Answer The Call

Luke 9:1
“Then He called His twelve disciples. . . “

When the Lord calls us to serve Him, there seems to be a universal response. Our hearts cry out, “I can’t.” This was the same response of Moses, Saul and Gideon. We feel this way because the Lord always seems to call us to do what is beyond our capacities. A young woman with small children senses a call to teach in children’s church, or a retired couple hears the call to the mission field, or a young man has a burning in his heart to become a pastor, and the voice in our head cries out “I can’t.” I think there is something encouraging here as Jesus calls the twelve. He is sending them out to serve Him. They will encounter many with needs beyond their capabilities to handle. They will cross paths with the sick, who will look to them for the answer, the demoniacs, who are held under by the powers of the devil, and some will oppose the work of God. For their journey they are told to take nothing; no money, no provisions, no extra stuff. These things will not equip them for the ministry. Jesus wants them to understand that those are not the things that enable them, nor will a lack of those things restrict them. Instead, Jesus provides everything that is necessary. We read, “He gave them power and authority” All of their objections, and ours, should be silenced by these six words. Whatever reasons they had for objecting to the call, whatever lack they may have felt, must be silenced when Jesus declares, “I have given you power and authority.” Just as their objections are silenced by His promise, so must ours be silenced. Whatever objections you have to the call of God on your life, understand what He calls us to, He equips us for. As He said to Gideon, He says to you “Mighty man of valor… Go in this might of yours”(Judges 6:14). Will you go?

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 9

What did Jesus send the disciples to do?
Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out with nothing on their journey?
Why do you think Herod wanted to see Jesus?
How many men followed Jesus to the deserted place?
How many baskets were left over after all the people were fed?
What example does Jesus set for us in verse 18?
Who do you say Jesus is?
Verse 23 says that in order to be a follower of Jesus (a disciple) you must deny yourself. List some things in your life that may be hindering your walk with the Lord. Are you willing to give those things up for Jesus?
What happened to Jesus face as He was praying on the mountain?
Who were the five people present with Jesus on the mountain?
Read verse 35. Are you taking time to listen for the voice of Jesus?
Take a moment and think about the contrast of verses 43 and 44.
What subject does Jesus come back to in verses 57 – 62?

Old Testament

Leviticus 14- Mission Impossible
Leviticus 15- New Nature