Luke gives the account, in his Gospel, of the seventy-two Jesus commissioned to go throughout Galilee healing the sick. They received from Jesus, relied on Jesus and responded to Jesus. However, full participation would have been thwarted had they not revisited Jesus.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20).

Sounds like Jesus gave them a bit of a rebuke. Not pleasant perhaps, but he helped them readjust their perspective. How often do we receive, rely, respond and pat ourselves on the back.

Coming back to Jesus saves us from taking the credit. There’s more than a slippery slope just over the top of our good-deeds mountain, there’s an avalanche of pride and self-conceit. It also keeps our accomplishments and God’s faithfulness in perspective. The accomplishments of the seventy-two were not the highlight of the story; it was God’s faithfulness. And finally, revisiting Jesus teaches us how to receive, rely and respond better the next time. Revisiting is best cultivated with the question, “Jesus, what do you want to teach me through this experience?”