Proper 9 - Lk 10:1-11, 16-20

Free to proclaim

Unique to Luke - the others tell of the mission of the 12, but not of the 70.

Probably intended to represent the nations of the world; and going everywhere, not with the limit placed on the apostles (not the Samaritans)

The mission

Going ahead of Jesus

mission is not about persuading people to become Christians, it’s about preparing the way for them to meet Jesus.

Depend on God - don’t be weighed down by supplies.

I’m a chronic over-preparer

Quiet day with a bag full of books

Francis - freedom to be undefended

Go wherever God takes you

Might be the usual places you go this week

Might be somewhere new

Wherever you go, ‘peace to this house’ - whether they listen or not

Shalom

If you’re welcome, do the work of the Kingdom

Meet people’s need where you can

Tell them the good news of God’s love in Jesus - that he is Lord of all, and that he is near to them already

If you’re not welcome, move on

Don’t badger, don’t keep going on about God

But let people know that Jesus is still near to them and loves them. Then it’s between them and God.

The result

Come back together to celebrate

Do you ever talk with one another about what God’s doing around and through you through the week and the people you meet? It’s a good idea!

The things God does are great; but Jesus says that he saw Satan fall. The world is changed by our wilingness to go to others with his love, whether or not we see the results.

And even more important; whether people listen or not; whether or not we can help people; the greatest thing is this. That we are children of God, drawn into and part of his kingdom and family.

So

Wherever God takes you this week, announce in your deeds of kindness and generosity and in your words of good news that the Kingdom of God is near.

And don’t forget that Jesus didn’t send people on their own. Why not agree before you leave church with one other person that when you meet next Sunday, you’ll talk about what you’ve seen God do through your actions and your words, and thank God for his goodness.

That’s how the world changes. And along the way, we change too.