"Your experiences, not just your joys but even your sorrows, your race, your age, your gender, your gift mix, all of those things put together have shaped you, so there are some hands out there only you can hold. There are some needs only you can meet. There are some demons out there that only you can drive out. There are certain people God has prepared for you to be the healing agent of his grace in their lives."

–Tim Keller

Shout-out to everyone who helped pack meals for Mission of Hope!

Between Wednesday and Thursday, there were more than 270 people from our congregation who packed 70,000 nutritious meals. These meals will soon be served in lunchrooms across nearly 500 schools and orphanages in Haiti.

Special Shout-Out: Our growing InBetweeners community seized the opportunity to serve kids in a practical way while having fun doing it!

Way to go, guys! We love seeing community and mission come together.

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 10:1-16

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We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9–19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

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NOTE: To print discussion questions: Select "File" > "Print" > change the print range to the pages you want, or save as a PDF. There are other options, i.e. printing pictures, including backgrounds, to be helpful. OR you can highlight the text of the sections you would like to print > right click the highlighted text > "Print" to only print (or save as pdf) the sections you would like.

The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

To be saved by Jesus is to be sent by Jesus.

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

Imagine it’s your first day at a new company. You’ve got a brand new office with your name and title on the door. A shiny laptop and a coffee mug with your company’s logo are waiting for you on your new desk. But as you settle into your chair and take in the view out the window, a thought hits you: “Wait…what exactly am I supposed to be doing here?” What’s the job? How is my 9-to-5 meant to contribute to the company’s mission?

In order to succeed in anything, you need more than just a title; you need a mission. What’s true in the corporate world is also true of the Spiritual. We need to understand not just who we are, but also what we’re called to do. 

In Luke 10:1-16, Jesus shows His followers what it truly means to belong to Him. Following Jesus isn’t just about receiving the title of “disciple,” it’s about joining His mission in the world. 

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

“Seventy-two” (10:1) – The number likely symbolizes the nations of the world (Genesis 10 lists 70 nations in Hebrew but 72 in the Greek Septuagint). Luke is saying that this mission is for the whole world.

“Sent them two by two” (10:1) – This provided support and also fulfilled the Old Testament requirement for two witnesses in court (Num. 35:30; Deut. 19:15).

“The harvest is plentiful” (10:2) – Jesus borrowed Harvest imagery from Isaiah 27:12. Why the agricultural reference? Jesus knew that farmers work overtime during the harvest because timing is everything. Here, the harvest isn't grain, it's people.

“Like lambs among wolves” (10:3) – This image stresses vulnerability, not recklessness. God’s people are sent into danger but under the care of the Good Shepherd. In Jewish writings, Israel was described as sheep among wolves; their survival was a testimony to the Shepherd who guarded them.

“Do not greet anyone on the road” (10:4) – In the ancient world, greetings could be lengthy, ceremonial affairs. The command emphasizes the urgency of the mission, not rudeness.

“Peace to this house”…“a son of peace” (10:5-6) – This was more than polite words. It was the offer of God’s shalom; wholeness and salvation. A “son of peace” means someone whose heart is ready to receive that gift. 

“Eat what is set before you” (10:7) – This command reminded disciples not to be picky or insult hosts, even if the food wasn’t what they were used to. It reinforced contentment, gratitude and a focus on the mission rather than personal comfort.

“For the worker deserves his wages” (10:7) – Hospitality was meant to provide for the disciples. In 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul used Jesus' teaching as a principle for how to compensate ministers and missionaries.

The “woes” (10:13-15) – Jesus denounced Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for witnessing His miracles yet refusing to repent. His warning compared them unfavorably to Tyre, Sidon and even Sodom (cities known in Scripture for sin). Jesus seems to be teaching that the more a community knows about God, the more they are responsible for responding in faith.

“Whoever listens to you listens to me” (10:16) – Jesus tied the authority of His messengers directly to His own. To reject their message was to reject Him—and ultimately the Father who sent Him.

Group Guide

Following the series with your group? 

• Start with some icebreaker questions.
• Read the passage together before you dive in. 
• Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started:

Conversation Starters

1. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (v. 2).

Jesus uses farming language to describe people who are ready to hear the Good News. Where do you see a “plentiful harvest” around you today?

2. “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (v. 3).

How is our mission different than the missions of other groups in our culture? What difference does it make that God is your shepherd?

3. The seventy-two represent the nations of the world (Gen. 10).

How does this passage expand our view of who the gospel is for? What places, groups or people might Jesus be nudging you to see as part of His harvest?

4. “Peace to this house”…“a son of peace” (vv. 5-6).

Jesus tells His disciples to look for people ready to receive God’s peace. How might you recognize a “person of peace” in your daily relationships? Can you think of someone in your life who might be open to hearing about Jesus right now?

5. “Whoever listens to you listens to me” (v. 16).

Jesus ties the authority of His message-bearers directly to Himself. How does this truth encourage (or challenge) you as you think about sharing your faith?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we praise you that you save us and send us out. Help us boldly go public with our faith. Give us hearts of love and curiosity to those around us. Help us become inviters. Let your gospel overflow every day. Amen!

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