TO PROCLAIM THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Luke 10:1-24

Key Verse: 10:9

* THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL (1-3)

1. Why did Jesus send out the seventy-two? Why two by two? (Ecc 4:9,10) (Compare this with the event in 9:1-9)

2. How did Jesus view the sin-sick world into which he was sending the seventy-two? What prayer topic did he teach them? What imperative command did he give them in spite of the risks involved? What can we learn from this about Jesus' shepherd's mind and his mission?

* AND TELL THEM "THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR" (4-16)

3. What instructions did Jesus. give about equipment? Why do you think he wanted them to travel lightly?

4. What was to be their greeting to potential sheep? What does this mean? How were they to live in each village? Why?

5. What was their ministry? What was their message? What should this mean to us?

6. In case of rejection, how were they to act and what were they to say? Why? What does the message "The kingdom of God is near" mean to those who reject the gospel?

7. How were Tyre and Sidon different from Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? Why would the judgment on these latter cities be greater? Why is it so serious to reject the servant whom the Lord sends?

* REJOICE THAT YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN (17-24)

8. Why were the seventy-two so joyful upon their return? What did Jesus teach them about the source of their power? About the real reason for rejoicing?

9. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to be crucified. How could he be so joyful? What was his thanksgiving topic? How did he express his loneliness and his comfort?

10. What did Jesus tell the disciples privately? Why were they so blessed? In what respect can we also be blessed people?