JESUS SENDS OUT THE 12

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We come now to one of my most favorite chapters in Luke's gospel-chapter 9. Each paragraph pulsates with amazing power demonstrated by Jesus. The disciples not only get to watch, they have the privilege of participating in this demonstration of power. This chapter will take 9 or 10 days to cover with a surprising climax to it all. Let's get started:

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey-no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.

Herod seems to have miscalculated John's ministry. He thought that John was just a nut-case out in the desert. Therefore, Herod believed that if he were to kill John, then he could kill off this pesky movement. But Herod was very wrong. John represented Jesus, God's Messiah. He asks the right question, "Who, then, is this that I hear such things about?" Herod didn't understand what he was up against. John was just the one who introduced Jesus to the world.

NOTE what Jesus did with His disciples. Now, remember that these disciples are still trying to figure it out. Their faith is still in a very immature state, but Jesus sends out the 12 with a minimal amount of training.

The training consisted of empowering them and giving them authority over the demonic world and the power to heal the sick. They were to go in the name of Jesus to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal people everywhere. Think of it. This band of men were sent out to do some amazing, miraculous feats.

There are two basic observations that strike me in this mission: FIRST-The power to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal people everywhere didn't lie within the disciples who were sent out. The source of the power was unmistakably in Jesus. The disciples were willing to surrender their wills to His will in order to be conduits of His power to touch people. So, the power to do miraculous things comes from Jesus.

SECOND-It seems that the basic requirement for these disciples who were sent out was that they were interested and actually followed Jesus and His instructions.

Here's the takeaway for us. Our responsibility is to be interested enough to follow Jesus the best way we can. His responsibility is to supply the direction and the empowerment. What a deal! Here we go again, as we have seen so many times in the gospels, Jesus is looking for anyone who is interested enough to follow Him.

It's not following a set of beliefs; it's following a person who calls us into relationship with Him and with one another. Aristotle said, "Follow my teachings." Plato said, "Follow my teachings." Socrates said, "Follow my teachings." Mohammed said, "Follow my teachings." But Jesus came along and said, "FOLLOW ME."

The truth of life is not to be found in a principle or propositions or a system of beliefs. It's found only in a person. His name is Jesus. Are you interested enough to follow Him?

GOOD FRIDAY IN THE UPPER ROOM

This was written by a good brother who gives a fresh look at Easter weekend...well-worth the read:

GOOD FRIDAY IN THE UPPER ROOM
by M. Klopfenstein

Finally, it’s the evening after,
• After Passover diner last night
• After the embarrassment of foot washing
• After talk of betrayal, If only we’d believed.
• After prayer in the garden
• After falling asleep when we were supposed to be praying (which by the way is only sleep we’ve had in the last two days)
• After the betrayal
• After the arrest
• After the joke of a trial, first with the Sanhedrin and then with Pilate, what a travesty
• After Barabbas, what is with Barabbas?
• After the abuse, the beatings
• After the nails
• After the earthquake
• After dead peoples walking in the streets
• After the curtain in the temple torn top to bottom, or so I hear
• After the sky turning dark and the air growing cold
• After the Master is dead
• After he was laid in a borrowed tomb, thank you Joseph, you really came through, bless you.

As I said it is the evening after…after it all came to an end. It’s Passover Sabbath the sun has gone down and the day has ended but the pain within, I fear it has just begun. It is the end of trips preaching the “Kingdom of God” across the country-side, the end of healings, walking on water, and feeding thousands with a kids lunch. It is the end of strange stories, those parables, trying to explain the unexplainable, to help us know the unknowable, it’s the end of raising the dead…He raised others, but he’s gone and there is no one to do it for Him…. The ride is over, the curtain has come down on the final act and here we are huddled together behind locked doors. Each of us wondering, fearing, that we could be the next.

Sundown brought the Sabbath. Passover Sabbath, the holy days are almost over. Tonight, it is cold. With the clouds and the darkness in the middle of the afternoon, came the cold. We sit gathered in this room holding our breath. Each time we hear footsteps outside we hold our breath. Each time we hear voices in the street below, we hold our breath. I’m not sure if its so we can hear better or if we’re afraid that we might be heard, discovered, and arrested.

Peter is over in the corner sitting on the floor with his head in his hands. Poor Peter, last night went badly for him. He keeps mumbling over and over again, “stupid servant girl, stupid servant girl” or “I’m so stupid, stupid, stupid. ” Some times he replaces stupid with proud, or afraid… I’m afraid mornings will be hard for him each time a roster crows, for a long time to come, he’ll remember and it will be like a dagger to his heart. Mary told us not to go easy on him. She said, “the Master never went easy on Peter, so, don’t you start, He’ll get through this and be stronger for the journey.” She’s right, but oh, how I feel his pain.

