hard core job description

As I read this chapter, I imagine 12 teenagers. Maybe they are sitting at one of their parent's houses or in a court yard somewhere. They're listening to their rabbi give them some instructions: "Go here, preach this on your way. When you get where you're going, heal the sick and raise the dead." I imagine them excited to do what their rabbi can do. They're ready to go, but Jesus isn't done with this speech. He continues, "But just so you know..." And then I imagine them peeing in their robes as they listen to what will most likely happen to them as a result of this little trip.
By this time, they've known Jesus, what? a few months maybe? And he asks them to perform miracles and spread the good news with power that has the chance of getting them arrested and flogged. Yeah, arrested and flogged. I'm not sure I'd be cool with that job description. I’m guessing that they weren’t too excited to hear that following Jesus would cost them something. But there they were, this band of misfits, not backing down on their commitment to follow Jesus and standing ready to take the world by storm regardless of the consequences. (And I'm pretty sure that by this time get the point that there will be consequences.)
I love that towards the end of this passage you see that Jesus must understand their fears. He reminds them that the Father loves them and will never let go of them no matter what the circumstance. And hardly knowing him, they take him at his word and go out and, I’m sure, do amazing things for the kingdom of God.
This passage was really a kick in the pants today because it forced me to wonder if I’d respond the same. I obviously hope I would. Do I respond the same now? Do I take Jesus at his word and respond when he says, “Go.” Sure it’s not persecution, but maybe it’s something as small as inconvenience. But Jesus calls us to a life of service when we follow him, and being a servant will cost us something every time. But we need to serve; it’s our calling as people who follow Jesus.

Created over 3 years ago