What Jesus Did! 'Teamwork!' — Luke 10:1

Monday, June 26, 2023

The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.
— Luke 10:1 NLT

Key Thought

The Lord didn't send his disciples out solo. He sent them out in pairs. Pairs were - and still are - more than twice as effective as a single person in accomplishing the work of preparing people's hearts for the Kingdom of God and the Good News about Jesus. Established Jewish principles were behind Jesus' approach: [1]
  1. Testimony needed to be at the hands of two or more witnesses to be considered reliable.
  2. Two are stronger and more effective than one.
  3. To these principles, Jesus added a third one of his own: Where two or three gather, there he is present.

No matter how strong we are, we need a partner. Even the incredibly committed apostle Paul needed his co-workers and friends. [2] We need each other to do God's work and accomplish God's mission. Don't try to do it solo!

[1] See the Related Scripture Readings below.
[2] For example, Acts 13:4, 15:36-40, 20:4; 2 Timothy 1:16-18, 4:9-12.

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that there have been times when other brothers and sisters in Christ have let me down and caused me to want to try to do too much on my own. I also confess that it is easy to give in to the cultural assumptions about self-reliance and quit depending upon you. Please help me to open up more of myself to others in your family. Please use me along with others to advance the work of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Reluctant Leadership?
Article by Mike Barres
What does God see that we don't? Mike Barres reminds us about the power of leadership and encourages us to prayerfully step up if asked.
Spiritual Family!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Brothers and Sisters, So many of My followers struggle in their lives of discipleship because each is trying to do everything by his or..."
What Brings Deep Joy
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"My Dear Little One, The world is a big place. I've asked you to step into this big place and make a big difference. I know there will be times when....."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 10:1 NLT — The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, June 26, 2023

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Charles Swindoll:
"Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. ..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Song of Songs 2:16, 17
"Surely if there be a happy verse in the Bible it is this-"My Beloved is mine, and I am his." So peaceful, so full of assurance, so overrunning with..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Under Slanderous Attacks I Trust in You!'
"I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Warned' (Ac. 21:4)
"[Paul and his traveling companions] looked up the local disciples [in Tyre] and stayed with them seven days. Their message to Paul, from insight given by the..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!