When Jesus sent out His disciples, He gave them power to help free people from oppression and illness. Jesus told these 12 men to take what He had given them and use it to serve the people. The disciples didn’t need special tools or books or even special abilities. They just needed to obey Jesus and follow Him. We don’t have to wait until we get older to serve Jesus and to tell others about Him. We can start today!
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Bible scholars offer these suggestions: 1. Jesus didn’t want others to know the full depth of his power yet. He wanted to be a spiritual healer primarily. 2. He wanted to protect Jairus’s family from people saying the miracle was a “fake.” 3. It would make the Jewish leaders hate Jesus more, and he wasn’t ready yet to be captured. That would come later.
What do you think?
Jesus wants us to follow Him, but He also wants us to make good choices when we go out in the world to serve Him. In Matthew 10:16, He told His disciples to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Ask an adult to help you look up characteristics of snakes and doves. What do you think Jesus meant when He gave His disciples this command?
God, please help me to serve the people around me and ultimately to serve You. Amen.