ion of the Master. There seems something
rather severe in the reply, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but go
thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God." It is evident that Jesus had
looked into the heart of this man and saw that he was making a selfish
excuse out of a sacred duty. If his reply was sincere, it none the less
merited a reproof, for a more sacred duty than caring for the dead was
laid upon him by the invitation of the living Christ. No tie, however
tender, can be regarded as a sufficient excuse for refusing to become a
follower of Christ. Jesus was passing that way for the last time. Prompt
obedience was absolutely necessary. Those who were spiritually "dead" and
who had not heard the summons of the Master could provide the needed
burial; but it was possible for the one who had been called by Christ to
perform a more sacred task: he could begin to proclaim the gospel of
salvation and of life.

In the case of the third possible disciple, there was no carelessness; he
had counted the cost; it was not his intention to make any excuse; he was
sincere and definite in his intention, but he wished to delay. He was not
quite certain that it was best just then to leave his family and his
friends. At least he wished to delay long enough to return to his home and
to bid them farewell. But Jesus rebuked him; "No man, having put his hand
to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Such
hesitation indicates that one has not appreciated the glory and privilege
involved in the call of Christ or that he still weighs against it the
sacrifices it involves. He is self-condemned. There is no place for
indecision among those who are to be heirs of the Kingdom of God.

3. The Mission of the Seventy. Ch. 10:1-24

1 Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and
sent them two and two before his face into every city and place,
whither he himself was about to come. 2 And he said unto them, The
harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers
into his harvest. 3 Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as
lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no wallet, no
shoes; and salute no man on the way. 5 And into whatsoever house
ye shall enter, first say, Peace _be_ to this house. 6 And if a
son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not,
it shall t