Power And Authority

Scripture: Luke 9:1-6, 10

1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. 4 Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. 5 And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” 6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. 10 When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. (Luke 9:1-6, 10 NLT)

Three Things That Stand Out To Me:

Jesus gave his twelve followers a commission, a message, and sufficient power and authority to do the job. He told them to declare that his kingdom was near, to free people from Satan’s power, and to heal people’s sicknesses. They were not perfect, in fact, far from it! This group included Judas the betrayer, Thomas the doubter, and James and John who wanted  first place in the Kingdom. But he entrusted to them the power and authority to heal all diseases and cast out all demons. Yikes! That’s a lot of trust! We focus on trusting Jesus. What if we began to think about Jesus trusting us?

Mark tells us that Jesus sent them out two by two. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. (Mark 6:7 NLT). They were able to encourage each other as they went out together. They were accountable to Jesus and each other for their use of the Power and Authority. It was not power and authority to do their thing, but to do his thing. It worked, and they joyfully reported on what they had done. When they returned he met with them and listened to their enthusiastic reports.

As they went, they were to keep it simple and trust the Father to provide all that they needed as they needed it. I love the way The Message says it: He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. 4 Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. (Luke 9:3-4 MSG). He said, “Keep it simple.  You are the equipment!”

How should we read this?  How should we relate to Jesus’ words about simplicity?  How should we understand his words, “You are the equipment”?

Prayer:

Father, Please help us to be trustworthy, courageous, and faithful to the assignment you give us. Equip us to be the very best equipment for the task.  For Your Kingdom’s Sake, Amen.