10:15,16
We do read quite a bit about Capernaum in the gospels, it is even called “His own town” in Matt 9:1. Yet even Capernaum did not repent and believe. Capernaum had a high opinion of herself, but far from being exalted she would be brought down to the depths. The Greek actually has Hades where NIV puts depths, contrasting this with heaven.
Jesus explains the stark nature of their mission. If people listened to them they would listen to Jesus, if people rejected them they rejected Jesus, and in doing so rejected the Father, the One who sent Him. We are Jesus’ representatives on earth, we are to live and act as His representatives. Note that Jesus puts the disciples first in the listening and rejecting phrases, ie He does not say whoever listens to me will listen to you, but whoever listens to you listens to me. We are to speak the words of Jesus or else we are nothing.
10:17
As we have been reading, the disciples went out with very serious instructions and warnings from Jesus, yet they returned with great joy. We need to appreciate the seriousness and the solemn nature of the task that we have been given, and the atmosphere in which it will be fulfilled. But we also need to appreciate the authority given to us by the Lord, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and the joy of working together with the Lord. The thing that struck the disciples most was that the demons submitted to them. There are two things to note here. One is the reality of demons, and secondly that they will submit to us when we act in Jesus name. It is essential that in the church we have a proper view of demons. Note also that it is the seventy two that these things happened to, not just the twelve.
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