Unveiling The Mission: Jesus Sends Out The Twelve Apostles

It's a day in the life of Jesus, a day unlike any other, as he prepares to send out His chosen followers on a divine mission. We've all heard of the Apostles, those twelve men handpicked by Jesus to spread His message of love, redemption, and the Kingdom of God. But what do we really know about their mission? What was the purpose, the mandate, the mission brief, if you will? Today, we delve deep into this ancient narrative, unveiling the mission Jesus gave to the twelve apostles, a mission that would change the world.

The Selection Of The Twelve 🌟

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The first step in this mission was selecting the twelve. Jesus did not choose these men because they were the smartest, richest, or the most popular. Instead, He saw their potential, their hearts, and their capacity for faith and loyalty.

• Peter: A fisherman by trade, who became a rock, the "rock" upon which the church was built.
• Andrew: Simon Peter's brother, the first disciple called, eager to bring others to Christ.
• James: The son of Zebedee, one of the inner circle, zealous and fiery.
• John: Known as "The Beloved," John's writings are foundational to Christian theology.
• Philip: From Bethsaida, the apostle who introduced Nathaniel to Jesus.
• Bartholomew (Nathaniel): An open-hearted man who responded to Jesus' insight into his life.
• Matthew: The tax collector, whose gospel is meticulously detailed.
• Thomas: Often remembered for his doubt, yet demonstrated incredible bravery and faith.
• James: The son of Alphaeus, not as prominently featured but equally important.
• Thaddaeus (Jude): Possibly the brother of James, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot.
• Simon the Zealot: His political affiliations made his inclusion notable, illustrating Jesus' vision for unity.
• Judas Iscariot: The one who would betray Jesus, yet still chosen for this mission.

The Mandate And Empowerment 📜

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After selecting His apostles, Jesus gave them a comprehensive mandate:

• Preach the Good News: They were to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. This was no small task; it was revolutionary, challenging the socio-political and spiritual status quo.

• Heal the Sick, Cleanse the Lepers, Raise the Dead, and Cast Out Demons: They were to wield divine authority, demonstrating that Jesus' power was not His alone but could be shared with those who believed.

• Go With Minimal Provisions: Jesus instructed them not to take money or provisions. Their faith in God's provision and the hospitality of those who received their message were to be their strength.

• Stay in One House: They were to seek peace for the household, promoting unity and partnership in their mission.

• Move On if Rejected: Jesus taught them not to linger in hostility but to move on, leaving towns or people to their own devices if they refused the message.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: This empowerment reflects the principle that with great power comes great responsibility. The apostles were given access to God's power, but they were also expected to use it wisely and ethically.</p>

Spiritual Warfare and the Kingdom of God ⚔️

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In their mission, the apostles were stepping into an arena of spiritual warfare:

• Conflict with Satan: Their work would directly challenge the kingdom of darkness. Healing, exorcism, and resurrection of the dead were direct confrontations with demonic powers.

• Establishment of God's Kingdom: By proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven, they were heralding a new order, one where God's love, justice, and mercy reigned supreme.

• Witness Against Unbelief: They were not only there to bring blessing but also to stand as a witness against those who rejected the message, thus facing the judgment that would come.

The Practical Elements of Mission Work 🚶‍♂️

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The practical aspects of the apostles' mission included:

• Hospitality: They were to rely on the kindness of others, illustrating that the mission was about community and shared responsibility.

• Dust Shaking: When rejected, they were to shake the dust off their feet, a symbolic act of distancing from rejection but also a testimony against it.

• Focus on the Message: They were to keep the core of their message clear – Jesus' coming and the impending Kingdom of God.

• Internal Unity: Their brotherhood, despite different backgrounds, was to be a testament to the unifying power of Christ's love.

The Impact and Legacy 🌍

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The apostles' mission had far-reaching effects:

• Christianity Spread: Their mission laid the groundwork for the spread of Christianity throughout the known world.

• The Church Founded: Through their preaching, the church as we know it was born, with its structure, sacraments, and teachings.

• Scriptural Legacy: Many of the apostles wrote what would become part of the New Testament, providing guidance for future generations.

• Martyrs and Saints: Their eventual martyrdom and dedication inspired others to carry on the mission, even at the cost of their lives.

Conclusion:

The mission Jesus gave to the twelve apostles was not just a historical event; it was the beginning of a movement that continues to shape lives. Their journey was filled with challenges, triumphs, and divine encounters. From their selection to the empowerment they received, the apostles' mission was a testament to the power of faith, the strength found in unity, and the transformative impact of preaching the Good News. They were ordinary men chosen for an extraordinary task, whose legacy echoes through time, impacting billions across centuries. This mission was, and is, about embodying God's love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.

The story of Jesus sending out the twelve is not merely a chapter from a long-ago era; it's a call to action for believers today. Their work reminds us that faith requires action, that community and love are central to the Christian message, and that the Kingdom of God is something we can touch and experience here and now. Let their mission inspire you to live out your faith with the same fervor and dedication, making a difference in your own corner of the world.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why did Jesus choose twelve apostles?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Jesus chose twelve apostles symbolically representing the twelve tribes of Israel, to establish a new spiritual Israel, the Church.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What were the primary duties of the apostles?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>They were to preach the gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and establish communities of faith, preparing people for the Kingdom of God.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did the apostles ensure the continuity of their mission?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Through writings like the New Testament, establishing churches, appointing elders, and training other believers to continue the work they had begun.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why did Jesus instruct them to travel light?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>This was to emphasize dependence on God's provision, trust in others' hospitality, and to focus on the message rather than personal comfort.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the significance of shaking off the dust of their feet?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It was a symbolic act to signify they were distancing themselves from rejection and proclaiming a testimony against those who rejected the gospel.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>