on faithfulness over results.
7. What was the main message the 72 were supposed to share?
Their core message was simple: “The Kingdom of God has come near to you.” It meant that God’s reign was breaking into the world through Jesus—bringing healing, peace, and restoration.
8. How did Jesus prepare the 72 for rejection?
Jesus warned them that not everyone would welcome their message. He told them to move on when rejected and reminded them that it was ultimately God, not them, being rejected.
9. Why did Jesus say to rejoice that “your names are written in heaven”?
He was teaching them not to find their identity in ministry success or spiritual power, but in their secure relationship with God. Their value came from being His, not from what they did.
10. What can we learn today from the Mission of the 72?
We learn that God’s mission is for all believers, not just leaders. He calls us to go out with faith, humility, and urgency, trusting that He’s already at work in the hearts of others.
