Delegated Authority
Opening Prayer
Jesus, thank You that You have come and thank You that You now send us out in Your name.
Read Luke 9:1-9
[1] When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. [3] He told them: “Take nothing for the journey-no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. [4] Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. [5] If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” [6] So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. [7] Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, [8] others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. [9] But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What instructions did Jesus give the disciples?Jesus began teaching his disciples by showing them what to do and say. Now they enter a new phase as Jesus gives them power and authority, then sends them out to put what they have learned into words and actions for themselves (1,2). They are to rely entirely on God’s power for this short-term mission trip–not on their own provision (3). Just like today, people didn’t know who Jesus was. A prophet? A good man? Or God in human form? Even Herod, who ruled the region on behalf of the Romans, is curious about Jesus because of what is happening (7-9). The disciples’ preaching is backed up by miraculous healing (6), but clearly it is Jesus they were pointing to, not to themselves as the source of healing power. Later, at Pentecost, the same power and authority was poured out on the whole church when the Holy Spirit came. We also receive the same Spirit who gives glory to Jesus (John 16:14) so that we can be his witnesses (Acts 1:8).
Apply
Bring the peace and message of Jesus into the various situations you enter today.
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to be willing to go where You lead and to live in a way that brings glory to You.
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