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Pastor Scott L. Harris
Grace Bible Church, NY
November 27, 2016
The Ministry of the Seventy (two)
Luke 10:1-24
Introduction
In our ongoing study of the life of Christ we have spent the last couple of months in John 7 & 8. Remember that each writer had particular purposes in what they presented in their gospel account. John wrote last and included many details not included in the synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark & Luke. It was important to John’s purpose in showing that Jesus is the Son of God to include His claims of fulfilling the Messianic types that were part of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus makes some of His most direct claims of deity during that time even claiming to be “I Am,” the covenant name of the Lord. (See: Jesus, The Great “I AM”)
This morning we return to Luke’s account. Since he was specifically writing a chronological account for Theophilus, a Greek believer, the Jewish symbolism in the Feast of Tabernacles would not have been as important. He skips Jesus’ ministry during the Feast and connects a dialogue that occurred before the Feast to Jesus’ instructions to His disciples about ministry which happened after the Feast. Turn to Luke 9:57 where we will pick up the context.
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9 concludes with people claiming they wanted to follow Jesus, but who also found reasons to delay their claimed commitment. (See: The Purpose and Cost of Following Jesus). Luke 10 is set as a contrast to these people. It jumps past all that occurred during the Feast of Tabernacles and opens with Jesus’ instructions to a group of disciples that were committed and were being sent out to do ministry.
1 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.
Before we get into looking at this passage and its meaning, I want to address a textual issue in verse one. The KJV, NKJV, NASB, Darby and Young’s translations all state it was seventy disciples. The ESV, NET, Lexham, NSRV and NIV all state it was seventy-two disciples. Was it seventy or seventy-two? While the answer does not have an effect on the meaning of this passage, it is a good opportunity to discuss briefly how textual problems are resolved.
Because manuscripts were all copied by hand in ancient times, minor difference developed as scribbal errors were passed along. Based on these differences, scholars can separate manuscripts into “families” which mark their descent from an earlier copy. The variation that occurs in the most families of manuscripts is more likely to be true. In this case, both variations occur in multiple manuscript families.
Variations that occur in the earliest manuscripts are more likely to be true, while those occurring in only later ones are more likely to be in error. In this case, both occur in early manuscripts.
Variations that are more difficult or unusual are usually preferred since it is more likely for a scribe to change a spelling, word or phrase to match something more common or easier to understand. In this case, both variants can allude to common numbers in the Bible. That makes it very difficult to decide which reading is correct in this text. However, since seventy-two is less frequent and therefore a little more unusual and difficult than seventy, it has a slight preference here and in verse 17.
We do not need to be afraid of things in the Bible that are difficult to explain or understand. Most are completely insignificant and none affect the meaning of any important doctrine. Most are easily explained, and those that are more difficult are not impossible to resolve, though it may take someone wiser than yourself to do so. Those things in the Bible I still do not understand do not shake my confidence in it at all for there are few compared to when I was young, and the clarity and confidence of what I do know to be true about God from His revelation in the Scriptures enables me to trust Him completely for those things I do not yet understand.
Instructions to His Disciples – Luke 10:1-12
Let me read through the instruction Jesus gave to these disciples and then highlight some important principles that still apply today.
1 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. 2 And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 “Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 “Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. 5 “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 “If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 “Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. 8 “Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Teamwork (vs. 1). Whether there is any particular meaning to the number of disciples than just the count of how many is left up to speculation. However, it should be noted that Jesus has many more disciples that do want to serve Him than just the twelve whom Jesus had instructed and sent out earlier as recorded in Luke 9:1-6. These disciples also wanted to be part Jesus’ ministry team. Jesus assigns them the particular task of going ahead of Him to prepare the way in the cities and villages Jesus was still going to visit. Even though Jesus would go to Jerusalem in less than six months to be crucified, buried and rise again, that was plenty of time to visit a multitude of places as He traveled. By sending out these disciples in groups of two, there would be at least 35 advance teams to enable His time in each place to be spent more efficiently.
Why send them out in pairs? There are many practical reasons such as safety (Ecclesiastes 4:12), but I think primarily it was for effectiveness and companionship. Ecclesiastes 4:9 states, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” There are many multi-talented people, but no one has all gifts or abilities. By having at least two on a team, each member can contribute their particular strengths to compensate for the other person’s weakness. The companionship is also important because it is easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged when you are trying to do things alone. A partner can help keep you encouraged and maintain the proper focus. Throughout the Scriptures this principle of going out as a team of two or more is constantly seen. Even the prophets usually had a servant with them. This is a timeless principle we would do well to remember ourselves going out to minister in our own day.
