In Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 disciples ahead of Him to prepare towns for His arrival. This wasn’t just about logistics—it was a powerful move to train His followers, multiply the message, and demonstrate what it looks like to rely fully on God. These were everyday people, not the core group of apostles, showing that anyone who follows Jesus has a role in His mission. He told them to travel light, trust God, heal the sick, and preach the good news: “The kingdom of God has come near.”
The story teaches us that the mission of Jesus is still active today, and we’re all invited to be part of it. Whether you’re sharing your faith with a neighbor or just living differently in a broken world, you’re helping prepare hearts for Christ. And as Jesus said, don’t focus on success or results—rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what the 72 disciples’ journey means for your life and how you can step into that same calling.
In Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 of His followers on a mission. It’s a unique moment in the Gospels, and it’s easy to miss why it matters. But if you’re a Christian—or just curious about Jesus’ ministry—this part of Scripture reveals a lot about how Jesus worked, how He prepares people for mission, and what He expects from His followers.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly.
What Happened in Luke 10?
Luke 10:1 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.”
Jesus chooses 72 people and sends them ahead, two by two, into towns where He hasn’t been yet. These weren’t the 12 apostles. They were other disciples—ordinary followers learning from Jesus.
Why 72?
There’s no hard answer, but there are solid theories:
- Genesis 10 lists 70 or 72 nations, depending on the manuscript. This hints that Jesus had the whole world in mind. He wasn’t just preparing His disciples for a local mission—He was starting something global.
- Moses appointed 70 elders to help him lead (Numbers 11:16–17). Jesus may be echoing that structure—spreading leadership and responsibility.
In short: 72 disciples represent outreach, teamwork, and preparation for the global spread of the Gospel.
Why Did Jesus Send Them?
Here are 5 clear reasons Jesus sent out the 72:
1. To Prepare the Way for Him
Luke 10:1 says they were sent to “every town and place where He was about to go.”
Think of them as advance teams. Their job was to:
- Announce the Kingdom of God.
- Start relationships.
- Get people thinking about God’s message before Jesus arrived.
He was showing that the Gospel doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s sown through people.
2. To Train Them for Ministry
Jesus didn’t want spectators. He wanted disciples who could carry the mission forward.
By sending them out, He was:
- Teaching them how to rely on God.
- Giving them real experience.
- Preparing them for what would come after His resurrection.
Jesus knew He wouldn’t be around physically forever. This was hands-on training.
3. To Spread the Message Fast
There wasn’t time to waste. Jesus says in Luke 10:2:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
There were people ready to hear the message. Jesus needed more messengers. Sending out 72 multiplied the mission.
4. To Model Dependence on God
He told them not to take extra money, bags, or sandals (Luke 10:4). That’s a tough ask. But Jesus was making a point:
You don’t need to be fully resourced to do God’s work. You just need obedience and trust.
They were to rely on hospitality, God’s provision, and the Spirit’s power.
5. To Give a Foretaste of What Was Coming
When the 72 returned, they were amazed:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17)
Jesus responded with:
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).
Their mission wasn’t just practical—it was spiritual. It marked the beginning of the end for the kingdom of darkness.
What Did Jesus Tell Them to Do?
Here’s a summary of their instructions in Luke 10:
A. Go in Pairs
- Why two by two? For accountability, encouragement, and safety.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9 says: “Two are better than one…”
B. Be Ready for Rejection
Jesus was blunt: not everyone will welcome you. He said:
“If they don’t receive you, shake the dust off your feet.” (Luke 10:11)
You don’t force the Gospel. If someone won’t listen, move on.
C. Stay Where You’re Welcomed
“Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you…” (Luke 10:7)
He wanted them to focus on relationships, not status or comfort.
D. Heal and Preach
They were to heal the sick and say:
“The kingdom of God has come near to you.” (Luke 10:9)
Physical healing and spiritual truth went hand in hand.
What Did They Learn?
