The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also (Luke 10:1-24)

Having been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a short time, (it will be two years in November), I knew little about the Seventy, and was interested in finding out more about this calling in the early Church and today. In my post this week, you will see that the callings are still very similar and little, has changed. Those in the Seventy are called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who want to listen.

What counsel and instruction did the Lord give to the seventy?

"The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

There were many to teach and Jesus needed others to share in His teachings. When Jesus chose the seventy and sent them out in pairs to preach the gospel, he offered advice on who to visit, where to go and how to conduct themselves. He advised them to travel lightly, “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes,” and to bring peace and the Spirit into the homes  they visited.  He also told them to spend time with those whom they visited. He said they should accept the gifts of food and drink if offered.  He instructed them to heal the sick and let them know of the blessings of the Father’s kingdom. And, He let them know that they would be protected always.  (Luke 10:1-24)

How does Luke 10:1-2, 8-9, 17-20, support the Sixth Article of Faith?

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” (Article of Faith 1:6)

Because Jesus Christ still heads His Church, we follow the same guidelines He set forth when He established The Church of Jesus Christ. It is still organized as it was in the beginning. Jesus knew there was much to do and many to teach, so he called the seventy and sent them "two by two" to preach the gospel. Today,  the Seventy and our missionaries, have that same calling. They are sent forth “as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3), to find those who are willing to listen. They are sent to serve others and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How do the Scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood?
Today, the quorums of the Seventy are much as they were in the early days of the Church. In Luke 10:1, we’d read that the other seventy been called to go out and preach the Gospel.  Today, the Seventy “are... called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world.” (D&C 107:25) They are also "to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations..” (D&C 107:34). And, just as in the early days, we know that there are still many to teach. As those numbers increase, and the Church grows, so too shall the seventy, "And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it.” (D&C107:96)

After studying these scriptures this week, I've seen that the organization of the Church has not changed much since the early days, and the calling of the Seventy is much needed, as it was in the times when Jesus walked with the disciples, and established His Church. There are still many who seek the gospel and we still have much work to do.