The Mission Field – The Great Commission

(Luke 10:1-2)  “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. vs 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
 
 
Introduction
In the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry He gathered the twelve disciples together to teach, train, and to give them opportunities to reach others for Christ. As well as the twelve we see Jesus appoint seventy labourers for a specific task. The work of the ministry is certainly not limited to only twelve.
 

1.    The Mission  
(Luke 10:1-2)  “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also…”
 
The seventy that were sent out would be instrumental to prepare the way for the Lord in that particular city. As the Lord has given us the great commission, we are to prepare the way for the gospel by being witnesses for Christ. The message we carry is the precious Gospel – the good news that Jesus Saves. The Ministry is about the Lord, and not us. Luke 10:16
 
 
2.    The Method
Luke 10:1“…and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place…”

Like the twelve disciples, the Lord sends them out two by two. The Lord knows that certain places can be dangerous. However, having a partner go out witnessing with you is practical, encouraging, and rewarding.

(Ecclesiastes 4:9) “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”
 
 
3.    The Man
 Luke 10:2 “…pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
 
The Lord Jesus Christ is looking for Labourers. Before Jesus sends the seventy out, He gives them clear and sober instructions describing a true labourer.
 
a.    Selfless, Sacrifices, and Suffers. – Luke 9:57-58
b.    Separated to the Gospel – Luke 9:59-60
c.    Single-minded and Steadfast – Luke 9:61-62
 

4.    The Mission Field
The mission field consists not only of labour intensive work, but it is also a battlefield. We are told to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but it is a place where there are savages, animals that wish to tear apart the work of God, the souls of men, and the Gospel seed-sower.
 
(Luke 10:3) “Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.”
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There are 3 kinds of people on the mission field.
 
a.    Wolves (God haters) – Luke 10:3
b.    Wasters (God rejecters) – Luke 10:10-11
c.    Worshippers (God receivers) –  Luke 10:5-7
 
We are not to waste time with people who disrespect and vehemently reject the Gospel. Certainly contending for the faith has its place. However, we are to seek to reach people that are willing to hear the Gospel and not tread all over it like a pig that treads on precious pearls.

(Matthew 7:6)  "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."