Stay up to date with news here by subscribing to our updates.

Not long after Jesus identifies his “Twelve” as unique among all his followers, he gives them the identity of “apostles” (sent out ones) and then sends them out to the nearby towns to do what? To heal the sick and cast out demons! Not only that, but he also expects them to simply live off the generosity of those who will hear their message!

On Sunday, we talked about how fear is a major hindrance in our spiritual growth and how faith is the key to alleviating it if not defeating it altogether, but as I look at this passage, I can’t help but think about all the fear this would create in me. Sure, it’s great to see Jesus do miracles, but we aren’t even halfway through the book of Matthew, in fact, just a couple chapters past the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus is telling his followers to preach, heal, and cast out demons and to live as homeless moochers! I just can’t fully grasp that.

Even if Jesus looked me in the eye and said, “Jeff, this boy has a demon. Cast it out.” I would stammer over my words and think two or three times before even attempting it, but here, they will be doing it all ON THEIR OWN without Jesus by their side.

Of course there are potentially a dozen or more lessons to take from this, but one lesson is that Jesus will quite frequently call us to take on tasks beyond our ability to prove the all surpassing power he has to work through us. Paul calls it the “Jars of Clay” principle in that great things coming out of weak people point to an awesome God.

Is there something Jesus is calling you to do but you are a little afraid to jump into it? Is he calling you to finally make a commitment to him? To be baptized? To volunteer to help at the church? To join a small group study? To propose to the girl? To break up? To share your faith?

What is it? If Jesus is calling you to do something, it’s because he wants to stretch you and prove his power. Why not give it a shot and see what happens? Oh, and a word of warning. Perhaps you should consult with a few other believers to make sure it really is something Jesus is calling you to do!!

BIG IDEA FOR THE DAY: We have no reason to fear doing whatever Jesus asks of us because he has a purpose in it whether we can see it or not.