Gospel in Art: The seventy-two were sent out in pairs

The Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles, Russian Orthodox icon © Christian Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 3 October 2024
Luke 10:1-12

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit.

He said to them, 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.

'Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, "Peace to this house!" And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.

'Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, "The kingdom of God is very near to you." But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, "We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near." I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.'

Reflection on the Russian Icon

Today, we are reflecting on a Russian Orthodox icon depicting the 'Seventy Apostles', as they are known in the Russian Orthodox tradition. However, the Gospel of Luke (10:1) mentions 'Seventy-Two Disciples', the only Gospel to include this group. These followers were specifically appointed by Jesus and sent out on a mission. In the icon, all the figures are named and shown standing in pairs, with Christ at the very centre, holding the tablets of Moses' Ten Commandments in front of Him.

Why did Jesus send these seventy-two disciples out in pairs? The Gospel does not explicitly tell us, but it is possible that two people could provide stronger testimony, as two witnesses may lend credibility and prudence to their mission. Perhaps one offered spiritual support while the other took on the more active ministry. While we can speculate on the reasons, the important point is that Jesus sent them ahead of him to prepare the way for his arrival, laying the foundations for his own visit. That is what we are asked to do as well: to bear witness to Christ, to prepare for his Second Coming.

Evangelisation is not a solitary task. The heart of evangelism lies in partnership and community. By working in pairs, individuals can support one another, playing to each other's strengths and compensating for weaknesses. Together, they form a natural, effective team, embodying the spirit of communal mission that Jesus called upon in today's Gospel reading.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-10-1-12-2024/