Luke 9:1-2 1And calling together the twelve, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal those were were sick.
The story of Jesus and his disciples makes a shift at the beginning of chapter 9. The healing/saving (sōzō) of the dead girl is now put to the test in the lives of the disciples. The disciples had watched Jesus do many miracles and had listened to the best teaching of all time. They had been mentored by the greater teacher and spiritual guide who has ever lived. Now it was time to see if they had learned anything from their watching. Watching someone do something is not full learning. One must also experience it firsthand. The best way to learn something is to do it. Jesus chose those he appointed as “apostles,” which means “those sent out.” He picked these twelve men specifically for this type of ministry. They were apprentices to what their ministry would be in the future.
Jesus strategically gathered his disciples for a short mission that would be a great learning experience for them. He did not send them out on their own but gave them power and authority to do as he had done by casting out demons and healing diseases. They could never do those things by human power. They needed God’s power. To be instruments of God’s power would require faith. This experience was a test of their faith. They were not just to be miracle workers, although the people healed would greatly appreciate it. Their real mission was to proclaim the presence of God’s kingdom. Healing must also have preaching, not in the way of a sermon but in the way of testimony. All they needed to do was share the story of Jesus. The invitation to God’s kingdom called for repentance and faith. The ministry of physical healing was only part of the mission, although very important. Salvation comes in many ways, including healing from sickness, but ultimately it should lead people to the King of the kingdom.
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