Introduction

Good morning, family! I hope this day finds you in good spirits and ready to delve into the beautiful truths that God's Word holds for us.

As we dive into today's sermon, I'm reminded of something that Charles Spurgeon once said, "I am determined, as far as ever I can, to preach the gospel plainly and simply, so that everybody may understand it." This is exactly our topic for today. How we are called to help people understand the Gospel like Jesus did, in a way everyone could understand.

Today, we are going to study a portion of Scripture found in Luke 9:1-9. Let's read it together:

"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 out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: 'Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.' So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, 'I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?' And he tried to see him."

The Authority

Authority definition: The Greek word used for authority in this passage is "exousia," which means the power of rule or government, the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others. This is the kind of authority that Jesus gave to His disciples. It was not their own power or authority, but His, given to them. They were to act in His name, with His authority, to carry out His mission.

Upends the world's understanding of power and authority: In the world, power is often hoarded, kept for oneself, used to control and dominate others. But in the kingdom of God, power is given away, shared, used to serve and liberate others. Jesus, the one with all authority in heaven and on earth, gave His authority to His disciples, not to lord it over others, but to heal, to deliver, to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.

Not given based on the disciples' qualifications or abilities: They were ordinary men, with no special training or credentials. They were not the religious elite, the educated, the influential. They were fishermen, tax collectors, common people. Yet they were given divine authority, not because of who they were, but because of who Jesus is. It was His authority, His power, His mission. They were simply the vessels, the instruments, the sent ones.

A great comfort and encouragement to us: We may feel inadequate, unqualified, weak. But it's not about us. It's about Jesus. He is the one with authority, and He gives it to us, not because of our worthiness, but because of His grace. We are sent with His authority, to do His work, in His name.

For all who follow Jesus: In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This is the Great Commission, given to all believers. We are all sent ones, given the authority of Jesus to make disciples, to proclaim the good news, to bring healing and deliverance in His name.

A sacred trust, a divine commission, a call to humble service: It is the authority to love as Jesus loved, to serve as Jesus served, to give as Jesus gave. It is the authority to lay down our lives for others, as Jesus laid down His life for us.

The Mission

Sent to proclaim the kingdom of God: This was not a kingdom of earthly power or wealth, but a kingdom characterized by love, justice, peace, and righteousness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO