Intructions


Empowerment


Time of Mission


Differences in commissions

Twelve Disciples are instructed

Audio

https://drive.filen.io/#/4bdbf368-abb4-408a-a956-e77b478982cb

In the passages from Mark 6:8-13 and Luke 9:2-6, Jesus provides specific instructions to his twelve disciples before sending them out on a mission. Let’s explore the instructions given, the empowerment for performing miracles, and the duration of their mission.

Instructions Provided:

1. Travel Light: Jesus instructs them not to take anything for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts. This instruction emphasizes reliance on God’s provision and trust in His care.

2. Staying in Homes: They are told that when they enter a house, they should stay there until they leave the town. This directive underscores the importance of hospitality and community support.

3. Shaking Off Rejection: Jesus prepares them for the possibility of rejection, instructing them to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who refuse to listen. This gesture signifies leaving behind the negativity and moving forward without carrying the burden of rejection.

4. Preaching Repentance: The disciples are commissioned to preach the message of repentance. They are to call people to turn away from sin and turn towards God, echoing the central theme of Jesus’ own ministry.

5. Healing the Sick: They are given authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons. This empowerment demonstrates Jesus’ delegation of His own power and authority to his disciples.

6. Anointing with Oil: In Mark’s account, it is mentioned that they anoint many sick people with oil and heal them. This action likely symbolizes the disciples’ reliance on the power of God for healing and restoration.

Empowerment for Performing Miracles:

The empowerment for performing miracles is rooted in the authority given to the disciples by Jesus Himself. As they are sent out, Jesus grants them the authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. This authority is not inherent to the disciples themselves but is bestowed upon them by Jesus. It signifies their role as representatives of Jesus and participants in His mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Furthermore, the act of anointing the sick with oil may also carry symbolic significance. In biblical times, oil was often used for medicinal purposes and as a symbol of God’s blessing and healing presence. By anointing the sick with oil, the disciples are invoking God’s power and provision for healing.

Duration of the Mission:

Regarding the duration of their mission, the passages do not explicitly mention a specific length of time for which the disciples were sent out. However, it is likely that their mission was temporary rather than permanent. They were sent out to proclaim the message of the Kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out demons in various towns and villages, but eventually, they would return to Jesus to report on their experiences and receive further instructions.

Given the nature of their instructions and the fact that they were instructed to stay in each town until they left, it can be inferred that their mission lasted for a significant but finite period of time. Once they had completed their task in one area, they would move on to the next, continuing to spread the message of Jesus’ ministry.

In conclusion, the instructions provided to the twelve disciples before sending them out included traveling light, staying in homes, shaking off rejection, preaching repentance, healing the sick, and casting out demons. They were empowered to perform miracles through the authority given to them by Jesus. While the exact duration of their mission is not specified, it was likely a temporary assignment during which they traveled from town to town proclaiming the message of the Kingdom.

Distinct Commissions 

The missions described in Mark 6:8-13, Luke 9:2-6, and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 represent two significant moments in the ministry of Jesus, each with its own distinct focus and context. While both involve sending out disciples to spread the message of the Kingdom, there are key differences between them.

Key Difference:

1. Scope of Authority and Message:
– In the mission described in Mark 6:8-13 and Luke 9:2-6, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to nearby towns and villages, instructing them to preach repentance, heal the sick, and cast out demons. This mission has a more localized focus, with the disciples being sent to specific regions to minister to the immediate needs of the people.
– In contrast, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 has a much broader scope. Jesus, after His resurrection, gathers His disciples and commissions them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. This commission extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass the entire world, emphasizing the universal nature of the gospel message.

2. Timing and Context:
– The mission in Mark 6:8-13 and Luke 9:2-6 occurs during Jesus’ earthly ministry, before His death and resurrection. The disciples are sent out to minister while Jesus is still physically present with them, providing direct guidance and support.
– The Great Commission, on the other hand, takes place after Jesus’ resurrection. It marks the culmination of His earthly ministry and serves as a directive for His disciples to continue His mission in His absence. It is given as a final charge before Jesus ascends to heaven, empowering His followers to carry on His work in the world.

Scholarly Perspectives on Matthew 28:16:

Matthew 28:16-20 records the events surrounding the Great Commission, where Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee after His resurrection. Scholars have offered various perspectives on this passage:

1. **Historical Context**:
– Scholars often emphasize the historical context of the Great Commission, noting its significance as Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. This context underscores the importance and authority of the commission for the early Christian community.

2. **Theological Implications**:
– Many scholars highlight the theological significance of the Great Commission, seeing it as a foundational passage for understanding the mission of the church. It emphasizes the role of discipleship, baptism, and teaching in spreading the gospel message to all nations.

3. **Continuity with Jesus’ Ministry**:
– Some scholars interpret the Great Commission as a natural extension of Jesus’ earthly ministry, reflecting His desire for His followers to continue His work in the world. It demonstrates the continuity between Jesus’ mission and the mission of the church.

4. **Universal Application**:
– Others emphasize the universal application of the Great Commission, viewing it as a mandate for all believers to participate in the spread of the gospel to people of every nation and culture. This perspective highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ message and mission.

Overall, Matthew 28:16-20 represents a pivotal moment in the New Testament, encapsulating Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples and laying the foundation for the mission of the early church. Its significance extends beyond the immediate context of the first century, speaking to the ongoing mission of the church throughout history.

