Empowered Disciples: Engaging in Jesus' Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Dependence on Jesus for Provision

Jesus instructed His disciples to take nothing for their journey except a staff and sandals, teaching them to rely entirely on Him for their needs. This dependence on Jesus is crucial for effective ministry, reminding us that our success in His mission is not based on our resources but on His provision and guidance. The disciples were sent out with minimal supplies to emphasize their need to trust in God's provision rather than their own preparations. This principle applies to us today as we engage in our own ministries and daily lives.

In our modern context, it can be easy to rely on our own abilities, resources, and plans. However, Jesus calls us to a radical dependence on Him, trusting that He will provide what we need when we need it. This kind of trust requires faith and a willingness to step out in obedience, even when we feel unprepared or inadequate. By depending on Jesus, we acknowledge that He is the source of all we need and that our success in His mission is ultimately in His hands. [06:38]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust Jesus for provision? How can you take a step of faith today to depend more fully on Him?

Day 2: Authority Comes from Jesus

The authority to cast out demons and heal the sick was given to the disciples by Jesus. This authority is not something we generate ourselves but is delegated to us by Jesus. Authentic ministry is about participating in Jesus' mission, not building our own kingdoms. The disciples were empowered by Jesus to carry out His work, demonstrating that their authority and effectiveness came from Him alone. This principle reminds us that our ministry and service are not about our own abilities or achievements but about being vessels through which Jesus works.

As believers, we are called to operate under the authority of Jesus, recognizing that He is the source of all power and authority. This understanding should humble us and drive us to seek His guidance and empowerment in all that we do. When we rely on Jesus' authority, we can confidently engage in ministry, knowing that He equips and empowers us for the task. Our focus should be on building His kingdom and bringing glory to His name, rather than seeking recognition or success for ourselves. [21:55]

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own strength and authority in your ministry or daily life? How can you shift your focus to depend more on Jesus' authority?

Day 3: Engaging in Jesus' Mission

Every believer is called to be a missionary, equipped and authorized by Jesus to participate in His mission. This calling is not limited to church leaders but extends to every disciple of Jesus. We must actively engage in sharing the gospel within our communities, not just support missions financially. The disciples were sent out to preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick, mirroring Jesus' own ministry. This mission continues today, and every believer has a role to play in spreading the gospel and making disciples.

Engaging in Jesus' mission requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It means looking for opportunities to share the love of Christ with those around us and being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Whether through words or actions, we are called to be witnesses of Jesus' transforming power in our lives. This mission is not just for a select few but for all who follow Jesus, and it is a privilege to participate in His work of redemption and restoration. [42:34]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community or daily life needs to hear the gospel? How can you intentionally engage in Jesus' mission to share His love and message with them today?

Day 4: Transformation Through Proximity to Jesus

The disciples were sent out not because they were the best and brightest but because their lives had been changed by their proximity to Jesus. Our effectiveness in ministry comes from our relationship with Jesus and the transformation He brings in our lives. The time the disciples spent with Jesus prepared them for the mission He entrusted to them. Their transformation was a result of their close relationship with Him, and this same principle applies to us today.

Our effectiveness in ministry and our ability to impact others for Christ are directly related to our relationship with Him. As we spend time with Jesus through prayer, reading the Word, and worship, we are transformed by His presence. This transformation equips us to serve others and share the gospel with authenticity and power. It is not about our qualifications or abilities but about the work Jesus does in and through us as we draw near to Him. [20:00]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: How has your relationship with Jesus transformed your life? In what ways can you draw closer to Him to allow for further transformation and effectiveness in your ministry?

Day 5: Participating with Jesus, Not Just for Him

We are called to do things with God, not for God. This means recognizing that He is the source of all power and authority and that our role is to participate in His ongoing mission. This understanding should drive us to engage actively in the mission of sharing the gospel. The disciples were not sent out to work independently of Jesus but to continue His work in partnership with Him. This principle reminds us that our ministry is a collaboration with Jesus, relying on His guidance and strength.

