The Sending of the Twelve Disciples and the Power of Gospel Proclamation

The Sending of the Twelve Disciples

and the Power of Gospel Proclamation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Jesus 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 the sick. 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 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 9:1–6).

 

 

 

(1)   Today, while comparing and meditating on today’s passage, Luke 9:1–6, together with its parallel passages—Matthew 10:1–15 and Mark 6:7–13—I would like to receive the lessons that are given through them:

 

(a)    First, Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority (power) to cast out (exercise authority over) all unclean spirits and to heal every disease and every weakness.  He sent them out two by two in order to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal those who were sick (Lk. 9:1–2; Mt. 10:1–5; Mk. 6:7).

 

(i)               As I meditated on this passage, the first question that came to my mind was: Why did Jesus send the twelve disciples out “two by two”?  Perhaps the reason this question arose is that I have seen members of the Mormon church walking around in pairs on the streets.  So, I asked a computer artificial intelligence, “Jesus called the twelve disciples and sent them out two by two… why two by two?” and I received the following answer (Internet):

 

·        According to biblical commentaries and theological background regarding the reason Jesus sent the twelve disciples out “two by two” in Mark 6:7, several important reasons are presented:

 

1.      Validity of Testimony (Legal Basis)

 

According to the law of Jewish society at that time, at least “two witnesses” were required to establish the truth of a matter (Deut. 17:6; 19:15).  Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs so that the gospel they proclaimed would be proven as a certain fact rather than a mere individual claim (Commentary on Mark chapter 6 – Bible study material).

 

2.      Mutual Encouragement and Protection (Practical Help)

 

Evangelistic journeys were difficult paths accompanied by persecution and rejection.  Evangelists needed co-workers who could encourage one another and provide spiritual and physical support.  Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 states, “Two are better than one… though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves,” emphasizing the importance of cooperation.

 

3.      Continuity and Complementarity of Ministry

 

By working together, two people could compensate for each other’s weaknesses in gifts and personality. In addition, when one person became exhausted or faced difficulty, it served as a safeguard so that the ministry would not be interrupted but could continue.

 

4.      A Symbol of Christian Community

 

The proclamation of the gospel is not a heroic, individual activity done alone, but a communal ministry carried out within the fellowship and love of believers. This became a foundational model for the establishment of the early church.

 

These principles are still referenced today as important guidelines when many missionary organizations or churches send out workers in ministry. ….”

 

(ii)             As I meditated on this passage, secondly, I became interested in the “power and authority” (Lk. 9:1) or the “power” (Mt. 10:1; Mk. 6:7) that Jesus gave to the twelve disciples.  The reason for this interest is that the “power and authority” or “power” that Jesus gave them was authority over “all demons” (Lk. 9:1) and the power to heal “every disease and every weakness” (Mt. 10:1).

 

·          What, then, is the power to heal “all demons” (Lk. 9:1) and “every disease and every weakness” (Mt. 10:1)?

 

-        In the Bible, the powers that Jesus gave to the disciples signify spiritual and practical governing authority that proves the arrival of the kingdom of God.

 

“Authority over all demons” (Lk. 9:1): This goes beyond merely casting out individual evil spirits; it signifies spiritual superiority and victory over all the forces of Satan that bind and afflict humanity.  When the disciples exercise this authority in the name of Jesus, it proclaims that the kingdom of darkness is retreating and that God’s reign has begun.

 

“The power to heal every disease and every weakness” (Mt. 10:1): Here, “every disease” refers to specific illnesses, and “every weakness” includes bodily frailty or chronic deficiencies.  This signifies holistic healing power that restores the physical and mental suffering caused by humanity’s fall.

Ultimately, this power was given so that the disciples, as representatives of Jesus Christ, might remove the consequences of sin and death and reveal God’s love that restores the world to wholeness (Internet).

 

(iii)           As I meditated on this passage, thirdly, I came to understand the relationship between the “proclamation of the kingdom of God” and “healing”:

 

·          Confirmation of the message: The invisible message, “The kingdom of God has drawn near,” is authenticated as true through visible power—healing the sick and casting out demons.

 

·          Proclamation of restorative rule: Healing is not merely the curing of physical illness, but a concrete sign that release from Satan’s bondage has occurred and that God’s perfect rule has begun.

 

·          Holistic salvation: Jesus’ ministry includes not only spiritual salvation, but also all-encompassing love and restoration that cares for human suffering (disease, weakness) (Internet).

