The sending of the 72 in Luke 10 isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a blueprint for how the Church should still operate today. Jesus chose ordinary people, gave them authority, and sent them out with a simple message: the kingdom of God is near. This act proves that ministry isn’t reserved for pastors or professionals; it’s a calling for every believer. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, student, or barista, you’re part of God’s plan to reach people right where you are.
In today’s Church, where spiritual hunger is rising and attendance is falling, the need for everyday disciples to step up has never been greater. Jesus’ strategy still works—go in pairs, meet people’s needs, and point them to the kingdom. It’s simple, but powerful. Want to see how this ancient story can ignite your faith and reshape how you see your role in the Church? Keep reading for a deeper dive.
If you’ve ever wondered how Jesus intended for His message to spread, Luke 10 gives us a clear snapshot. Jesus didn’t just rely on the 12 disciples—He also sent out 72 others. This moment, often overlooked, still has major implications for today’s Church.
Let’s dive into why the sending of the 72 matters now just as much as it did then.
What Happened in Luke 10?
Here’s the context:
“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.” — Luke 10:1 (NIV)
These weren’t the original 12 disciples. They were everyday followers. Jesus handpicked them, gave them authority, and sent them on a mission.
Their assignment? Preach, heal, and prepare the way for Jesus.
1. It Shows the Mission Is for Everyone—Not Just Church Leaders
One of the biggest takeaways? Jesus involves ordinary people.
These 72 weren’t apostles, pastors, or seminary grads. They were regular followers—like you and me. This tells us something powerful:
You don’t need a title to carry the Gospel. You need obedience.
Today’s Church often falls into the trap of professionalizing ministry. But Jesus broke that mold. He modeled shared responsibility, and the early Church thrived because everyone was engaged.
Bottom line: If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re called to the mission.
2. The Two-by-Two Model Still Works
Jesus didn’t send them out solo. He paired them off.
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
There’s power in partnership:
- You stay encouraged.
- You’re more accountable.
- You offer different strengths.
Today, whether it’s evangelism, outreach, or even starting a small group, this principle still applies. Ministry is never a one-man show.
3. The Message Hasn’t Changed
Jesus gave the 72 a clear message:
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” — Luke 10:9
Notice what He didn’t say:
- He didn’t send them with clever arguments.
- He didn’t give them a sales pitch.
Instead, He told them to meet people’s needs and declare a simple, powerful truth: God’s rule and reign is breaking in.
That’s still our message today. In a world full of noise, the Gospel remains the good news that people are desperate to hear.
4. It Was a Training Ground
This wasn’t just about the mission—it was also about growth. When the 72 returned, they were pumped:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” — Luke 10:17
Jesus used this mission to stretch their faith and grow their confidence.
In the same way, stepping out in obedience grows you. You learn more by doing than just sitting in a pew. The Church today often waits until people are “ready,” but Jesus flips that idea.
You grow as you go.
5. Jesus Still Sends—Through You
Here’s the key connection: Jesus still sends people today—and you’re part of that movement.
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” — John 20:21
We’re not just saved to sit—we’re saved to be sent. The pattern of Luke 10 continues:
- Ordinary believers
- Filled with purpose
- Sent with power
The 72 were a preview of what would happen after Pentecost—when thousands would be empowered to spread the Gospel. Today, you’re part of that same movement.
6. Harvest is Still Plentiful. Workers Are Still Few.
Jesus said something that still hits home:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” — Luke 10:2
This isn’t just poetic language. It’s real.
Consider the numbers:
- Over 3 billion people in the world still haven’t heard the Gospel clearly.
- In the U.S., church attendance is declining, but spiritual hunger is rising.
- Most people come to Christ through a personal relationship, not a pulpit.
That’s why the Church today must do what Jesus did: mobilize the many, not just rely on the few.
7. It Keeps the Church Mission-Focused
The Church isn’t a building. It’s a movement.
The story of the 72 reminds us that:
- The Church isn’t a spectator sport.
- The mission doesn’t stop with Sunday service.
- We’re sent, not settled.
When churches focus only on programs and not people, they lose the fire. But when we take Jesus’ sending seriously, the Church comes alive—serving communities, reaching the lost, and multiplying disciples.
How You Can Apply This Today
So, how does this story affect your life now? Here are simple action steps:
1. Say Yes to Being Sent
You don’t have to be perfect—just willing.
Ask: Where is God sending me today? It might be your workplace, neighborhood, or even a digital space.
2. Go With Someone
Find a spiritual partner. Pray together. Serve together. Encourage one another.
3. Focus on the Kingdom Message
It’s not about convincing people—it’s about showing them that God is near.
Be real. Be kind. Be bold.
4. Pray for More Workers
Make Luke 10:2 a regular prayer.
Ask God to raise up more everyday missionaries—teachers, baristas, moms, mechanics—who’ll live sent lives.
Final Thought: You’re One of the 72
The mission hasn’t changed—and neither has the method. Jesus still calls, still sends, and still empowers.
The sending of the 72 reminds us that God’s plan has always included regular people playing extraordinary roles. Not just preachers and missionaries, but everyday followers.
FAQs: Why the Sending of the 72 Still Matters in Today’s Church
1. What is the sending of the 72, and why does it still matter in today’s Church?
The sending of the 72 in Luke 10 was when Jesus sent 72 ordinary followers ahead of Him to spread the message of the kingdom. It still matters because it shows that every believer—not just pastors or leaders—is called and equipped to share the Gospel.
2. Why did Jesus choose 72 people, and how does that impact today’s Church?
Jesus chose 72 to show that the mission isn’t limited to the 12 disciples. It was about multiplying His message through everyday people. This still impacts today’s Church by reminding us that all believers are part of God’s mission.
3. What does the two-by-two model from the sending of the 72 teach the modern Church?
Jesus sent the 72 in pairs to provide support, accountability, and shared strength. The Church today can still benefit from this model in evangelism, discipleship, and mission work.
4. How is the message given to the 72 still relevant to the Church today?
Jesus told them to proclaim that the kingdom of God is near. That message hasn’t changed. The Church today is still called to demonstrate and declare the nearness of God’s kingdom in everyday life.
5. How does the sending of the 72 empower individual believers today?
It shows that spiritual authority isn’t limited to leadership roles. It empowers believers to know they’re sent by Jesus, filled with purpose, and capable of making a real impact.
6. What connection is there between Luke 10 and the Great Commission?
The sending of the 72 was a preview of the Great Commission. Both involve Jesus sending out His followers with authority to spread His message. It reflects God’s long-term plan to involve everyone in His mission.
7. How can churches today practically apply the sending of the 72?
Churches can train and release regular members for ministry in their communities, encourage mission in pairs or small teams, and emphasize outreach as a core part of discipleship.
8. Why is prayer important in the context of the sending of the 72?
In Luke 10:2, Jesus told them to pray for more workers. Prayer remains essential today—asking God to raise up more people who will live as everyday missionaries in homes, jobs, and neighborhoods.
9. How does the sending of the 72 challenge the modern Church’s structure?
It pushes against a “come and sit” model and calls the Church to a “go and serve” mindset. It reminds us that Church isn’t a building—it’s a people on mission.
10. Can I really live like one of the 72 today?
Yes. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re already called and sent. You don’t need to be a theologian—just willing. God works through ordinary people who step out in faith.
