Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. Matthew 10:1 NABRE
Jesus recognizes a problem with the shepherding of Israel and the people not being led to walk toward God. To respond to this problem Jesus appoints twelve apostles as leaders in His kingdom movement. Jesus declares His kingdom is the new Israel and these twelve men will play a central role in its growth. Twelve is a significant number, it represents the twelve tribes of Israel, it also recognizes the twelve tribal leaders who assisted Moses in leading Israel, Jesus as a new type of Moses makes a tie to Moses with twelve leaders. Jesus gives these men authority, a share in His authority of preaching, healing and driving out unclean spirits. Now the apostles can teach about the kingdom of heaven, they can heal every disease and illness and they can drive out unclean spirits. We recognize the term apostle means those who are sent, and Jesus is sending them with the authority they need to be recognized as one of His with the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people they will reach. An apostle participates in the authority of the one who sent them and Jesus wants His apostles to have all the tools they need to change people’s lives.
Jesus hasn’t come to be worshiped and talked about for all time. Jesus has come to make a difference in people’s lives. The only way he can make a difference is to change people’s lives, to make life better for everyone. Jesus uses those whom He trust and has been training, to influence others. This is the mission of the Christian, to participate in Jesus’ authority and make lives better.
Whose life have you improved? Do you feel like you are sent by Jesus with authority?
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