The Call of the Disciple

September 15, 1996

Scripture: Luke 10:1-24

Prayer:

Introduction: Mt. 28:19-20

I. The disciple of Jesus Christ works in concert with others in the ministry of preparing the lost to meet Jesus.

1 ¶ 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.

II. The disciple of Jesus Christ looks to God through prayer for this help to bring in the harvest.

2 He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

III. The disciple of Jesus Christ obeys the order to go forward into battle, but does so with discernment.

3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

1Cor. 10:3-5

IV. The disciple of Jesus Christ is unencumbered by possessions and single minded in purpose, being undistracted by diversions.

4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

Luke 9:1-6

Luke 22:35-38; 49-50

Rev. 3:18

V. The disciple of Jesus Christ seeks like-minded support.

5 "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'

VI. The disciple of Jesus Christ is undisturbed by temporary rejection in his search for support.

6 If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.

VII. The disciple of Jesus Christ is unashamed by his need for support because of the urgency and importance of the mission.

7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

VIII. The disciple of Jesus Christ gratefully receives whatever support is given.

8 "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.

IX. The disciple of Jesus Christ reveals God’s grace through his ministry to people’s physical needs in order to proclaim God’s even greater grace to their spiritual need through the message of Christ.

9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'

X. The disciple of Jesus Christ has strength to face rejection of his message of Christ because it is not him they are rejecting but God.

10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say,

XI. The disciple of Jesus Christ carries no resentment if his message of Christ is rejected because judgment belongs to God.

11 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.'

XII. The disciple of Jesus Christ can be assured that God will indeed judge those who reject the message.

12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

13 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.

Luke 4:23-27

Is. 28:11-22

XIII. The disciple of Jesus Christ is well aware of his status as only a representative, but is also well aware of the awesome power of the One he represents.

16 "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."

XIV. The disciple of Jesus Christ rejoices in his access to Christ’s power over Satan’s kingdom.

17 ¶ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."

XV. The disciple of Jesus Christ is never misled into the vulnerability of believing that this power could ever come from his own resources.

18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Gen. 3:14-15

Is. 14:12ff (Ez. 28:11ff) (Rev. 12:8-9)

Rev. 9:1-4

XVI. The disciple of Jesus Christ has accepted God’s instruction.

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

XVII. The disciple of Jesus Christ is chosen in Christ through God.

22 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Jer. 9:23-24

1Cor. 1:26-31

John 14:21

XVIII.The disciple of Jesus Christ rejoices in the privilege of knowing God through Christ.

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.

24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

1 Peter 1:10-12