THE LORD APPOINTED OTHER SEVENTY ALSO

Choice 1: Luke 10:1-24; “The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also”

1.     Review Luke 10:1-24. Based on these verses, write a summary of the Lord’s counsel and instructions He gave the seventy.

2.     Articles of Faith 1:6 states, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” Using the principles taught from Luke 10:1-2, 8-9, 17-20, write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith.

3.     Go to the Church’s scripture website and read the topic of “Seventy’ in the Guide to the Scriptures. Describe in one of two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office of the priesthood. 

Luke 10 begins “After these things . . . .” 

What things?

We must look back at Luke 9 to remember “the Twelve” [were] sent out with “power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2; 10:8-9).

The apostles of Jesus are given priesthood authority and power, and carefully instructed in how to use the priesthood. Jesus even demonstrates their duties and the proper use of the power given them with examples accompanying his teachings. He fed five thousand, cast out devils, healed many, and even attempted to explain his forthcoming death and resurrection.  Some also witness him transfigured on the mount.

In this context “the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come” (Luke 11:1). Jesus calls additional helpers, as was done in the past. 

Two striking examples from the Old Testament are recorded in Exodus 24: 6-18 and Numbers 11:11-30. In the time of Moses, seventy of the “elders of Israel” called to help with the burdens of administration (Numbers 11:14-16) “saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10; Numbers 11:17), and when “the spirit that was upon [Moses] . . . rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease” (Numbers 11:25).

Jesus helps the apostles [and us] understand “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few” (Luke 10:2) and warns, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3). 

His miracles demonstrate how to cast out devils, heal the sick, trust in Him as the source of all good things, and teach about His forthcoming Atonement and Resurrection. He teaches, “rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20). 

Knowing they are obedient and faithful is foremost – they need to understand their own relationship with Him as the Redeemer, and then to help others understand. 

Are we not also to accomplish this? Does not every disciple of Jesus need to come to know these same things?

 In this time, The Presidency of the Seventy consists of seven members of the First or Second Quorum of the Seventy who are called by the First Presidency and are given authority to preside over the Quorums of the Seventy. There are eight Quorums that may have up to 70 members per quorum.

Presidents of the Seventy April 2014          

Most presidencies in the Church have a presidency of three: a president and two counselors. However, in accordance with scripture, all are presidents in the Presidency of the Seventy—none are counselors: “And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy; and the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six” (D&C 107:93–94).

Today, members of the Quorums of the Seventy have duties and responsibilities similar to the duties of the seventies given at the time of Moses and later in the time Jesus lived. Some key points of duty include:

·       The Seventy are called to preach the gospel and be especial witnesses of Jesus Christ: D&C 107:25–26;

·       The Seventy act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve, building up the Church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations: D&C 107:34;

·       Choose other seventy, even seven times seventy, if the labor requires it: D&C 107:93–97;

·       The quorum of seventies is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of my name in all the world: D&C 124:138–139;

Seventies, called to Priesthood service and authority by authorized servants of God, “are General Authorities of the Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints] who are given the apostolic authority but are not ordained Apostles. They devote their full time to the ministry.”