THE JOY OF THE KINGDOM

Passage: Luke 10:17-24

Key verse: 20

NIV

17 The seventy-two(A) returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”(B)

18 He replied, “I saw Satan(C) fall like lightning from heaven.(D) 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes(E) and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”(F)

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.(G) Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father.(H) No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”(I)

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”(J)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

The Return of the Seventy-Two

17 (A)The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, (B)even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, (C)“I saw Satan (D)fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority (E)to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of (F)the enemy, and (G)nothing shall hurt you. 20 (H)Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that (I)your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus Rejoices in the Father's Will

21 (J)In that same hour (K)he rejoiced (L)in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, (M)Lord of heaven and earth, that (N)you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and (O)revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for (P)such was your gracious will.[a] 22 (Q)All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is (R)except the Father, or who the Father is (S)except the Son and anyone (T)to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, (U)“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you (V)that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 10:21 Or for so it pleased you well
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. The joy of the workers (17-20) No doubt, the 72 were excited and nervous when they went out. But as they obeyed the Lord's instructions, they enjoyed one victory after another. They returned and exclaimed, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Successes like this in ministry are certainly a cause for celebration, but there is a danger here. We can become proud and success can turn into an idol for us. Jesus says, "...do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." This is remarkable grace! That God chose us in Christ to dwell in his kingdom forever is our greatest source of joy. It is a joy that can never be lost. 2. The Lord's joy (21-24) Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit. The 72 were humble and obedient like little children and they were the ones who saw the wonders of the kingdom of God. Jesus is pleased to reveal his kingdom to such people. The poor in spirit are truly blessed! Even more, in Christ we have peace with God and we know Him as our Heavenly Father. Prophets and kings longed to see the day of Christ and the coming of His kingdom. As followers of Christ, we live in an awesome age!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the joy of your kingdom.

One Word: Rejoice in the salvation of the Lord!