Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.  (Luke 9:1-9)

Have you ever been frustrated by your lack of Christian influence? I have, on more than one occasion. 

What I want us to do today is look at the ministry of the apostles, or at least what Jesus told them to do. There is an extremely valuable lesson here for us for all of us because I’m sure if we approach things in the same way they were told to things by Jesus himself then we might not only see the effects of our individual ministries increase, but we also might be more able to put things in perspective when things don’t goas well as we hoped. 

Today we going to look at look at the first 9 verses of Luke chapter 9 and that’s where I’m going to start reading.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve.

1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to seek him out.
(Luke 9: 1-9)

Let's look at the task itself. First it tells us, "He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." So, the two primary components of their mission were proclaining the Kingdom of God and healing the sick. They were to proclaim the message of God's Kingdom and demonstrate its reality through acts of healing.

Moving on we see how Jesus instructed them to prepare for this mission. In verse 3, it says, He said to them, 'Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money, and do not have two shirts.'" Jesus essentially told them to travel lightly, without any unnecessary provisions. It seems He wanted them to rely completely on God's provision as they went about their mission. This directive emphasized dependence on God and a focus on the task at hand.

In verses 6-10. outcome of their mission It mentions that they departed, went through the towns, preached the gospel, and healed people everywhere. 

The impact of their mission was significant, and news about them reached Herod, the ruler. Herod was confused because some were saying that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, and others believed it was Elijah or one of the prophets. 

This shows that the disciples' activities attracted attention and generated discussions even at the level of political leadership.

So, the outcome of their early mission had a profound impact, causing discussions and speculations about their identity even among political leaders like Herod.

We also can see that when Jesus sent out his disciples, he bestowed upon them a remarkable authority—power beyond the natural, over demons and diseases. This supernatural power was not the main mission; rather, it served to authenticate and validate their primary task: that of preaching the Kingdom of God and healing the sick.

It's crucial to understand the concept of the Kingdom. While interpretations may vary, I hold the view that, in the Gospels, that when Jesus speaks of the Kingdom, he is referring to a future Kingdom. 

This becomes evident as we progress through the Bible. For instance, Jesus mentions not eating the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom comes. The disciples, too, inquire about the Kingdom after Jesus' resurrection.

So, when Jesus sent out the disciples to proclaim that proclamation was to tell people that this Kingdom was near, it wasn't an immediate establishment but a proclamation that the Kingdom was near, at hand.

Their message had been long-awaited for Israel had anticipated for centuries it was drawing near.

To authenticate this message, the disciples were given the power to perform miracles, demonstrating their supernatural authority over diseases. Through these actions, their message was not only proclaimed but also validated by the miraculous power they wielded. This underscored the significance of their proclamation of the Kingdom being near, despite its ultimate fulfilment still being a future event.

Now, considering all that, let's focus on the task at hand—the disciples' commission to go out and preach the Kingdom. One commentator rightly notes that in those times, there were, of course, no books, no public libraries, no television, radio, or the internet. 

The primary, the only, method of spreading a message was therefore through direct communication, word of mouth, or what today some call "gossiping" the gospel. 

So, the disciples were essentially tasked with sharing the good news by engaging in conversations with people.

Shifting our attention to the second part of the passage—preparation. Let's pause for a moment and reflect on a significant point. Imagine a person capable of performing miracles like casting out demons or instantly healing diseases. Obviously, such a person, and such events would undoubtedly be seen as extraordinary. 

Jesus, by giving the disciples the power to perform miracles, demonstrates that he is no ordinary human being. He is the Son of God, able not only to work miracles himself but also to empower others to do the same.

Now, let's connect this to our present reality. If there's a place for us in this passage, it's to identify with the disciples. Jesus has also sent us out, and with power. As the familiar verse says, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me." 

Jesus has instructed us to go and share the message, promising us the power of the Holy Spirit in doing so. While we need to remember that we ourselves do not have the power to perform miraculous healings or cast out demons in our own name but only in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. What that may look like today I’ll discuss later.
 
However, there is undoubtedly a supernatural aspect to the power we receive, as nobody comes to Christ without the work of the Holy Spirit.

But first, let's look into the preparation aspect of this mission. In verses 3 to 5, Jesus provides specific instructions on what the disciples should and should not carry as they embark on their journey. And essentially, he tells them not to relay  on  anything of their own resources, even practically. 

Imagine if you were told you had to travel a few miles down the road and go on an extensive mission., what is the first thing you would do? 

