The people didn’t just wander out into the desert to find Jesus. Jesus had sent out messages to let people know where he was having a meeting. The Son of God needed to let people know where he was going to be in the desert!

1. He appointed them (vs. 1)

God has given us all an appointment for a purpose. You are an appointment every day, no matter whom you meet! The Christian has the Holy Spirit on the inside. You are a saint. You are anointed for God’s work. Your diary is never empty!

2. He sent them (vs. 1-2)

We are a sent people. People need to be told or they are not going to come. Prayer alone won’t bring people. We need to do something. We need to advertise. The disciples were to go out with the message of peace. There would be those who would rest and those who would return. Judgment would come upon those who rejected the message. This was God’s Son!

3. There is a harvest (vs. 2)

The fields are ready so get to work! We don’t see it because we are too busy with other things.

4. There needs to be prayer (vs. 2)

We are to pray to the Lord to send labourers to the harvest. We might be the answer to someone’s prayer!

5. Forewarned (vs. 3)

They were like lambs among wolves. There are dangers and we need spiritual protection. We need prayer and the armour of God. We are spiritual soldiers prepared for battle. We need to show spiritual discernment.

6. Remain in the house (vs. 4-7)

We are not to take what we don’t need. The disciples were not to bring extra and rely on hospitality. Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated. If your peace doesn’t land then wipe the dust off your feet and let them go to hell! You can waste your time and energy. Go to where you are welcome and do lots of work for God. You are to go into a household and bless them for peace. To have freedom from all the distresses that are a result of sin. It is possible to share the gospel without starting a mission or stopping work. You don’t need to take extra to share the gospel. Travel light and go where you will be received and stay there for a while.

7. Peace is an indicator of a person’s heart (vs. 6)

If there is an openness then there is an opportunity. They may no know God but if they are open to listen then they are waiting for someone to explain to them the way of salvation. They may have a handle on spiritual things but haven’t come to Jesus. We need to tell them! See Luke 9:50. Whoever is not against you is for you!

8. The right attitude (Luke 9:47-48)

They disciples needed humility. It wasn’t about them. They are a child of God. The message is more important than the messenger. Don’t burn a bridge, when you can build a bridge. Don’t get people’s backs up.

9. The twisters (Philippians 1:15-18)

They should be for us but they are against us. So long as the gospel is being preached then never mind their motives. Keep doing what God has called you to do.

Your peace is sent out but it may come back to you like a boomerang. That is what can happen when peace is preached and it is rejected. A stick is one that doesn’t come back! This remains and may be accepted. Take the gospel of peace to all those who will receive it.

Categories: Luke, Uncategorized