HEAL – God’s Heart for Healing in MarkSample

The 12 Disciples Go Out Healing People

Jesus gathered His 12 disciples, paired them off two by two, and gave them authority over evil spirits. They were to take nothing with them but a staff. Interesting that a staff is the primary tool of a shepherd. It was used to protect sheep, direct them and even yank them by the neck if they were going in the wrong direction.

These 12 men were to go out preaching repentance, driving out evil spirits and healing people. They also anointed many sick people with oil, healing them. Anointing with oil is another shepherd’s tool. Shepherds would pour oil on sheeps’ heads to relieve them of nasal flies that would cause great aggravation and inflammation. The oil was a healing salve for the sheep. King David even wrote about this practice in Psalm 23: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Questions:

1. Jesus gave His disciples authority over evil spirits. Why do you think He did that?
2. Why do you think the disciples were to only take a staff with them?
3. What does the sheep/shepherd analogy mean to you? Read Psalm 23 about Jesus our Great Shepherd.