If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to someone, you treasure the last words spoken. You remember what was said. You hold on to those final words. For Lent in 2021, we are focusing on the last words of Jesus from the cross. What did he say? What does it mean for us? How do those words change us? This week, we hear a word of forgiveness from the cross. Jesus said of those who were executing him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
*Note–This week the theme begins on Wednesday. Sunday through Tuesday are a follow up to Mission Sunday.
Today is Sunday and we consider the mission God has given to us as His disciples.
Invocation
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!
Word: Luke 10:1-11
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’
Meditation
As any seasoned parent knows, the first step in a family road trip is to make the pack list. Socks and underwear. Hats and sunscreen. Tablets and books. The list of what to bring can be overwhelming and could even make the most organized parent wonder if the trip is worth it in the first place.
In our Gospel text Jesus takes a much different approach when he appoints His 72 “sent ones” for the road trip of a lifetime. Instead of giving them a list of items to pack, Jesus only tells them what not to bring. It’s “the un-pack list”. Jesus is singularly focused in His mission, and He is focusing His disciples in the same way. He is clearing the clutter that so often distracts us from God’s grace for us and His love to others.
The power in the message of Gospel is not in possessions or popularity, rather it is in the promise itself. We are sent out, not because of what we possess, but because of who possesses us. The Promise Maker is the one who equips us, the one who empowers us, the one who sends us to proclaim the Kingdom of God has drawn near to all people through Jesus.
Put away your pack list of what you think you need for the journey. Christ has you in His nail scarred hands, and in Christ you have everything you need for the journey. This is a promise that will carry you all the way home.
Closing
Teach us to remember that we are but the dust into which Your Spirit breathes the breath of life, earthen vessels You have selected to be the treasures of Your grace. Lead us to be the ambassadors of Your kingdom. Show us how to love our neighbor selflessly. Form us into faithful servants. Mold us as obedient followers. Retrace our lost image and form us into the image of Jesus Christ. Amen.