1. Disciples' joy (17-20)

The 72 returned with joy, for they had experienced God's power working in and through themselves. Even demons were subject to them! Jesus told them that Satan's defeat was a sure thing; he would continue to give his disciples power to defeat Satan's authority. But our real joy cannot be in our successful work; God himself is our source of joy. We rejoice in our hope of sharing God's glory.

2. Jesus' joy (21-24)

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. He praised God for the small but alive and growing faith of his disciples. In times when people are spiritually blind because they seek personal advantage instead of truth, and put their hope in material things instead of in God, Jesus' disciples are very precious. Jesus thanked God for this handful of child-like disciples.

Application: Lord, thank you for teaching us the meaning of spiritual joy. Give me joy in the Holy Spirit.
One Word: Rejoice in God