Luke Chapter 10 (Part 1)

*Note—Some Bible translations say that Jesus appointed 72

Read Luke 10:1-24

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Verse 1—Authority and power were given to Jesus' disciples, beyond just the Twelve

Spreading the news—First it was John the Baptist, then the 12, now the 70

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Verse 9—Tells us that signs authenticated their words

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Verses 12-15—Woe to the cities, it will be more tolerable for...

This passage tells us that there are different levels of punishment on Judgment Day. These cities had the benefit of hearing Jesus' words and witnessing His miracles—and yet, many did not choose to believe Him or follow Him. On the other hand, Sodom, Tyre, & Sidon were pagan cities that did not have this benefit—through no fault of their own, they were ignorant of God's plan of salvation and will not be judged in the same way as the cities who were made aware of God's plan.

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With more knowledge comes more responsibility.

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Verse 16—The 70 were speaking on Jesus' behalf. Jesus was, in essence, telling them that He has given them His authority (He says this plainly in verse 19).

—We, as members of the church, have also been given His authority—we are His ambassadors. Read II Corinthians 5:18-20a.

—Verse 17—"Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name"—We must use the name of Jesus (it's His authority working through us)

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Verse 18—"I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning"—The enemy is defeated, is subject to Jesus, and thus, is subject to the citizens of God's kingdom who use Jesus' name and the authority He has given.

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Verse 20—"Your names are recorded in heaven"—The Book of Life

Read Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 20:15, 21:27

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Verse 21—the wise and intelligent (according to the world)

Read I Corinthians 1:20-21, 26-29

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Verses 23-24

—Blessed are the disciples—they were among the very few who had the privilege of knowing Jesus personally while He was here on earth

—Those who lived in Old Testament times expressed their faith by looking forward to and longing for the coming Messiah (which Moses (the law) and the prophets foretold). These are the ones who are considered to be the saints of the Old Testament—they believed in Christ before He came. Thus, they are also blessed.

—We are also blessed—all believers who have been born since the time of Christ. We look back in time and believe the words of scripture, the words of apostles.

Read John 20:29