When Jesus sent out the 72 in Luke 10, he revealed timeless truths about sharing the gospel. If we want to follow his example, we can’t miss these key lessons:

1. Sharing the Gospel starts with being sent.

Talking with people about Jesus doesn’t happen because we’re in the mood or because we want our church to grow. It happens because we are sent to share him. Luke 10:1 reads, “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.” Those who don’t recognize that they are sent tend to do much less going. Despite our agenda, however good it may be, we are sent on the mission given to us by the one we call our Lord.

2. You can’t do this.

Alone, that is. We are stronger together. Jesus sent them out in pairs (Luke 10:1), showing us the importance of partnership in ministry. Being together provides mutual support, encouragement, and accountability, especially when facing challenges like rejection or hostility. It’s easier to stay focused on the mission and avoid burnout when someone else is walking the same path. Working alone, however, can lead to discouragement and even vulnerability to temptation or fear. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that two are better than one because they can help each other up when one falls. In the same way, sharing the gospel along with a partner reminds us that we’re stronger together, both with each other and in Christ.

3. Jesus sent more than twelve.

Don’t let anyone convince you that it’s someone else’s job to share Jesus. He prayed for you, specifically, in John 17:18-20, saying to the Father, “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” That’s you and me!

In Luke 10:1, Jesus expanded beyond the Twelve to include 72 other people. Much like the choosing and sending he did in Luke 6:13 and 9:1-2, Jesus included others in carrying out his mission. We may feel impressed by the Big Twelve. But involving these 72 others shows how he included disciples who were like you and me. All of us, as followers of Jesus, are sent.

4. Being sent does not equal being accepted.

Jesus never guaranteed smooth sailing. In fact, he prepared his disciples for rejection (v. 10, “But if a town refuses to welcome you…”). Just because you’re delivering the truth doesn’t mean everyone will welcome it—or you. Even Jesus, the perfect messenger, was rejected. And murdered. Why should we expect anything different? Rejection doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Do you remember his words in Matthew 7? “The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Rejection is part of being sent.

5. Sitting down matters.

When they went to share the news, Jesus told the disciples to “eat whatever is set before you” (Luke 10:8), emphasizing the value of relationship-building in sharing the gospel. Accepting hospitality shows humility and respect for those you are ministering to. When we take time to sit at someone’s table, sharing meals and conversation, we move beyond seeing people as projects and instead develop genuine relationships of trust and influence. People are far more likely to listen when they feel valued. This approach mirrors Jesus’ own ministry, where he often ate and became friends with with sinners and rejects (check out Luke 5:29-32). Sharing meals communicates, “I’m here with you, not above you,” which builds relational bridges for sharing the truth of God’s kingdom.

6. Do the prep work Jesus-style.

Go, sit, eat, and heal (Luke 10:9). Before announcing the kingdom of God, Jesus told them to heal people. This pairing isn’t accidental. He knew people needed to experience God’s tangible, supernatural love before they could fully receive his message. The same is true today: if our gospel presentation is devoid of love—whether through acts of service, compassion, or even miracles—it’s far less effective. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that even if we speak with the tongues of angels, without love, we’re nothing.

7. Move it or lose it.

There’s a time to move on. In Luke 10:10, Jesus taught his disciples to shake the dust off their feet when a town rejected them, a symbolic act of leaving behind the responsibility for those who rejected the message, showing they had done their part and were moving on without carrying guilt or burden. This isn’t about giving up on people but about recognizing the right time to move forward. Even Jesus didn’t spend all his time with those who rejected him. When we cling to those who are unwilling to receive, we risk missing those who are ready to hear. Read that again.

8. Kingdom: “Welcome or not, here I come!”

Whether people welcomed the disciples or not, their message stayed the same: “The Kingdom of God is near” (in both v. 9 and v. 11). This is a key point. Though we should strive to use effective strategies, the content of the message is consistent, even when it isn’t accepted. It can be discouraging when the message isn’t received, but Jesus’ instructions remind us: share it anyway, and share it everywhere.

When Jesus sent out the 72 in Luke 10, he provided a blueprint for sharing the gospel that remains just as relevant today. From being sent with purpose to building relationships at the table, Jesus emphasized the importance of humility, love, and partnership in ministry. He reminded us that rejection is not failure but part of the journey, and he gave us the freedom to move forward when needed. Most importantly, he showed that the message of God’s kingdom is constant, whether it’s embraced or not. Following his example means stepping into the mission with courage, love, and persistence—because the world needs to hear, and we’ve been sent to tell.

Want to discuss this further? I’d love to hear from you, encourage you, and pray for you. Share a comment.