MISSION OF THE TWELVE DISCIPLES AND MISSION OF THE SEVENTY Lesson Note

REFERENCES

Matthew 10:1–42

Mark 6:7–13

Luke 9:1–6

Luke 10:1–24

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

LESSON CONTENT

MISSION OF THE TWELVE DISCIPLES (math10:1-15,mark6:7-13, Luke 9:1-16)

The mission of the twelve is recorded in the three synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke.

According to Matthew, Jesus called the twelve disciples gave them authority over unclean spirits; to cast them out and to heal every disease and every infirmity, they charge to : Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter on town of the Samaritans, but go rather at the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go saying. The kingdom of God is at hand (math 10:5-7).

He changed them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons and not collect money for their services.The disciples were also charged not to take anything with them and that in any town they entered., they should find out who was worthy and stay with such until they departed. As they entered the house, they were expected to greet it and if the house was worthy, then their peace would come upon it., but if was not worthy, their peace would return to them. If anyone would not receive or listen to them, they should shake off the dust from their feet as they left the house or town and this would stand in judgement against such people.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE

It enables Christian to understand the preparations which they must make in terms of sound teaching and practical experience before becoming a priest, evangelist, minister of God and before undertaking other ministerial assignment.

MISSION OF THE SEVENTY (Luke 10:1-24)

Only the book of Luke have an account of the mission of the seventy. According to Luke, Jesus appointed seventy others and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He said to them, the harvest is plentiful, but the Labourers are few; pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest send out Labourers into his harvest. Go your way. Behold! I send you out as lambs in midst of wolves (Luke 10:2-3).

He charged them not to carry purse, bags, sandals and great no one on the road. Whatever house they entered they should first day: peace be unto this house. IF a son of peace was there, their peace would rest upon the house, but if not, it would return to them. He charged them not to go from house to house.

Whenever they appeared a town and they were received, they should eat and heal the sick in the town say to them, the kingdom of God has come near to you. If they should enter a town and the people failed to receive them. They should go into its streets and proclaim that even the dust of the town clinged to their feet was wiped off against them. Jesus condemned cities such as chorazin, Bethsaide and Capernaum. Where he did a lot of mighty work, yet they did not repent or believe in him. Jesus concluded his charge to the seventy by saying ,He who hears you heard me and he who rejects you rejects me and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.

The seventy returned to Jesus with joy saying, Lord even the demons are subject to us in your name. Jesus answered them and said: I saw Satan fall like lightning From heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall Hart you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you but rejoices that you name are written in heaven (Luke 10:19-20).

DIFFERENCES IN THE ACCOUNTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

The mission of the Twelve is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke, while the mission of the Seventy is specifically recorded by Luke. The Twelve were specially appointed apostles, while the Seventy were additional followers sent ahead of Jesus. The instructions were similar in their emphasis on dependence on God, preaching and hospitality, but details differed. For example, Mark records that the Twelve could take a staff, while Luke’s account of the Seventy stresses travelling without a money bag, bag or sandals. The Twelve preached repentance and performed healing ministry; the Seventy were especially sent to prepare towns for Jesus’ visit and proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom.

DIFFERENCE IN THE ACCOUNT OF MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE IN THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE

The general outline of the story is the same as presented by the three synoptic gospels but there are a few areas of differences. Matthew stated that the mission of the twelve was limited to the Jews, but there was no such details in Luke and Mark. It was Matthew that stated the names of the disciples that were sent out while Luke and Mark did not State this but gave the details else where. Mark stated that the disciples were sent out in Pairs, that is two by two. But other synoptic gospels writer did not State this .

Mark stated also that they were allowed to take their sandals. Which was not Stated in Matthew and Mark.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND SIGNIFICANCE

The Twelve preached repentance, healed the sick and cast out demons. The Seventy proclaimed the Kingdom, healed the sick and reported spiritual victories in Jesus’ name. The missions teach Christians that every believer has a role in spreading the gospel, ministry requires teamwork and dependence on God, rejection should not discourage faithful service, and success in ministry should be accompanied by humility and gratitude.