Read the Passage: Luke 9:51–10:24

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 9:51–10:24

Rejection and Cost (9:51–62)

Luke 9:51 is an important verse in Luke’s Gospel, for it marks the point in this narrative at which Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Furthermore, the material recorded between Luke 9:51–19:27 is largely unique to this Gospel, as it surely arose from Luke’s own careful research among those who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry (cf. Luke 1:2–3). Luke 9:52 mentions Christ’s practice of sending disciples before Him to prepare locations for His visit. In this passage we read that, unlike His trip to Samaria reported in John 4:1–42, on this present occasion Jesus was rejected by the Samarians because of His stated intent to travel to Jerusalem. Incredibly, this refusal prompted James and John to ask Jesus if He wanted them to destroy the Samaritans! In response, Christ rebuked James and John, as He taught them to respond with grace when the gospel is rejected, and not with wrath (cf. Acts 8:14–15).

Prior to this juncture in Luke’s Gospel, much of Jesus’ ministry had been successful, or at least tolerated by the people. With the recent rejection by the Samaritans, and with full awareness of the coming persecution as He headed toward the cross, Christ instructed His followers about the cost of discipleship. In Luke 9:57–62 Jesus interacted with three individuals. Each of these unnamed men expressed a willingness to follow Christ—albeit either out of impulse or with a caveat. Indeed, it seems these would-be disciples were attracted by the miracles and popularity that had marked Christ’s ministry in Galilee. By way of response to these men, and using hyperbole, Jesus taught that His disciples would need to be willing: (1) to let go of their material goods, (2) to not make worldly cares preeminent, and (3) to forgo some relationships, even with family and friends, on account of the gospel.

Appointment and Ministry (10:1–16)

Luke 10:1–16 contains the account of Jesus sending 70 disciples out, in teams of two, to prepare the way before Him. While these men are not identified by name, Christ had used this practice earlier with the 12 apostles (cf. Luke 9:1–6, 52). Note, too, that Moses had 70 men who assisted him in ministry (cf. Num. 11:16–30). On this present occasion Jesus invested the disciples with power for ministry (cf. Luke 10:9, 17) and He instructed them to rely upon God and other believers for their material support. Given Jesus’ later teaching about making practical preparations for ministry (cf. Luke 22:35–38), it seems the directions about relying upon God in this passage were a specific lesson on faith. Observe Christ’s teaching that the disciples should expect trials and trouble, for they were “lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3); yet, they could also anticipate to make kingdom progress.

Speaking in regard to certain cities which had or would soon reject the gospel, in Luke 10:13–16 Jesus pronounced a curse against Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These woes are noteworthy for several reasons. First, observe that these three cities were on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which was where Jesus had been ministering, not where He was going, nor where He had sent the 70 disciples. Second, note Christ’s teaching that Tyre and Sidon would have repented if they had seen the ministry which was done in the cities of Galilee. This is interesting, for it shows that God’s omniscience extends not only to what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen, but also to what would have happened had things been otherwise. Third, notice Jesus encourages His disciples by teaching them that when people reject the gospel, they are actually rejecting Him and the Father.

Return and Teaching (10:17–24)

Luke 10:17–24 reports that when the 70 disciples returned to Jesus, they did so with great joy and reports of effective ministry. However, rather than rejoicing with these men, Christ appealed to Satan’s fall from heaven. While this reference may seem to be curious, Jesus’ intent here was to warn His disciples about the spiritual pride that can arise from effective ministry. Next, Christ exhorts His followers to not rejoice over the visible results of ministry, but rather, to “rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Finally, in Luke 10:21–22 Jesus rejoiced and thanked the Father for His plan of salvation and for entrusting salvation to the Son. In his Gospel Matthew records Jesus’ well-known teaching at this point, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. . . . My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30).

Application Questions:

1. How would you define discipleship? Is it possible to be a follower of Jesus Christ a not be a disciple?
2. Is it ever appropriate to respond with anger when the gospel is rejected? When does self-defense become self-belligerence?
3. What is the biggest practical deterrent to the gospel? Have you had to relinquish much to become a disciple of Christ?
4. How would you define successful ministry? Are you comforted or concerned by the idea of degrees of divine punishment?
5. Are you ever tempted to base your worth to God upon your performance? Have you found Jesus’ yoke to be easy and light?