Journey With Jesus: 31 Days Devotion From the Gospel of MarkExemplo

Who Jesus sends, He empowers

Imagine, one day, the most powerful person in Apple now calls you to his office. He shares with you all the latest iPhone and MacBook products, even those that are yet to be released to the market. After that, he gives you a task – to manage his company on his behalf! How would you feel?

Perhaps you would enthusiastically embrace the task, especially if you’re a geek or Apple fan. Or you may hesitate and ask, “Can I really do it? What if the company collapses under my watch?”

When Jesus told His disciples that they were going to do what He had been doing
– preaching, healing, and casting out demons – they might have had different reactions. Some might have gleefully grabbed the opportunity to participate in the work of God. Others might have struggled with doubt because they weren’t sure they could accomplish the task.

In any case, Jesus gave His disciples the power and authority to complete the mission. Power is the ability to do something, and authority is the right to exercise that power.

The disciples obeyed Jesus, and out they went, preaching repentance, healing people, and expelling demons (v12-13). Jesus specifically instructed the disciples to leave behind their essentials because what He had given them was more than enough to accomplish the mission (v8).

When Jesus sends us to do His work today, He gives us both power AND authority! As Jesus’ disciples, we are empowered to do the good works He has called us to do. These include sharing the Good News with our friends and families, applying godly values at the workplace or school, and volunteering at the church.

Life as Jesus’ disciple is exciting and meaningful! Knowing that Jesus will give you power and authority when He sends you on a mission, how do you feel?

The disciples trusted Jesus and that even without their essentials, they would not be lacking when they obeyed Him. How does this change the way you see serving Jesus?