Twelve Disciples are instructed

In the passages from Mark 6:8-13 and Luke 9:2-6, Jesus provides specific instructions to his twelve disciples before sending them out on a mission. Let’s explore the instructions given, the empowerment for performing miracles, and the duration of their mission.

Instructions Provided:

1. Travel Light: Jesus instructs them not to take anything for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts. This instruction emphasizes reliance on God’s provision and trust in His care.

2. Staying in Homes: They are told that when they enter a house, they should stay there until they leave the town. This directive underscores the importance of hospitality and community support.

3. Shaking Off Rejection: Jesus prepares them for the possibility of rejection, instructing them to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who refuse to listen. This gesture signifies leaving behind the negativity and moving forward without carrying the burden of rejection.

4. Preaching Repentance: The disciples are commissioned to preach the message of repentance. They are to call people to turn away from sin and turn towards God, echoing the central theme of Jesus’ own ministry.

5. Healing the Sick: They are given authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons. This empowerment demonstrates Jesus’ delegation of His own power and authority to his disciples.

6. Anointing with Oil: In Mark’s account, it is mentioned that they anoint many sick people with oil and heal them. This action likely symbolizes the disciples’ reliance on the power of God for healing and restoration.

Empowerment for Performing Miracles:

The empowerment for performing miracles is rooted in the authority given to the disciples by Jesus Himself. As they are sent out, Jesus grants them the authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. This authority is not inherent to the disciples themselves but is bestowed upon them by Jesus. It signifies their role as representatives of Jesus and participants in His mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Furthermore, the act of anointing the sick with oil may also carry symbolic significance. In biblical times, oil was often used for medicinal purposes and as a symbol of God’s blessing and healing presence. By anointing the sick with oil, the disciples are invoking God’s power and provision for healing.

Duration of the Mission:

Regarding the duration of their mission, the passages do not explicitly mention a specific length of time for which the disciples were sent out. However, it is likely that their mission was temporary rather than permanent. They were sent out to proclaim the message of the Kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out demons in various towns and villages, but eventually, they would return to Jesus to report on their experiences and receive further instructions.

Given the nature of their instructions and the fact that they were instructed to stay in each town until they left, it can be inferred that their mission lasted for a significant but finite period of time. Once they had completed their task in one area, they would move on to the next, continuing to spread the message of Jesus’ ministry.

In conclusion, the instructions provided to the twelve disciples before sending them out included traveling light, staying in homes, shaking off rejection, preaching repentance, healing the sick, and casting out demons. They were empowered to perform miracles through the authority given to them by Jesus. While the exact duration of their mission is not specified, it was likely a temporary assignment during which they traveled from town to town proclaiming the message of the Kingdom.

Distinct Commissions 

The missions described in Mark 6:8-13, Luke 9:2-6, and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 represent two significant moments in the ministry of Jesus, each with its own distinct focus and context. While both involve sending out disciples to spread the message of the Kingdom, there are key differences between them.

Key Difference:

1. Scope of Authority and Message:
– In the mission described in Mark 6:8-13 and Luke 9:2-6, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to nearby towns and villages, instructing them to preach repentance, heal the sick, and cast out demons. This mission has a more localized focus, with the disciples being sent to specific regions to minister to the immediate needs of the people.
– In contrast, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 has a much broader scope. Jesus, after His resurrection, gathers His disciples and commissions them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. This commission extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass the entire world, emphasizing the universal nature of the gospel message.

2. Timing and Context:
– The mission in Mark 6:8-13 and Luke 9:2-6 occurs during Jesus’ earthly ministry, before His death and resurrection. The disciples are sent out to minister while Jesus is still physically present with them, providing direct guidance and support.
– The Great Commission, on the other hand, takes place after Jesus’ resurrection. It marks the culmination of His earthly ministry and serves as a directive for His disciples to continue His mission in His absence. It is given as a final charge before Jesus ascends to heaven, empowering His followers to carry on His work in the world.

Scholarly Perspectives on Matthew 28:16:

Matthew 28:16-20 records the events surrounding the Great Commission, where Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee after His resurrection. Scholars have offered various perspectives on this passage:

1. **Historical Context**:
– Scholars often emphasize the historical context of the Great Commission, noting its significance as Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. This context underscores the importance and authority of the commission for the early Christian community.

2. **Theological Implications**:
– Many scholars highlight the theological significance of the Great Commission, seeing it as a foundational passage for understanding the mission of the church. It emphasizes the role of discipleship, baptism, and teaching in spreading the gospel message to all nations.

3. **Continuity with Jesus’ Ministry**:
– Some scholars interpret the Great Commission as a natural extension of Jesus’ earthly ministry, reflecting His desire for His followers to continue His work in the world. It demonstrates the continuity between Jesus’ mission and the mission of the church.

4. **Universal Application**:
– Others emphasize the universal application of the Great Commission, viewing it as a mandate for all believers to participate in the spread of the gospel to people of every nation and culture. This perspective highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ message and mission.

Overall, Matthew 28:16-20 represents a pivotal moment in the New Testament, encapsulating Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples and laying the foundation for the mission of the early church. Its significance extends beyond the immediate context of the first century, speaking to the ongoing mission of the church throughout history.