By Jeremy Holstrom
Matthew 10:1 (NASB)
“Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”
As I was reading, I begin to think about what it meant to be given “authority”. God highlighted the word to me and when He does I like to read the definition. It always seems to give me insight into why He is pointing it out to me.
Authority: (n)
1: the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.
In this very simple definition my view of authority changes just as little bit! Look at the word “determine” Authority gives us the ability to determine the outcome of a situation!
How Jesus disciples the 12 really rocked me as well. He does two things specifically in Matthew 10 that jump out at me. In the very first verse Jesus gathers his disciples together and empowers them. In verse 7 Jesus gives, what to me is very practical & “color by numbers instruction” on how to use this authority He has just given them.
Matthew 10:7-8 (NASB)
7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
I would imagine the 12 felt pretty confident in what they needed to do after that! Jesus empowers and instructs - it’s a great perspective on discipleship
I want to disciple this way – leave people feeling confident and equipped to accomplish whatever is set before them!
Matthew 10:1 (NASB)
“Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”
As I was reading, I begin to think about what it meant to be given “authority”. God highlighted the word to me and when He does I like to read the definition. It always seems to give me insight into why He is pointing it out to me.
Authority: (n)
1: the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.
In this very simple definition my view of authority changes just as little bit! Look at the word “determine” Authority gives us the ability to determine the outcome of a situation!
How Jesus disciples the 12 really rocked me as well. He does two things specifically in Matthew 10 that jump out at me. In the very first verse Jesus gathers his disciples together and empowers them. In verse 7 Jesus gives, what to me is very practical & “color by numbers instruction” on how to use this authority He has just given them.
Matthew 10:7-8 (NASB)
7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
I would imagine the 12 felt pretty confident in what they needed to do after that! Jesus empowers and instructs - it’s a great perspective on discipleship
I want to disciple this way – leave people feeling confident and equipped to accomplish whatever is set before them!
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