How to Follow Jesus With Joy and Purpose
When God calls, it’s never casual.
In Luke 10, Jesus appoints seventy followers and sends them out two by two. Their mission was simple but costly: share the good news, heal the hurting, and prepare hearts for the coming of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus never sent anyone out without first equipping them. He gave them direction, authority, and encouragement, but He also gave them a clear understanding that following Him comes with a price.
They were to go without extra possessions, without comfort, and without hesitation. He warned them that not everyone would receive their message. Still, they were to go with peace, humility, and courage, remembering that the harvest belongs to God.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” — Luke 10:2
This is the cost of discipleship: obedience without conditions and joy that isn’t dependent on results.
What It Means to Be Sent
When Jesus sends us, He doesn’t just give us a task, He gives us Himself.
We are not volunteers trying to help God out. We are chosen participants in His plan. He doesn’t need us to complete His work, but He invites us to experience the privilege of walking with Him.
When the seventy returned, they were amazed that even demons submitted to the name of Jesus. But He gently reminded them of where their focus should be:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:20
True joy is not found in what we accomplish but in who we belong to.
The Right Kind of Joy
Jesus celebrated with His disciples, not because of their success, but because of their salvation.
He told them that prophets and kings longed to see what they had seen and to hear what they had heard. And through Christ, we now share that same privilege.
We are sent out into the world not to build our own platforms, but to carry His presence. We serve with courage, humility, and gratitude—rejoicing not in what we do for Him, but in what He has done for us.
Reflect
How does Jesus’ example in Luke 10 challenge the way you think about serving others?
What distractions or comforts keep you from fully trusting God with your calling?
How can you focus less on “success” in ministry or life and more on rejoicing that your name is written in heaven?
Pray
Lord, thank You for calling and sending us just as You sent the seventy. Teach me to serve You with courage and humility, trusting You for every need. When I am tempted to measure my faith by results, remind me that my joy comes from knowing You. Help me live out my calling with gratitude and boldness, rejoicing that my name is written in heaven.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.