The Sending and Return of the Seventy

Text: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Reflection and Question: You may remember that on October 10 we reflected upon Matthew’s telling of Jesus declaring, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37-38). Here, in Luke, these words are the energizing preface to Jesus’ directions to the seventy chosen missionaries he sends out. When they return expressing utter astonishment at the powers they have set loose, Jesus then warns them not to focus on that but rather to “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” What does having “your names written in heaven” mean?

Prayer: Jesus, our true Guide, we listen as You send out these laborers and we try to make Your directions to them our own. In the ways of our place and time may we cure the sick and convince many that your Kingdom is near. May our names be written in heaven. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).