Today's passage is about the field work training of the Twelve.  Jesus gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. Jesus still gives power and authority to his people. Our self-discovery starts with understanding this power and authority that Jesus gives to us. Presence of Jesus’ power and authority is a critical need of Christians.

First, Jesus gives his disciples power and authority from God (1).  It was probably at least one year since Jesus first called his disciples. They watched how Jesus performed mighty miracles on various occasions. Jesus healed the paralytic. Jesus drove demons out of a Gerasene demoniac.  Jesus opened the eyes of the blind.  Jesus silenced the storm at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus raised the dead son of a widow. These disciples saw Jesus’ devotion to God and compassion for people─Jesus' deep care and love for various sinners. They observed how Jesus drove out demons and healed all kinds of sick people.

Just consider the number of hours these disciples had spent with Jesus. Even if we deduct about 7 hours for the time of sleep each day, the number of credit hours these disciples accumulated in observation as they received training from Jesus is about 6,000 hours a year (17X365 = 6,205).  This is the equivalence of about 12 years of training for those who have spent at least 10 hours of  intensive training from Jesus per week (6,205/(10X52) = 12). During this wonderful period, Jesus’ disciples heard the message of Christ, were involved in his training, and engaged with people. Finally, the time came for them to receive short-term independent fieldwork training. They were not under Jesus’ supervision.  They were called to be sent out for real training in this world.

Look at verse 1: "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” Now, through this field work, it was time for them to practice what they had learned. Jesus gave them power and authority. Power is strength which has impact. Authority is the legitimate right to carry out responsible missions for people. Jesus gives the power and authority to do the work of God.  What kind of power and authority did Jesus give to them? It was the power to drive out demons. It was the authority that heals the sick. In this world, invisible powers are at work. Our struggles are not against flesh and blood—visible men and women or systems. Rather, our fight is against the invisible powers that stand against God. The power of Jesus is the power of God that drives out demons. It is the power that drives out all kinds of demons. 

Paul said in the prison in Rome, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Php 4:13) In reality, Paul did not have many options. He was a prisoner. What else could he do in a small confined room? But when he depended on the power and authority of God, he could write many letters. He engaged in 1:1 study with Roman prison guards. God himself blessed his work for the world mission purpose. What he did still matters. God still speaks to us through the letters he wrote.

Jesus still gives this power and authority to his disciples. To whom does Jesus give power and authority? They are those who believe in him. “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, through yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” (Mk 11:23) They are those who belong to him. Believe and receive this power.  This is the message of Jesus.  Another message is to belong to Christ.  “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.” (Jn 15:7) To “remain” is to “belong”.  What do we do when we belong to Christ?  We live for him. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mk 8:35) Jesus’ promises are clear. The evidences are abundant.  Still, Jesus displays his power and authority to those who believe in Jesus, belong to him, and behave as they live for Jesus. 

Second, preach the kingdom of God (2).  Look at verse 2: "...and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." The main missionary work is to preach the kingdom of God.  The kingdom of God is about God’s presence, his rule, and his domain. Here, we see the primacy of preaching. Preaching is publicly proclaiming God's message to people through one's personality.  Jesus himself made preaching the most important work of ministry. From the beginning Jesus engaged in preaching.  Jesus is the Preacher par excellence.

What is preaching?  Preaching is the declaration of God’s truths in ways to bring people to God in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Preaching is about presenting Jesus Christ to this unbelieving world. Our God still speaks through his people if they speak for Jesus. Wherever people exalt and honor Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit works powerfully. Our God still convicts the hearts of sinners through preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are many pressing issues in each generation. This year 2009 is slowly passing. We serve God in our times. Even so, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God still matters. Jesus said, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mk 1:15)  Jesus preached the kingdom of God as of first importance. Once, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come…' " (Lk 11:2)  For a long time Peter did not believe in the kingdom of God.  Peter hoped to fulfill his worldly dreams. He did not seek the heavenly kingdom.  Later, Peter realized that earthly things were short-lived, but that the kingdom of God is eternal and man's earthly life is a holy pilgrimage to the kingdom of God. (1Pe 1:3-4)

Preaching is to declare the reality of God’s presence and his rule in this world. What is the message that people need to hear?  God rules!  The kingdom of God is near. Our times are in God's hands. God numbers our days. God rules this world. God is the Ruler of our lives. Therefore, we are co-rulers with God. People live as if God were not here or there. We live as if our days in this world are forever. But Moses said, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. …The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away…Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Ps 90:1, 10, 12)

After Founders Day celebration in Chicago, I visited the cemetery where the late Dr. Samuel Lee is laid. The leaders from Latin America went there together. I go there from time to time to remind myself of the coming kingdom of God and remind myself of the spiritual legacy that he left behind. Going to a cemetery is not anyone’s routine. But on special days we must go there and remind ourselves where we will be in the next 10, 20, 30, or 40 years. Prepare for eternity.  Be ready to depart this world and meet God.  Then, come down into this world and live fully each day.  

Jesus also sent them out to heal the sick. In a sense, healing the sick represents all of our needs. Our most pressing needs of all are healing.  While we are healthy, we are confused with what is most important in this life. Pleasures are a real priority. Popularity matters.  Success is important.  But as we get sick and are dying, nothing matters except to get well.  What do we do for our healing?

Jesus’ promise of power and authority is clear. It is for those who love Christ Jesus. The channel of power and authority is preaching and healing.  The kingdom of God and healing comes through the ministry of God’s word and prayer. As Christ’s words are spoken, there is the kingdom of God.  As we gather together in Jesus’ name and pray, there is healing.  There are God’s answers for our desperate needs.

Jesus displays his power and authority through those who believe in him. “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Mt 18:19-20) Here many of us struggle with needs that are not satisfied. What do we do?  We need to believe and pray together.  Husbands and wives must come together and pray. Where parents keep honoring Christ and pray together on behalf of their children, there is no need to despair. When couples pray together and speak for Christ together, they are not in a pitiful condition. In the right time, God satisfies our desires with the best.  God wants us to grow in spiritual passion so that we may demonstrate his power and authority through preaching and healing. 

Third, Jesus' instructions for the mission journey (3-9).  In this part, Jesus gives his disciples several instructions. These instructions are principles rather than instructions.

First principle: depend on God only. Look at verse 3. "He told them: 'Take nothing for the journey─no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic." Jesus told his disciples to take nothing for the journey.  Jesus denied even the very basic materials for the journey─staff, bag, bread, money, and clothes. Jesus instructed his disciples to trust God alone. The timeless principle is that in doing the work of God we must primarily depend on God's provision.  God will provide the needs of his servants through people who accept the gospel.
  
Second principle: gospel workers must work with those who welcome them. Look at verse 4: "Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town."  Unless people rejected the disciples, they must stay in whatever house they enter until they leave the town.  The assumption is that the disciples will surely find one family and make that home the base for preaching the gospel.  Gospel workers must learn to stay in any circumstances. They must be grateful in whatever house they stay in. They must be thankful even if menus are always peanut butter sandwiches and carrots. By doing so, the servants of God should be used to the customs of the people in the mission field. Also, they should be recognized as their friends. They have to make friends with the members of the family with whom they live, in the hope of planting the word of God in them.

Third principle: trust God and move on. Look at verse 5: "If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." This is about not taking people’s rejection personally. Mark 16:16 says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."  Believing in the message of our Lord Jesus and making a commitment is not a small matter.  It is a matter of life and death.  Therefore, when people do not accept the gospel of Jesus, gospel workers do not alter its content to make it more fashionable and acceptable; rather, they should shake the dust off their feet when they leave that town, as a testimony against them, so that they are responsible for their own future destiny. Gospel workers remember that the gospel of Jesus is absolute.  Then we must move on.  Don’t stop but keep speaking for the Lord. 

Luke tells us how their fieldwork training shook the land.  When Herod heard about all that was going on, he was greatly disturbed because of his sins. When someone came and reported that John had been raised from the dead, his heart sank. When others said that Elijah had appeared, he was totally haunted by his demons and said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" Herod's response shows that the power of demons was tormenting his soul.  He was a king in his kingdom and yet he was stranger to the kingdom of God. 

In conclusion, Jesus gives power and authority to those who preach the kingdom of God.  The disciples of Jesus put preaching as the highest priority of their ministry. Preaching is about the kingdom of God.  Preaching does not have to be massive in scale.  Faithful preaching even to one person makes a difference. D. L. Moody's Sunday school teacher was not an accomplished preacher.  However, when he preached the gospel to one young boy, that boy was changed.  Later, this young boy made a great impact in gospel history.

Through him and for his name’s sake use this power and authority. With this power and authority of Jesus we engage in the work of driving out demons and healing the sick.  Finally, I would ask you to pray for one important prayer topic among us. It is to raise up credible servants who engage in the ministry of God’s word and prayer. Such people demonstrate the power and authority of Christ Jesus and thus will lead this ministry.  Such people will impact the world. Such people will assume the leadership positions among God’s people.

October 11, 2009; Dr. Paul Hong; Toledo, UBF.