People active in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut might well be able to quote this Sunday’s gospel reading from memory, so often has it formed the basis for “Dwelling in the Word” at diocesan gatherings. It is a passage that yields fresh insights on each approach. As we review Jesus’ instructions to his followers when he sends them out in mission, we get our own marching orders for how to go out in his name in our own places and times.
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
This sending comes after a foray undertaken by the twelve, Jesus’ closest disciples. That expedition was successful, judging by the elation both they and Jesus expressed upon their return. Now he’s scaling up the operation and sending out seventy. They are to go in pairs – no one walks alone in God’s realm – and they do not go out randomly. They go to each place Jesus intends to go. This suggests to me that they went out as his “advance team,” to size up a community, see what the opportunities might be for proclaiming the Good News there, what obstacles might stand in the way.
In our electoral process, advance teams arrive ahead of candidates to do that kind of reconnoitering, and to prepare the populace for the candidate’s message. They set up communications, build a grassroots operation, generate anticipation and enthusiasm for the candidate’s arrival. They prepare the ground for planting, as it were, making everything ready for a successful campaign in that place.
What if we saw our missional life in such a light? We can assume Jesus wants to arrive at every place, every person, every heart. So what communities or people are you being assigned to prepare?
We do this advance work by telling people our own experiences of love and freedom and healing through Christ. We invite people to consider learning more about Jesus as he is revealed in the Gospels – and in our own lives, as we’re willing to tell our stories. If appropriate, we create some grassroots energy by inviting people into small groups for bible study or prayer or spiritual conversation. Like John the Baptist, we make ready a people prepared for their God.
Who were the “advance teams” who came into your life inviting you into a deeper relationship with Christ? Who planted seeds in you that resulted in your coming to faith more fully and profoundly?
This passage reminds us that we don’t have to create the mission. God has already designed it, and will reveal to us more explicit instructions as we go. But we do need to go. Find a buddy and hit the road!
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