Reasons for Joy: The Return of the Messengers

• Reading of Scripture: Luke 10:1-7
• Reading of the Text: Luke 10:17-20

1. The messengers joyfully report to the Lord Jesus

• The 72 messengers return and are amazed at the power of the Word of Jesus.
• But Jesus cautioned the messengers not to rejoice in Earthly power, but only in Heavenly Salvation.

2. The Lord reveals His watchfulness over his messengers

• Even the demons were subject to the 72 messengers. Only because God made it so.
• God assures us that we will never fight our battles alone.
• God will always watch the enemies of his kingdom.

3. The Lord Jesus reveals a greater joy to his messengers

• The greater joy is not power over our enemies on Earth, but the promise of eternal salvation.
• This greater joy is a motivation to us to proclaim the word of God.