John isn’t doing much better, he’s angry with himself, that he left Peter alone in the courtyard. He stood in the doorways, like a school boy, watching the travesty of a trial, transfixed by what transpired, unable to act, and yet unable to turn away. He says we have to stick together. That we must travel in pairs at the very least. None of us should have to go it alone any more. He’s sorry for leaving Peter alone.

They really shouldn’t be so hard on themselves, I mean after the arrest we all scattered. We ran like scare rats in all directions, in fact, one young man only got away by leaving his tunic behind and running into the night buff naked. He’s back with us now but he’s not telling where he got the cloths he currently wearing. One by one we all made it back here. That is, everyone with the exception of the betrayer. I understand it turned out badly for him. I think that he too often traveled alone, kept to himself. We never got to truly know him. Master knew him. He knew what he was about to do and love him all the same. John’s right though, from here on out nobody goes it alone.

As I said we all made our way back here tonight. It was too risky to travel the roads in the open today. Besides where could we go? The priests knew about Mary and Martha’s house in Bethany. It’s sure to be watched. I pray that they’ll be alright. We couldn’t go back there, not tonight, maybe not ever.

No, tonight it’s better to come back here to this borrowed upper room. The stairway limits the access. Simon, our resident zealot call it a defaceable position. I don’t know about that. We’ve still got the two swards but I doubt that we have the will or the skill to use them. We made a pretty poor showing in the garden with the temple guards. I don’t think anyone is eager to try that again.

Besides, there’s a back window in this place that gives us an escape route across the roofs of Jerusalem. In fact that’s how Thomas got back here, just before dark. He was afraid that the stairs and the door were being watched. So he took to the roofs and snuck in through the window. He gave us all a terrible fright and then, a really good laugh. The laugh we needed, oh so desperately. Matthew then asked if running across the rooftops after sunset would be considered a violation of the Sabbath? We laughed again. If it comes to taking to the roofs of Jerusalem tonight, Sabbath breaking will be the least of our worries.

Thank the Maker, Blessed be He, for the woman. They have lit a lamp and said the Sabbath prayers. If not for them, we men would be still sitting in the dark trying to cope with our fears, cold, hungry, tired, and confused. We’re still tired and confused but the lamp has brought the illusion of warmth, to this place, with its amber glow and shadows dancing on the walls. The women have passed out the leftovers from last night’s Passover feast. A bit of cold lamb, some bread, and the taste of wine have blessed our hearts. In fact we have begun to share our favorite remembrances of the master. Andrew suggested that perhaps that’s what the Master meant when he told us to remember him as often as we break bread and drink wine. Ah, and remember him we did, we told stories of walking on water and calming storms on the sea. We shared memories of him making lame men dance, of demons being cast out with just a word, and all those puzzling stories he told, such memories filled our time long into the night. In spite of our exhaustion, and grief, the more we shared the farther the despair and fear seemed to move from us and our hearts were warmed as though Master was still with us. One by one we dropped off to sleep comforted and unafraid.

Soon it will be the morning after the, evening after.

JESUS HEALS TWO DESPERATE WOMEN

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In Luke 8:40 we come to a fascinating story where Jesus performs a miracle while on His way someplace and then made an appointment for another miracle.

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him. And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. And Jesus said, "Who is the one who touched Me?" And while they were all denying it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You." But Jesus said, "Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me."

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore." Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

These two stories fused together are interesting to compare. Both women are called daughters, both have to do with the number 12-the age of Jairus' daughter and the suffering of the woman-and in both situations faith was key. Also both saw Jesus as the only answer to their need.

There was a superstition at that time that seems to have motivated the woman to touch Jesus' garments. The fringe worn on the border of the outer garment was believed to have special power of the Messiah's robe. If she could just touch that fringe border, then she might be healed of her condition.

Jesus shows Himself to be the physician and healer of the unacceptable, the sick and the dead when He heals this woman. Think of her desperation. She had been unclean because of her bleeding for 12 years. That adds up to 12 years of disappointment, 12 years of being left out, unable to participate in worship or feasts, 12 years of being rejected and unacceptable, 12 years of feeling like a nobody. She saw Jesus as the only answer she might ever have to solve her problem.

Think what Jesus did for her: 1. Jesus' presence and touch actually healed her. 2. Jesus made her clean. 3. Jesus made her a participant again. 4. Jesus gave her peace. 5. Jesus made her feel special by not leaving her in the crowd. No doubt, once Jesus identified her, she must have felt like she was the only one in the crowd.

