Return of the Seventy

Topic: Joy
Passage: Luke 10:17–24

December 15, 2019

Commentary

 

The events of this chapter should not be confused with the sending out of the twelve apostles, even though there are similarities in the instructions given. The twelve apostles ministered in Galilee while these seventy disciples were sent into Judea. In this passage we find them rejoicing as they return to give a report of their victories to Jesus (v. 17). They had seen tremendous results as they ministered in Jesus name and with His authority. They were elated by the victories they had witnessed and Jesus shared their enthusiasm. There is a threefold joy recorded here:

  1. The joy of service (vv. 17-19) – They were thrilled that even the demons were subject to them  (v. 17). Vance Havner use to say “Any man who takes Jesus Christ seriously becomes the target of the devil and most church members do not give Satan enough trouble to arouse his opposition.”
  2. The joy of  salvation (v.20) – Although Jesus gives His messengers great power over Satan, they are not to rejoice boastfully over the possession of this power, but rather that their names are written down in heaven.
  3. The joy of sovereignty (vv. 21-24) – We should rejoice because the understanding of truth does not depend on our natural abilities or education. Instead, people must become as little children as they place their trust in the Son and the Father.

Application

 

I need to give myself a little test. How do I  rate myself in each of the three areas above, as to what I get the most joy from

            _____ Joy of Service

            _____ Joy of Salvation

            _____ Joy of Sovereignty

Luke 10:17– 24 (NET)

17 Then the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” 18 So he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Look, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and on the full force of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names stand written in heaven.”

21 On that same occasion Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will. 22 All things have been given to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him.”

23 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”