Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.
These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."
They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Package free
Every day we send illegal immigrants back to where they came from, most of them having arrived in the USA with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We don’t like people with nothing. Show me what you have to make your arrival worthwhile. Demonstrate you have something to give to me, then I might allow you stay.
Every day we send illegal immigrants back to where they came from, most of them having arrived in the USA with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We don’t like people with nothing. Show me what you have to make your arrival worthwhile. Demonstrate you have something to give to me, then I might allow you stay.
Jesus told his disciples, find a place to stay first then teach them and heal them. Receive before you give. In the places you are refused, give nothing in return. American religion is so different. Give me something then I might give you something. We even expect God to give us something before we will give him our time, talents, money or heart. Give me! Give me. Give me!
Jesus says the Good News is enough. We don’t need to package the Gospel with entertainment. We don’t have to add anything to the Gospel. It stands alone. The less we package with the Gospel, the less confusing it becomes. If we impress people with our fine gifts, buildings, materials etc. we have cheapened the Gospel. Let the Gospel stand alone, take nothing with you but the good news.
Lord, help me to add nothing to your Gospel of salvation. Teach me to use the blessings of buildings, technology, and materials to share your love instead of trying to impress people. Show me the power of the simple story of your love again. -Dan Jones
Arrogant, Ignorant, or Urgent News?Jesus sent twelve men around Galilee telling everyone that they were heading in the wrong direction and needed to do an about face and follow Jesus. Who were they to tell others the direction their lives should take?
Many would call the notion arrogant that everyone should stop believing the way they do and start believing and living the news that Jesus brought. Might be right for some. But everyone? Likewise, some would accuse these fellows of ignorance. They presume to preach to others while they themselves have big issues, not the least of which was jealousy and fighting among themselves.
Accusations of arrogance and ignorance crumble, however, if the news they preach is right. If Jesus really is the unique enfleshment of the God who designed and made everything and everyone, then he really does have something to say to all creation. The issue isn’t the claim of ancient or modern disciples, the issue is, “Who is Jesus?”
If Jesus really is Immanuel, “God with us,” then the issues his messengers have are irrelevant! Who cares if a firefighter’s life is a mess? I’m not going to worry about her personal life if I am in a burning building and she’s there to save me! Picture that. Flames all around and I’m asking my rescuer about her jealousy issues.
Too many disciples of Jesus, and non-disciples, focus on the non-issues of arrogance and ignorance while the real issue is the authenticity of Jesus.
So if you’re not a believer, have you fully and openly investigated Jesus himself?
And if you are a disciple, if you really believe Jesus is authentic, forget accusations of arrogance and ignorance. They’re a smokescreen masking the real issue. Like those first 12, fill your network of relationships with Jesus’ message, “Repent and believe the Good News!” He has placed you among this group of people for this purpose.
Father of All, give me wisdom, humility, gentleness and much kindness – but also confidence and boldness – as I practice your calling to invite others to turn from their own ways and embrace your way, as it is revealed in your Son, Jesus. -Mike Leamon
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