The mission taught them several key lessons:
- God provides when you step out in faith.
- Not everyone will accept your message—and that’s okay.
- Spiritual power comes through obedience and trust.
- Ministry isn’t just for “the 12.” Everyone has a role.
And most importantly:
Your value isn’t in what you do for God—it’s in your relationship with Him.
Jesus says in Luke 10:20:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
That’s the heart of it. Identity in God first. Mission second.
How Does This Apply to You?
You might be wondering: what does a story about 72 ancient disciples mean for my life today?
Here’s how it applies:
1. You’re Sent Too
If you follow Jesus, you’re part of His mission. You don’t need to be a pastor or missionary. Every believer is sent to their community, job, or circle.
2. God Uses Ordinary People
The 72 weren’t famous. But Jesus chose them. That means He can use you, no matter your background or skill level.
3. Prepare People for Jesus
Your role might be planting seeds. Having conversations. Showing love. The Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting, but you have a part.
4. Focus on the Mission, Not the Outcome
Some towns welcomed the 72. Some didn’t. That’s still true today. Your job isn’t to convert everyone—it’s to be faithful.
Final Thoughts
Luke 10 gives us a glimpse into how Jesus builds His Kingdom. He doesn’t do it alone—He calls, sends, and empowers His people.
Jesus sent out the 72 to:
- Prepare people to hear the Gospel.
- Train ordinary followers for extraordinary purpose.
- Show that the Kingdom of God isn’t distant—it’s near.
And He’s still sending today.
So if you’re wondering whether your life has a purpose—look at Luke 10. You’re invited into the same mission. Start where you are. Go where He leads.
The harvest is still plentiful. Are you willing to go?
“Then He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’” – Luke 10:2
FAQs: Why Did Jesus Send Out the 72 Disciples? Luke 10 Explained
1. What does Luke 10 say about Jesus sending out the 72 disciples?
Luke 10:1-24 explains how Jesus appointed 72 disciples and sent them out in pairs to the towns He was planning to visit. Their mission was to prepare people for His arrival, heal the sick, and announce that the Kingdom of God had come near.
2. Why did Jesus send out 72 disciples instead of just the 12 apostles?
Jesus wanted to expand His mission beyond the inner circle. By sending 72, He showed that ministry isn’t limited to the elite or chosen few—every follower has a role in spreading the Gospel.
3. What was the purpose behind sending the 72 disciples?
The purpose was fivefold: to prepare towns for Jesus, train disciples for ministry, spread the message quickly, teach dependence on God, and give a glimpse of spiritual victory through obedience.
4. Why were the disciples sent out in pairs in Luke 10?
Jesus sent them two by two to provide mutual support, accountability, encouragement, and protection. Working in pairs made the mission more effective and sustainable.
5. What instructions did Jesus give the 72 in Luke 10?
Jesus told them to travel light, accept hospitality, heal the sick, preach the coming Kingdom, and move on if rejected. He emphasized urgency, simplicity, and trust in God.
6. What does it mean that “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few”?
This means there are many people ready to hear the Gospel, but not enough messengers. Jesus used this to urge His followers to pray for and become active participants in the mission.
7. What can modern Christians learn from Jesus sending out the 72?
We learn that we’re all sent, not just church leaders. Jesus uses ordinary people to do extraordinary work, and He calls us to share the message, trust Him, and prepare hearts for His presence.
8. How did the 72 disciples respond when they returned?
They were excited, saying even demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus reminded them to rejoice not in power, but in the fact that their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:17–20).
9. Is there a connection between the 72 disciples and Old Testament events?
Yes. Many scholars see a parallel with Moses appointing 70 elders (Numbers 11:16) and the 70 (or 72) nations listed in Genesis 10, hinting at God’s plan to reach all nations.
10. How does Luke 10 apply to me today?
It shows that you’re called to live on mission. Whether through conversations, acts of kindness, or faith-filled living, you’re preparing others to encounter Jesus—right where you are.
