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LUKE - Christ, the Savior of the World
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to Luke
PART 3 - JESUS' MINISTRY IN GALILEE (Luke 4:14 - 9:50)
16. Christ Sends out His Twelve Disciples to Preach (Luke 9:1-9)
LUKE 9:1-6
1 He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece. 4 Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there. 5 As many as don’t receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” 6 They departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News, and healing everywhere.
Jesus gathered his disciples together after they had heard his words for a long time, understood his plans, seen his works, and become strong in faith through his presence and empowered them. Christ wished to multiply the glory of his love, so he commanded his followers not only to preach, but also to cast out demons, and cure diseases. He gave them authority over all unclean spirits and all diseases, and sent them as the Father had sent him filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about the kingdom of God, where Christ himself is King, Center, and Source of all power, for out of him power flowed to those who had no authority, and grace to those who were unworthy.
Dear brother, the command of our King is urgent, and the time in which we can witness openly is short. Who hears Christ’s call to ministry? Who comes prepared to him? Is your faith growing so that Christ may send you and equip you as a delegate to your region? Do not preach philosophies, but communicate the power of Christ to those who are dead in sins that they may rise in trust and truthfulness. Set free in the name of Jesus the prisoners of the devil that they may enter into light, and leave darkness. The fullness of the kingdom dwells in all those who obey the gospel. All humble followers of Christ, with all the saints who have fallen asleep are the kingdom of God that is passing through time and present among us.
Christ gave practical advice to his servants that they might know how to behave wisely in their service. First he told them not to worry about money and bread, and commanded them not to carry treasures, or loads, on their missionary journeys, so that they might be able to travel lightly and not become exposed to theft. The kingdom of Christ is not of this world, but is spiritual. This is why the gifts of Christ are spiritual and not material. Christ did not give his apostles salaries, or equipment, but said to them, “Wherever you may be, eat and drink what is offered to you by your hearers.” This command belongs to the people of the Old Testament in the first place, for they were used to look after the ministers of the Lord with respect to their sustenance and shelter.
Christ made his disciples understand beforehand that they would experience the same as he had experienced: that some hearers would accept them, and others would reject them with dislike. It was advisable to stay in the same home in whatsoever village they entered by, even if rich and clever friends offered them more comfortable shelter, for faithfulness is the principle in ministering.
But where the hatred of hell hardens the hearts, the apostles should not compel such to accept the blessing, but they should go out simply shaking off the dust from their clothes in token of the knowledge that they would not partake of God’s condemnation, which falls on all those who reject the gospel. Woe to the house, town, city, or country that rejects Christ and his salvation. The Lord’s condemnation and deadly wars will destroy them.
The apostles obeyed the words of their Lord, and travelled to the towns, two by two. They revealed the triumph of Christ, preached of what they had seen and heard, put their hands on the sick and healed them in the name of Christ, and experienced that the Lord himself accompanied them. His power was made perfect in their weakness.
QUESTION 66: How did Christ send his apostles?
LUKE 9:7-9
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?” He sought to see him.
Now, Herod had executed John the Baptist, whose preparatory ministry was ended, and Christ had sent his apostles to spread the kingdom of God. Yet, the cruel king convicted by his conscience, heard of Jesus, and feared that the spirit of John might came to his palace to take revenge. His retinue tried to calm him down and told him that Christ was the prophet to whom Moses referred, or the expected Elijah. Everyone wondered about the mystery of the person of the great Son of God. Herod desired to see him, but Christ did not want to meet him. His disciples testified of his power by word and deed. They did not teach lifeless thoughts, but guided their hearers to Jesus of Nazareth, the divine Victor.
PRAYER: O Lord, we thank you with all our hearts for today you call your messengers, train, equip, educate them, and then send them, and empower them for service that they may spread your great kingdom of love in our nation and throughout the world. Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.