Harvesting for the Kingdom of God
Sermon on Luke 10:1-16 – Here we see another group sent out by Jesus. 70 Disciples. Every Christian is to evangelize. The world is our harvest field. We must be content with what we have.
1. The simplicity of the message. V9 – heal the sick. They are to heal and “say” to them the kingdom of God has come near to you. Healing was a sign of Gods presence. Jesus is two years i to His earthly ministry. They are not saying He is the messiah because at this time He told them not too. Jesus principle message was about the Kingdom of God. Kingdom of God is used at least 22 times in Luke. “but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”” Luke 4:43 NKJV 1. God forgives sinners but He only does it through Jesus Christ
2. The sinfulness and severity of rejecting the message. V10-15. When we go out there will be rejection. It is sad and shocking but the Lord Himself and His apostles were rejected. V12 – for those who reject the kingdom of God (the gospel) is more sinful than the sin of Sodom. V15 – Capernaum is where Jesus spent most of His time. The assurance of loss: V11 – you are cut off from the Kingdom of God. It means they would not enter it. They have not believed, refused to enter.
3. The apex of judgement: V12 – more tolerable for Sodom than to them. Jesus seems to wale and weep at the judgement to come. The personal lamentation of Jesus. That’s the idea of “woe” . Men are responsible for their sin and unbelief.
4. The esteem of those who share the message. V16 – The greatest encouragement from our Lord. Speaking the truth of the gospel is a great honor.. He who listens to you listens to me. He who rejects us rejects Christ.
“He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.””
Luke 10:16 NKJV