August 9, 2010
FREEDOM!
Luke 9:1-9
Mo Sadjadpour
Central Truth
"Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
(Isaiah 60:1)
Key Verse | Luke 9:3
And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece." (Luke 9:3)
Luke 9:1-9
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 1 9:3 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
Dive Deeper | Luke 9:1-9
Remember your first bike ride? Perhaps Dad was holding the bike, or it had training wheels. Either way, it felt exhilarating and safe—knowing you were going somewhere and weren’t going to fall. Freedom!
I remember when the training wheels came off. I was about to explore my new found liberty, but something was different. I no longer felt safe or comfortable. Fear had crept into my head. What if Dad didn’t catch me? What if I couldn’t stop? What if I got lost?
Imagine what the disciples must have felt here. Jesus had just demonstrated His power, modeled His love, and ministered to the hurting and weak in amazing ways! Now they were being commissioned with His authority to do the same, but they would have to go with only the robe on their back. "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece," said Jesus.
Last year, I was on my knees praying and asking the Lord why I was still in Goma, Congo. My friends left two days before, and my plans to work weren’t going as I anticipated. I was alone, and rumors the rebels would sack the city were rampant. The safest place for me to stay was in the guesthouse. Gripped with fear, I was paralyzed. "What would you have me do, Lord?"
Scripture tells us that the disciples began "going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." (Luke 9:6) I wonder if they remembered what they witnessed Jesus do just days before. Did they remember they were commissioned with Christ’s authority?
As I rose from my knees, I remembered to be strong and take courage. (Joshua 1:9) The Lord is my shepherd, my rock, my fortress and deliverer. I remembered He is my shield, my stronghold, and the horn of my salvation. (Psalm 18:2) The Lord will be with me wherever I go. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
Freedom!
Are you free today? Do you remember?
Discussion Questions
1. When you face your fears, how do you respond? Do you run to the Lord? If not, why not? What do you run to instead?
2. What truth do you need to remember about the Lord today? About yourself?
3. Will you arise and let your light shine?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What was the goal of this short term mission trip for the disciples? What do you think Jesus was trying to teach his disciples by sending them out without the “stuff they would need?”
2. How did Jesus prepare them for rejection? What are some practical ways you and your family can put yourselves in situation where you “have to” trust God?