Faith evangelism training
a few days
Learning an evangelism method
Then sent in teams of three to specific doors
My turn came to share the gospel - I was scared. I shouldn’t have been, but I was.
I knocked on the door, introduced myself and the team, and then began by asking the question, “In your personal opinion, what does it take for a person to go to heaven?” The man responded about doing good thing, being a good person, going to church…
I responded that scripture tells us it is by faith that we enter - and proceeded to walk through the evangelistic method.
All of my training was coming to fruition. My team embers were silently praying while I spoke with this man. By God’s grace, he responded that he would like to receive forgiveness and eternal life. We prayed together, gave him some material, and brought his information back to the host church so that they could follow up with him.
Then, back at the church, we had a time of reporting. Dozens of people shared about good and difficult encounters. Some shared positive reports of salvation experiences like mine. What began as a fearful night for many ended as a fruitful night of praise!
But there truly is nothing new under the sun. As we’ve ready and discussed I’ve the last few months, we have seen Jesus teaching, healing, serving, praying. In most of this, he did with his disciples. Now He is sending them - with His authority and power - on what seems like a short mission trip. It’s as though he’s giving them a chance to test the waters of leadership, of service, of ministry - showing them that they can make a difference for the Kingdom with a bit of a safety net - ultimately preparing them for his departure.
Theme: Christ is fully sufficient for our every need, empowering us to serve others and meet challenges by entrusting Him with our limitations and needs.
As we go through this text, we’ll get to see that
Jesus supplies what we need for His mission so we should trust Him, and
Jesus is what we need - so we should seek Him
First of all, we see that…
Jesus supplies what we need for His mission - trust Him (1-6, 10)
Let’s look again at our text:
Luke 9:1–6 ESV
And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Luke 9:10 ESV
On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.
Notice, Jesus essentially gives them two things - resources and responsibilities.
Resources
He resourced them with power and authority over ALL demons and to cure diseases. This power and authority came from Jesus. It was not something they came up with on their own. They were going as His ambassadors, representatives.
But let’s take a moment to go back to the beginning. Do you remember why Luke wrote this letter? He did so in order that Theophilus might have certainty of the things that he had been taught (Luke 1:4). As Jesus has been traveling around and teaching, Luke has been showing Theophilus and us that Jesus has power and authority. Plutarch has noted…
there is no stronger test of a man’s real character than power and authority….
Plutarch
It seems that now, in an effort to certify who will represent Him, Jesus gives this authority and power to His apostles as they go on this short journey.
Later on, Jesus will send out not just the 12, but 72 representatives (Luke 10:1-20). Then, as we press on into Luke’s second volume, the book of Acts, we again get to see Jesus power and authority given, ultimately not just to the apostles, but to all believers.
Acts 1:8 ESV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Throughout Acts, we get to see the Spirit of God poured out on His people with power - as witnessed by the gifts of the Spirit, healing, miracles, and people responding to the Gospel.
So, as these disciples go forward in Jesus power and authority, He tells them to not take any extra items. It’s as though He is sending them in poverty with the expectation that what they need will be supplied. Or in to say it another way, He will supply what they need.
Luke doesn’t mention the fear - but there may have been some apprehensiveness. We don’t actually know anything about how the disciples were feeling about this mission.
What about our own lives? There will be times when Jesus calls us into a ministry or into an act of service. Will we step into this with obedience or with fear? Maybe we experience the fear of unknown in ministry, what will I say, what if I don’t know the answer to questions, what if I’m bad, what if I fumble my words?
Jesus said in Mark’s gospel that we will be given what we need to say (Mark 13:11). By His Holy Spirit, we have His power and authority.
I have been so encouraged by the way that several people stepped up to sit with Joy in her time of need. Sure, that’s a simple ask, but several people willingly stepped up, some not knowing Joy very well. I’m proud of you!
I’ve also been encouraged by the ways that several of our youth have been stepping up - in Kids Connection, Good News Club, and those who will be going Philadelphia next week with M-Fuge.
Lilly and Jeshuvan - teaching about the Word Up
(not just the kids)Joanna, Joy, and Allen - breaking through comfort zones to minister
Those who will serve in Art Camp.
When Jesus calls us to His mission, He gives us the resources - namely his power and authority or order for us to fulfill the responsibilities that He’s assigned to us.
Which bring us to the second part of their assignment…
Responsibilities
For the twelve, they were given two-fold responsibilities - proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal people.
In many ways, the healing makes a lot of sense. They’ve seen Jesus do that. They can know clearly when someone who was sick is made well. They know that they had been given specific power and authority to make healing happen.
But what does it mean to proclaim the kingdom of God?
Proclamation in Greek could also be translated as herald or preach or tell. This is a verbal announcement about the Kingdom of God.
But that then begs another question - what is the Kingdom of God? What does that entail? It’s one of those things that we hear about and we read about, but the definition or the scope of the Kingdom is a bit difficult to grasp.
