In The Word
Read Luke 9:1-17
Ministry of the Twelve
And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening; and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen again. Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.
When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida. But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.
Five Thousand Fed
Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people.” (For there were about five thousand men.) And He said to His disciples, “Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty each.” They did so, and had them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Jesus anointed the disciples to go out, preach the kingdom of God, and heal people. They did just as He had commanded. They were going from village to village sharing the good news that the kingdom of God had come. Having completed the mission, they returned to Him with glowing reports. It seemed like that was all they had, testimonies. But those who heard the disciples’ testimonies began to seek out this man called Jesus the Christ; He was sought out by the thousands.
The scriptures tell that it is important that we preach the good news of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” You see, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to go out and preach the good news. Sometimes, the best way to preach is with our words and, in most cases, with the way we simply live our lives. Like the disciples, we have been given the power and authority to tell this world about the love of Jesus Christ. Like the disciples, you are the greatest witnesses that God has to send out. Yes, He will use pastors and leaders, but we are all preachers of the gospel to our circles of influence and in the marketplace. You can reach people they may never see. It will be by your testimony that people will be drawn to Jesus. Go out and compel them to come in!