When Jesus began his ministry on Earth, he knew that he couldn’t do it alone. He needed disciples to help him spread the word of God and heal the sick.
So, he handpicked 12 men to become his closest followers. But how did Jesus send out these disciples? Let’s take a closer look.
Preparing the Disciples
Before sending out his disciples, Jesus spent time preparing them for their mission. He taught them about God’s kingdom and how to live a life of service. He also gave them power and authority over evil spirits and the ability to heal all kinds of diseases.
Jesus knew that his disciples would face opposition and persecution, so he warned them about the challenges they would face. He told them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, to expect rejection from some people, and even to be prepared for imprisonment or death.
The Instructions
Once the disciples were prepared, Jesus sent them out with specific instructions. In Matthew 10:5-15, we see these instructions laid out clearly:
- Go only to the lost sheep of Israel.
- Don’t take any money or extra clothes with you.
- Don’t bring a traveler’s bag or even an extra pair of sandals.
- Greet everyone you meet, and if they receive you well, give them your blessings.
- If they don’t receive you well, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that home or town.
These instructions may seem strange to us today, but they were intended to teach the disciples dependence on God and trust in His provision.
The Results
The disciples went out in pairs as instructed by Jesus. They preached repentance and healing just as Jesus had taught them.
And the results were incredible. People were healed, demons were cast out, and many turned to follow Jesus.
But not everyone was receptive to the message. Some people rejected the disciples and even persecuted them. Yet, they persevered and continued to preach the good news.
The Lessons
So, what can we learn from how Jesus sent out his disciples? Firstly, we see that preparation is key. Before embarking on any mission or task, it’s essential to take the time to prepare ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Secondly, we see that obedience is crucial. The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions precisely without questioning or doubting him. As followers of Christ today, we should strive to obey his commands without hesitation or reservation.
Thirdly, we see that perseverance is necessary. Despite facing opposition and rejection, the disciples continued to preach and heal in Jesus’ name. We too should never give up on spreading the gospel message even when faced with challenges.
In conclusion, Jesus sent out his disciples with specific instructions and a mission to spread God’s kingdom. Through their obedience and perseverance, they accomplished great things in his name. May we learn from their example as we continue to follow Christ today.