REGIONAL MEETING 05.07.2025
Luke 10:1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy other disciples and was about to send them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place that he intended to go. (ASV).
The Lord wants to speak to AOJ soldiers through this verse. Let us humbly open our ears to listen and meditate.
Let us take the key words Holy Spirit stresses in Mat 10:1.
- “After this”
- “Seventy other disciples”
- “In pairs”
- “To every town and place that he intended to go.”
1. After this – After what?
In Luke 10:1, “After this” signifies a continuation of Jesus’ ministry, marking a new phase where he appoints 70 additional disciples to prepare towns for his visit. This phrase connects the events of Luke 9 to Luke 10, highlighting Jesus’ expanding mission and transition to a wider Mission.
“After this” also indicates Jesus’ ministry is broadening, shifting focus from the 12 apostles to a larger group of disciples.
Let’s see what happened in the preceding chapter – Luke 9. It focuses on the training Jesus gave to His disciples.
1. Commission to preach and heal: Jesus sends out the 12 apostles to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Luke 9:1-6).
2. Dependence on God: Jesus instructs the disciples to depend on God for provision and hospitality (Luke 9:3-4).
3. Rejection and response: Jesus teaches the disciples how to respond to rejection, shaking the dust off their feet (Luke 9:5).
4. Feeding the 5,000: Jesus teaches the disciples about faith and provision through the miracle of feeding the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17).
5. Peter’s confession: Jesus leads the disciples to confess Him as the Christ. Lk 9:18-27
6. Transfiguration: Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John, teaching them about His divine nature (Luke 9:28-36).
7. Healing a demon-possessed boy: Jesus teaches the disciples about the importance of faith and prayer in ministering to others (Luke 9:37-43).
8. Lesson on humility: Jesus teaches the disciples about humility and greatness in the kingdom (Luke 9:46-48).
9. Exclusive devotion: Jesus emphasizes the importance of exclusive devotion to Him and His mission (Luke 9:49-50).
10. Correcting the disciples: Jesus teaches them to love their enemies (Lk 9:51-56)
After joining the Army of Jesus, an AOJ soldier should make all the above values their own. The Lord will teach him/her by giving them many opportunities. They should never stop growing, rather should be willing to expand the ministry by raising many more soldiers.
2. Seventy other disciples- Why “other disciples”?
The use of “other” emphasizes Jesus’ strategic approach to ministry, demonstrating his ability to empower and utilize various individuals in his mission . In Luke 9, the 12 apostles do face challenges and show limitations, such as:
1. Inability to heal a boy: In Luke 9:37-43, the disciples struggle to heal a boy possessed by a demon.
2. Argument over greatness: In Luke 9:46-48, the disciples argue about who is the greatest, revealing their own struggles with pride and ambition.
Possible Reasons for Appointing “Other” Disciples
- Additional Disciples: The “other” suggests that Jesus is appointing a new group of disciples beyond the 12 apostles.
An AOJ soldier should not go on conducting the same Troop Church lifelong. They should look for new disciples and wider perspectives for growth and expanding. This will happen through sending/bringing others for training.
2.Different Role or Function: The “other” might imply that these disciples have a distinct role or function compared to the 12 apostles. Even when the 12 disciples were getting trained Jesus appointed the second level disciples.
Here we see a typical model which AOJ Soldiers should do. After the 5th week of Troop Church, each soldier is expected to seek and pray to the Master of harvest to show them to identify the new disciples recognizing the need for more workers in the harvest. This symbolizes the challenges of spreading the gospel.
3.Expansion of Ministry: The appointment of “other” disciples highlights Jesus’ expanding ministry and the need for more laborers to spread the message.
The Lord wants AOJ to increase in quantity and quality. We are to send missionaries to other countries this year (2025). The Lord asked us to repay the debt we owe to other countries. Let’s select missionaries to be sent to other countries for ministry (along with job). Apart from shadow systems and gift schools, the number of AOJ other operations have increased to 29.
4.Need for fresh perspectives: Jesus might be appointing new disciples to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the ministry.
AOJ needs more people language wise, skill wise to be sent to various countries as per language, and people groups.
5. Expanding the mission: The appointment of “other” disciples could be a strategic move to expand the mission and reach more people also. AOJ is expanding to 3 more continents USA, Europe and UAE in this tenure 2025 July-December and has appointed coordinators to these countries.
6. Developing a broader leadership base: By appointing additional disciples, Jesus might be developing a broader leadership base to support the growing movement.
All the regions of AOJ, East, North, Northeast, West, Central and South Regions should train up and raise leaders who have communicative skills, artistic skills, expressive skills etc. so that the good Kingdom network we get will help us establish Jesus Government across the world.
3. Jesus sent the disciples in pairs -Why in pairs?
In Luke 10:1-2, Jesus instructs the 70 disciples to travel in pairs.
Travel in Pairs emphasize the importance of support and corroboration.
Let’s see Biblical Examples
- Jesus sending disciples in pairs: Jesus sent out the 12 apostles in pairs (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1).
- Paul and Barnabas: Paul and Barnabas traveled together on missionary journeys (Acts 13-14).
Importance of Going in Pairs
1 Mutual support and encouragement: Partners can encourage and support each other in ministry.
2. Corroboration and accountability: Having a partner helps ensure accuracy and accountability in ministry.
3. Shared burden and workload: Partners can share the workload and responsibilities.
4. Different perspectives and gifts: Partners bring different perspectives, gifts, and strengths to ministry
Biblical Principle
AOJ does not encourage doing ministry all alone and fighting the battles all alone. It will become a plus point for satan to knock one down easily.
1. Unity and harmony: When we do ministry of AOJ, partners should strive for unity and harmony in their ministry (Philippians 2:2).
2. Trust and reliance: AOJ Troop Church soldiers should trust and rely on each other (Galatians 6:2).
3. Mutual edification: AOJ Soldiers should seek to edify and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
4. By going in pairs, ministers can demonstrate unity, support, and accountability, ultimately furthering the gospel message.
4. To every town and place that he intended to go.
Jesus sent the 70 other disciples to every town and place that he intended to go.
This might be
- To Prepare towns: Heralding Jesus’ arrival and spreading the message of the kingdom.
- Preparation for Jesus’ Visit: The appointed disciples are tasked with preparing people in various towns for Jesus’ arrival, showcasing his growing influence.
AOJ Soldiers wherever they are sent, should promote Troop Churches, Gift Schools, and AOJO operations.
Recently I was asked to attend a meeting with an AOJ soldier who is working in Canada. She narrated how she was looking eagerly for every opportunity to meet a soul, tell them about Jesus and invite them for Troop Church.