Luke 10:17-24

Luke 10:17-24

With the parable of the Good Samaritan coming next we often overlook this section of Luke 10, but this is a profoundly powerful passage.

The ministry expands from 12 disciples to 70 who are sent out. That in itself is important. In the course of a few months, Jesus has equipped 70 ministers to go out and preach. These return having been engaged in pretty heavy ministry. Their message that the “kingdom of God has come near you” has been demonstrated in dynamic power. It is worth our meditation if these preachers did so much with so little, “ no purse, no bag, no shoes”, then why is the church of today, with buildings and paid staff and position in the community seems to be doing so little with so much. The question of “Why is this the case?” It is worthy of our contemplation.

Their power over the demonic was evidence of the coming Kingdom. This powerful manifestation of the exorcism of demons was for these preachers very heady stuff. Jesus gives a keep “first things first” warning. Casting out demons is good but does not call for celebration. They were to celebrate that they were saved. We sometimes become so excited about victories, large and small, that we forget that our personal salvation is a grace and we forget to be thankful for that grace.

Verse 21 is an enigma. In the prior passage Jesus denounced His critics that rejected His message. The 70 are sent out on their preaching tour and return with reports of great success. In that context, Jesus talks about the fall of Satan and the great priority of their personal salvation. When all this is looked at together we see a picture of the power of humility. Satan was once the prince of angels but has fallen suddenly like lightning. Then we see the cities of Chorazin, Bethsadia and Capernium are not exalted. But by their rejection they put themselves below Tyre and Sidon. Both the hierarchy of rebellious angels and the pomp of proud cities didn't understand one key lesson, humility. That humility was manifested in the life and heart of the seventy, faithful, simple people. The power and priority of simple faith and trust in relationship with Jesus causes our Lord to “rejoice greatly in the Holy Spirit”. Before the ruin of every good church and believer there was a walk on the path of pride.

“Lord grant me a humble spirit, and if I am proud break me. AMEN”