The seventy-two discover that Jesus’ ways really do work; the kingdom of God comes in power through signs and wonders. Jesus’ task and the work that is to occupy his followers is to defeat Satan; to usher in God’s new creation in which evil and even death itself are banished. But as Jesus then explains to a lawyer, the kingdom of God is also a kingdom that comes through practical demonstrations of love and grace; actions that shatter religious, cultural and social boundaries, and so bring God’s peace to his people.
• Do you think you can do what the seventy-two did today?
• Are you aware that as a follower of Jesus you are ‘sent out’ to engage in a cosmic battle?
• Can you recognise those who are radically different to you as your ‘neighbour’, and so love them in the way described in v.27?
• Who can you demonstrate God’s love, grace and peace to today?
