Jesus is all we really need to do what He as given us power and authority to do.

Mark 6, The Message

The Twelve

^7-8 Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with these instructions:

^8-9 “Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.

¹⁰ “And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave.

¹¹ “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”

^12-13 Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

I wonder.  I pray for us today who do everything and anything to get the attention of the lost today.  I wonder if it is God who gets the attention of the lost and our obedience to God to listen and tell the story when God brings people to Himself is what is needed most? 

Jesus teaches his band of fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, and a treasurer to keep it simple. Look over the steps of their training before He sends them out into the world:

1.  Jesus calls.  Jesus sends in pairs.  This fosters comradery and help for each other.  “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9
2. Jesus gives them what they need most:  His authority (In His Name) and His power to overcome the evil one who will oppose them in various ways to discredit or destroy their ministry.  This is a precursor for the Great Commission  the disciples will receive later as Jesus ascends into heaven!  “Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 Paul reemphasizes this commission for us later; “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
3. Jesus instructs:
   1. Keep it simple.
   1. YOU are all the equipment you need.
   1. Be content wherever you are.
   1. Quietly withdraw if they don’t hear and receive the message
4. God’s glory was evident—they were filled with His words—preaching with joyful urgency of radical life change—all in Jesus Name for His glory!
5. Demons were sent packing!

Yes, I wonder if we have made the message too complicated?  I wonder if we are adding what we like but is not needed to tell His story for His glory in  His Name?

Today, I will pray Paul’s prayer that he prayed while in a prison because of preaching Jesus.  Prison does not stop Paul.  He simply carries on the work God gave him to be and do while chained in his dark cell.  He asks others to pray for him as well:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:2-6

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

Jesus, YOU are all I need.  Abide in me as I live for you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.