What does Luke 10:7 mean?

Jesus is explaining to a large group of disciples how their work proclaiming the kingdom qualifies them to receive food and housing from those with whom they share the message, but little else.

Jewish magicians preyed on Gentiles tired of demanding Greco-Roman gods and longing for meaningful spirituality. The Greeks and Romans were intrigued by the idea of a single invisible God. Financially opportunistic scoundrels took advantage. Similarly, "physicians" made their patients undergo ridiculous, humiliating, and useless practices while draining all their funds (Mark 5:25–26).

Jesus, however, ministers as if He is a hired laborer. He expects His disciples to do the same. The hired laborer was paid the day he or she worked (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14–15). In this case, the payment is merely housing and food. The seventy-two are not to seek better accommodations or food. Even though their message and ability to heal are authentic, effective, and powerful, they are there to serve, not be served.

Paul will go further. In Corinth, he will work as a tentmaker (Acts 18:1–4) and rely on support from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:8) rather than distract the Corinthians from the gospel message (1 Corinthians 9:6–14). He will later tell Timothy that church elders who preach and teach deserve financial support (1 Timothy 5:17–18).

There are many today who have a hard time accepting this teaching. They think that since salvation is a free gift of God, human teachers and pastors should also provide their services for free. They believe Bibles and theology books should cost nothing, and Bible schools and seminaries should not charge. Such a belief is not only irrational, but also unbiblical. Paul charges the Corinthians, "If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?" (1 Corinthians 9:11). Teachers, pastors, and writers who study hard and present biblical truths to growing believers still must pay for food, housing, transportation, and all the other expenses of life. Even resources offered for "free" to users, such as this site, must be paid for somehow. Like most ministries, this is dependent on gracious donors.