In Walking in the Footsteps of the 72: Living Sent in Everyday Life, we explore how ordinary followers of Jesus can live with extraordinary purpose. Drawing from Luke 10, we see how Jesus sent out seventy-two regular people—not pastors, not preachers—just faithful believers willing to go where He led. This same calling is for you today. Living sent doesn’t mean uprooting your life; it means seeing your daily spaces—work, home, community—as places God has placed you on purpose.
This article breaks down what Jesus told the 72, how they lived it out, and what it means for your job, your relationships, and even your social media. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to live out your faith beyond Sunday, this guide will give you clarity and practical steps. Keep reading for a deeper dive into living sent—right where you are.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to live on mission as a follower of Jesus, look no further than the story of the 72. In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two of His followers ahead of Him. They weren’t the apostles. They weren’t famous. Most of them are nameless. But they were sent—and that changes everything.
Living “sent” isn’t about doing something radical. It’s about being intentional with your everyday life. Whether you’re at work, in school, raising kids, or grabbing coffee, your life can carry the presence of Jesus into every space. Let’s look at what that means, how the 72 lived it out, and how you can walk in their footsteps today.
1. Who Were the 72?
Luke 10:1-2 says:
“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. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
These 72 weren’t part of the original 12 disciples. They were everyday believers—just like you. Jesus called them, equipped them, and sent them.
Key facts:
- They were ordinary people: No titles. No platform. Just obedience.
- They went in pairs: Community mattered. They didn’t go alone.
- They were forerunners: They prepared the way for Jesus in towns He hadn’t yet visited.
So why them? Because God doesn’t just call the qualified. He qualifies the called. And that includes you.
2. What Did Jesus Tell Them to Do?
Jesus gave them specific instructions that apply to us today. Here’s a breakdown:
a. Go Where You’re Sent
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3)
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat it. The mission would be tough, but it was necessary. You don’t have to wait for a divine sign to live sent. Start with where you are:
- Your job
- Your neighborhood
- Your school
- Your social media
Wherever you are, you’re sent there.
b. Travel Light
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals…” (Luke 10:4)
He was teaching them dependence. Don’t get so caught up in stuff—material or emotional—that it slows you down. Trust God to provide.
c. Speak Peace
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5)
Bring peace into every interaction. Your presence should make rooms feel lighter, not heavier. Your words should build, not break.
d. Heal and Proclaim
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” (Luke 10:9)
You’re not just called to be nice. You’re called to bring wholeness and truth. Pray for people. Share your faith. Be bold.
3. Living Sent in Everyday Life
Living sent isn’t about doing more—it’s about living with purpose. Here’s how it looks in your daily rhythm:
a. At Work
You don’t need to preach during meetings. But you can:
- Encourage coworkers
- Show integrity
- Pray silently for people as you pass them
- Ask God to open conversations naturally
b. At Home
Your family is your first mission field. Be present. Model grace. Talk about God. Make room for prayer and Scripture.
c. In Your Neighborhood
Jesus often ministered in homes and streets. So can you.
- Greet your neighbors
- Host a meal
- Offer to pray for someone going through a hard time
- Invite them to church
d. Online
Yes, even your digital life can be mission-focused:
- Post encouraging content
- Be kind in comment sections
- Share testimonies or verses
- Use your platform wisely
4. What Happens When You Say Yes?
The 72 came back amazed:
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’” (Luke 10:17)
Here’s what happens when you step into your calling:
a. You’ll Experience Joy
There’s nothing like knowing God used you to impact someone else. It’s energizing.
b. You’ll Grow Spiritually
When you live sent, you rely on the Holy Spirit more. That deepens your walk with God.
c. You’ll Impact Eternity
You may never see the full results, but seeds you plant can lead to eternal change.
5. What Living Sent Is Not
Let’s clear up a few myths.
It’s Not About Being Loud
You don’t need to shout from a street corner. Most mission happens in quiet, faithful conversations.
It’s Not About Being Perfect
The 72 weren’t perfect. You don’t have to have it all together. Just be willing.
It’s Not Just for Pastors or Missionaries
This is key: every believer is sent. You’re part of God’s plan for the world. Don’t sit on the sidelines.
6. Simple Ways to Start Today
You might be thinking, “I want to live sent, but where do I begin?” Here are 5 easy ways:
- Start your day with this prayer: “God, send me today. Open my eyes to opportunities.”
- Listen more: Sometimes being sent means simply showing up and being present.
- Look for needs: Ask, “How can I serve someone today?”
- Invite: A small invite (to church, coffee, or a Bible study) can change a life.
- Follow up: Don’t just make a connection—build a relationship.
7. Final Encouragement: You’re Already Chosen
Jesus told the 72:
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
Don’t measure your success by results. Measure it by obedience.
You’ve already been chosen. You’ve already been sent. You don’t need a platform—just a heart that says yes.
Conclusion: Live Like the 72
You don’t need to go overseas to be on mission. You don’t need to have a seminary degree. You just need to live sent—right where you are.
The 72 were ordinary people who said yes to an extraordinary calling. You can too.
So take a deep breath, pray a simple prayer, and step into your day with this truth:
You are sent.
“Walking in the Footsteps of the 72: Living Sent in Everyday Life”
1. What does “Walking in the Footsteps of the 72” mean?
It refers to following the example of the 72 people Jesus sent out in Luke 10. They were ordinary believers who lived with intentionality and shared the message of God’s kingdom in their everyday lives.
2. Who were the 72 in the Bible?
The 72 were followers of Jesus who were sent out in pairs to towns ahead of Him to proclaim peace, heal the sick, and share the good news. They weren’t the apostles—just everyday disciples willing to be used by God.
3. What does it mean to “live sent”?
To live sent means recognizing that you’ve already been called and placed by God to bring His presence into every part of your daily life—your work, home, neighborhood, and beyond.
4. Do I need to be in full-time ministry to live sent?
Not at all. The 72 weren’t full-time ministers. You can live sent as a student, a parent, a business owner, or anything else. God uses regular people with willing hearts.
5. How can I live sent at work?
Be kind, work with integrity, build relationships, and look for ways to serve and encourage. Living sent at work means seeing your job as a place of mission, not just a paycheck.
6. What if I don’t feel qualified?
You’re not alone. The 72 weren’t scholars or experts either. Jesus equips those He sends. If you’re willing, He’ll use you—right where you are.
7. Is living sent about always talking about Jesus?
Not always. It’s about being present, showing love, and building trust. When the time is right, your words will carry more weight because your life has already shown Jesus.
8. Can I live sent online too?
Absolutely. Use your social platforms to spread encouragement, truth, and hope. Be intentional about how you represent Jesus digitally.
9. How do I start living sent today?
Pray a simple prayer: “God, send me today.” Then pay attention. Look for small opportunities to love, serve, and speak life into someone’s day.
10. Why is this message important right now?
Because the world is hungry for hope, and every believer has a role to play. Walking in the footsteps of the 72 reminds us we don’t have to wait—we’re already sent.
