Close your eyes and picture Jesus and his followers together. Most likely people either picture Jesus sitting around with the twelve disciples or standing in the midst of thousands preaching and teaching. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus has seventy followers close enough that he trusts them to be sent out in pairs to heal the sick and announce that God has come near. Seventy trusted preachers so telling the story is clearly not to be limited to the twelve disciples. The good news is meant to be shared far and wide by those who trust Jesus and follow him. This is a reminder to all of the followers of Jesus of every time and place. Sharing the good news is not just the responsibility of “professionals” like pastors and deacons. Join us on Sunday as Deacon Bri reminds us that sharing the good news is the calling of everyone who follows Jesus. Each time we gather for worship, our service concludes with a sending such as, “Go in peace. Serve the Lord,” and reminds us that we too are sent out into the world to serve in the name of Jesus and share his good news.
image: Hoeing by George Clausen (c. 1872–1911). Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images. Copyright © 2024 Alamy Stock Photo. Used by permission.