1 Summoning the Twelve, he gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2 Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for the road,” he told them, “no staff, no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don’t take an extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere.
Luke 9:1-6
Have you ever wanted to share something great that happened to you with your spouse, friend or relative? And then when you share your great news, they say, “Oh…okay.” And you are left wondering why such a plain answer. You’re thinking, “Can’t you see what a great thing this is?”
In this passage, Jesus is preparing His disciples to preach about the kingdom of God. He prepares them by giving them supernatural powers that will testify to this truth, so by the works they will be performing, people will believe the kingdom of God is at hand.
Jesus gives His disciples the ability to cast demons and heal diseases. Jesus came to heal the entire person, to deliver oppressed souls tormented by demons and to heal afflicted people’s bodies from any disease. He came to give life to the entire human being, soul and body (Isaiah 62:1). This is the kingdom of God!
Those who believe the gospel message will join the heavenly kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:17). We don’t enter this kingdom because of our inheritance or because of who our forefathers were. We enter by believing the good news in our hearts. As it says in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Let’s receive this good news and then proclaim it to the ends of the earth!
Jesus also charges His disciples to shake the dust off their feet when people don’t believe and reject such great news. As Messiah’s obedient and faithful followers, we will proclaim the good news to many. But some will not receive His message, and we are not responsible for the results. We are not called to make believers—that is the work of the Holy Spirit. We are called to plant and water the seeds, and God will give the growth according to His good will and pleasure (1 Corinthians 3:6).
So, share this good news of the kingdom of God at work, in your neighborhood and within your family—even though some may simply say, ”Oh…okay.”
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Have you confessed with your mouth and believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord?
- Have you shared the good news of the kingdom of God with someone recently?
- Have you prayed for someone you could share the good news with this week?
Missions Prayer
Pray for favor in communities and with local leaders for our global workers. Pray that God would meet the needs they have for family and ministry.