Jesus Sends out his Disciples

READ: Jesus taught his disciples about the household of God and how God wants us to live together. Sometimes he taught them with special stories, which we call parables. Other times he showed them God’s love in his care and healing of those who were sick. At times he sent the disciples out on their own, in pairs of two, to share his stories and to help people in towns throughout the countryside. Jesus told them to pack lightly and to accept the kindnesses of others. If the people of a town didn’t welcome them, Jesus told them to leave that place behind and go on their way. One time he sent out seventy-two disciples to visit towns along the way to Jerusalem. Sometimes the disciples were welcomed warmly, although in some places they were not accepted. They were learning how hard it could be to share the good news Jesus taught. After some time had gone by, the disciples came back to Jesus joyfully telling him of all that had happened while they were away. (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)
WONDER: I wonder how it felt to leave Jesus and travel with a partner to share the good news of God?
I wonder why Jesus sent them out in pairs?
I wonder how it felt when the people of a town welcomed them?
I wonder how Jesus felt when his disciples returned and shared their stories?
I wonder what is your favorite part of this story?
PRAY: Loving God, thank you for being in our lives, for being with us on good days and bad days, and for loving us no matter what. Thank you for sending us people who love us and take care of us. Help us to live with kindness and care for people we meet. Amen.
EXTEND

• Take a walk with your family around your neighborhood. As you walk, pay attention to what you see and hear. Look for signs of hope, places of need, places in the middle of changes? Pray for God to help you see your neighborhood. Pray silently for blessings on people and places you see.
  Read Bloom by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by David Small or listen to the author read the book on her Facebook page. The book tells the story of a mud fairy named Bloom, who is thrown out of a kingdom because she leaves trails of dirt and mud as she works her magic turning weeds into flowers. The king and queen of the kingdom can’t see beyond the mud, but a young girl named Genevieve sees the magic in Bloom’s work. How does Bloom respond when people don’t like her way of doing magic? I wonder why Genevieve responds differently to Bloom’s magic?