Jesus, the Son of God, sent out his twelve disciples on a mission to spread the Good News of his kingdom. This was not just a random decision made by Jesus.
In fact, there were several reasons why Jesus sent out the twelve disciples. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons.
The Harvest is Plenty
One reason why Jesus sent out the twelve disciples was that he saw the need for more workers in his kingdom. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” By sending out his disciples on this mission, Jesus was fulfilling his own prayer.
To Preach and Heal
Another reason why Jesus sent out the twelve disciples was to preach and heal. In Matthew 10:7-8, Jesus instructed his disciples to proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”
He also gave them authority to heal every disease and sickness. By doing so, Jesus wanted to demonstrate that he had power over both physical and spiritual ailments.
To Train and Equip
Jesus also sent out his disciples as a way to train and equip them for future ministry. In Mark 6:7-13, we see that Jesus gave specific instructions to his disciples before sending them out on their mission.
He told them what to bring (nothing except a staff), where to stay (with worthy people), and what to do if they were rejected (shake off the dust from their feet). By giving them these instructions and allowing them to experience ministry firsthand, Jesus was preparing them for their future roles as leaders in his church.
To Fulfill Prophecy
Finally, one of the reasons why Jesus sent out the twelve disciples was to fulfill prophecy. In Isaiah 61:1-2, we read, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Jesus quoted this passage in Luke 4:18-19 and applied it to himself. By sending out his disciples to preach and heal, he was fulfilling this prophecy in a tangible way.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the reasons why Jesus sent out his twelve disciples on a mission. Through their preaching and healing, they were able to spread the Good News of Jesus’ kingdom and demonstrate his power over physical and spiritual ailments.
They were also being trained and equipped for future ministry and fulfilling prophecy in the process. As we continue to follow Jesus today, may we also be willing to go wherever he sends us and do whatever he asks of us in order to advance his kingdom.