Sending out the Twelve
TRANSLATION
(1) Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, (2) and he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (3) And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, no wallet, no bread, no money. And do not take an extra shirt. (4) And in whatever home you enter, stay there until you leave the area. (5) And wherever they do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them when you leave that town.” (6) So they set out and went from town to town, preaching the Gospel and healing everywhere.
(7) Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had risen from the dead. (8) Others said that Elijah had appeared and others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. (9) Herod said, “I beheaded John, but who then is this about whom I am hearing such things?” And he tried to see him.
OBSERVATIONS
The events set forth in this segment marked a turning point in Jesus’ earthly ministry. After having spent time with his disciples, teaching and showing them how to minister, he sent them out to get a taste of doing the work on their own. The repetitions in this segment included “heal/healing” (vss. 2 & 6), “hear/heard” (vss. 7 & 9) and the names, “Herod” and “John” (vss. 7 & 9).
OUTLINE
I. Jesus called and empowered the twelve for ministry on their own. (1-6)
II. Herod heard about this and wondered if John had risen or if this were some other prophet. (7-9)
IDEA STATEMENT
Those who minister for Jesus can rely on his direction, provision, and protection from whatever opposition they might face.
APPLICATION
Two great truths about serving the Lord emerge from this segment. First, Jesus never asks us to do anything for which he has not prepared us. For the disciples sent out to minister, he provided them with instructions and enablement so that they would enjoy a measure of success. He does the same for us whenever and wherever we become involved in outreach. Next, ministry will not be as easy as we might think, sometimes causing us to face greater opposition than we had originally anticipated. There are always those like Herod who stand ready to oppose anything done for the sake of God’s Kingdom. A host of unseen adversaries under Satan’s leadership will try to thwart any effort we might make for the glory of God.
In Ephesians 6 Paul described the opposition we will likely encounter in terms of a battle. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and, having done all, to stand firm” (Eph. 6:10-13). Spiritual warfare is not something we should fear or seek to avoid. Rather, we must be prepared to face whatever we may encounter in the strength which God supplies, never surprised by the opposition we are sure to encounter.