34. Sending

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[Katy]

Q1. Power is the might or strength to be able to do something. Authority is being allowed or having official authority to use your power.

Q2.The disciples had spent all their time with Jesus learning from Him, learning His unique message, seeing how He treated people, learning Jesus’s ways, and now Jesus was sending them out in pairs , to imitate Him and preach His message about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick, and cast out demons. It was for a limited time, and then they returned to their teacher to discuss how they had done. They related everything back to Jesus, in a debriefing exercise. No doubt Jesus encourage d them, and taught them, and advised them about all the things they had told Him that had occurred during their time away.

Q3.Jesus instructed them to travel with nothing so that they would learn to totally depend on His provision for them. Jesus would provide people along their way who would be very happy to provide all that the disciples needed. These instructions were given for this time, as it is important that preparations are made when going on missions.
Q4.Jesus was teaching them to be content with the first home that they are offered hospitality in and not to go looking for somewhere that is better. By doing this they may become distracted from their mission, which was more important.

Q5.Instead of there being just one person teaching, healing, and casting out demons, there were now six pairs doing the same things by Jesus authority. So there were many people blessed and a larger number of villages were reached with the message of the Gospel and so many people were blessed by the disciples ministry. If the disciples had not been obedient to Jesus instructions their ministry would have been invalid and unpowerful.

Q6.Jesus would have been able to advise them about things or situations the disciples were unsure of how to handle. Jesus would have been able to encourage them about things they had done. It would have been an opportunity for the disciples to discuss all that had happened and learn from Jesus and each other so they could be even more effective on their next journey.

[hanks]

1. What's the difference between power and authority?

Power is the ability to accomplish a task, and authority is the right to do it, and Jesus gave both to His Apostles. They were able to cast out demons and heal the sick, but the most important ministry He gave them was that of preaching the kingdom of God – the Good News. Their power/ability to do these miracles, was a special gift to attest to the truth of the gospel, to confirm that the Lord had sent them and was working through them (Mark 16:20). The Jewish people traditionally asked for some sign before they would believe (Heb 2:4), but today we test a person’s ministry by the truth of the Word of God (1 John 4:1–6). However, miracles alone do not prove that they are from God, for Satan can enable his false ministers to do amazing things (Matt 24:24). Their delegated authority was to make more disciples as they preached, and taught. The same authority that Jesus still commands us to tell others the Good News, and make them disciples for the Kingdom. They were also given authority over the forces of evil, and protection from harm during their mission (Luke 10:19).

[hanks]

2. What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission?

Continuing from Question 1. Jesus had two purposes in mind in sending the Twelve on this mission. The first one was to preach the kingdom of God, and the other was to heal the sick (9:2). The Twelve had travelled with Jesus, had observed Him, had listened to His teaching, and had been taught by Him. Now, they were ready to take a more active part in Jesus’ ministry; they would be sent out on this mission, basically a training mission, to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus also gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases; which was important because these miracles backed up the message. Soon, they would be doing His work by increasing the spread, and effectiveness of His ministry in reaching more and more people. After His Resurrection, they were the ones left to carry on Jesus’ work.

[hanks]

3. Why did He instruct them to travel light? Why did He tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that?

Jesus instructed the Twelve to travel light so that they would trust Him for the supply of all their material needs - no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. They were to live very simply, for there was much to be done with so little time left. Cannot waste time on preparing for the trip, which would be of short duration after which they would come back and report to Jesus. As disciples sent by God, they were to depend on Him and on the people to whom they ministered to meet their needs. Here we see Jesus’ principle of functional simplicity being applied – use only the essentials needed to function effectively as a witness for Christ without losing the primary dependence upon God.

[hanks]

4. Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings?

When they entered a village, they were to look for a family that would receive them as disciples of the Lord and who would be open to their message. Once they found such a host, they were to show courtesy and gratitude in accepting such hospitality, and they were to stay with them as long as they were in the city. The disciples were not to offend their hosts by moving to a home that had better living-conditions, even if it meant living in sparse accommodation. They must learn to be content with their situations and focus on preaching the gospel. If they were refused, they were to show God's displeasure in rejecting His disciples, by shaking the dust off their feet.

