Day 285, October 12 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): John 5:16-47; Mark 6:6b-11; Matthew 9:35-10:42; Luke 9:1-5
Expanding our Influence
Do we want to expand our influence to the next generation? If we do, we will quickly realize that we can’t (and shouldn’t try) to do it all on our own. We can only expand our influence through people. This is true in families, churches, businesses, and other organizations.
In today’s Bible reading, we see how Jesus begins to pass the torch so his influence might grow and expand.
The need for expansion
- In his influence, Jesus was limited, humanly speaking (he only showed his glorious power when God, his Father, wanted him to). Jesus healed multitudes of people and would go on doing so, but many more need to be reached.
- Jesus was being hindered in his influence. The religious leaders frequently criticized his efforts and sometimes forced him to take his message elsewhere. They were jealous of him.
- Jesus wanted his Father’s work to continue. Jesus would be leaving soon. He needed to choose leaders and pass the torch so the message of eternal life and his teachings would go on to future generations.
How does Jesus pass the torch?
He has many followers and disciples, but he chooses certain ones, called apostles, to be with him. For at least a full year before they are sent out, they are beside him every day observing. The chosen disciples watch him heal and comfort those who are suffering. They hear his teaching, see his passion for God, and how he appeals to those who are lost. And they participate in the ministry with him, making it their own.
The Inner Circle
From the twelve, Jesus chooses three—Simon Peter, James, and John— to be his closest friends. These three are passionate men to whom Jesus entrusts with the early leadership of the group. Later, they would serve as key leaders in the birth and expansion of the church. Jesus spends more time with these three, preparing them.
Here is a lesson for organizational leaders: we must choose new leadership carefully and develop them before entrusting them with significant responsibilities. We need to spend time with them so they’ll catch the vision and passion for the organization’s work.
Giving authority and responsibility
Before delegating responsibilities, Jesus gives the apostles authority and the ability to do the job for which he is committing them.
Do we do this in our families and organizations, or do we just give authority and power in name only? We should give our chosen leaders authority, assign responsibilities, and trust our leaders to complete them. They will make mistakes as we did, and that is okay, as long as the errors are corrected. They may not do everything exactly as we want them to do (we should allow for personal differences and methods). However, if we have spent significant time with them, sharing our vision, passion, and work, we can expect their leadership to follow in the same direction. Jesus says, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40, NIV).
After giving authority and power (including healing ability) to the twelve apostles, he provides detailed instructions before sending them out.
Instructions
At the present time, the apostles were to minister only to Israel’s lost sheep (meaning unbelieving Jews; see Matthew 10:6 and Isaiah 53:6). Their ministry was targeted to them because salvation was first promised to God’s covenant people. Upon the Jew’s rejection of Jesus’ salvation, God would later graciously extend his invitation to all non-Jews (Isaiah 49:5-6; Luke 2:30-32; John 1:9-12; Acts 13:46-47; Romans 9). Praise the LORD! Jesus now offers forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life to everyone who turns to God from their sins (more...).
What to do
[Jesus said] “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8, NIV).
Where to go
The apostles were to go to the towns and villages in Israel but not in Samaria (Matthew 10:5-6). They were to find some hospitable Israelites and stay with them while ministering to people (verse 11).
What to expect and how to act
They were to expect opposition and persecution like their Lord Jesus was experiencing. When faced with opposition, they were to trust God’s Spirit to help them during the days and hours of persecution. The Holy Spirit would also help them know how to answer their enemies. If prevented in one area, they were to go to another. They were to keep on ministering to people and not be afraid (Matthew 10:17-36).
How the apostles were to measure success
They are to measure it, not by numbers, but by quality. Do new believers become fully committed disciples, like the apostles, and do they receive the apostles as they do Jesus? Spiritual leaders need to produce quality disciples. This should also be true of all Christians.
Accountability
The apostles who are sent out were held accountable. Jesus’ twelve disciples reported to him all that they had done and taught (Mark 6:30).
We, his present-day disciples, have also been given responsibilities. We have a great commission to reach our neighbors and our world with the good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) and to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). As Christ-followers, we will also be held to account for what we do and say (Hebrews 4:13). What will be our report?The early results of the twelve disciples were significant. The gospel was preached, people were healed, and demons were cast out.
We have no current day apostles (more) but the message still goes forth from Christians. Some faithful Christians, concerned about our souls, came and shared the gospel with us. Now, it’s our turn. Let’s share the glorious life-saving message of the gospel with others. This is how we pass the torch and expand Christ’s influence to the next generations.
Discussion
Why was there a need for expansion in Jesus’ ministry? How did he do it?