Luke 9:1-9
The Twelve Are Sent
Read the passage
1Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.
2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3“Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic.
4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.
5If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”
6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
7When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,
8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.
9“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jesus calls the twelve together and gives them power and authority over demons and to cure diseases. He sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
He tells them to take nothing for their journey: no staff, bag, bread, money, or extra tunic. They are to stay in the house that welcomes them and leave a town if it does not receive them.
The twelve depart through the villages, preaching the good news and healing everywhere. Their mission is dependent rather than self-sufficient. They carry Jesus' authority, but they travel as guests and trust God's provision through other people.
Herod the tetrarch hears about everything happening and is perplexed. Some say John has been raised, others that Elijah has appeared, and others that an ancient prophet has risen. Herod says he beheaded John and wants to know who this Jesus is.
Questions
1 What authority does Jesus give the twelve?
AnswerHe gives them power and authority over demons and diseases and sends them to proclaim God's kingdom and heal.
2 What are they told not to take?
AnswerThey are told to take no staff, bag, bread, money, or extra tunic for the journey.
3 How are they to respond to a welcoming household?
AnswerThey are to stay there, receiving hospitality rather than moving constantly in search of a more comfortable or prestigious host.
4 Why is Herod perplexed?
AnswerReports about Jesus produce conflicting explanations, and Herod wants to know who He is after having John beheaded.
What This Means for Us
Jesus sends the twelve with real authority but few possessions. Their dependence is part of the message: the kingdom is not advanced by impressive self-sufficiency or by manipulating hosts.
Families can ask whether their service has become a search for status. Receive help gratefully, offer hospitality wisely, and keep the focus on God's kingdom rather than on the messenger's reputation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, send us with courage, humility, and dependence on Your provision. Keep our household from using ministry for status, and make us generous hosts and trustworthy guests. Amen.