I usually think of Jesus being the one who proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God…Jesus who healed the sick and freed people from demon possessions. In today’s passage, he sent out seventy-two of his followers to do the same things. In chapter nine, the twelve apostles had been sent. And, now, more were sent.
They returned having had great success. Yet, Jesus reminded them that the greatest success is that they themselves had accepted him and their names were written in heaven.
Joy overflowed in the latter part of our reading today. The joy of the seventy-two poured out as they reported what they have done and accomplished. The joy of Jesus spilled over as he celebrated with God the good things that had happened at the hands of ordinary people.
It was a great day for all of them.