[hanks]

5. How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people?

When Jesus sent them out they followed His instructions, and the people were blessed, as the Twelve performed their duties of preaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee. They did exactly what they had seen Him do throughout His ministry, but this time it was a multiplied ministry. This is the first time the disciples exercise their new power and authority, and is a preview of their mission in Acts as they replicate Jesus’ ability to heal the sick, and probably to cast out demons; no preachers since that time have been given such gifts of miraculous healing. Everywhere they went they spoke of the kingdom of God - communicating the gospel by both word and deed. See how they healed the sick; how they brought much joy and good to the villages. This was all a confirmation that God was with them, that their message was true and that God was full of compassion intent on healing the groaning dying world. Their mission must have had a massive impact on the communities in each village.

[hanks]

6. Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing?

The apostles came back and told Jesus everything they had done, and this debriefing session was vital and would form part of their training and growth. Jesus patiently listened to everything they had to tell regarding their evangelistic campaign - this must have been quite a follow-up session! Being their first mission, there must have been many good things to report back on as well as the difficulties they had experienced. One can just imagine their enthusiasm and excitement as they returned to Jesus full of good news and wonderful tales. What a wonderful time this must have been. To go out and to minister and then to come back together to be encouraged in all of the things that God had accomplished through them. Jesus needed this time with them more than ever as He was closing out His Galilean ministry. In fact, there was to be little public ministry hereafter. From this point onward He was to concentrate primarily on His disciples, giving them intensive training. However, they needed to have their batteries recharged, so He then took them with Him to the village of Bethsaida, where they could be alone, but any hope of a quiet time together were soon shattered. A crowd of people quickly gathered, and the Lord Jesus welcomed them, as He was always accessible and did not consider this an annoying interruption.

[Irmela]

1. What's the difference between power and authority?

Power is being able to do something. Raw power. Abilility to accomplish an action. 

Authority is being able to put that power into practice. Having the 'license' to use that power. It is ruling power or official power. 

[Irmela]

2. What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission?

Up to this time the disciples had been learning, taking in, observing, hearing, what Jesus was teaching and seeing His way of life. Now it was time to put it all into practice. Now they too were sent out to share, tell others about the Good News. Then later on their return, share experiences and get further help. 

They were commissioned to  drive out demons,  cure diseases ,  preach the Kingdom of God and to bring healing. 

 

 

[Irmela]

3. Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that?

 

This was the 1st time they were sent out in pairs without Him. It was possibly for training purposes, that they were told to travel light.

If they had all the extra items, it would show that they were relying on their own resources.

Without the purse you were relying on the Lord to supply what He desired for you at that time

Without a bag, again you would be relying on Him to supply your every need. They would not be tempted to rely on their own resources. 

Without a staff, that would mean without your usual protection, even in that they learnt to depend upon the Lord completely for His protection on their lives. 

[Irmela]

4. Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings?

They needed to learn to be content and get on with what they came to do  ...   cast out demons, heal and preach ... 

Looking for other accommodation could also grieve the original host, who were willing to have them in their home. No longer would the stay be a blessing. 

[Irmela]

How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people?

At first it was one group going out and great multitudes came

Now, in that Jesus sends out 6 teams, many smaller towns and villages could be reached and it was easier to get in without a huge following. The reports they brought back were  that many were healed. 

News of what happened spread. So much so that even Herod was worried about it and wondered if it had anything to do with John whom he had beheaded. 

Edited May 19, 2021 by Irmela

[Irmela]

6.  Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing?

When they reported back, the individual teams could learn from each other. Where there was a problem, it could be discussed and advice could be given on how to handle it and all six teams could learn from each other's experiences and expert advise from the Teacher i. e. from Jesus' debriefing. 

