Day 239: The authority of Jesus – Luke 9 vs 1 - 9

1 Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.  3 And he said to them,  “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4-5 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.”  6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

7-9 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him. Luke 9:1-9 English Standard Version

In Chapter 8 Luke told of some wonderful and powerful things Jesus had done. He'd stilled a storm that threatened to capsize the disciple's boat, cast a crowd of demons out of a tormented man, stopped a flow of blood in a woman who'd suffered for twelve years, and raised a man's twelve year old daughter to life. Up to now the disciples had merely been spectators – but what does Jesus do in vs 1-2 of Chapter 9?

He gives them a similar authority to what he had been showing over demons and diseases. But for what purpose? (vs 2)

The miracles were not like some travelling side show to impress or entertain people. The disciple’s main task was to proclaim that God's Kingdom had arrived. They were to travel light and to depend on the hospitality of people in the places they went to. Verses 4-5 show the serious consequences of not welcoming God's word. Verses 7-9 describe King Herod's puzzled reaction when he heard of the healings taking place in the towns. He was a troubled man and wanted to see Jesus. Sadly, from what we know, he never became a believer. He was a King, but his authority was no match for the King of Kings.

But there's a question that arises from all this. Does what Jesus said at that time to the disciples apply in the same way for you and me today? Should we be healing all the sick people we meet as in vs 6?

There are people who claim to have the same authority today and who hold healing campaigns. Sadly, many of them have big cars and some even have private jets. They wear expensive suits and have a well organized team assisting them. They also ask for big donations. It's very far from what we read in vs 3. Most Christians recognize that Luke was describing a historical event of a specific instruction to his followers then, and not a direct command to all who would believe the message they brought, and certainly not a ‘command’ to future generations.

Having said that, it doesn't mean that we who believe the gospel are not meant to tell others about it when we have opportunity to do so. Listen to how the apostle Peter puts it to those who'd become Christians. “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Don't fear their threats; don't be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. ” 1 Peter 3:13-15

Notice, Peter didn't say those believers had power and authority to shut up those who were persecuting them. Nor were they to 'whip out a miracle' to impress them. They were simply to tell others why they were followers of Christ. Our calling is to point others to the authority of Jesus Christ. He is the one who can break the power of sin in people's lives.