"And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him."

Tell Them Who HE Is (Luke 9:1-9)

In our series on the Gospel of Luke, we've reached Chapter 9, which marks a significant transition in Jesus' ministry. Up to this point, Jesus has demonstrated His power over nature, demons, disease, and death. Now, He shifts focus from physical healing to spiritual growth and perseverance as His ministry brings Him closer to the cross.

Previous Week Recap

Two weeks ago, we saw Jesus return to Galilee after casting out demons in the Gerasenes. He healed a woman with a bleeding issue and raised Jairus' daughter from the dead, but He instructed those present to keep quiet about the miracle. This shift highlights Jesus’ intent to be recognized not just as a healer, but as the Messiah who brings salvation and eternal truths. Jesus wanted to ensure that people sought Him for who He was, not just for the miracles He performed.

Jesus Gathers and Commissions the Twelve Apostles

In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus gathers His twelve apostles, an unlikely group of men from diverse backgrounds, and gives them power and authority to cast out demons and heal diseases. This commissioning marks the beginning of their active ministry. Despite their diverse backgrounds and personal flaws, God equips them for His purpose, uniting them through divine calling. 

This band of apostles included fishermen like Peter, who was impulsive and hot-tempered, and tax collectors like Matthew, seen as a traitor to Israel. James and John were overzealous, and Thomas struggled with doubt. These are just a few details, but each apostle had their own issues. Despite their shortcomings, Jesus called and equipped them. Their unity in Christ transcended their worldly differences, uniting them as sons of the Kingdom.

The Mission

Jesus instructs His disciples to travel light, relying entirely on God’s provision. They are not to carry a staff, bag, bread, or money, teaching them to depend on God for strength and sustenance. This complete dependence mirrors the faith required of Old Testament priests, indicating a deeper spiritual lesson. Jesus' instructions include:

1. No Staff: They were not to rely on a physical staff for support, symbolizing their need to depend on God for strength.
2. No Bag or Bread: They were not to carry provisions, trusting that God would provide for their needs.
3. No Money: They were to rely on the hospitality of those they preached to, demonstrating faith in God's provision.

Jesus' instructions teach the apostles a crucial lesson in dependence on God. They were to focus on their mission without being burdened by material concerns. This radical trust in God's provision was a vital part of their spiritual growth and preparation for the challenges ahead. It emphasized that their confidence should be in God, not in themselves.

If their message was rejected, they were to shake the dust off their feet, symbolizing a separation from those who reject God’s Kingdom. This act, borrowed from Jewish customs, underscored the gravity of rejecting the gospel. Shaking off the dust was a testimony against those who refused to accept the message, signifying that they were choosing to remain separate from God.

Herod's Curiosity

Herod, the ruler of Galilee, hears about Jesus and becomes anxious, reflecting the confusion and curiosity surrounding Jesus' identity. Some believe Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead, Elijah reappeared, or another prophet. Herod's anxiety stems from his guilt over beheading John the Baptist and his uncertainty about who Jesus is.

Jesus' True Identity and Mission

Amidst the confusion, Jesus’ true mission is to reveal Himself as the Son of God and the hope of salvation. His ministry is not just about performing miracles but about proclaiming the Kingdom of God and calling people to repentance. Jesus makes clear statements of His divinity throughout Luke's Gospel:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
2. Authority to Forgive Sins: Jesus claims authority to forgive sins, a power only God possesses.
3. Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus positions Himself as the fulfillment of the Law.
4. Son of Man: This title points to significant prophetic fulfillment.

The Apostles' Mission and Authority

Jesus sends His apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for a relationship with Him over worldly comforts. Their mission is to bring light to the darkness, heal the spiritually blind, and reconcile the lost. This evangelistic mission is not just about physical healing but about heralding the good news of the gospel. The apostles' preaching was accompanied by miraculous signs to authenticate their message and demonstrate the Kingdom's power.

Where the gospel is preached, there is healing. This healing is not always physical but can be spiritual and emotional. The gospel brings:

- Hope: Transforming hopelessness into hope.
- Forgiveness: Replacing guilt with forgiveness.
- Justification: Turning condemnation into justification.
- Life: Bringing the dead in sin to life in Christ.
- Reconciliation: Transforming enemies of God into His children.
- Redemption: Liberating prisoners of sin through Christ's blood.

Jesus’ ministry creates a significant impact, with crowds witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings. His actions, such as casting out demons, healing the sick, and raising the dead, generate widespread attention and discussions about His identity. His miracles serve as a testament to His divine authority and mission.

The Role of Believers Today

As believers, we are also called to proclaim Jesus' name, making disciples and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, chosen to declare His excellencies and bring others to the light of Christ. Like the apostles, our mission involves relying on God’s provision, trusting in His plan, and spreading the gospel with confidence in His power.

Conclusion

Luke 9 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He prepares His apostles for their mission by emphasizing spiritual dependence on God and the importance of proclaiming the gospel. This passage encourages us to embrace our role as royal priests, committed to spreading the message of Jesus and leading others to glorify God. By understanding the depth of our calling and the power of the gospel, we can confidently fulfill our mission, knowing that God equips and sustains us.