[haar]

1.    What's the difference between power and authority?

The two words have similar meaning. But one may have power but no authority to execute an action. Satan has power but has no authority over the live of a true child of God

2.    What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission?

To put into practice what he had taught them ie preach the Kingdom of God, heal the sick and deliver the captive of demonc

3.    Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that?

To teach them to depend on Gods provision through the people they would lodge in their homes

4.    Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings?

So that they would go about sampling the for the best

5.    How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people?

The people heard the good news, the sick were healed and the captive set free

6.    Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing?

[Old Jerry]

What's the difference between power and authority?

 

A. Power is the ability to do something and authority is the using the power to accomplish a mission.

 

What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission?

 

A. Jesus was putting them out on their own with nothing so that they would trust God for everything they needed. It was also to train them to think on their own to accomplish the mission.

 

Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that?

 

A. The point to traveling light is to teach them that they should rely on God as their provider.

 

Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings?

 

A. They were told to be satisfied with what they have and not try to find better lodging. Their mission was to teach not find the best accommodations.

 

How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people?

 

A. They were able to learn that the Kingdom of God was near.

 

Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing?

 

A. Jesus was able to correct them in areas that they were difficult and to encourage them in things that they did right.

[kreilly]

 

Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that?

I think it was to demonstrate His protection over them.  He was not only extending them His power and authority, but also His protection.  Just like in the storm, when He slept while they panicked, because He understood nothing would happen to Him, they will be protected and have no need of weapons or supplies.  Thereby, increasing their faith after the mission is accomplished.  

Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings?

I think this relates to the teaching on not showing partiality.  Once they began healing and teaching; wealthier, more influential people might invite them to their homes.  They were not to get sidetracked by worldly temptations.  

[kreilly]

1. What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission?
2. Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing?

I think the answer to these two questions is the same.  Jesus is training/preparing them for the day when He is no longer with them.  He is training and preparing them to be Shepherds/Elders of the church.  

[Godswriter]

1.    What's the difference between power and authority?

Power is the ability to do something with more strength than you already have; Authority is the permission from God on High to do the very things He asks of us

2.    What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission?

To train and prepare them for the ministry they all would have and how they would be rejected by people for the work they would be doing later on. 

3.    Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that? Because He wanted them all depend on God's provision for the things that they would need to travel later on in ministry. Since He wanted them to be able to say that God had provided for them. True Dependence in the Lord

4.    Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings?

 So they would know whether or not that they would be accepted by each town 

5.    How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people?

It brought people healing in various ways; the sick were healed, the blind were able to see, the demon possessed were set free through the casting out of demons

6.    Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing?

It showed them that they were working under the authority and power of the Lord The debriefing told them what they would need to change by redirecting their focus on Him

 

[George L]

1. What's the difference between power and authority? In original Hebrew writing symbols for power is the bull, authority is the staff. The shepherd prods the recalcitrant of the flock. He also guides with a kind touch.  Authority is the authorization to use the power. With believers on up in christianity that throttle on power is the Holy Spirits knowing you and trusting your judgement in using power properly, in proper measure of the need.
2. What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission? They had seen his demonstration and received explanation and discussed the scriptures long known among themselves. It was time for them to discover they to were part of the prophesied coming of the kingdom of god to the meek, humble, poor, sick in even a fringe of the nation far from Jerusalem. 
3. Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that? Limited equipment rather than flashy equipping made them very kin like the workers in the region going about daily tasks. No fan fair or parade shown, no expensive requirement for fancy lodging or support. Just workmen set on a local journey. 
4. Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings? It prevented ranking by affluence of the first house discovered that could be hospitable. And the random lot of that occurrence in God’s hands made sure a variety of hosting was observed reinforcing the kingdom of God was playing no favorites. 
5. How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people? Importance must be given to the vision for the mission of the sender therefore obedience to the details of how to act in the going. That portrayed God’s true intent of blessing throughout the nation included the smaller villages, the less prosperous preferences, the less economically prominent locations as well as peoples. 
6. Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing? The demonstrated their levels of understanding and progress in ministry skills according to his chosen anointing.