In Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 people to prepare the way and announce that the kingdom of God has come near. Tyler reminded us through this story that sharing the good news isn’t reserved for the twelve disciples or specially qualified leaders. Every follower of Jesus is invited to be a messenger, sharing the good news of Jesus and His kingdom through everyday relationships and conversations. Rather than relying on church services alone, we can recognize that God wants to work through us in the places where we already live and spend time with others.

While we might look at the world around us and say it’s a dumpster fire, Jesus sees the world and says something else. Jesus says the harvest is plentiful, reminding us to look at the world with compassion and hope rather than assume people are too far from God. Jesus first tells his followers to pray for workers. He then sends them out in pairs, showing that this work is meant to be done in community.

He also reminds them that they are like sheep among wolves. They will not always be received well, they are going out into something risky and dangerous, and in that they are fully dependent on a good and capable Shepherd. Although sharing our faith can feel vulnerable and uncomfortable, Jesus calls us to go with humility, peace, and dependence on God rather than treating others as opponents to defeat.

God asks us to partner with Him in the sharing of His good news and Kingdom! We are responsible for sharing the good news and loving people, but we are not responsible for the outcome. God is the Lord of the harvest, and only he can change hearts. Our role is to pray, take steps toward others, and trust him with the results.

1. Jesus sent out 72 people, not just the twelve disciples. How does this challenge the idea that sharing the good news is only for pastors or people with special gifts? What might it look like in your everyday life?

2. Jesus looks at the world and sees a plentiful harvest. How might this change the way we view people who seem far from God? What helps us see others with compassion rather than judgment?

3. Jesus sends his followers out as “lambs in the midst of wolves.” What does it look like to share your faith with humility, peace, and love rather than feeling pressure to win an argument?

4. What fears or pressures do you experience when it comes to sharing Jesus with others? How might remembering that God is responsible for changing hearts free you to take a step of faith?

5. Jesus sent his followers out in pairs because this work was not meant to be done alone. Who could you partner with in praying for and reaching out to others? What might keep you from inviting someone into this?

6. Who has God already placed in your life that you could begin praying for? What is one practical step you could take this week to get to know, serve, or encourage that person?

“Lord, send workers into the harvest, and start with us.” Pray over the people God brought up in your conversations tonight, either people to partner with or to share with. Ask God to give us compassion for those around us, courage to share the good news, humility to love others well, and faith to trust Him with the results.