1. The seventy-two returned with joy (17-20)

The seventy-two had healed the sick and proclaimed the kingdom of God. They returned with joy and reported that even the demons submitted to them in Jesus' name. Jesus said that Satan's authority over people had been broken. The disciples had overcome all the power of the enemy. But their greatest reason to rejoice was not in what they had done for Jesus but what Jesus had done for them. They ought to rejoice because their names were written in heaven. Does your joy come from your salvation in Jesus?

2. Jesus, full of joy, prayed (21-24)

God the Father had given spiritual insight and victory to Jesus' disciples. They were not wise and learned. But they had genuine and simple faith in Jesus. They were devoted to him. Through Jesus they also knew God the Father. The disciples were more blessed than many prophets and kings because of what they saw and heard.