Preaching and the Land - Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

In approaching the gospel text for Sunday's worship, the preacher will desire more information than is provided by what we have come to call the Fifth Gospel.  But gaining what we can from the lay of the land and the culture, let's begin our sermon preparation.

Here are some insights:

• while on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus sends out 70 "others" (than the 12) in advance of his arrival
• some manuscripts say 72 were sent
• in the Torah, 70 can refer to the number of Jewish elders or the 70 languages and nations of the world
• the 70 are to do what Jesus did: proclaim the kingdom of God and heal
• no provisions like purses, bags or sandals or even food and drink are needed because of the requirement of hospitality to strangers in the land
• "shalom" was the traditional Jewish greeting and prayer upon meeting fellow Jews
• Jesus cautioned the 70 to expect mixed results just as he had experienced in Capernaum, Chorazim and Bethsaida
• the 70 returned with joy and a report which includes power over demons
• Jesus further cautioned the 70 regarding expectations in ministry