Group Discussion

Luke 9:1-9 Unstoppable You

Jesus entrusts his mission and his authority to his disciples. God could have chosen a more efficient method of spreading the Gospel than entrusting it to the likes of us! Have you actually said ‘yes’ to joining God’s mission in the world? If so, does the mission excite or scare you? Does exercising authority on God’s behalf excite or scare you? Al said that the only thing that would stop you is you. Why didn’t he say the enemy would stop us?

Jesus weds power and authority with compassionate love and humble service of healing. Jesus said to His disciples before His death, “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). If we are amateurs, weak and fallible, how is it possible that we will cure diseases, heal the sick, and do greater things than Jesus?

Jesus gives the twelve some road tips for the journey, asking them to travel lightly, unencumbered with the baggage of material things. This makes sense for ancient Israel but does it make sense for us today? Why or why not?  What baggage may be slowing you down or in Al’s words from the story of Moses in Exodus – what shoes do you need to take off so you won’t be self-sufficient? What does it look like practically to live with simplicity and trust in God’s provision?

The final word in verse 6 (NIV) is ‘everywhere’. Just before He ascended, He told His disciples, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  We’re here today as Christians because others before us were faithful to tell of Jesus’ saving grace. To whom are you called to go? Be specific with names, groups, locations, etc.