Prayer (vs. 2). The second principle to note is the importance Jesus put on prayer in preparing for ministry. Jesus makes this point before telling them what He wanted them to do. The task before them would be much greater than the ability of the few of them to accomplish, so they would need to bring that need before the Lord. It certainly is not any different today.
The gifts and abilities of each person within the church vary greatly, but every gift is needed. We pray for the Lord to raise up and send people to join us in ministry both here and around the world. I am the answer to prayer long ago for the Lord to bring a pastor here to minister the word and train people for ministry. I believe each of you is an answer to prayer for the Lord to bring you here to minister your particular gift so that the whole body matures. I also believe that many here today are being equipped to be the answer to the prayers of other people to help them in ministry in their area in the future. None of us can do it all, but all of us can pray for the Lord to send the workers needed to carry out the ministry He wants done.
Safety (vs. 3). Verse 3 has the third principle to note. Ministry required them to go out into a very hostile world and they were defenseless themselves – lambs in the midst of wolves. That would be insanity if what they were to do was of just human effort, but it was not. They were being sent by the Lord, so they could be confident that the Lord would enable them to accomplish His will.
The particular dangers they faced were for that time and locations, but it is often the same way today. While persecution in the United States is relatively mild compared to other places around the world, we must recognize that we will face opposition, sometimes severe, as we seek to minister for God. We should expect unbelievers to hate us for they hate Jesus, therefore you should not be surprised when you are reviled, slandered and falsely accused. Yet there is no safer place to be than in the middle of God’s will regardless of what dangers surround you. Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulation, but we could be of good courage because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Focus (vs. 4). A fourth point to note is in verse 4. Their focus was to be fixed on the ministry that God called them to perform. They would have to rely on Jesus’ promise to provide them the necessities of life as they sought first His kingdom and righteousness for they were not to bring a money belt, a traveler’s bag or even an extra pair of sandals. They were also to be so focused on ministry that they were “to greet no one on the way.” That sounds rude to us, but there was a reason for it.
According to TDNT, the greeting spoken of here (ajpaspavzomai / apaspadzomai) could be long and time consuming and include gestures such as embracing, kissing, offering the hand or even bowing down. The rabbis wanted and expected such greetings even in the marketplace (Matthew 23:7), and it was a normal exchange between relatives (Matthew 5:47), but it was not expected between strangers, so it the command is not as rude as it might sound. However, Jesus generally wanted his disciples to be more courteous as a demonstration of love (Matthew 5:43-48), but in this case, He did not want them to be unnecessarily distracted from the mission upon which they were sent – much like Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, in 2 Kings 4:29.
The principle here for us is to be careful to keep a proper focus on what God wants us to do. While we are to be courteous, we must be careful not to let others eat up our time and hinder us from God’s purposes. I remember some ministry advice given to me along time ago. When people call or drop in to see you, assume it has been arranged by God, and so make it your quest to find out what God wants you to talk with them about as quickly as possible. That way people who need your ministry will get it, and those who would waste your time will quickly leave.
Lodging (5-6). In verses 5-6 we find that they were to offer their greeting of peace to those who offer lodging. The common Jewish greeting of shalom means peace. Here is it not just a wish of peace for them, but something they were able to give. That peace would remain if the person was a person of peace or at least someone ready to receive their gospel message of peace from God. If they were not, that peace would return to them.
Contentment (7-8). Verses 7-8 bring out the importance of being content. They were not to go from house to house trying to find better food and lodging. They were to stay where they were and eat what was given to them. They were to also recognize that this was not charity for which they would be indebted to their host, but part of the wages of their labor in ministry. God is the one that provides for all.
That is a general principle that still applies today. Too often people move from place to place because they are not content with what they have. I am not saying it is wrong to better yourself or your circumstances, but I am saying that such efforts should not rise because of being discontent. It is better to make changes in your life because you have a godly vision for the future and not because you cannot tolerate the present. A good example of this is in 1 Corinthians 7:21-24, 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
Contentment is more important in having a successful life than position, and it is crucial to successful ministry. Paul states in Philippians 4:11 that he learned to be content in whatever circumstances he was in. It does not come automatically, though it should not be difficult. Paul told Timothy, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). Ministry opportunities abound when you are not burdened by the things of this world (Example: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Ministry (9) The particular ministry these disciples were to perform is in verse 9 – “heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” This was a ministry of preparation for Jesus to come to that place Himself (vs. 1), so there was an urgency in carrying out the ministry given to them.
