Rejoicing in the Right Things

Rejoicing in the Right Things

Reflection on Luke 10:17–24

In today's Gospel from Luke 10:17–24, we encounter a powerful moment of joy and revelation. The seventy-two disciples return from their mission with amazement and excitement. They had gone out, sent by Jesus, to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and they had witnessed wonders. “Lord,” they say, “even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

At first glance, we might be tempted to focus on the spiritual power they exercised. Who wouldn't be thrilled to see evil driven away by the authority of Christ’s name? But Jesus quickly redirects their enthusiasm. He says something surprising: “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

This is a profound lesson for all of us. Jesus is not dismissing the miracles or the authority given to His followers. In fact, He confirms their experience, saying, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from the sky.” But He is teaching them—and us—where our deepest joy should come from.

The real miracle is not in the power we might wield in ministry, in our successes, or in visible fruits of our work. The real miracle is that we belong to God. That our names are written in heaven. That we are known, loved, and called by name by the Father. This is the foundation of Christian joy.

Jesus then turns to prayer, rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. It's one of the few moments in Scripture where we see Jesus Himself expressing joy so openly. He praises the Father for revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom not to the wise and learned, but to the childlike. Again, we are invited into a different way of thinking—one that values humility, openness, and trust more than knowledge, power, or status.

He ends by privately blessing His disciples: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” Jesus is aware of the incredible gift they have been given: to walk with Him, to hear His voice, to witness His works. This blessing is also a reminder to us, who encounter Jesus in Word and Sacrament today. We are truly blessed, even when we do not see with physical eyes.

This Gospel calls us to a quiet, deep joy—not in what we do for God, but in what God has done for us. It's a reminder to remain humble, childlike, and grateful. Our salvation, our relationship with God, is the truest source of joy.

Key Takeaway:
Our deepest joy should not be in spiritual success or outward accomplishments, but in the simple, eternal truth that our names are written in heaven—that we belong to God.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for calling us to be Your disciples and for the gift of knowing You. Help us to rejoice not in what we do, but in who we are in You—beloved children of the Father. Keep us humble and childlike in faith. May we always find joy in the knowledge that our names are written in heaven.
Amen.