The Sending of the 72: Equipped by the Mission

Sermon Outline: Equipped by the Mission

Luke 10:1–4, 17–20

Luke 10:17–20 ESV

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

1. A Mission Worth Celebrating

We met our missions goal—even while purchasing our new building.

Every dollar represents souls reached and churches planted.

This offering supports ongoing work in the Caribbean and South America.

2. God Sends Before He Equips

Luke 10:1–4 ESV

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.

Jesus sends out the 72 before they are fully ready.

He commands them to travel light—to rely fully on God.

God doesn’t send the equipped; He equips the sent.

Key Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

James 1:2–3 – Trials build faith and perseverance.

3. Personal Testimony: Guatemala to Costa Rica, and back

Sent in 1994 with no Spanish and little ministry experience.

Saw a church grow from 11 to over 300 in Guatemala.

Led a planting team in El Salvador.

Struggled with pride and marriage challenges in Costa Rica.

Expected to be removed—but was asked to co-lead again in Guatemala. Saw the church grow from 500 to 1,000

Reflection:

“Ministry, marriage, and parenting often feel like building the plane while flying it.”

Key Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “He who calls you is faithful.”

Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction.”

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord…”

2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Our competence comes from God.”

4. The Joy of the Mission

Luke 10:17–20 ESV

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

The disciples return with joy—but Jesus reminds them of what matters most:

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Our greatest joy is being known and chosen by God.

5. Our Role in the Mission

You may not go, but your giving sends others.

God is still stretching and engaging His people.

Your sacrifice makes eternal impact.

Key Scriptures:

Romans 10:14 – “How can they hear without someone preaching?”

Ephesians 2:10 – “Created in Christ to do good works.”

6. The Invitation: God Is Still Sending

This is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new season.

Will you give again? Go if called? Invite someone?

Will you allow God to stretch and use you?

Key Scripture:

Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I. Send me!”

Closing Encouragement

Let’s not just celebrate hitting a goal—let’s celebrate that God is still working through us.