ired
to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the
things which ye hear, and heard them not.

The sending out of the seventy messengers who were to prepare the way for
the ministry of Jesus is recorded by Luke alone. This is in harmony with
the fact that only in this Gospel do we read of the extended journeys
toward Jerusalem made by our Lord on the occasion of which the Seventy
were sent forth. The work was for only a limited time and their office was
temporary; but in his instructions to them Jesus suggested many principles
of life which apply to his followers in all the ages. He first intimated
the reason for their being chosen. It was because the harvest field in
which they were to work was so great and the laborers so few. He intimated
that before the world can receive the message which the Seventy were sent
to deliver, they and their successors must earnestly pray the Lord of the
harvest to send forth more laborers into the field. This is a prayer which
all who serve the Master may offer earnestly and at all times. The work
seems to be only begun. Our sympathy with the Master will make us yearn to
see the work accomplished with more speed, which can only be possible when
larger numbers of laborers are secured. V. 2.

Jesus told his messengers that as they went forth they must expect to meet
with dangers. "I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves." They
were, however, to encumber themselves with nothing superfluous and they
were to waste no time in idle ceremonies; they must journey as men who are
impelled by one supreme motive. Vs. 3, 4.

As they entered a home they were to offer the peace which the gospel can
give, but if rejected, they were to believe that their very message would
return to them with added force. Thus our Lord signified that no word
spoken for his sake is really wasted. Vs. 5, 6.

They were to continue in the home which received them, content with what
was given, offering relief to those in distress and using every
opportunity to proclaim the message of grace. Vs. 7-9.

Where their message was refused, and they were not received by city or
town, they were to turn away, shaking off the dust of their feet, thus
intimating by an Oriental symbol that they had no connection with the
enemies of Christ. At no time is the reception of the gospel message
universal. There are always some who refuse to accept its gracious offer.
Vs. 10-12.

The thought of those w