Jesus sends 72 disciples as lambs among wolves to invade towns with his word against demons.
The episode is a sermon based on Luke's account of Jesus sending out 72 disciples. It begins by describing this mission as an invasion force against demons, with the disciples going out as lambs among wolves. The 72 return with joy, reporting that demons are subject to them in Jesus' name. The sermon then shifts to the cross, portraying it as the main event where Jesus, the lamb, fights Satan. Though Jesus' death on the cross seemed like a loss, it actually defeated Satan and death, leading to resurrection. Jesus instructs the disciples to rejoice not in power over spirits but that their names are written in heaven. The sermon applies this to today, stating that Jesus sends his word through the church in sacraments like baptism and communion. It warns that Satan, having lost the war, now deceives Christians in two ways: deception by flattery, making them think they are something and can rely on their own strength, and deception by despair, making them think they are nothing in God's eyes. St. Paul's warning to the Galatians is cited about self-deception. The cross is presented as the truth that reveals sin and God's love, transforming nothings into somethings. The sermon connects the historical cross to present sacramental life, where baptism, absolution, preaching, and communion continually reaffirm believers' identity as children of God. It addresses listeners who may feel uncertain or like lambs among wolves, encouraging them to persist by looking to the cross. The conclusion emphasizes that the kingdom of God has come near, and believers should rejoice in their salvation, not listening to the deceiver.