When we understand that we are participating with Jesus, it changes our perspective on ministry and service. We are not striving to accomplish tasks on our own but are joining in the work that Jesus is already doing. This partnership requires us to be attentive to His leading and to depend on His power. It also brings a sense of joy and fulfillment, knowing that we are co-laborers with Christ in His mission to redeem and restore the world. [33:42]

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to serve God on your own? How can you shift your mindset to see yourself as a co-laborer with Jesus, participating in His mission?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out His twelve disciples in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits and instructing them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, sandals, and a single tunic. This passage highlights the theme that disciples are sent out to continue Jesus' mission. Jesus' ministry was not just about His actions but about training His disciples to carry on His work after His ascension. Despite their feelings of inadequacy, Jesus empowered them with His authority, emphasizing that their success depended on their reliance on Him rather than their own preparations or resources.

The disciples' mission was to preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick, mirroring Jesus' own ministry. This calling extends to all believers today. We are all sent out with the same authority and mission, regardless of our perceived inadequacies. Jesus' instructions to take nothing for the journey teach us to depend entirely on Him for provision and guidance. This dependence on Jesus is crucial for effective ministry.

Moreover, the sermon emphasizes that our authority comes from Jesus, not from ourselves. Authentic ministry is about participating in Jesus' mission, not building our own kingdoms. We are called to do things with God, not for God, recognizing that He is the source of all power and authority. This understanding should drive us to engage actively in the mission of sharing the gospel, knowing that Jesus equips and empowers us for the task.

Finally, the sermon challenges us to move beyond mere financial support for missions and to engage personally in sharing the gospel within our communities. Every believer is called to be a missionary, equipped and authorized by Jesus to participate in His mission. This calling is not limited to church leaders but extends to every disciple of Jesus.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Dependence on Jesus for Provision: Jesus instructed His disciples to take nothing for their journey except a staff and sandals, teaching them to rely entirely on Him for their needs. This dependence on Jesus is crucial for effective ministry, reminding us that our success in His mission is not based on our resources but on His provision and guidance. [06:38]
2. Authority Comes from Jesus: The authority to cast out demons and heal the sick was given to the disciples by Jesus. This authority is not something we generate ourselves but is delegated to us by Jesus. Authentic ministry is about participating in Jesus' mission, not building our own kingdoms. [21:55]
3. Engaging in Jesus' Mission: Every believer is called to be a missionary, equipped and authorized by Jesus to participate in His mission. This calling is not limited to church leaders but extends to every disciple of Jesus. We must actively engage in sharing the gospel within our communities, not just support missions financially. [42:34]
4. Transformation Through Proximity to Jesus: The disciples were sent out not because they were the best and brightest but because their lives had been changed by their proximity to Jesus. Our effectiveness in ministry comes from our relationship with Jesus and the transformation He brings in our lives. [20:00]
5. Participating with Jesus, Not Just for Him: We are called to do things with God, not for God. This means recognizing that He is the source of all power and authority and that our role is to participate in His ongoing mission. This understanding should drive us to engage actively in the mission of sharing the gospel. [33:42]
### [33:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - Reading of Mark 6:7-13
[01:54] - Prayer for Understanding
[02:46] - Jesus' Authority and Mission
[03:53] - Training the Disciples
[04:54] - Feeling Inadequate for the Task
[06:38] - Dependence on Jesus for Provision
[08:11] - Hospitality and Mission
[09:25] - Preaching Repentance and Healing
[11:12] - Connection to Modern Disciples
[12:59] - Every Believer is Sent
[14:41] - Disciples' Imperfections
[16:14] - God's Choice of Imperfect People
[18:15] - Sharing Your Faith
[20:00] - Transformation Through Proximity to Jesus
[21:55] - Authority Comes from Jesus
[23:45] - Authentic Ministry
[25:36] - Counterfeit Authority
[27:24] - Building Christ's Kingdom
[29:38] - Power in Jesus' Authority
[31:32] - True Worship
[33:42] - Participating with Jesus
[35:25] - Jesus' Invitation to Join His Mission
[36:56] - Trusting Jesus for Provision
[39:03] - Jesus is Sufficient
[40:58] - Engaging in the Mission Now
[42:34] - Personal Engagement in Missions
[44:39] - Everyday Opportunities to Share the Gospel
[46:21] - God Trusts You with His Message
[48:32] - Hope in Jesus
[51:02] - Authority of the Godhead
[52:47] - Participating in Church Ministry
[54:38] - Everyone Has a Role
[56:16] - Offensive Mission Against Darkness
[57:55] - Disciples' Journey
[59:24] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples for their journey? (Mark 6:8-9)
What were the disciples empowered to do during their mission? (Mark 6:7, 13)
How did Jesus instruct the disciples to handle rejection from a town or household? (Mark 6:11)
What were the disciples' main activities as they went out on their mission? (Mark 6:12-13)

