by:
02/17/2025
0
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (v16). Jesus sent the Twelve out on a mission throughout Israel to proclaim the arrival of God’s kingdom and to do kingdom work: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons” (v7). They would inevitably encounter opposition, just as their Master did (v17, 24), but they were to remain “innocent” while following the Holy Spirit’s lead (v20).
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority ...” (v1). Jesus’ gift of the Spirit, with power and authority, is not for our own agenda, but for proclaiming His kingdom and participating in His reconciling, healing, redeeming work.