The journey’s initial section concentrates on disciples. After some initial failure by the disciples, success follows in the mission of the seventy-two. In light of such success, Jesus instructs the disciples about the special nature of the time in which they live: but of invitation. It is the hour of decision. Knowing God is a blessing and life’s highest priority. But that blessing is not automatic for every individual; it must be consciously entered into by embracing the hope the disciples offer. To minister with power is exciting, but to know God and his grace is even better.
The disciples’ mission reveals basic choices. The kingdom of God is not a trivial subject. Their preaching about it has serious benefits and consequences. The preaching of that message today carries precisely the same significance. When the disciples return from their mission, they are thrilled at the power they possess. Jesus’ response to them shows yet again why the disciples must “listen to him” Their excitement is understandable, but they must be careful to be excited about the right things. Despite all this, Jesus urges the disciples to see that their power is not the major blessing. They should rejoice not so much because evil forces are subject to them, but because their names are written in heaven. The real blessing is to possess life and be enrolled among heaven’s permanent citizens. Here is the source of constant joy. Ministry with God is a privilege, and access to God’s power is exciting, but the real cause of joy is that we have true and everlasting life before God.
The mission completed, Jesus turns to his heavenly Father and rejoices, underlining the point he has just made. His gratitude and joy are for the Father’s sovereign choice to reveal himself to little children. As at the beginning of the mission, God’s guiding hand is emphasized. The sovereign God did not seek out intellectuals but the humble. This was his good pleasure, his gracious will. He honors those who rely on him, not on their own faculties. But God is not working alone. He and Jesus are intimately linked. Now the Father’s sovereignty is tied to the Son. They share authority. This is why the kingdom message from Jesus should be taken so seriously. To hear Jesus’ voice is to hear the authority of the Father. To deal with God, one must deal with Jesus.
The theme of rejoicing continues as Jesus turns back to the disciples and blesses them. They should feel happy and honored because they are seeing things that the prophets and kings longed to see (1 Pet 1:10-12). This passage emphasizes that what Jesus is doing is what the saints of the Old Testament had hoped to see. Many great saints of the old era did not get to experience the blessing, but Jesus’ disciples are blessed to be a part of this new era. Jesus says that the situation is in fact the exact reverse– they long to see what we experience, because to know God and life through Jesus is what they had wished to experience all along. In effect, Jesus says, “Count your blessings, for they are many and have been desired for centuries.”
Considering the mission as a whole, four points stand out: (1) God is sovereign, and that sovereignty includes the central role of Jesus. (2) Disciples are to serve God in dependence, resting in his provision. (3) The stakes in the gospel message are high, since blessing or divine rejection rides on how one responds. (4) More important than power is the honor of possessing life with God. Such blessing is cause for joy. The great saints of the Old Testament appreciate the unique blessing that belongs to disciples. So we should never take for granted what others longed to have.