 

(b)   Secondly, as He sent out the twelve disciples, Jesus said to them: “Take nothing for your journey—no staff, no bag, no food, no money, and no extra clothing.  Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that place.  And as you enter the house, give it your greeting of peace.  If the house is worthy, let your peace rest upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.  If people do not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that place and shake the dust off your shoes as a testimony against them” (Lk. 9:3–5; Mt. 10:12–13; Mk. 6:8–11).

 

(i)               These words of Jesus concern the guidelines for the disciples’ evangelistic journey.  He commanded them not to take evangelistic travel equipment such as a staff, bag, food, money, or a second set of clothing.  Why did Jesus give such instructions to His disciples?

 

·          I believe the reason is that He was teaching them to rely wholly and exclusively on God, who alone provides all things (absolute trust in God).  In addition, since the proclamation of the gospel is an urgent matter that cannot be delayed, this instruction also seems to imply immediate obedience without being distracted by worldly preparations (the urgency of the mission).  It may also have been training them to focus on the power of the gospel itself rather than outward appearance, and to learn contentment within the circumstances given to them (a contented heart) (Internet).

 

(ii)             Why, then, did Jesus say, “Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that place”?

 

·          The reason may be explained by three major spiritual and ethical principles (Internet):

 

-           1. To guard against greed and preserve the purity of the ministry.

 

If an evangelist were to move from house to house in search of better food or more comfortable lodging, it could appear as worldly greed that seeks favorable treatment.  Jesus wanted His disciples to remain content with the first place God had provided, unaffected by circumstances, and to focus solely on the essence of their mission—the proclamation of the gospel.

 

2. To honor the family that first offered hospitality and to establish order in ministry.

 

If the disciples moved to a wealthier or more influential household, the family that had first welcomed them sincerely could feel neglected or insulted.  This would disrupt peace within the community and hinder the good influence of the gospel.

 

3. To increase the efficiency and focus of the ministry.

 

Frequently changing lodging would waste time on unnecessary greetings and relationship-building.  By staying in one home and using it as a base of ministry, they could build deeper relationships with local people and proclaim the kingdom of God more systematically.

In conclusion, this command teaches that a servant of ministry must possess “poverty of spirit” that does not pursue worldly comfort, and “faithfulness” that takes responsibility for a soul to the very end.

 

(iii)           What is the meaning of Jesus’ words to the disciples: “Also, as you enter a house, offer a greeting of peace. If that house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let that peace return to you”?

 

·          These words teach the objective reality of the ‘peace’ proclaimed by the evangelist, the responsibility of the recipient in responding to the gospel, and God’s sovereign recompense.

 

1.      Peace is not merely a greeting, but a ‘real spiritual blessing.’

 

In the Bible, peace (shalom) does not simply mean the absence of conflict, but rather a holistic blessing that flows from a right relationship with God.  The peace for which the evangelist prays is not empty words, but a tangible authority proclaimed as God’s representative.  This peace does not vanish into thin air; it is like a spiritual reality that surely seeks a place where it may rest.

 

2.      The ‘worthiness (preparedness)’ of the recipient is important.

 

Although God’s grace and peace are offered indiscriminately, in order to be enjoyed they require faith and a receptive attitude from the one who receives them.

 

If worthy: In a household that joyfully receives the gospel and shows hospitality to the evangelist, that peace comes upon them as a concrete blessing.

 

If not worthy: For those who reject or repel it, God’s peace cannot remain. This results in their themselves casting away the benefits of the gospel.

 

3.      The labor of the evangelist is never in vain (“it will return to you”).

These words provide great comfort to those engaged in ministry. Even if peace is rejected, the evangelist’s prayer does not become void or disappear. The peace and blessing that were rejected return to the evangelist himself, becoming part of his spiritual treasure and reward.

 

They teach that one need not be emotionally swayed by the response of others.

 

They mean that an evangelist who sincerely blesses others is acknowledged by God regardless of the outcome.

 

4.      This teaches the principle of priority in blessing.

 

Jesus instructed His disciples not to judge in advance whether others would accept or reject the message, nor to discriminate, but to first offer unconditional peace. Judgment belongs to God’s domain, and the disciples’ duty is to be channels of blessing wherever they go.

