1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Part of Jesus’ training of His disciples included increased responsibility as He sent them out to minister on their own. He gave them power and authority to cast out demons and heal people from their diseases. The miracles they performed were both compassionate and validated the authority they had to proclaim the kingdom of God. Unlike most travellers, they were not to take anything along with them on their journey. No staff, bag, food, money or even an additional cloak. This was a mission where they were to rely on God and the hospitality of each town. They were not to move from house to house but remain in the first house that took them in. If a town did not receive them hospitably, they were to shake the dust off their feet as a sign against them. Shaking the dust off their feet was a cultural symbol that treated those Jewish cities as if they were unclean and pagan and their dust was not to be part of the holy land. The disciples left on their short-term mission. They had already witnessed miracles like the abundant catch in seemingly empty waters (Luke 5:5-6) which taught them that God could supply their needs and the miracle of Jesus sleeping through and calming the storm (Luke 8:22-25) which taught them that God would bring them through to complete their mission. Jesus’ first task for the disciples wasn’t to start the church. He began by giving them smaller tasks to test and strengthen their faith. Are you being faithful in the small things God is calling you to serve in?
The story returns to Herod the tetrarch who has heard reports of Jesus’ ministry. He was confused because there were different reports about who Jesus was. Some said he was John the Baptist raised from the dead (who Herod, by his own admission had beheaded). Others said He was Elijah or one of the old prophets who had risen. These stories all served to point the nation to God’s work among them. They all pointed to the Messiah. The stories of Jesus were spreading and even those in the highest levels of government were interested in what was happening. Some people are unsure of who Jesus really is. That curiosity is good because it provides an opportunity for us to introduce them to who He really is? Who have you introduced to Jesus recently?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Elijah in the Cave: 1 Kings 19