Sent Out on a Mission – July 8, 2022

Read: Luke 10:1-12, 16-20

[Jesus] told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Luke 10:2 (EHV)

Sent Out on a Mission

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

As Layela walked into the grocery store, she looked down at the list her mom had given her. “Buy one gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, and a bottle of vanilla extract.” This was the first time Layela was sent on her own to the store. She was nervous, but ready. Her mom had shown her what to do: get a cart, where to find items, and who to ask if she couldn’t find something. Mom walked Layela through the check-out process. The last time they were in the store, Mom even had Layela do the shopping while she watched. Now it was time for Layela to do it totally on her own… and everything went better than expected! Layela got her cart, found each item on the list, asked someone to show her where the vanilla extract was, and paid for everything at check-out. Mission accomplished!

One time, Jesus sent out 72 disciples to complete a mission for him. Their mission: go ahead of Jesus and prepare the way for his coming. Jesus trained them well. He taught them to heal the sick and announce that the Savior was coming and bringing forgiveness, peace, and life. But carrying out this mission wouldn’t be easy. Some people would reject their message. Some would not welcome them into their towns. So Jesus sent them out in groups of two to help each other. They went out maybe a little nervous, but they were ready! With Jesus’ help, everything went better than expected. Mission accomplished!

Jesus sends out pastors and teachers today to carry out his mission—to preach and teach and share his good news with people around the world. They are well-trained for this mission and eager to serve, but they can’t reach everyone on their own. That’s why Jesus equips and sends us to share his good news with other people too. Who better to talk to our family members and friends, to our neighbors and classmates than us! Our message? It’s all Jesus—how he entered this world to save us, and he came to save them from sin and death too. Mission accomplished! Now it’s our turn to share that good news with others. We might be nervous, but Jesus goes with us, and he promises to bless our work. So, friends, let’s go and tell others about their Savior!

Closing Prayer:

Lord of the harvest, there are many people in our lives who need to hear about you. Give us the courage and the ability to tell them about you, their Savior. Bless our work that many more may come to know you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Layela’s mom sent her on a mission. What was it?
• What was the mission Jesus sent 72 of his disciples to complete?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Jesus sends us out on a mission. What makes Jesus’ mission so hard to complete?
• How did Jesus help his 72 disciples share his good news when they felt nervous or scared? (He sent them out by twos.) How does that help?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or disagree: Only pastors and teachers are really qualified to share the gospel to other people.
• Think of one person in your life who does not know Jesus. Why are you the most qualified to tell them about Jesus?