 

In conclusion, these words contain the principle of ministry that “we must sow seeds of blessing regardless of the outcome; responsibility for the response lies with the hearers, and God Himself will surely repay the labor of the one who sows” (Internet).

 

(iv)            Then, what is the meaning of Jesus’ words to the disciples: “If people do not welcome you or listen to your words, when you leave that place, shake the dust off your shoes as a testimony against them”?

 

·          These words constitute both a solemn spiritual declaration against those who reject the gospel and a model for the minister’s attitude in service. The main meanings are as follows:

 

1.      A symbolic proclamation of God’s judgment

 

At that time, Jews had the custom of shaking the dust off their sandals when returning to Israel after walking on Gentile land, so that the unclean dust of that land would not be mixed with the holy land.  Therefore, the act of shaking off the dust visually declares a message of judgment: “By rejecting the gospel, you have placed yourselves in the same position as Gentiles—those outside the kingdom of God.”

 

2.      Clarifying responsibility (“a testimony against them”)

 

The evangelist’s mission extends only as far as faithfully proclaiming the gospel. Shaking off the dust becomes legal testimony that says, “We have fulfilled our duty, but since you have rejected it, responsibility for the judgment that will come from God now rests entirely upon you—the hearers who refused.”

 

3.      Spiritual separation and the preservation of purity

 

This action also carries the meaning that ministers should not be contaminated by emotional wounds, negative feelings, or the unbelief of the town that rejected them, but should spiritually separate themselves and maintain purity.  It is an encouragement not to be entangled in rejection or delayed in the next work, but to entrust all outcomes to God and move forward boldly to the next place.

 

4.      Emphasizing the seriousness of the gospel

 

The gospel is not merely an optional offer that may be accepted or ignored at will.  Through the resolute act of shaking off the dust, Jesus warned that deciding whether to accept the rule of God’s kingdom is a grave choice involving life, death, and judgment.

 

In conclusion, this act serves as a warning of judgment to those who reject the gospel, and as a spiritual closure for the evangelist, confirming that the mission has been faithfully completed (Internet).

(c)    Finally, thirdly, Jesus’ twelve disciples went out and traveled through many villages, proclaiming the gospel and the call to repentance everywhere, casting out many demons, and anointing many sick people with oil and healing them (Lk. 9:6; Mk. 6:12–13).

 

(i)               “These words show the fruit of ministry that the disciples, who had received authority from Jesus, bore in the field, as well as the specific methods by which they ministered. …

 

·        1. The core of the ministry: ‘Repentance’ and ‘the gospel’ (Mk. 6:12)

 

The disciples did not merely perform healings, but proclaimed, ‘Repent.’

 

The prerequisite of the kingdom of God: This emphasizes that in order to receive the gospel of the kingdom of God, repentance—turning away from a self-centered life—must come first.

 

Holistic transformation: It shows that something more fundamental than the healing of outward physical illness is turning away from sin and the restoration of one’s relationship with God.

 

2. Practical demonstration of authority: ‘Casting out demons’ (Mk. 6:13)

 

The disciples exercised real influence in the spiritual realm by using the authority Jesus had given them (Lk. 9:1).

 

This visibly demonstrated that as the kingdom of God expands, Satan’s rule is overthrown and souls that had been oppressed gain freedom.

 

3. The means of healing: ‘They anointed with oil and healed’ (Mk. 6:13)

 

The disciples’ act of anointing the sick with oil carries distinctive meaning.

 

Medical and symbolic action: At that time, oil (primarily olive oil) was used as a treatment for wounds.  Along with God’s supernatural power, the disciples comforted the sick by combining healing with the anointing of oil, which symbolized human care and compassion.

 

Symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit: In Scripture, oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit.  That is, it indicates that healing takes place not through human skill, but through the presence and grace of the Holy Spirit.

 

Spiritual exhortation: This becomes a model for the later teaching in James 5:14, where the elders of the church are instructed to pray for the sick and anoint them with oil.

 

4. The expansion of the ministry (Lk. 9:6)

 

The statement that the disciples “went through many villages, preaching the gospel everywhere” means that Jesus’ ministry now began to expand beyond spatial limitations through His representatives, the twelve disciples.

 

In conclusion, this passage presents a standard model of ministry that shows the kingdom of God being fully proclaimed when the proclamation of the Word (repentance and the gospel) and the exercise of power (casting out demons and healing the sick) are brought into harmony. …” (Internet)