October 6, 2018

Gospel: Lk 10:17-24
The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy. They said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we called on your name.” Then Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. You see, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the Enemy, so that nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, don’t rejoice because the evil spirits submit to you; rejoice, rather, that your names are written in heaven.” At that time, Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them known to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. I have been given all things by my Father, so that no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son, and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said to them privately, “Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see, but did not see it; and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

Reflections
The 72 newly commissioned disciples return from their first mission trip rejoicing over the outcome. Everything Jesus said came true. They are pleased and so is Jesus. Jesus is overjoyed at the results, as are the disciples. But Jesus wants to take their rejoicing to a new level. Understand, this is the only place in all the Gospels that the Bible says Jesus rejoices. The gospel of Luke continues to show us that in the decreed plan of God there is a divine reversal. It‘s God‘s gracious will to give salvation to the lowly and humble not those who already think they are good with God based on their own righteousness, status or wisdom. Jesus‘ rejoicing is twofold. First, he rejoices because the Father has concealed these things from some and revealed these things to others. We must be very careful here. We must never act as if our righteous judgments or our best efforts are better than God‘s. Second, Jesus rejoices that his disciples are fortunate to have seen and experienced God‘s saving and liberating power.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018