The Mission of the Seventy-Two is a significant event in the New Testament, recorded exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 10:1-24. This event highlights Jesus' strategic approach to spreading His message and preparing the way for His own ministry, as well as the broader mission of the early Church.

Biblical Account

In Luke 10:1, the Berean Standard Bible states, "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit." This passage indicates that Jesus selected seventy-two disciples, distinct from the twelve apostles, to go ahead of Him in pairs. The number seventy-two is often seen as symbolic, possibly reflecting the seventy nations mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, suggesting a universal mission.

Instructions and Purpose

Jesus provided specific instructions to the seventy-two, emphasizing the urgency and nature of their mission. In Luke 10:2-3 , He said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves." This metaphor underscores the challenges and potential dangers they would face, yet also highlights the abundant opportunities for spreading the Gospel.

The instructions included practical guidance: "Carry no purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone along the road" (Luke 10:4). This directive emphasized reliance on God's provision and the urgency of their mission, avoiding distractions and unnecessary delays.

Reception and Response

The seventy-two were to enter towns and offer peace, as stated in Luke 10:5-6 : "Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you." This peace offering was both a blessing and a test of receptivity to the message of the Kingdom of God.

They were instructed to heal the sick and proclaim, "The kingdom of God is near you" (Luke 10:9). This message was central to Jesus' own preaching and signified the inbreaking of God's reign through His ministry.

Rejection and Judgment

Jesus also prepared the seventy-two for rejection, instructing them to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against any town that did not welcome them (Luke 10:10-11). This act symbolized a severance of responsibility and a warning of impending judgment, as seen in Jesus' words: "I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town" (Luke 10:12).

Return and Rejoicing

Upon their return, the seventy-two joyfully reported their experiences, particularly noting their authority over demons: "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). Jesus affirmed their success and spiritual authority, saying, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18), indicating a significant spiritual victory.

However, Jesus redirected their focus from power over spirits to the assurance of their salvation: "Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). This statement emphasizes the primacy of eternal life over temporal victories.

Theological Significance

The Mission of the Seventy-Two underscores several key theological themes. It highlights the cooperative nature of Jesus' ministry, involving a broader group of disciples beyond the twelve apostles. The event also illustrates the principles of divine provision, the urgency of the Gospel message, and the reality of spiritual warfare.

Furthermore, the mission serves as a precursor to the Great Commission, foreshadowing the global spread of the Gospel. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God, as well as the joy and assurance found in the promise of eternal life.