What Jesus Said About Making DisciplesНамуна

Power for the task

The task that Jesus gave the 12 disciples was beyond human capacity. Jesus knew that. He sent them the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete: "The One who is called alongside to support or help, is the One who guides, seals, baptizes, regenerates, sanctifies, indwells, empowers, giving gifts for ministry, convicts, doing signs and wonders through the believers."

Just before His ascension, He gave them the promise in greater detail: "And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit… But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:4 and 8).

Carefully consider what Jesus says here:

1. Who promised the gift?

2. "What" was this gift?

3. Two definite things will happen when they are baptized with the Holy Spirit.

4. But first, they must wait in Jerusalem. Why?

A Prayer: We cannot do the work of God without the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray Acts 1:8.

Look for opportunities to ask people the following question: If you could ask God to do a miracle for you today, what would it be? Don't hesitate to pray for the specific thing. God will answer as He knows best.