Luke 10:1-11 & 16-20
Today’s passage is all about Jesus building His church.
Firstly, we learn who the church is. In the Bible, being inspired by God, nothing is written randomly or there by chance. The Apostles remind us of the 12 tribes of Israel, God’s chosen people, who came from the 12 sons of Israel whose story is told in Genesis. So, in scripture 12 represents Israel. We also notice 70 represents the nations of the world (there were 70 nations listed in the table of nations in Genesis 10)
The church is us, ordinary people, appointed by Christ, sent by Him, each a vital part of His body, labouring in the harvest, discipling, supporting and learning from each other.
Secondly, we consider the message and mission of the church. Our mission (like John the Baptist) is to prepare the way for the Lord, faithfully and authentically proclaiming, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’ and exhorting all to obtain ‘peace with God’ (See Rom5v1) We warn them they are under judgement if they reject His offer of peace. True representatives carry the authority of the One they represent.
Thirdly, the church’s power and authority have their source in the Triune God. But it flows from our faith and relationship with Him which He Himself makes possible. Jesus wants all His disciples to have confidence in Him, even when He cannot be seen. We can trust Him for provision (‘the labourer deserves His wages’ – Luke10:7). Jesus gives us authority ‘over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.’ (Luke 10:19) Yet He does not want us to become enamoured with power and authority. (Luke10v20, Matt7v21-23) He wants His disciples to know Him personally, to know His will because they know His heart and have a meaningful relationship with Him.
Lastly, Christ is the Head of the church, He is the Lord of all who has been given ALL power and authority in Heaven and earth. Though He sends us out ‘as lambs in the midst of wolves.’ (Luke10v3) He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for his sheep. (John10v11-15). His disciples, His friends, share His heart for the lost, and share the joy of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit celebrating with each name that is added to the book of life. (Luke 10v20)
Jesus is building His church in us and through us. He invites us to become His friends (John15v15), knowing His heart, and the will of the Father so that we can be about the Family Business – the Kingdom of God. Our time is short. Our watch is now. Things are in motion. We have a window of opportunity. He wants us to grow in confidence and faith in Him. He wants to renew our minds and our hearts. So, let us sit at Jesus’ feet. Let us read and study His Word together so we can understand and represent Jesus well. Let us pray and seek to develop our relationship with Jesus so that we can say: “I know Him.” Let us be encouraged: The same One who said: “Follow me” is also saying: “I’m right behind You.”