Our Two-fold Commission

Text: Luke 9:1-6 Theme: Jesus sent out the disciples to accomplish exactly two things. Key verses: “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and the heal the sick. He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey…'” (v. 1-3) “So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” (v. 6) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is the overaching theme and emphasis of the book of Luke. In fact it was the overarching theme of Jesus’ ministry on earth: 1. To heal the sick, ie., to minister to people’s physical needs. 2. To preach the gospel, ie., to seek and to save that which was lost. On this third missionary journey, Jesus sent out the disciples to do exactly what they had observed him do for the past 2 years. They too were supposed to meet people’s physical and spiritual needs. Dwayne, that is still what I am sending my disciples out to do. You are to help people in every way possible. “Give them your cloak,” as James put it, if need be. Offer them a cup of cold water. Look for ways to really minister to people’s immediate needs. Then they will be more open to listening to your talk with them about their souls. Some will not need the physical help as much. But all will need the spiritual help. Use any means available to gain their trust and their attention. Remember that I gave my disciples exactly what they needed to do exactly what I had instructed them: power and authority to heal. You too have been given the power and authority to meet the needs of those whose path I cross with yours. As for the spiritual darkness in them, they already know they have a need. It’s up to you, my disciples, to help them recognize what that need is and Who can fill it. What I said to God: Thank You, heavenly Father, for reminding me today of my two top priorities and callings on this earth. Help me look for ways today to meet people’s needs, both physically and spiritually. Grant me the heart and burden to go out of my way to show them the Way.