Jesus gave the disciples authority as He sent them out. The instructions and description of their ministry seems addressed to a larger group.
I know Jesus was talking to the men he sent out about specifics; how to enter a home, what to do if you are rejected (or blessed) and what to carry with you on the journey. And of course, he tells them what message to share and gives them authority to perform all sorts of miracles. The disciples immediately went out and did the things Jesus was talking about, and then they returned rejoicing. You would think they were finished, because they had done exactly what Jesus told them to do. (how long were they gone?) but you would be wrong. We know this because of the extended description Jesus shares about their future. He isn’t commissioning them for a few weeks, he’s preparing them for a lifetime of ministry. So, they didn’t stand before kings on this first trip, but Jesus told them that one day they would. I remind myself of this: sometimes what God shares with you today isn’t for today or tomorrow. Sometimes it’s for next year. In this case, it might have been several years in the future. I tend toward impatience…I think most of us do. That causes me to want everything God promises to happen right now, but that isn’t always the way God works. I guess a close relationship with him will help me determine what season his guidance is meant for.
Jesus gave his disciples authority here, and they used it. I think that same authority is handed down to us, as Jesus says in Matthew 28 “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Jesus commanded them to make disciples and gave them power to prove themselves authentic. We are commanded to make disciples and I believe we have the same authority as the disciples had.
Some of these instructions seem harsh, but there is a beauty in their design. If you don’t take anything with you to help yourself then you will need to seek out someone to stay with, who will feed you. I think our problem is that we don’t need anyone else, we have enough of our own supplies, so we aren’t forced to rely on others, which makes us less effective as disciple makers. Then Jesus tells them they will be persecuted and dragged into court, and will be hated by many. This also is a blessing, because God has designed it for a purpose. This might be the only way a witness can share his/her testimony before the ruler. Were it not for being accused and tried before the judge, the judge and the court might never hear the Gospel. That thought alone provides me strength for tough times. Verse 20 should be highlighted “it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you”. That’s my goal, to have the Spirit speak through me, so that God is heard, and not me. Such an endeavor requires complete surrender, as our carnal nature will fight against this if even a scrap of it is allowed to remain in our lives.
There’s so much more! I speculate that there are 10-12 broad topics in this chapter, and probably 20 sermons (or more). It’s really jam packed with one and two line comments that orient us, and help us process daily life. Like 32-33 or 37-39 and others like it.
Be blessed today,
PR