Ambassadors for Christ

Introduction

We do not do overnight trips anymore. It is just too much work too much preparation. Before the babies i could wake up Rebahka and say lets catch a train to NY and get a bagel at grand central station. throw the essentials in a back pack and boom we gone. now if there is a trip that must be made. I set up the expedition checklist a week before. we are checking weather charts, star charts, i got to get out my compass and set bearings and safest routes, we have to secure porters, and get the right permits…going anywhere is no joke. seriously, toys, food, snacks, videos, diapers…its exhausting loading and unpacking the car. I told Rebahka we aint doing just overnights i need 8hrs of just recovery.

If Jesus came to you today and said . ok it go time…no packing just go. Could you? the more pressing question would you?

In our text today we are going to examine one crucial step in the area of discipleship. If you are a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ than you are a disciple. Lets read what that crucial step in discipleship looks like, and what is entailed.

—Lets Read

As we read our text we notice Jesus does 3 things with His disciples...

we see

I. Jesus called them - He called them together. i want to turn you attention to , , Do you notice something? Amazing stuff happens when God’s people gather. Jesus corporately brought the 12 together. jesus did three things

Gave them Power -all they needed, (he equips those he calls)

Ensured their provisions would be provided. vs 3 take nothing

They were divinely protected for their mission

II. Jesus Commissioned them - Jesus gave them final instructions for this evolution of training. It would cause them to exercise their faith. Their mission was to be like Jesus! be little Jesus’ Preach, heal, whoop on some demons, and love folks. How do you think the apostles preached? just like their master, what about healing? just like their master. they have been watching for sometime now. Jesus said go and do what I do.

Discipleship is not rocket science if we examine what Jesus did and recreate what he does then we doing what He did. Get it? ok put it another way…DO WHAT JESUS DOES. what does he do?

He has instructed them - words teaching preaching

Gave them hands on teaching with Him present

Now He sends them off to do the work. Is it gonna be perfect? no but that is not how we learn

The commission here includes a couple of factors or requirements…Obedience and faith. notice talent and performance is not found here - his commands “Take nothing” will prove to them God in His providential care will meet their needs

III. Jesus dispatched them - He sends them away for a time a season. He sends them away with a purpose a goal. vs 2 gives us that mission “Proclaim the Kingdom and heal” as ambassadors of Christ they were to proclaim (GK : Kerusso- To herald announce, proclaim, preach). They were given full power of individual action on behalf of Jesus.

They were given the role of Plenipotentiary for the kingdom of God.

This sending out of the disciples is alive and well today it is the given role of the church and its members. It is seen in the lives of Pastors, missionaries, and yes even the church member those who are called christian have this charge as well. No we are not Apostles, we are not called to be demon hunters, but we are called to resist the devil, and fight the powers of darkness in our prayer closets, and fight the spiritual battles with Gods holy Armour. We are not called to be miracle workers wandering world curing diseases. But we are to heal people with the gospel of Jesus christ, with love compassion and mercy.

Application

What we see here is an example a stage in discipleship. In action, in practical usage.

These men have been taught, they worked hands on with Jesus, then they were set loose on the world.

If you do not cut the spiritual umbilical cord that spiritual baby will not grow. Will they fail…yes but we learn from failure.

In the context of this church God has gathered us, taught us, shown us and let us do some hands on training…what is the next step… What is God telling you ? Be ready if you are here for some time sitting on your hands chomping at the bit…no worries he will toss you out of the nest and into the fight. Our community needs Jesus so bad, our church needs workers so bad… Jesus has a mission for you, for us. We just have to be obedient and have faith.