In the last chapter, Jesus was preparing 12 followers for ministry. In this one, he is developing 72 and asking them to pray for more. The message of Jesus is designed for growth. The responses to the message vary, but it is available to everyone, and everyone needs to hear it.
The stories of the Good Samaritan and Mary and Martha illustrate misplaced priorities. All are doing good things, but the Samaritan and Mary do the more important things. If God wants more people telling the good news of Jesus, that’s what is important. We can get distracted by doing good things that keep us busy, or we can do the important things.