In Luke 10, Jesus gave the 72 disciples specific, practical instructions before sending them out to spread His message. He told them to pray first, travel light, speak peace, heal the sick, and boldly proclaim that the Kingdom of God had come near. He also warned them to expect rejection but stay focused, humble, and faithful. These weren’t just rules for a one-time mission—they offer a timeless blueprint for how any follower of Jesus can live with purpose and impact.
Whether you’re just exploring faith or looking to live it out more boldly, Jesus’ guidance to the 72 still speaks clearly today. His words show us that effective mission work isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about obedience, urgency, and trusting God to work through you. Keep reading for a deeper dive into each instruction and how you can apply it in your own life.
If you’re wondering what Jesus told the 72 disciples when He sent them out, you’re not alone. This moment, recorded in Luke 10:1–24, gives us one of the clearest pictures of Jesus’ expectations for His followers in mission work.
Let’s break it down: what Jesus told them, why it mattered then, and what it means for you today.
Who Were the 72 Disciples?
Before diving into the instructions, it helps to know who these people were.
- The 72 (some translations say 70) were followers of Jesus—not part of the 12 apostles, but still close disciples.
- They were sent out two by two to towns Jesus planned to visit (Luke 10:1).
- Their mission? Prepare the way for Jesus, heal the sick, and preach the coming of God’s Kingdom.
They were the first wave of missionaries—ordinary people given an extraordinary task.
The 10 Key Instructions Jesus Gave the 72
Let’s walk through the main things Jesus told them to do. These aren’t just random commands. Each one carries meaning, both for their time and for anyone who wants to live on mission today.
1. Pray for More Workers (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.”
Before anything else, Jesus said: Pray. The mission field is huge, and there aren’t enough people in it. He didn’t say “go first”—He said pray first.
2. Go – Don’t Wait (Luke 10:3)
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
This is urgent. Jesus was clear: you’re going into a hostile world. It won’t always be safe or comfortable. But go anyway.
Key takeaway: Mission isn’t about comfort. It’s about obedience.
3. Travel Light (Luke 10:4)
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.”
Jesus told them to pack light—no extra supplies. Why?
- To depend on God, not stuff.
- To move quickly and stay focused.
He also told them not to stop for greetings, which in their culture could be long and drawn-out. Again—urgency.
4. Speak Peace (Luke 10:5–6)
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’”
The message begins with peace, not argument. If someone accepts that peace, great—stay and bless them. If not, move on.
5. Stay Where You’re Welcome (Luke 10:7–8)
“Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you… Do not move around from house to house.”
Jesus wanted them to avoid chasing better accommodations. Be content. Don’t insult your hosts by leaving for someone richer or more comfortable.
This also meant building real relationships where they were, not being spiritual tourists.
6. Heal the Sick (Luke 10:9)
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Healing was part of the message. It wasn’t just about preaching—it was about meeting real needs. Jesus always tied words and actions together.
You can’t separate compassion from the message of the Kingdom.
7. Preach the Kingdom (Luke 10:9)
“Tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
This is the central message: God’s rule is breaking into the world. It’s not about a future heaven only—it’s about God reclaiming lives now.
Today, this message is just as relevant.
8. Shake Off Rejection (Luke 10:10–11)
“If you are not welcomed… shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town.”
Don’t waste energy where you’re rejected. Move on. This was a symbolic act showing that the town’s rejection had consequences.
Jesus didn’t call us to convince everyone—just to faithfully share.
9. Expect Accountability (Luke 10:12–16)
Jesus warned that cities rejecting His messengers would face judgment. He even compared them unfavorably to Sodom—a shocking statement.
Rejecting the messengers means rejecting Jesus. And that has eternal consequences.
10. Stay Humble (Luke 10:17–20)
When the 72 returned, they were pumped.
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17)
Jesus celebrated their success—but He also reminded them:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
Your identity in God matters more than your accomplishments. Don’t let spiritual success go to your head.
Why These Instructions Still Matter
These weren’t just instructions for an ancient mission trip. They reflect how Jesus sends all of His followers, including you.
Here’s what you can take from it:
- Pray first. The mission starts on your knees.
- Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Just go.
- Depend on God, not stuff.
- Lead with peace, not pressure.
- Be content and faithful where you are.
- Meet practical needs.
- Preach the truth boldly.
- Don’t let rejection derail you.
- Stay humble, no matter the results.
A Quick Recap
| Instruction | What It Means Today |
| Pray for workers | Missions start with prayer |
| Go quickly | Don’t procrastinate |
| Travel light | Trust God, not your stuff |
| Speak peace | Lead with kindness |
| Stay put | Build real connections |
| Heal and help | Meet real needs |
| Preach the Kingdom | Share the Gospel clearly |
| Shake off rejection | Don’t take it personally |
| Expect judgment | God will handle justice |
| Stay humble | Your worth isn’t in results |
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t send professionals or scholars. He sent regular people—just like you. The mission hasn’t changed.
If you’ve ever asked, “How do I follow Jesus in a real, impactful way?”—Luke 10 gives you the roadmap. It’s not complicated. But it does require courage, obedience, and trust.
So, are you ready to go?
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
Luke 10:2
Be one of the few.
FAQs: What Instructions Did Jesus Give the 72 Disciples?
1. What instructions did Jesus give the 72 disciples before sending them out?
Jesus instructed them to pray for more workers, travel light, speak peace, heal the sick, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. He emphasized urgency, dependence on God, and staying humble despite success.
2. Where is the story of Jesus sending the 72 disciples found in the Bible?
It’s found in Luke 10:1–24. This passage gives a detailed account of what Jesus told them and how they responded.
3. Why did Jesus send out 72 disciples instead of just relying on the 12 apostles?
Jesus was expanding His mission. The 72 were part of a broader group of disciples, and He wanted more people reaching more towns with the message of the Kingdom.
4. Why did Jesus say to travel without a purse, bag, or sandals?
This command emphasized trusting God for provision and staying focused. It removed distractions and taught them to rely on God rather than material things.
5. What did Jesus mean by ‘the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few’?
He meant there are many people ready to hear and respond to God’s message, but not enough people willing to go and share it. It’s a call to action and prayer.
6. What does ‘shake the dust off your feet’ mean in Luke 10:11?
It was a symbolic act showing that the disciples were leaving judgment to God and moving on from people or places that rejected their message. It meant spiritual responsibility had shifted.
7. What message were the 72 disciples supposed to preach?
They were to declare, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” This meant God’s rule was being established, and people had a chance to respond now.
8. Why did Jesus send them out in pairs?
Going in pairs provided mutual support, accountability, and credibility. Two witnesses also fulfilled Jewish legal standards for testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15).
9. How did Jesus respond when the 72 disciples returned?
He rejoiced with them but reminded them not to focus on power or success—rather, they should celebrate that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
10. How can Jesus’ instructions to the 72 apply to us today?
They serve as a model for modern discipleship and mission: pray, go with urgency, trust God, meet real needs, share the Gospel, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. It’s still the pattern for Kingdom work.