There are two principles I want to point out here. The first is the simplicity of their message. They did not do surveys and develop a marketing plan. They did not carefully nuance their message to maximize its effectiveness on its target audience. They only had to proclaim what Jesus had said. Jesus would take care of the rest when He arrived. We would do to remember that when we proclaim the gospel.
We tell people the good news of salvation from sin through faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ and leave the results up to the Holy Spirit. Conversion is a work of God in the soul of an individual. You will never argue someone into the kingdom, and if you try to tweak the gospel to increase the response of people you will end up of changing the gospel and gain false converts who remain under God’s just condemnation but who think they are going to heaven. That is one of the great tragedies of modern “evangelism.”
Second, recognize that the ministry God gives you will be different from what Jesus gave these disciples. According to 1 Corinthians 12, God gives every Christian a particular gift or gifts in order to function within the particular ministry He gives them according to His empowerment of them. Your gift, ministry and ability will be different from other believers, but all those things are to work together to the building up of the body of believers and carrying out ministry to the world.
There is always a sense of urgency in ministry. These men were only out for a short time and Jesus would have visited the places they went soon after. There is urgency for you as well because you do not know how long you have to carry out the ministry God has given you. The opportunity could pass, the Lord could return or you could depart this life at anytime. Do not presume you have tomorrow.
Rejection (10-12). Do not presume that people will respond positively to your ministry. Jesus prepared these disciples for rejection in verses 10-12. We should be prepared as well. 10 “But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 “I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.
Jesus gave them specific actions to take if the city would not receive them. They were to make a public protest against them and warn them of the judgment they had brought upon themselves. This was not done if they would listen to their message, for God is patient even with those that are slow to understand and believe. This was done against those who heard a clear presentation of the gospel and rejected it or those who refused to listen to them at all. Their condemnation would be greater than that of Sodom because they refused the message of salvation.
We are to be patient and make diligent efforts to win the lost, but we are also to be careful not to give what is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6). While few people would understand the symbolism of wiping the dust off your feet in protest now, a stern warning may be warranted to those that understand and reject a clear presentation of the gospel. Perhaps something like, “You have rejected the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and you remain condemned before Him. You are responsible for yourself. If you change your mind, let us know.”
Warning to Those that Reject (Luke 10:13-16)
In Luke 10:13-16 Jesus expands on the warning in the previous verses He gave to those who will not receive the gospel. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 “But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15 “And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades! 16 “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” This is almost the same as Jesus’ earlier pronouncement of woe on these cities in Matthew 11:21-24.
Capernaum was located on the North-West shore of the Sea of Galilee and is where Jesus had settled during the period of His Galilean ministry. Capernaum was also the home of Simon Peter and Andrew (Mark 1:21,29), and James and John may have also lived there or close by (Matthew 4:18,21) as did Matthew for that was the area in which he was a tax-collector (Matthew 9:9). Chorazin was a small village nestled in the hills about 2 1/2 miles north of Capernaum. Bethsaida was located farther north and to the east in the plains of Gennersaret and was the original home town of Philip, Andrew, and Peter (John 1:44).
These cities would have seen as many or more miracles by Jesus than any others. They would have heard as much or more of Jesus’ teaching than any others. Yet they were fickle. They rejoiced in Jesus’ miracles, but they quickly returned to their normal way of life. They were hard hearted to the gospel. Tyre and Sidon on the other hand were pagan Gentile cities that Jesus said would have repented if they had received similar ministry. As it was, Jesus commended the faith of the Syrophoenician woman (Matthew 15:21-28).
The Author of the Message (vs. 16). What Jesus says in verse 16 applies to all who proclaim the gospel and teach His word. You must be faithful to what He has said without altering it. If you are, then those who hear you are hearing Him to accept or reject Him and God the Father who sent Jesus. That is a privilege and an awesome responsibility. It also means that you are to remain humble if people accept you because the focus is actually Christ. It also means that you do not have to take it personally if people reject you, for it is actually Jesus they are rejecting – which is actually worse than rejecting you.
