A second mission, this time with 6 times as many disciples. Jesus gets ready to send 72 people out into the fray.
This time, Luke gives us much more detailed instructions. There's the same injunction to travel light - don't look like you're a professional travelling preacher. One of the advantages of this was that it would make the missionaries dependent on the hospitality that they received. Jesus' next directions seem to enforce this - he encourages them to build up a relationship with their host. Stay in one place, don't move around. Find somebody trustworthy and accept their gifts.
You have gifts to give in return - heal their sick, leave them with the good news that the kingdom of God is near at hand. And if you stumble across an ungrateful town, give them a different gift - a message of judgement.
Jesus expands on his judging thoughts as he fulminates against Korazin and Bethsaida. We can assume that he didn't get a good reception there. Even Capernaum, where Jesus lived, comes in for criticism.
And we hear that things went well. The disciples return, cock a hoop. Boom! Even the demons go running when we mention your name, Jesus!
Jesus takes the opportunity to remind them that he is more powerful than any opposition they might face. He witnessed Satan's fall from grace, so puny demons running for cover is nothing new.
But - he warns them not to get carried away. Don't rejoice that they devil flees from you, rejoice that you are heading to where he can never go - heaven.
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