Jesus sent out 72 of his followers ahead of him. A full 72, not even just the 12. Why?

He hints himself that there is too much work to be done by him alone - “the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few”, but that is not the whole of the answer.

We are included in his holy work, bringing the Good News to people. And so we are included in the glory that attaches to the work - “Do not rejoice that the demons are obedient to you, but rather that your names are written in heaven”. For us then, there is no need to worry about how we are to do this work with Jesus. We don’t have to plan it, or gather resources first, or get qualifications. We don’t have to worry about who to offer the Good News to, either. It will remain, like our peace, with those who are willing to accept it. And we don’t have to worry about those who seem uninterested in listening. We can just walk on, and continue.

This is an important reading for those who think that only specially prepared people are supposed to be ‘public Christians’ - or those with special opportunities in Africa, or working with the needy. It is for this reason Jesus used 72 of his disciples, not just the apostles. We all need to make Jesus known, to let our faith be seen and heard (and accept that like Jesus we won’t always have a friendly reception).

Above all, the best clue he gives us as he sends us out like sheep among wolves, is the order in which to do the task. He tells us to heal them first, and then let them know about the kingdom. We offer forgiveness, compassion, hope and encouragement, and only then do we dare to bring into it the news of Jesus and the hope the gospel brings.

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