Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Context

We haven’t been following the story of Luke yet. We’re now jumping into Luke partway through, so it helps to do one of those review clips you see at the beginning of an episode in a TV series.

The most important context to jump back to is chapter 9.

• The narrative center: I think of the “narrative center” of the Synoptics as the combo of Peter’s confession (9:18-20), Jesus’ prediction of the cross (9:21-27), and the Transfiguration (9:28-31). They all cluster together and they’re massively important. We should definitely be wondering if the events in chapter 10 have to do with them.

• Jesus heads to the cross: Another big thing that happens is that in 9:51, Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem. From now…

1. Why do you think that Jesus sent the 72 out in pairs rather than as individuals? (They could have covered more ground...)

2. Why was it so important that the kingdom be announced to the people of the region as Jesus went to Jerusalem? What do you think Jesus wanted their response to be?

3. What are examples in your own life or relationships where you have seen Christians become too enamored with power and "shiny" things? Why is this a temptation? What are some distractions for you that get between you and what God has called you to do?

4. Do you think of…