Questions spark curiosity, stir imagination, and provoke further reflection. As I shared my plans with a friend this weekend, their simple questions made me pause, reflect, and reconsider. Questions don’t tell us what to do, but invite us to take time, to dream and re-examine all the possibilities. It will therefore come as no surprise that the Bible records Jesus asking over 300 questions. Often Jesus would respond to a question with another question. Rather than explaining what to do, His skilful questions encouraged individuals to reflect, evaluate and discover their personal application. Questions give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to illuminate our bespoke next step perfect for our unique set of circumstances.
As I have looked at the account of Jesus sending 72 on mission (Luke 10:1-20), I have considered the following questions to begin to discover how I should personally respond. Perhaps, rather than reading this as an article, I could encourage you to take time over the next few days to create space where you can prayerfully consider each question and discover your bespoke next steps as you continue to join Jesus on mission.
1. Are we willing to surrender all to join Jesus on mission?
‘After this…’ (Luke 10:1) suggests disciple makers must count the cost. In Chapter 9 Luke tells us Jesus was rejected (Luke 9:51-55) and following Jesus takes precedence over personal comfort, cultural convention, and good customs (Luke 9:57-62).
2. Will we say ‘yes’ to the mission all Jesus followers have been appointed for?
‘72 others’, not the 12 disciples, ordinary people like you and me. We have been chosen, selected, appointed, and sent by Jesus. Will we accept His mission? Reminds me of John 15:16?
3. Who are you on mission with?
Jesus sent them two by two, surely not just for accountability. Could it be to pray, seek, discern, and agree together to see God’s Kingdom come (Matthew 18:19)?
4. Are we expecting Jesus to turn up?
Jesus sent them ahead to places He was about to go (Luke 10:1). He sends us into HIS harvest field where HE is at work, we’re not alone, He is going to turn up. Be encouraged!
5. Do we expect to reap a harvest?
Does Jesus recruit without equipping? Does Jesus send the 72 to fail? Like a farmer who sows seed assured he will reap a harvest, shouldn’t we serve expecting to reap a harvest?
6. Are we ‘like’ lambs or wolves?
Lambs are distinct from wolves. They are not predators, pose no threat and cause no harm. Lambs stick close to their Mother and are committed to the flock. Jesus said, ‘be wise as serpents, as innocent as doves’ (Matthew 10:16).
7. Are we positioned to depend on God’s generous provision?
By limiting what they could take, Jesus positioned the 72 to experience His provision. Is it only when we don’t have a back-up plan, we can experience the full measure of God’s generous provision? Living on mission is total dependence on God!
8. Have we allowed ‘good’ to distract us from ‘best’?
Jesus instructed the 72 not to greet anyone on the road to avoid distraction and delay. Unless we listen and obey, good deeds can steal our time and energy from best limiting the harvest. Reminds me of Mark 4:19-20?
9. In an increasingly negative and critical world, do we speak blessing?
Before you do anything, speak blessing, Jesus told the 72. ‘First say, “Peace to this house.”’ (Luke10:5). Our words have the power to bring life and death (Proverbs 18:21), let’s choose them wisely. Speak blessing over the people and places we are sent to serve today.
10. Who is the person(s) of peace in your world?
Where is Jesus already at work? Who is open, questioning, and willing to listen. Avoid trying to win arguments, we’re called to join Jesus who wins souls. So, invest, spend time, and hang out with people of peace, where Jesus is already at work.
11. Are we believing for miracles?
Jesus gave ordinary people authority to heal the sick in His name. “Heal those who are ill” (Luke 10:9), Jesus said. It wasn’t a suggestion; it was an expectation. Lord, we need a demonstration of Your power!
12. Are we telling people about Jesus?
Yes, we need a demonstration of God’s power. Yes, we need to love through acts of kindness. Yes, our lives need to be a walking advert for Jesus. But Jesus said, ‘tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”’ (Luke 10:9).
13. Are we harbouring offence?
Brush the dust of your feet, let everyone see you refuse to carry offence with you (Luke 10:10-11). Following Jesus isn’t easy, people will criticise, hate, discredit, and reject. But Jesus teaches us to get back up, forgive, let it go and keep on loving and sharing Jesus.
14. Is the joy of the Lord our strength?
They returned with joy (Luke 10:17)! They had experienced their Provider, their Defender, their Helper, and their Healer. Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). We can endure on mission because His joy is our strength.
15. Are we willing to be the answer to our prayer?
“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2). The original word for ‘send’ in v.2 is different to ‘sent’ in v. 1. The word means to cast or drive out with force if necessary. There is a worker shortage, therefore, will we pray, “here I am, SEND me?”
Featured photo by Paz Arando on Unsplash
"Live to Serve" 