And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness…and [to] preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew10:1-7. Imagine for a moment. Jesus calls you to preach and heal. What kind of pressure do you feel? “But, Lord, what do I say? And heal? Really?!!”
He responds: “Trust me, the words will come to you, and believe that the healing will, too.”
AND THE CROWDS CAME…
So you go. Miracle upon miracle, the words come, and healing spreads like wildfire. “But, whoa! Where are all these people coming from, and how/where do I eat and sleep? So many people are coming for healing.” How do you have time for it all, let alone share the Word?
Did you ever wonder about crowd control? How were the thousands coming to Jesus prevented from pushing each other out of the way, or worse, knocking others down and/or walking over or on them? The news about Jesus was sensational. Stories of His healing traveled by word of mouth, not only drawing locals but also others from the surrounding area.
PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING?
Now, move the scene to this century. The media would share it around the globe: Airports, bus terminals, train stations, ship docks, and highways would be jammed. Social media would have a meltdown. People would be glued to their phones. Everything would come to a standstill. People would be wildly impatient and unruly.
What happened to “Peace that passes all understanding”?
THE POWER OF MULTIPLICATION
No wonder Jesus’ ministry was only three years. No wonder He chose 12 apostles to concentrate on training them. In turn, they were to teach crowds/disciples to carry the Word to the ends of the earth. Jesus created math and knew the power of multiplication.
NOT JUST BIBLE PEOPLE FROM THE PAST
Fortunately (?), we don’t have this sensational healing today-it could bring mob destruction and riots, trying to reach the healer(s). However, there is a prayer pipeline we’re empowered to use. We are responsible. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Disciples aren’t just Bible people from the past. You and I are to pray/give thanks for healing, and to preach/share/live the gospel daily. Today, we are His disciples. You are called. Use the gift.