What does it mean that the harvest is great but the labourers are few?

When Jesus says the harvest is great but the labourers are few, he is talking about people who are ready to hear and respond to God’s message. There are many hearts prepared by God, like a field full of ripe grain, but not many workers going out to serve them. Jesus tells the seventy to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more workers. This shows both the size of the need and that God is the one who raises up and sends people to share the good news.

Why did Jesus send the seventy out two by two instead of alone?

Jesus sent the seventy in pairs to help their weakness and encourage them. Going two by two meant they were not alone when facing trouble or rejection. They could strengthen each other, remind each other of Jesus’ words, and stand together as witnesses. This also fits the pattern in Scripture where testimony is confirmed by two witnesses. It shows that serving God is not meant to be a lone effort, but something done with support and partnership.

What does it mean to be sent out as lambs among wolves?

Being sent as lambs among wolves means Jesus’ followers would be gentle and vulnerable in a world that can be harsh and hostile to God’s message. Lambs do not fight like wolves, and they depend on their shepherd for protection. Jesus is honest that ministry will bring dangers, opposition, and even persecution. At the same time, his words carry a promise: the one who sends them knows their weakness and will watch over them as they obey his call.

Why were the seventy told to carry no purse or bag and greet no one on the road?

Jesus told them not to carry money, extra supplies, or even spare shoes to teach them to trust God’s care and the hospitality of those who received the message. Telling them not to greet people on the road was not a command to be rude, but a way of saying their work was urgent and they must not be delayed by long social visits. Their focus was to reach many towns quickly and prepare people for Jesus’ coming, relying on God rather than their own resources.

What is meant by saying, Peace be to this house and a son of peace?

When the disciples entered a house, they were to say, Peace be to this house. This was more than a polite greeting. It was a blessing of God’s peace, tied to the message of his kingdom. A son of peace is a person who is open to God’s word and welcomes it. If someone in the house receives the message, that peace rests on them. If no one is willing to receive it, the peace returns to the disciples, meaning the blessing is not forced where it is not wanted.

Why did Jesus say the labourer is worthy of his hire in this passage?

Jesus told the seventy to stay in the same house, eating and drinking what was provided, because the labourer is worthy of his hire. He was teaching that those who serve by preaching and healing may rightly receive support from those they serve. They were not to feel guilty about living at others’ expense while on this mission. At the same time, they were not to move from house to house seeking better food or comfort, but to accept simple provision as God’s way of caring for them.

What does it mean that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you?

The words the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you mean that God’s rule and saving work are drawing near in a new way through Jesus. As the seventy healed the sick and preached, they showed that God was stepping in to rescue, forgive, and reign in people’s lives. This nearness was both a gift and a test. For those who welcomed it, it meant mercy and peace. For those who refused it, it meant they were turning away from God’s offered rule and would answer for that choice.

Why were the disciples told to wipe off the dust of a rejecting city?

Wiping off the dust of a city that rejected them was a sign that the disciples had done their part and were no longer responsible for how that town responded. It pictured a complete break, as if even the dust was left behind as a witness. They were still to say that the kingdom of God had come near, so the people knew they had turned away something very serious. This act was not petty anger, but a sober warning that ignoring God’s message has real consequences.

What does Jesus mean when he says it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that city?

Jesus uses Sodom, a city known for great sin and judgment, to show how serious it is to reject God’s message when it is clearly brought to you. He says it will be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment than for a town that refuses the gospel. The idea is that greater light brings greater responsibility. A city that has heard about God’s kingdom, seen his works, and still turned away will face a heavier judgment than even those who were very wicked but had less light.

How can this passage about the seventy apply to believers today?

This passage reminds believers that many people are ready to hear about God, but there are not many willing workers. It calls for prayer that God would send more people into his harvest and also challenges each person to be ready to serve where they are. It shows that sharing God’s message may be hard and sometimes rejected, yet God cares for those he sends. It also encourages simple trust in God’s provision and a steady focus on bringing peace and the good news of his kingdom.

Luke.10.1

Luke 10:1

KJV

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Jesus Sends the Seventy-Two

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Cross References

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