Over the course of Luke’s gospel, we’ve seen the Kingdom mentioned in a couple of ways.
Luke 4:43 - Jesus tells the people who were compelling him to stay in one town that He must preach the good news of the kingdom of God in other towns as well. Which means that this Kingdom is a good kingdom.
Luke 6:20 - Jesus encourages the poor by stating: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” So the Kingdom entails a measure of need which is supplied in the Kingdom.
Luke 7:28 - Jesus says that there is no human greater than John the Baptist however, one who is the least of the kingdom is greater than John. This of course, is a bit strange because John proclaimed the kingdom of God, he prepared people for Jesus coming, he called people to repent to be baptized. And yet people in the kingdom of God that Jesus is ushering in have something greater than John; they are something greater than John.
Luke 8:1 - Luke describes some of the work that Jesus was doing proclaiming the kingdom of God in a variety of towns, noting that he was accompanied not only by his 12 apostles, but by several women.
LUKE 8:10ff - Jesus explains to his disciples that they have been given the privilege of knowing the secrets of the kingdom of God, which is why he explained some of the parables to them, but left many of the parables unexplained to his unbelieving listeners.
Over the next several chapters we’re going to see the kingdom of God come up over and over again. We’ll see Jesus talking about what it is. We’ll get to understand a little bit about what it entails.
The New Bible Dictionary helps us to see that the Kingdom of God is a present reality and a future expectation.
In the present - it is the fulfillment of many OT prophesies about the Messiah - his healing, his proclamation, his freeing work. But it seems that in the present it has to do with being made right with God through salvation in Jesus Christ and then living right with God. We could also talk about the fact that the Kingdom recognizes the goodness of God, fallenness of man. As some have mentioned, it’s an upside down Kingdom or a sacrificial way of life. Which means that the Kingdom of God is not only heralded as if it’s an abstract concept, but it’s exhibited in the lives of Kingdom people.
For us then as people who have entered into the Kingdom, this can be a fearful thing too- when someone hurts or betrays me - will I lash out, file a law suit, do ungodly things to or about them, post something on social media? Or will I love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me, will I help the helpless and shelter the fatherless?
And yet the Kingdom of God is also a future expectation. Something that we get to look forward to when we see the full maturity of the Kingdom lived out in people’s lives. When transformation happens on such a grand scale that things look radically different than they do now. It’s ultimately when Jesus “exercises his authority over the all the kingdoms of the earth” (NBD). It’s that day when humans from every tribe, nation, language, and people group will worship Him. It’s that future when Jesus’ people will reign with Him because evil has been vanquished and Satan and his forces have been cast into the Lake of Fire.
so as the disciples go forth, they are commanded to heal propel and preach the Kingdom of God. What’s more, they are not to be concerned with numerical results. Their responsibility is to proclaim and heal. It’s ultimately up to the hearers to have faith to believe and to respond.
This is really not that different from the call that God gave to Ezekiel - when God told Ezekiel to go and preach - if he did not preach then his audience’s blood would be on his head. However, if he did preach, he would have fulfilled his obligation (Ezekiel 3:16-21). In the going - Jesus seems to be urging us to simply trust that he will supply. If people fail to respond - that’s on them - that’s why Jesus says to shake the dust off as a testimony against them.
As a church, in the last few years, we’ve not really focused on fancy mission/vision statements. When I first came, we had been in the mindset of “Showing others who Jesus really is and helping them find their hope in him.” Are we showing Jesus by how we trust in Him? Do we still hope in Him?
Are we trusting that Jesus will supply what we need to fulfill the mission to which he has called us?
How are we doing in letting people know about the hope that we have? Do they know the good news of the Kingdom of God through us? …through our words? …through our actions?
______
So Jesus sent the disciples on a short mission with little to no resources. Upon their return, they testified to all that had happened (10).
It seems like, between the ministry of Jesus and his disciples, certain people are starting to take notice - namely, Herod the Tetrarch and a great crowd of people.
Luke notes that Herod was a bit puzzled or perplexed by what was happening and great crowds of people seemed to want more time with Jesus.
Let me take us back for a moment. In Luke 3, John preached against Herod because he had taken his brother’s wife. As a result, Herod imprisoned John. Eventually, Herod beheaded John, at Herodias’s request. So with all that had been happening in his region of Galilee, Herod was curious as to who this was. His advisors had three suggestions:
John raised from the dead
Elijah returning (remember Elijah didn’t die, he was taken up to heaven)
or one of the prophets resurrected.
As a result, he sought to see Jesus
Luke 9:9 ESV
Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
One of the things we learn is that he eventually does get to see Jesus. In Luke 23, after Jesus was arrested and Pilate did not know what to do with Him so he sent Him to Herod. Herod finally gets to see Jesus. But instead of seeing Jesus for who he is, Herod wants a show.
