This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 10:1-20, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus picked seventy-two of His followers and sent them out two by two. He told them that there were many people who needed to hear about God, but there weren’t enough people to tell them. So, He wanted them to pray to God to send more people to help.
Jesus also warned them that it might not be easy. He said that they would be like lambs among wolves, which means they would be vulnerable and need to be careful. He told them not to bring any money, bags, or even shoes! He wanted them to trust that God would provide for them through the people they met. He also told them to be polite and say “Peace be to this house!” when they entered someone’s home. If the people in the house were friendly, they could stay there and eat and drink whatever they were given.
If they went to a town where people were not friendly, they were supposed to leave and say that the kingdom of God was coming to them. Jesus said that it would be better for the people of Sodom (a very bad place) on judgment day than for those who didn’t listen to His followers.
Then Jesus said to the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, “
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! You have seen the amazing things I have done, but still you refuse to believe in me. If the same miracles had been done in the cities of Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago, and they would have changed their ways. On judgment day, it will be more bearable for the people of Tyre and Sidon than for you.
And Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to the depths of Hades because you have not listened to my message.
Anyone who listens to you is really listening to me. Anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting the one who sent me.”
When the seventy-two followers Jesus sent out returned, they were so happy! They told Jesus, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” But He reminded them not to be too proud of themselves. Jesus said that He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning, and that He gave them the power to step on snakes and scorpions and defeat the enemy. He told them not to be afraid because nothing could hurt them.
Then Jesus reminded them that the most important thing was that their names were written in heaven.
Biblical Lessons
- We should pray for more people to share God’s message with others.
- We are all called to share God’s message with others, no matter who we are or what we do.
- We should trust in God’s provision and not worry about material things.
- We should be grateful for the gift of salvation and the fact that our names are written in heaven.
- Following Jesus may not always be easy, but it is worth it because it leads to eternal life.
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