There was much to be done. 

The harvest was great. The time was now.

Before sending out the 70 disciples, Jesus framed their mission with urgency: “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.” (Lk 10:2)

Even their journey reflected this haste—they were not to greet others on the road (Lk 10:4), avoiding distractions that could slow down the work.

Yet efficiency was not the only concern.

Jesus could have maximised their reach by sending them individually. Instead, He sent them two by two. He knew what we often forget: we are not meant to serve Him alone, especially when sent out as “lambs among wolves” (Lk 10:3). Two can lift, strengthen, and steady one another (Ecc 4:9-12). Partnership is part of the ministry.

Their first task? “Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” (Lk 10:2)

This prayer runs in two directions—asking God to raise up workers beyond themselves, and asking Him to make their work fruitful (Lk 10:2-3). 

Urgency does not replace prayer. And prayer does not replace going. In God’s design, the two belong together.

To keep them focused, Jesus instructed the 70 to travel light. They were not to be weighed down by possessions or distracted by the logistics of comfort. Instead, they were to depend humbly on the hospitality of their hosts—staying in one house, eating what was set before them (Lk 10:7). Ministry requires a simple life, free from needless comparison or complaint.

As we meet different people in God’s great harvest, do we show humility and respect? Fulfilling our mission may lead us into unfamiliar spaces. We may be invited to taste flavours that stretch our palate or adapt to the unique rhythms of homes and churches that kindly receive us. 

Above all, the 70 needed to remember who they represented. They carried with them the nearness of God’s kingdom (Lk 10:9), and rejection of them was ultimately rejection of God (Lk 10:16). Instead of taking rejection personally, if their peace was refused, it was simply to return to them (Lk 10:6). 

Finally, though the 70 experienced a child-like joy when they saw God’s power in their service, Jesus gently redirected their hearts: “rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:17, 20). 

The faithful labourer will experience God’s hand moving powerfully in the harvest. But the truest measure is not the work that the labourer has accomplished. It is whether they personally know and belong to the Lord of the harvest. 

Friends, the harvest is great. The time is now.

What will you do?

Reflection Questions

1. In your life, how are you a labourer in God’s great harvest?

2. Which of Jesus’ instructions do you most want to grow in as you serve?

   1. Partnering with others in ministry

   2. Keeping a sense of urgency in God’s mission

   3. Praying for God to work

   4. Staying focused on God’s mission without distraction

   5. Accepting rejection without resentment

   6. Finding joy in salvation, not outcomes