Luke 23:8 ESV
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
Herod wanted to be entertained by Jesus.
But there is also another group of people that wanted to see Jesus.
Luke 9:10–11 ESV
On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.
As we read earlier in the service, this gathering extended late into the day so the twelve apostles urged Jesus to send them away to the nearby towns so that they could get food. To which Jesus replied…
Luke 9:13 ESV
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”
You see, there were about 5000 men among the crowd. Some estimate that adding women and children, this would have been a crowd of 10-15,000.
Jesus sent the disciples out with little and they did a lot. Here, he asked them to feed the crowd with little. It almost seems like Jesus was asking them to ask Him for help. Jesus seemed to be helping them and us see that…
Jesus is what we need - seek Him (8-17)
Where Herod wanted a show and the crowd wanted blessing and healing, Jesus seemed to demonstrate that it is in Him that we have what we need. The disciples needed him to provide food - if only they would ask for help. The crowd needed healing and teaching, if only they would listen. All of them (and us) need forgiveness in him, if only we will recognize our need for him.
He did not reject the crowd and “welcomed” them - in many ways, just as the crowd welcomed Him in the previous chapter.
We often think that it’s His handouts that we want - blessings, gifts, calling, etc. But ultimately it’s him.
Just as in the lover in the Song of Songs wanted her beloved, so too, we should want nothing more than fellowship with Jesus. It’s in Him that we find forgiveness. It’s in Him that we find purpose. It’s in Him that we find healing. It’s in Him that we find fulfillment.
In many ways, Jesus proved that He was enough to the disciples and to the crowd by taking a meager offering, blessing it and multiplying it to the point where thousands could eat and be satisfied and there were still 12 baskets filled - leftover. Incidentally, enough for each of the apostles to have one.
Beloved, we often look at our circumstances and think that we are not enough, that our resources are not enough. We need to remember that Jesus is our source and supply. He is the one who will meet our needs and fulfill the resources for the mission to which he has called us. Yes, we are called to be faithful - to use our gifts, talents and abilities for his glory. Yes, we are called to be faithful to give what we have so that He can use it. What’s more, I think that in surrendering our tithe, talents and time, we get to see Jesus do so much more than we could accomplish on our own. Someone from among the apostles had to give the fish and bread.
are we trusting Jesus with a full tithe?
are we trusting Jesus with our time?
are we trusting Jesus with our talents?
are we trusting Jesus?
Friend, if you’ve been invited by a friend or are simply investigating Christianity, Jesus will do some amazing things - he has done amazing things - but know, that he is not a show or a celestial Santa Claus. When you come to Jesus, admitting your need for Him and confessing your sin, He will do way more than you can imagine.
Philippians 4:19 ESV
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Will you come to him for forgiveness? Will you come to him for eternal life? Will you come to him for an abundant, purpose-filled life? Will you come to him for him?
Closing thoughts
Jesus, at various times in our lives, will call us to do things that will test our faith. We may feel like we are not resourced properly, but we have to recognize that He will supply what we need. What’s more, He IS what we need. Will we trust and delight in him?
Let’s pray.
Benediction:
Philippians 4:19–20 ESV
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
Read: Luke 9:1-17
1. How much preparation and packing do you usually do before a trip?
2. What happened after Jesus had called the twelve disciples together? (9:1–2)
3. What authority was granted to the Twelve? (9:1–2)
4. How did Jesus instruct the Twelve to proceed? (9:3–5)
5. What were the disciples to do if a town would not welcome them? (9:6)
6. What was the disciples’ response to Jesus’ instructions? (9:6)
7. What was the first thing the disciples did? (9:10)
8. What were the various explanations of Jesus? (9:7–8)
9. What resurrection images did Luke mention? (9:7–8)
10. What callings from God are you aware of in your life?
11. How can you better take advantage of God’s power and authority in your life?
12. What did the apostles want to do with the crowd? (9:12)
13. What did Jesus propose to do with the crowd? (9:13)
14. What is surprising (and not surprising) to you about Jesus’ response to the people’s hunger?
15. What can we learn about the abundance of God’s provision from this passage?
16. With what projects can your church or community group be involved to help people in need?
17. What people in need living in your community can you take steps to help this month?
Sources:
Anyabwile, Thabiti. Exalting Jesus in Luke. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2018.
Beeke, Joel R., and Paul M. Smalley. Reformed Systematic Theology: Man and Christ. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke 1:1-9:50. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
McKinley, Mike. Luke 1–12 for You. Edited by Carl Laferton. God’s Word for You. The Good Book Company, 2016.
Payne, D. F. “Beth-Saida.” In New Bible Dictionary, edited by D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, and D. J. Wiseman. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996.
Ridderbos, H. N. “Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven.” In New Bible Dictionary, edited by D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, and D. J. Wiseman. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996.
Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.