Jesus didn't let the woman remain as part of the faceless crowd, so He identified her! Jesus actually said, "Be continually healed." To the only person He ever called "daughter" He granted continuing health.

After this unusual encounter, Jesus overheard that Jairus' daughter was dead. Jesus interjected Himself into the situation, encouraging Jairus, the leader of the synagogue not to be afraid and to have faith.

It's interesting that Jesus took His three main men along with Him as He went to visit the daughter of Jairus who was presumed to be dead. This is another field trip with His disciples, but this time it's a triple A miracle that is needed here. This girl is dead and the mourners are well into the mourning process. Jesus goes into her room and raises her from the dead.

These two women serve as great illustrations of hope when you're in the midst of desperate situations, even to the point of death. Here's the way I see the principle:

WHEN YOU'RE DOWN TO NOTHING, IT MEANS THAT GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING, BUT YOU MUST SEEK HIM WITH ALL YOU'VE GOT! YOU SEEK HIM BECAUSE HE IS THE ANSWER TO WHATEVER YOUR PROBLEM. There's no problem you could even think up that Jesus can't solve!

JESUS TRANSFORMS A DEMONIZED MAN

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As we proceed through chapter 8 of Luke we come to verse 26 where Jesus encounters the wild man from the land of the Gerasenes on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee.

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demonized man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demonized man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

We've looked at this story recently and it always speaks to me of transformation. There are four phases in genuine transformation that comes through Jesus:

FIRST-You have to be in real trouble. Maybe you aren't as bad off as this man, but everyone of us has a desperation factor from time to time. Just last night we were discussing with some friends how amazing denial is within a family. Well, this man was not in denial about his alienation and there was no family member left to cover up for him. He was just too far gone.

SECOND-Jesus must intervene within your desperation.

THIRD-Just about everything is transformed from the inside out. In this case the demonized man was sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind. His insanity was turned into sanity. In his insanity he was repulsive; and now he is attractive.

FOURTH-Because of the demonized man's story, his entire village heard the good news of Jesus. He couldn't get enough of hanging out with Jesus and begged to be able to go on the road with Him. Jesus sent him right back to his people.

Now, note something here. This transformed man didn't go to his people and condemn them. He didn't go to them and try to straighten out their belief system. He simply and persuasively told all who would listen about what Jesus had done for him.

This must be our focus, too. We must be about sharing what Jesus has done on our behalf. It's not the program; it's the person of Jesus that matters most. Let me ask you something. What has Jesus done for you lately? Are you able to identify the Jesus factor in your life? Can you see yourself sharing this with another friend? Then think and pray about going back home and wait for the opportunities to do so. Remember, God sets up the appointments. All you have to do is SHOW UP.

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

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The next story in the life of Jesus doesn't necessarily follow after the last. But here is a great scene in the training of His disciples.

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

What an illustration! NOTE the logical progression of this training session.

FIRST-Jesus gave the directions to cross over to the other side of the lake. It was Jesus' idea. The disciples were not wandering off by themselves.

SECOND-Trouble showed up for the disciples, even though they were following Jesus' directions. You don't have to pray for nor look for problems. Problems will be provided.

THIRD-The trouble got worse before any assistance came. This is a normal occurrence. Sometimes like in surgery, you must hurt deeply in order to heal.

FOURTH-Jesus seemed to not care about their plight. Here He was sleeping. Don't you feel like Jesus might be asleep or away from time to time. No, He's still very attentive.

FIFTH-Jesus showed up at just the right time. The timing of God is the most amazing thing of all about this spiritual journey. I can think of so many times that Jesus was late from my viewpoint, but perfectly on time from His viewpoint. There are many times that I can look back and thank God for not doing it in my way. Did I say many? Most of the time.

SIXTH-When Jesus showed up, He rebuked the storm and it responded to His words. His presence with them was a sure guarantee that everything was going to be alright. Whenever He wants, He can speak the word and calm the situation.

SEVENTH-Jesus then rebukes the disciples by saying, "Where is your faith?" NOTE the disciples are still working on their faith. They aren't there yet. They haven't arrived. In this case Jesus is not saying where is your great faith, but simply where is your faith?

The primary principle to me is WHEN JESUS IS RIDING ALONG ON YOUR JOURNEY, YOU NEVER HAVE TO BE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES BUT LIVING ABOVE THE CIRCUMSTANCES. Jesus will always get you through whatever comes upon you and He does it by lifting you up to a higher perspective to get the big picture. Even the greatest problems and trials look a lot smaller from that vantage point.

SO, where is YOUR faith? Your faith can be simply to continue on your spiritual journey with Jesus, believing that He will get you through whatever the storm may be and therefore no matter what, everything is going to be OK.