Sent with a Misson, Sustained by Joy

Introduction

The Telegram Messenger

During World War II, telegram messengers had one of the hardest jobs imaginable. They were sent to deliver urgent messages to families, sometimes bringing joyful news but often bearing the heartbreaking announcement that a loved one had died in battle. Many messengers dreaded the knock on the door, knowing the response could range from gratitude to grief or even anger.

Like those messengers, Jesus sends His disciples on a mission with an urgent message—one that will bring some to salvation but cause others to reject it. The question is: will we faithfully deliver the message, no matter the response?

This is exactly what Jesus teaches in Luke 10:1-20—that disciples are sent to proclaim the kingdom, trust in God’s provision, and find their joy not in success but in the security of their salvation.

1. The Call to Go

Sent Together (v.1) – Ministry is not meant to be done alone. Matthew 28:19-20

The Harvest is Ready (v.2) – Many need the gospel, but few workers go. Acts 1:8

Trust God’s Provision (v.3-9) – Jesus calls for faith, not self-reliance. Matthew 6:31-33

Illustration – The Tightrope Walker: A famous tightrope walker once performed over Niagara Falls, pushing a wheelbarrow across. He asked the crowd if they believed he could carry a person across, and they all cheered "Yes!" Then he asked for a volunteer, and no one stepped forward. Many believe in the gospel in theory, but few step out in faith to be part of the mission.

Quote – A.W. Tozer: "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."

2. The Reality of Rejection

Some Will Reject (v.10-12) – The gospel is not always welcomed. John 12:48

Rejection is Against Christ (v.13-15) – It’s about Jesus, not us. Ephesians 6:10-11

God Will Judge (v.16) – Those who refuse Christ face consequences. James 4:7

Illustration 1. - “The Rev. Brent Hawkes, a gay rights activist and Canadian clergyman at the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Toronto, has argued for the removal of the word ‘Savior’ to describe Jesus Christ because the word is a ‘stumbling block’ for many.

Rev. Hawkes, senior pastor emeritus of MCC and Founder of Rainbow Faith and Freedom, said that years ago there was one word in the church’s bedrock beliefs that ‘began for me to be uncomfortable, problematic,’ and that word was ‘Savior.’

‘I would hope that someday this church would see the possibility of changing that word because it is a stumbling block for so many who want to be here,’ he said in a sermon posted on X this week, noting that he was ‘raised a strict fundamentalist Baptist.’

‘It is a stumbling block for people to do interfaith work—how do we explain that word with Muslims and to Jews and to Hindus?’ asked the reverend, who has been married to another man since 2006.

In place of the word ‘Savior,’ Rev. Hawkes proposes using the word ‘guide,’ because he believes it is less offensive to non-believers.

‘I think the word ‘guide’ just as effectively describes the meaning that Jesus is the one who guides us back into a healing relationship with God—doesn’t say he’s the only guide,’ he said.

The minister explained that many people who come to his church first check the website to see what the church is about, and many have found the word ‘Savior’ to be problematic, because they ‘don’t believe that everyone has to accept Jesus as personal Lord and Savior like the fundamentalists say.’”

~Thomas D. Willians, Ph.D.

“Canadian Minister Calls for Removal of ‘Savior’ from Core Christian Beliefs” published February 10, 2025

Well, Jesus and “Rev.” Brent Hawkes do agree on one indisputable point: Jesus and Him crucified is a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). What one does with that unavoidable fact is the question: reject Christ crucified as the only way, as does hell-bound Brent Hawkes, or “to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,” realize that Christ crucified is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (Ibid.).

Illustration – The Wedding Invitation (Matthew 22:1-14): Imagine a king throwing a wedding feast and inviting people, but they refuse to come. Some ignore the invitation, others scoff, and some even mistreat the king’s messengers. The king then invites the poor, the lame, and the outcasts. This illustrates how people reject Christ’s invitation, but the gospel still reaches those who will receive it. The gospel is for all, but not all accept it.

Quote – Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."

Tomlin - The Wonderful Cross (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)

The mission of the gospel is costly, and rejection is part of it. We must be willing to follow Christ no matter what.

3. The Joy of Salvation

Authority from Christ (v.17-18) – Victory over the enemy is from God. Philippians 4:3

God’s Protection (v.19) – Jesus assures His disciples of security. Revelation 20:12-15

Rejoice in Salvation (v.20) – Eternal life is our greatest joy. 1 John 4:4

Illustration – The Olympian’s Reward: An Olympic athlete trains for years for a gold medal, but after winning, the joy fades. True, lasting joy comes not from achievements but from knowing Christ. Just as Jesus told the disciples, our greatest joy is not in what we accomplish but in the eternal life we have been given.

Quote – D.L. Moody: "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him. By God's help, I aim to be that man."

True joy is found in belonging to Christ, not in earthly success or power.

Conclusion

The mission of the gospel is urgent and requires faith, obedience and endurance. We must trust God, expect opposition, and find joy not in what we do for God but in our eternal security in Christ.

Jesus is still calling disciples today. Just as He sent the seventy-two, He is sending us to proclaim His kingdom, trust in His provision, and find our joy in Him. But before we can go, we must first come—to Jesus.

Maybe today, you realize you’ve never truly answered His call. You’ve heard the gospel, but have you surrendered your life to Christ? Have you placed your trust in Him for salvation?

Or perhaps you are a believer, but you’ve been hesitant to step out in faith, to share the gospel, or to trust God completely with your life. The harvest is still plentiful, and the laborers are still few. Will you say, “Here I am, Lord, send me”?