44-The72-C

72 Helpers

    Sin is anything we do that eventually hurts us. God made us and wants us to have a good life. So he sent Jesus to die in our place. He took the punishment for our sins.

     Before Jesus went to Jerusalem to die, he trained 72 men to explain to people that Jesus was the Son of God and wanted to be king of their hearts.

     He asked a lot of people if they would like to be one of the 72 people he would train. He warned them that they wouldn't have their bedroom if they traveled a lot. Sometimes they'd just have to sleep outside.

     Some people were willing to do that. But a lot of people had excuses not to help Jesus. One had to go to a funeral and said no. What about people whose hearts had died and are sad all the time?

     One woman was involved in helping little children. Jesus asked her to go because there are many grownups who still act like children and need God's help. She was too busy.

     Finally Jesus had his 72 helpers. He trained them for a week ~ how to go into a town, how to find people wanting God, and how to handle objections.

     Then he gave them the power to heal people and make bad angels ~ demons ~ leave people alone. This power proved to people that their words about God were true.

     Finally they were ready to go. He divided up his 12 apostles who told everyone what part of the country they should go. Then they all left to tell people about God's love.

    Several weeks later in late autumn the 72 helpers came back and reported to Jesus. Everyone was talking and happy. People everywhere wanted to hear about God.

     Jesus was overjoyed. He prayed loud and clear. "Thank you, God!" He told his 12 apostles how lucky they were to see this happen.

     Jesus traveled some more around the country waiting for the right time to return to Jerusalem.

     He explained that, even if their families quit liking them because they liked Jesus, they would have many mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters among other people who liked Jesus.

     Do you ever tell anyone God loves them? People who don't really believe God loves them get mad. They are not mad at you; they are mad at God. They think God wouldn't accept them like they are ~ tall or short, smart or dumb, good or bad.

     Most of the time when you tell your friends God loves them, that will make them very, very happy. It will make God happy too. Then you, too, will be Jesus' helper.