[:en] Jesus Sends Out the Twelve (vs. 1-9)
Methods of Jesus’ leadership:
- He empowered His disciples by giving them power and authority to cast out demons and heal all diseases (v. 1)
- He gave specific instruction not to take along a staff, bag, bread, money nor extra tunic and to be a guest only in one home (vs. 3-4)
- He told them how to deal with tough times by leaving the village if they won’t receive their message (v. 5)
- He used both preaching and healing to proclaim his kingdom.
Application:
- God will equip us with wisdom and power to preach His word.
- He wants us to know that He came not to offer us wealth but to rely on God’s power and provision
- If we carefully and truthfully presented God’s message of salvation, we are not responsible if the message is being rejected.
- An effective way of proclaiming the gospel is through preaching and healing. Preaching is for spiritual nourishment while healing is for physical wellness. Salvation is both for the soul and the body.
As a leader, follow Jesus’ method of leadership. As a God’s worker, follow HIs instructions.
Jesus Fee the Five Thousand (vs. 10-17)
Jesus wanted to take a rest. So he slipped away with this apostles toward the town of Bethsaida. But the crowd followed him. Instead of showing impatience, he welcomed and ministered to their needs.
*What will be your attitude when people interrupt your schedule?
Jesus told the disciples: “Your feed them” because he is concerned with every aspect of our life – physical and spiritual.
*We are to care for both the physical and spiritual needs of others.
Peter’s Confession of Christ (vs. 18-27)
Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do the crowds say I am? (v. 18) “Who do people say I am? (v. 20)
*God wanted you to take a stand on our belief on who Jesus is to you.
As the Messiah, everyone expected him to come as a conquering King but Jesus told them that He had to suffer and be killed. And one day He would return in great joy to set up His eternal kingdom.
3 things you have to do if you want to follow Christ:
- Deny self – rid off selfish desires to use your time and money in your own way. Instead you have to follow God’s direction and guidance.
- Take up his cross – endure sufferings and make sacrifices for God’s sake
- Follow Him – Obey His laws and commands.
The Transfiguration (vs. 28-36)
Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountain to pray. They experienced a wonderful moment together and wanted to stay there. But staying on top of the mountain prohibits them to minister to others.
*Sometimes, when we have an inspiring experience, we want to stay there away from the reality and problems of our daily life. We need times of retreat and renewal in order to minister to the world.
Who Will Be the Greatest? (vs. 46-48)
There was an argument among the disciples on who would be the greatest. Jesus took a little child and said: “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest” (v. 48)
*In God’s eyes, your care for others is the measure of your greatness. How much care do you show to the needy, the poor, the widow and the orphans?
When nine of the disciples were not able to cast out evil spirit, they saw someone who was not one of their group casting out demons, so they stopped him. But Jesus said: “Don’t stop him. Anyone who is not against you is for you” (v. 50)
*Do not be jealous when someone succeeds. There is no room for jealousy in the spiritual warfare of His kingdom. Show an open arms attitude towards Christian workers outside your group.
Samaritan Opposition (vs. 51-56)
As Jesus was setting out for Jerusalem, he sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to get things ready for him. But they people there did not welcome him. When James and John saw this, they wanted to call fire down from heaven to destroy them. But Jesus rebuked them.
*Jesus was teaching us not to retaliate with those who opposed us.
The Cost of Following Jesus (vs. 57-62)
- No place to lay his head – there is no guarantee of sufficient income nor a permanent place to serve in your ministry
- Let the dead bury their dead – you may have to sacrifice your social obligations while doing God’s service
- No looking back to say good by to family – you may have to choose God above your family.
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