The issue in not whether God is working in this world. The issue is whether you and I will be part of his work.

Jesus was traveling

Jesus was traveling among the Jewish communities healing people and teaching about his kingdom. He was also preparing his disciples for the time when he would not longer be there. He told them he was going to die and gave them more and more details about his upcoming death.

The time had come

Finally it was time. Jesus began to travel toward Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51; John 12:23)

It was time for decisions

When the need is urgent and immediate, it is time for decisions.

The Samaritans worshipped on their own holy mountain. They would not help Jesus as he was travelling to the Jewish rival, Jerusalem. His disciples wanted revenge. There would be no revenge and the unbelief of the Samaritans would not stop the mission. (Luke 9:51-56)

Next came an enthusiastic volunteer. He would go anywhere for the mission. He was warned that there would be hardships. We are not told if he continued with Jesus. In any case, he was warned about the costs of being Jesus’ disciple. (Luke 9:57-58)

Jesus then called another to follow him. This man had more urgent things to do. He did not continue. (Luke 9:59-62)

The mission would continue

The mission continued. Jesus sent out others. They were told to travel light, accept help and not worry about rejection. People were not rejecting them but the one that sent them. (Luke 10:1-16)

Service now

When they returned excited about their successes they were told to focus instead on their relationship with God. (Luke 10:17-20)

Later Jesus would tell them that they were servants in the kingdom and were only dong their job. (Luke 17:7-10)

Rewards later

There would be great rewards later for service in the kingdom. (Matthew 19:27-30)