The Return of the Seventy (two) – Luke 10:17-20
We do not know how long these disciples were out traveling in ministry, but Luke records their response when they came back and Jesus’ cautions to them.
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Jesus begins by cautioning them on the danger of becoming proud. Notice that their stated cause of rejoicing was that the demons were in subjection to them. From what we have seen in Jesus’ healing people, casting out demons would have been a necessary part of healing some people. That resulted in their state of gladness and great happiness (carav / chara). Jesus then warns them about Satan’s fall from heaven which came about quickly. If either Isaiah 14:12-14 or Ezekiel 28:11-17 is alluding to Satan, then Satan’s fall was due to his pride. Always beware of pride for it easily arises. I have even seen people become proud about their supposed humility. God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
Jesus then points out that their ability to do the miraculous things they did while performing their ministry came directly from the authority they received from Jesus. In other words, the power they had came from and was dependent upon Christ. Jesus then makes sure they understand that as mavelous as it was that the spirits were subject to them, the real cause of rejoicing was being saved and knowing their destination was heaven.
These same principles apply to any ministry you may have. Your spiritual gift, your ministry and the power in it all come from God (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). As Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 1:16-31, you have no reason to boast except in God’s grace. It is by His doing you are even in Christ. Sure you can be happy about what God enables you to do, and I hope that you do marvel at God working in and through you to His own glory, but the true cause of rejoicing is being saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s Rejoicing – Luke 10:21-22
Luke records Jesus’ own response in verses 21-22. 21 At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 22 “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”
Jesus rejoiced greatly (agalliavw / agallia ) about God’s working in and through these disciples. It is clear from this text that these were ordinary men – perhaps ignorant men since He calls them infants compared to the wise and intelligent – to whom God revealed extraordinary things. You would be wise to rejoice over the same things Jesus does. Pay attention to notice what God is doing and then praise Him for it. Be careful of being so caught up in the things of daily life that you are so earthly minded that you are no heavenly good.
Notice as well the interaction of the Trinity in verse 21. God the Son, Jesus, rejoices greatly through God the Holy Spirit over what God the Father was doing. Verse 22 is very strong on the deity of Jesus. The Father has handed all authority to Jesus including knowledge of Himself. If you want to know God the Father, then God the Son will have to reveal Him to you. This is another Scripture passage that those who deny the Trinity or the deity of Jesus must either ignore or pervert.
The Blessing of the Revelation of the Gospel (vs. 23-24)
In verses 23-24 Jesus points out a great blessing these disciples had received, and one we have received as well. 23 Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, 24 for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”
1 Peter 1:10–12 explains the blessing to which Jesus was referring. 10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.
What had been promised from of old was transpiring before their very eyes. We who live now can look back on the multiple prophesies concerning Jesus, His ministry, and the salvation He brought to mankind through His atonement and resurrection.
Conclusions
Every true Christian is equipped and called by God to serve Him. This passage reviews some important principles of ministry. •Successful ministry takes team-work. •Successful ministry begins with prayer. •The work God calls us to can be dangerous, but our safety is in His hands.• Successful ministry keeps its focus. •Contentment is crucial to Successful ministry. •Successful ministry is faithful to the gospel and Jesus’ teachings. •Ministry can be successful in God’s eyes even when it is rejected. •Be humble even when ministry is successful. •Be happy about successful ministry, but rejoice even more over your salvation. •Rejoice over being able to see God’s hand at work and His grace granted to you.
Sermon Notes – 11/27/2016
The Ministry of the Seventy (two) – Luke 10:1-24
Introduction
John writes last and emphasizes Jesus is the _____________________so that they will believe and be saved
Luke writes to Theophilus, a _______________believer, giving a chronological account of Jesus’ life
Luke 9:57- 62 Luke concludes chapter 9 with people not __________Jesus & begins 10 with those who do
A question in the manuscripts – seventy or _____________________?
Variants in the most families of manuscripts are preferred – both in _______________manuscript families
Variants in earlier manuscripts are preferred – both occur in _______________manuscripts
More ______________reading is preferred – both are common, but seventy-two is less common
Do not be __________of difficulties in the Bible including manuscript variations – most are easily explained
Clarity of truth in what is known gives ____________________for what is not understood
Instructions to His Disciples – Luke 10:1-12
Teamwork (vs. 1) – A pair is safer & more ____________(Eccl. 4:9) due to multiple gifts & encouragement
Prayer (vs. 2) – The task is greater than ability, ___________for workers is a necessity.
