Luke 10:1-24
The disciples have learnt a lot (and are still learning) since Jesus sent them out on their first training mission in 9:1-6. And now it is time to send them out again. In some ways it is repeat of their first mission, though others are now invited to join them. Early Christian scholars tell us that many of those mentioned in the early chapters of Acts, such as those appointed deacons and involved in evangelism (including Stephen and Philip) were include in this larger mission team. Another difference is that the region into which they are sent now includes areas they are less familiar with. At least some of their exposure now seems to include Samaritan towns and regions. Their earlier experience and their learning since, has equipped them for a more challenging call.
But much of Jesus’ initial instruction sounds reminiscent of 9:1-6, and you may find it helpful to revisit the Bible Study we did a few weeks ago on that passage. There are however, significant and ominous additions. Whereas their earlier mission was relatively straightforward, characterized by acceptance and ‘success’, this one would be a more mixed experience, bearing the marks of rejection that increasingly reflects Jesus’ own experience as He heads towards Jerusalem. Now they are being sent out ‘like lambs among wolves’; and lambs getting eaten and torn apart by wolves. And the eternal significance of their impending rejection is underlined in more graphic terms (vv.13-15).
And yet, in spite of their mixed reception, Satan is thrown down when the disciples proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. There is a deep connection between our willingness to suffer as lambs amongst wolves in order to be faithful in evangelism, and the cosmic defeat of Satan (see also Rev.12:9-11). And He roots their joy not in their victory / authority over Satan, so much as in their deliverance from him (v.20). And having been delivered from Satan, the Church is now commissioned to rescue others from the power of evil. Their simple, child-like faithfulness in doing so is so profound that it ignites the Son’s worship of the Father through the Holy Spirit (v.21). I wonder if we have ever understood our evangelism in terms of its impact in the life of the Trinity? And what might be our impact when we refuse to speak of the Gospel?
Questions:
Why do you think Jesus sends His disciples out as ‘lambs among wolves’ (v.3)? What is this image seeking to convey? Do you think that is still the experience of Christians today? Does that resonate with your experience as a Christian?
In 10:12-15 Jesus talks about judgment being more bearable for certain towns than others. Do you think Ipswich will be judged as a town, as well as people who live in Ipswich being judged as individuals? Do you think there are different gradations to people’s experience of judgment? …on what basis?
Read 10:13 again carefully. If Jesus knows what would have produced repentance in Tyre and Sidon, why didn’t He do that?
What do you think their being given authority means (v.19)? What does the exercise of that authority look like and achieve? Do you think the Church still has this authority?
In light of their own experience in Acts, and indeed that of the persecuted Church throughout the ages, how do we make sense of Jesus’ declaration that nothing will harm them in v.19?
What is it that the Father has hidden (v.21)? …and why is the Father pleased to hide them? Can they be revealed again? How?
How comfortable are you with Jesus’ use of the language of ‘chosen’ in 10:22? Who does Jesus choose to reveal the Father to? How does He do that?
