It must have been a wonder to walk alongside Jesus, to have a front row seat for His remarkable teaching and astounding miracles! The disciples witnessed God’s kingdom first-hand, enjoying intimate time with the Son of the Most High. They watched as people were healed, demons were cast out, and crowds were invited into holy space.
But it wasn’t enough to remain mere spectators.
One day, Jesus gathered the twelve disciples and gave them a startling assignment. First, He bestowed upon them the authority to cast out demons, heal sickness, and proclaim the kingdom of God. Then, He sent them out to various villages. But there was a catch: they must go empty-handed. They couldn’t pack extra clothes, couldn’t bring money or food, and had to leave their walking stick at home. Instead, they would rely on the hospitality they found in each village. If they were rejected, they must shake the dust off their feet and move on.
This was quite an adventure, and the disciples did exactly as instructed. Not long after, Jesus gathered seventy-two other followers and commissioned them to do the same. In pairs, they went to prepare the way for Christ’s arrival in each village. They, too, were able to cast out demons and cure diseases. And, just as the twelve before them, the seventy-two were told to leave all provisions at home and rely on the care of the people they met while traveling. This must have been a success because they came back joyfully and Jesus shared that joy (Luke 10:21)!
But why were they sent out in the first place?
Jesus was doing a great job on His own and could certainly fulfill God’s purposes without any assistance. If He didn’t need the disciples’ help, there must have been another reason. This assignment- the invitation to help- was for the benefit of Christ’s followers.
Initially, it was a learning experience.
They could hear about God and watch His power displayed before their eyes, however, hands-on activity imprints a lesson upon our souls. They were no longer spectators. Instead, they were brought into the thick of the miraculous, surrounded by the gospel in action. Perhaps this gave them confidence when they began preaching the good news. Maybe it inspired credibility. It certainly would strengthen their faith as they moved beyond simply thinking about the Lord into experiencing Him personally and powerfully. Meanwhile, the directive to go with only the clothes on their backs required dependence on God to provide for them.
This perpetual reliance surely brought them into closer relationship with Him.
Jesus included the disciples in His work in order to bless them. There is joy when we serve God, and believers continue to experience this joy today. When we participate in God’s kingdom, we are actively walking in love. We are cheerfully giving as well as receiving benefits. It’s important for us to fully comprehend what love is and to live it. Love is so multifaceted and complex, far beyond mere affection or goodwill. We need hands-on experience to truly understand. Therefore, we are given the opportunity to participate in God’s kingdom purposes so that we can practice love for others.
Meanwhile, there is more to the story of Jesus sending His followers. I believe there was another reason they ventured out empty-handed. Just as the twelve disciples, and then the seventy-two, were invited into kingdom work, so were the people in each of the villages. They were also given the opportunity to live love by caring for the disciples, welcoming them into their homes, and providing the things they needed. This built community among believers, turning strangers into friends united by Christ. The helpful villagers also grew in faith, were closer to God, and had an hands-on learning opportunity. Their hearts were opened to the gospel message.
Jesus includes us, too.
Opportunities abound to participate in God’s kingdom work. The needs around us are increasing and there are countless ways to live the love of Christ. When we accept His invitation to join in service, we experience the joy of giving as well as receiving spiritual blessings, just as the disciples did. And we, too, witness the ripple effect of following Christ as others are also drawn into His love. This is just as miraculous as witnessing healings and the casting out of demons!
Right now, we obey the commission to go out and love with just as little as the disciples. They lacked physical resources, and we, too, lack so much. We are weary as we try to get through each day. Many of us find that our physical resources are spread thin. Our time is limited, and our abilities aren’t up for the task. This is perfect. This is right where we need to be. Like the disciples, we rely on God to supply all that we don’t have. In doing so, His glory will be displayed and He will receive the credit for the miracles. In the process, we will increase our intimacy with Him and our faith will be made stronger. Additionally, God’s provision often comes through our community, just as it did for Jesus’ followers.
The disciples didn’t hesitate to step into their adventure of service. Let us also put aside insecurities, fears, or reluctance and step into Christ’s invitation to join Him in kingdom work.
Then, like the disciples, we will return joyfully, forever changed, and overwhelmed by His love.