Safety (vs. 3) – They would be in great __________, but the Lord would enable them to accomplish His will
Expect to be hated, reviled and persecuted – but there is no _________________than in doing God’s will
Focus (vs. 4) – They would rely on God to ____________so they could focus on ministry – Matthew 6:33
They were not to be _________________by the elaborate greetings of that time
Be courteous, but keep focused – when people call / drop in, find out God’s _____________in it quickly
Lodging (5-6) – A __________they were able to give to those that were sons of peace – otherwise it returned
Contentment (7-8) – Make changes based on godly ______for the future & not discontentment with present
Important to a successful life & crucial to ministry – it is _______(Phil. 4:11), & needs little (1 Tim. 6:8)
Ministry (9) – a ministry of __________________for the Lord’s coming in the near future
Keep the message _____________- proclaim the gospel and let God take care of the results
Your gift, ministry & empowerment will be ______________from other Christians (1 Cor. 12)
There is always a sense of ___________in ministry because you do not know how long you have for it
Rejection (10-12) – Be patient and diligent with the slow to believe, but _______those who refuse to believe
Warning to Those that Reject (Luke 10:13-16)
All three cities were near each other and sites of much ministry by Jesus in both ____________and teaching
They rejoiced at the miracles, but quickly reverted to previous ways of life – ________cities have more hope
If you are ___________, people will hear Jesus through you – they will then either accept or reject Jesus
The Return of the Seventy (two) – Luke 10:17-20
Jesus ______________them on becoming proud – Satan became proud and fell quickly
Their authority / ability came for Jesus, so rejoice in His work through you, but rejoice more over ________
The Lord’s Rejoicing – Luke 10:21-22
Jesus ______________greatly (agalliavw / agallia ) about God’s working in and through these disciples
Don’t be so _______________minded that you are no heavenly good
The ______________and deity of Jesus are clearly seen in these verses
The Blessing of the Revelation of the Gospel (Luke 10: 23-24)
1 Peter 1:10–12 explains the _________________to which Jesus was referring
What had been _________________from of old was transpiring before their very eyes
Conclusions
•Successful ministry takes teamwork.
•Successful ministry begins with prayer.
•The work God calls us to can be dangerous, but our safety is in His hands.
•Successful ministry keeps its focus.
•Contentment is crucial to Successful ministry.
•Successful ministry is faithful to the gospel and Jesus’ teachings.
•Ministry can be successful in God’s eyes even when it is rejected.
•Be humble even when ministry is successful.
•Be happy about successful ministry, but rejoice even more over your salvation.
•Rejoice over being able to see God’s hand at work and His grace granted to you.
KIDS KORNER
Parents, you are responsible to apply God’s Word to your children’s lives. Here is some help. Young Children – draw a picture about something you hear during the sermon. Explain your picture(s) to your parents at lunch. Older Children – Do one or more of the following: 1) Count how many times the word “ministry” is said. 2) Discuss with your parents the characteristics of successful minisry described in this passage.
THINK ABOUT IT!
Questions to consider in discussing the sermon with others. Why does John include Jesus’ minstry during the Feast of Tabernacles and Luke does not? What are some of the basic rules for determining which textual variant is more likely to be true? Give some reasons that the Christian should not be afraid of the things in the Bible that are difficult to understand. Why is teamwork important to successful ministry? What is the importance of prayer to successful ministry? Should Christians be afraid of the dangerous situations they will face in ministry? Explain. How were these disciples able to keep a proper focus on ministry? What are some things that would help you keep a proper focus on life and ministry? What is the importance of contentment to life and ministry? How can you learn to be content? Why is it important to keep ministry simple? What happens when you tweak the gospel to make it more acceptable to man? What should you do if you are faithful to proclaim the gospel / teach God’s word and the message is rejected? Who is being rejected? Why does Jesus pronounce woe’s upon Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? What is the source of authority for any ministry that you do? Why did Jesus have to caution the disciples about the dangers of pride? What should be the greatest reason for a Christian to rejoice? What caused the Lord to rejoice? How is the Trinity and the deity of Jesus expressed in Luke 10:22? What blessing did these disciples (and us) receive?
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