Anesti Ministries

The call to missions

v1-3 Jesus has called us and sent us out with the same authority that He has. The disciples who witnessed the power of Jesus were given the same authority He had. The apostles (ἀποστόλων) were messengers sent on a mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as there were 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:28), Jesus chose 12 apostles to establish a new nation under His authority. The diversity of apostles shows that Jesus can use anyone and everyone to accomplish His purpose.

v4-15 Jesus gives clear instructions to those who answer His call to go.

• We must seek the Lord for His direction. We cannot go wherever we choose or wherever we think is best.
• We are called to proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate its power.
• The Gospel must be offered freely and is not meant for personal gain.
• All our needs will be provided for when we labour for the Gospel.
• We should stay in one house and bless the house that welcomes us.
• We should move on from those who reject us.

Shaking off dust from the feet was a sign of judgment for those who reject the Gospel (Acts 13:51). Jesus encourages us not to be disappointed with rejection. We need not take rejection personally when others choose to reject God. The cost of their rejection will be a judgement greater than the total destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25).

The cost of missions

v16-23 Jesus warns us that the journey will not be smooth. Being witnesses for Jesus will come at a cost. We do not have to worry how we will defend ourselves because the Holy Spirit will give us the Words to say. Jesus promises salvation to those who remain faithful despite betrayal or rejection. Despite persecution, the Kingdom of God will continue to expand.

v24-33 We should not be surprised when we are misunderstood or persecuted since Jesus experienced the same thing. We do not have to fear men because God promises to protect us. The courage of the apostles in the face of persecution is recorded for us in Acts 4:19-20 and Acts 5:29.

At times we may be afraid to reveal that we are Christians for fear of losing friends or being rejected. We should never be afraid to acknowledge Christ no matter the cost. The early Christians were under immense pressure because those who acknowledged Christ were being thrown into prison (Acts 8:3). In many parts of the world today, Christians are still persecuted and imprisoned for their faith. Jesus promises us that such Christians are not forgotten by God.

v34-39 Our love for Jesus must be above all human relationships. Jesus calls us to follow His example by taking up our cross and endure the shame in the same way He did. To follow Jesus, we must die to ourselves, our desires, our pleasures and our own wills. If we want eternal life, we have to be willing to let go of our own lives to serve Jesus.

v40-42 When we support others in their ministry, we will share in the blessings that they receive.