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus instructed the disciples to take so few provisions for their journey? How does this relate to dependence on Him? [06:38]
How does the authority given to the disciples by Jesus reflect on their mission and its success? [21:55]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that every believer is called to be a missionary, not just church leaders? [42:34]
How does the transformation through proximity to Jesus qualify the disciples for their mission, despite their imperfections? [20:00]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God called you to. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from the disciples' experience? [04:54]
Jesus instructed His disciples to rely on Him for provision. What are some practical ways you can depend more on Jesus in your daily life? [06:38]
The sermon emphasizes that our authority comes from Jesus. How can you ensure that your actions and ministry are aligned with His authority and not your own? [21:55]
Think about your current involvement in sharing the gospel. What steps can you take to engage more actively in Jesus' mission within your community? [42:34]
The sermon challenges us to move beyond financial support for missions to personal engagement. What are some specific ways you can personally participate in sharing the gospel this week? [42:34]
How has your relationship with Jesus transformed your life? Share a specific example of how this transformation has equipped you for ministry. [20:00]
Jesus calls us to do things with Him, not just for Him. How can you shift your mindset and actions to better align with this calling in your daily walk with Christ? [33:42]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You know, there is a cure for not knowing your Bible well enough. You know what that cure is? Read it. Absolutely read it. But even if we've spent time reading the word of God, those doubts creep in and we wonder if we're really ready. You know, Jesus calls the 12 to himself and he says to them, I'm going to give you authority over the unclean spirits." [06:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you have, have come and said, I want to trust Jesus as my Lord and as my savior, you are a disciple of Jesus. And you see Jesus's ministry plan, if you will, was to commit the ministry into the hands of the 12. Then they were to plant churches and we continue that ministry of sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, calling people to repent." [11:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You do not have to be perfect to be used by God. You just have to be saved by grace through faith. In Jesus, if you are saved, that qualifies you to engage in the mission that God has assigned every person in this room who knows Jesus Christ. You are qualified to share your faith." [18:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What lost people need to know abundantly clear, is what Christ has done for you. You see, these disciples were sent out not because they were gifted, not because they were the best and the brightest. They were sent out because their lives had been changed by their proximity to Jesus. Has your life been changed by your proximity to Jesus?" [20:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We must depend on and trust that Jesus will provide everything we need to accomplish the mission that he has called us to. You know, those disciples must have felt pretty naked when they left out on that journey. They must have felt so inadequately provisioned for the task. I mean, think about it, Jesus said take your staff, put on your sandals and go two by two go." [39:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Jesus has done quite a bit in these first opening chapters of Mark's Gospel. We've seen Him teaching. We've seen Him healing. We've seen Him demonstrating His authority over just about everything and everyone. And the central message that we've received from these first five chapters going into chapter 6 is the same from chapter to chapter to chapter. Jesus is the Son of God. He's demonstrating that in the way He is declaring His authority, not only over people, but over the creation itself." [02:46] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus tells his disciples, I don't want you to carry any provision for the road. I don't want you to carry anything that common sense would tell you you're going to need. I want you to simply be armed with the delegated authority that I have given you. And he said, and by the way, when you go out into those towns, wherever you enter a house, if someone offers you hospitality, see in the ancient world, that's how they did it." [08:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus delegates his authority to us so that we may participate in and further his ministry. Notice Jesus gave these disciples authority over unclean spirits. Jesus took the authority that he had and he delegated it to his followers. We see in Matthew 28, the Great Commission, we hear these words. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." [21:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Authentic ministry understands we don't do anything for God. We are not capable of doing anything for God. Do we really think God needs us to do anything for him? He's God. Do y'all really think that God needs us? See, we're not called to do things for God. We're called to do things with God. And that's different." [23:45] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You have been called, you have been authorized and you have been equipped with everything you need to participate in the ministry and mission of Jesus. Isn't it cool to know that even if a demon from hell comes at you, you're equipped? You don't even have to be afraid of a demon. Think about that. You don't have to be afraid of anything." [51:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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