Biblical Reference:
The account of Jesus sending out the seventy-two is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 10:1-24. This passage is a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus, highlighting His mission strategy and the expansion of His message beyond the immediate circle of the twelve apostles.

Context and Background:
The sending of the seventy-two occurs during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, a period marked by His teaching and performing miracles. This event follows the sending of the twelve apostles (Luke 9:1-6) and serves as a broader commissioning, indicating the growing scope of Jesus' mission. The number seventy-two may symbolize the nations of the world, as derived from the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, suggesting a universal mission.

The Commissioning (Luke 10:1-12):
Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them in pairs to every town and place He intends to visit. He instructs them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). This metaphor emphasizes the urgency and abundance of the mission field.

The instructions given to the seventy-two are specific and reflect the itinerant nature of their mission. They are to travel light, carrying no purse, bag, or sandals, and to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter. Jesus commands them to proclaim peace upon entering a house and to heal the sick, declaring, "The kingdom of God has come near to you" (Luke 10:9). This message underscores the nearness of God's reign and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Reception and Rejection:
Jesus prepares the seventy-two for both acceptance and rejection. He instructs them to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against towns that do not welcome them, a symbolic act indicating the town's rejection of God's message. Jesus warns of the severe consequences for such towns, comparing them unfavorably to Sodom (Luke 10:12).

The Return and Rejoicing (Luke 10:17-20):
Upon their return, the seventy-two joyfully report their experiences, exclaiming, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). Jesus responds by affirming their authority over the enemy, saying, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18). This statement signifies the defeat of Satan's power through the advance of God's kingdom.

However, Jesus redirects their focus from the miraculous signs to the eternal significance of their mission, urging them to rejoice not in their authority over spirits but because their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). This highlights the ultimate reward of salvation and eternal life.

Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving (Luke 10:21-24):
In a moment of divine revelation, Jesus praises the Father for revealing these truths to the "little children" rather than the wise and learned. This prayer emphasizes God's sovereign choice and the accessibility of His kingdom to the humble and receptive. Jesus declares, "All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father" (Luke 10:22), affirming His unique relationship with the Father and His authority to reveal Him.

The passage concludes with Jesus blessing the disciples, acknowledging their privileged position in witnessing the fulfillment of God's promises. He states, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Luke 10:23), underscoring the significance of their experience in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance:
The sending of the seventy-two illustrates the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission and the call for all believers to participate in the proclamation of the Gospel. It emphasizes reliance on God's provision, the power of His message, and the reality of spiritual warfare. This event foreshadows the Great Commission and the global spread of Christianity, affirming the role of every disciple in advancing God's kingdom.