Monday, July 21, 2025

Musing – What did Jesus send out His Disciples to do?

 Hebraic Musing – What did Jesus send out His Disciples to do?

If we are one of Jesus’ disciples, then what has He told us to do in Luke 9:1-6?  “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,” (And what were they to do with that power and authority?)  “he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”  (How were they to prepare?)  Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.  Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.  If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.”  (And what did His disciples do?)  “…they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” NIV   The disciples obeyed Jesus and enjoyed a very effective ministry!

Later, at the Last Supper Jesus reminded His disciples of that experience by asking “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’  they answered.  (Then Jesus challenged His disciples.)  “He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.  It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”  Luke 22:35-38 (NIV)  Apparently, we are expected to become a discipler like Jesus (who gave his life for being a discipler)!

Acts 1:8 describes another similar encounter.  When Jesus came back but before His ascension to heaven, he spoke to His disciples.  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”   Has the power of the Holy Spirit also been given to each of us?  Was Jesus’ message to His twelve Apostles (Disciples) for them only, or was it also intended for us disciples as well in the 21st century?

We may find it difficult to “go out” and bear witness these days for fear of losing a friend, but we don’t have to be confrontative, we can just start a conversation.  The biggest limitation to witnessing is that we might be too focused on our worries!  A worrying person can not be an effective witness about Jesus Christ.  If we have faith, we need to let it shine and demonstrate it.  Would you rather see them in Heaven, instead of Hell?  Speak up!

To quote Johanna Hocker’s personal application:   “We are called to bear fruit. There are a variety of fruits and there are a variety of gifts.  In writing this, I have been convicted that in my contacts with people one to one, I have little fruit to show for it, but, I do get positive feedback on my writings, and from my friends. We can’t be too hard on ourselves because we don’t have a certain gift, use the gifts you have, and ask for Yehovah to bless your contact with others and you will be bearing fruit!

What’s the definition of a Disciple?  A - A person who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of another.

In Matthew, what were Jesus’ final words to His disciples?  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Matt.28:19-20   Was Jesus also speaking to you and me?

Question: Was Jesus telling us to make believers?  Or did He tell us to “go and make Disciples?

Points to Ponder

Are you a Disciple of Jesus Christ?

How might Jesus’ instructions to His Disciples also apply to us?

Has the Holy Spirit also given us the power to heal and testify?

Q – What is the most important healing people need?   A – Salvation!

  Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born. 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          July 22, 2025           
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings

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