The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Mission of the Seventy: Lk 10,1-24

Jesus sends the Seventy: 10,1-16

Consider why has Luke placed this mission at this point. It's not a question often asked but it is worth considering especially as this sending is unique to Luke. Look back to 9,1-6, the sending of the Twelve, which is recorded also by Matthew and Mark. We will need to keep in mind why Luke has now added another similar episode at this stage in his Gospel story.

Some Bibles speak of Jesus appointing seventy while others say he appointed seventy two. The manuscript evidence is so evenly balanced that it is impossible to decide. Many translations compromise with "seventy (-two)". For my choice of seventy look at Numbers 11,16-17 and 11,24-25. For the background to this mission, consider Genesis chapter 10.

Compare 10,1 with 9,52 and 9,2. What is different about the earlier sending out of the twelve?
Here, Luke speaks of "The Lord" as he has done a number of times since 7,13. Consider the significance of this, especially for this mandate.
"In pairs" suggests a number of reasons. See Deuteronomy 19,15 and also Acts 13,2.

The saying in 10,2 echoes the better known Mt 9,27. How has Luke used this saying differently to Matthew?

For "lambs among wolves" in verse 3, a look at Isaiah 11,6 is instructive.

What is the purpose of verse 4? Look for the echoes here of 2 Kings 4,29.

What is stressed in 10,5-6 which is not mentioned in 9,1-6? But note that verse 7 does reflect 9,4. For "the labourer being worthy of his wages", see for example 1 Corinthians 9,14.

See how verses 9 & 11 pick up on 9,62. The message to be proclaimed by the seventy is different to that of the Twelve in 9,6.

Sodom in verse 12 was the very model of a sinful city which echoes through the OT. The core story is Gen 19,1-23. What is the sin of Sodom there which is picked up by Luke?

There is now the interlude, 10,13-16. How does it pick from verse 12? The woes on the towns (10,13-16) are also found in Mt 11,20-24. Note though how Luke has changed the context. See also the beatitudes, Lk 6,24.
Clothed in sackcloth and ashes: Jonah 3,6 comes to mind.
The quotation in verse 15 echoes Is 14,13-15.

The interlude is concluded in verse 16 with a saying. What is being emphasised?

Then have a look at my response.

The Sunday Gospel

The mission of the seventy is read on the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, but without either the middle verses (10,13-16) or the later verses (10,21-24). Just the sending and the return of the seventy, in other words. As we have seen from our reading, this leaves this Sunday Gospel rather unbalanced.

During the Church's year, it's possible that this Gospel of the Seventy is read at Mass more often than any other passage except the Beatitudes of Matthew's Gospel. Consider why this reading is so important for the Church.

The accompanying OT reading for the 14th Sunday is taken from the very last chapter of the prophet Isaiah (Is 66,10-14). It is as well to read the whole of that last chapter of Isaiah. Where do we find the link with the Sunday Gospel? Consider if it is a good connection.

Now have a look at my response.

We now continue with the second two parts of this passage, 10,17-24.