Luke was not one of the Twelve Apostles. Perhaps this explains why his Gospel alone records the account of the seventy-two disciples being sent out on mission: he desired to proclaim the fact that, in addition to the Twelve Apostles, all disciples of Jesus are called to evangelization. It is interesting to note that Jesus' instructions to the two groups: Twelve Apostles and Seventy-two Disciples, are essentially similar.

Jesus sent his Twelve Apostles on mission: this reminds us that the Church is essentially both apostolic and missionary, with the obligation to bring the Gospel to the whole world. This obligation lies upon the Bishops of the Church since, as a College, they are the successors of the Apostles. The account of the sending of the seventy-two disciples, on the other hand, may serve as a model for understanding the missionary responsibility and role of the ordinary People of God.

Before Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples on mission, they had first answered His call to follow Him. A consideration of the mission of the seventy-two disciples will help us to reflect upon their call and their commitment and, at the same time, help us to reflect upon the missionary vocation of all members of the Church.