Paired for partnership was the strategy Jesus used to bring in the harvest of souls and to support each other. Luke 10:1The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.[1] As Jesus sent out the seventy-two, we see there were committed believers beyond the twelve disciples. In addition, Jesus knew that the time of his death was approaching, and many people had not yet heard his message.
As the seventy-two went out in pairs, it shows us the importance of working together. Two people working together can encourage each other and share the burden of ministry as they work in the harvest field. This is why God rarely calls us to isolated service.
Pause for a moment and imagine you are one of the seventy-two that Jesus is sending out into the harvest field. If that were me, the task ahead might seem daunting. Then, as you listen, Jesus gives some helpful instructions. Isn’t this how Jesus often works? I don’t know how I will fulfill what He has called me to do, but I trust that in His timing, He will provide the guidance we need.
The Harvest is Great
Luke 10:2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.[2] Growing up on a farm, I’ve learned that having a plentiful harvest can be stressful when there are few workers to do the work. Over time, if the grain becomes too ripe, it starts to fall off, reducing your crop and highlighting the need for urgency.
In this situation, the harvest represents people who are open to the good news of Jesus. The harvest is so urgent that Jesus calls people to ask God to move supernaturally on people’s hearts to help in the harvest. When we pray, we realize we can’t do this on our own and need God’s help. As we grow in faith, God repeatedly teaches us that we need His help, or our work becomes useless. James 5:16The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.[3]
The Harvest Won’t Be Easy
Luke 10:3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.[4] Not everyone the seventy-two will minister to is interested in the good news of Jesus, and some are hostile. Only through God’s work in us can we minister effectively in the harvest field.
Finally, Jesus gave them one more instruction about depending on Him. Luke 10:4 Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road. [5] Dependence on God for workers, protection, and provision is all part of Jesus’ way of teaching the seventy-two disciples through personal experience.
You may find yourself in a situation today where the Lord wants you to rely on Him. It may not be easy, but the Lord wants to remind us all that He is always with us and will guide and protect us. To learn more about paired for partnership, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out-2-x-2
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.