Most likely, you'd go back home to prepare. However, Jesus instructs the disciples to leave immediately and without any belongings.

In other words, they are to leave town with only the clothes on their backs. 
The significance of not taking extra provisions becomes clear. Jesus is emphasizing a complete dependence on the hospitality of the townspeople they are sent to.

Additionally, when they reach their destination, they are to stay with the first person who invites them and not move around seeking better accommodations. This ensures stability in their interactions with the community.

He doesn't want them causing disruption by switching accommodations from place to face currying favour within people.

Furthermore, if they encounter a town that refuses to receive them or their message, Jesus advises the symbolic action of shaking off the dust from their feet. 

While this might seem odd to us, it carries a profound meaning for the disciples. In Jewish tradition, when a Jew left the Holy Land and entered gentile territory, upon returning, it was customary to shake off the dust from their feet, symbolizing a rejection of the idolatry of the gentiles’ areas. 

Jesus is repurposing this action, instructing the disciples to perform it if they encounter rejection within the Jewish community. It signifies a clear disassociation from those who refuse to accept the message.

One further possible interpretation is that Jesus wanted them to travel light, facilitating swift and unencumbered movement. However, the deeper implication lies in fostering a profound trust in the Lord. By refraining from taking provisions, the disciples were being encouraged to place their trust in God's provision. This aligns with the principle found in Matthew 10 that a worker is worthy of their hire, suggesting that as they engage in the Lord's work, He will ensure their needs are met.

Yet, the most intriguing aspect of this preparation is found in verse 5, where Jesus forewarns the disciples about rejection. Unlike conventional evangelism training that often focuses on effective methods and encourages trust in some sort of process or system, just trust in the Lord and the power of the message.

Furthermore, the Lord explicitly warns them that their message will be rejected by some. 

This upfront acknowledgment of potential rejection stands out as an unconventional aspect of their preparation. It's as if Jesus is preparing them for the inevitable challenges they will face in their mission, ensuring they are not disheartened by initial setbacks.

Perhaps today there would still be real merit in candidly informing individuals about the possibility of rejection upfront, recognizing that encountering resistance is an integral part of the journey of faith. By doing so, it could potentially alleviate discouragement for those who embark on sharing the gospel, knowing that facing not only resistance but indeed sometime rejection. Reminding people that the rejection of the message is not a reflection of failure but a shared experience in the journey of faith.

In contemplating the rejection that often accompanies sharing the gospel, it's crucial to recognize a fundamental truth: the rejection is ultimately directed at the message, not at the messenger. 

Jesus here in commissioning the twelve disciples, provided a profound lesson by ensuring that all of them would face rejection. This illustrates a key principle, failure is an event, not a reflection of one's identity. 

Understanding this is pivotal because those who reject the gospel are not rejecting the individual conveying it.

It's essential never to take rejection of the Christian faith personally. The rejection is not a measure of your worth or effectiveness. As a said; failure is an event, not a person.

In essence, they might dislike the message, but it's not a reflection of you as an individual.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical account, particularly the stoning of Stephen, serves as a poignant reminder. Stephen was someone who boldly proclaimed the truth and faced hostility, even to the point of being stoned to death. 

This principle echoes the reality that standing for the truth may provoke resistance, yet it's not a reason to be disheartened.

In navigating the challenges of rejection, it's crucial to maintain perspective. Rejection should not paralyze you or impede your journey. The analogy of shaking the dust off your feet, a symbolic act used by Jesus here, reinforces the idea of moving forward. When rejection occurs, it's an invitation to redirect efforts to the next opportunity, the next town.

Understanding the role of rejection in the broader context of our long-range goals is paramount. The goal is not measured in any short-term success, but an enduring commitment to please the Lord. 

The long-range goal of standing before Him and hearing the affirmation, "Well done, good and faithful servant," should provide resilience in the face of short-term setbacks.

Thus, rejection becomes a stepping stone rather than an insurmountable obstacle in the pursuit of a higher purpose.

There was a great inventor named Charles Kettering and he suggested that we ought to learn to ‘fail intelligently’, but that was an interesting turn of the phrase. 

‘Fail intelligently he said, because once you fail analyse the problem and find out why you failed. Each failure is one more step toward leading you to the cathedral of success. The only time you don't want to fail is the last time you try.
(www.brainyquote.com/quotes/charles/kettering/152027)

Think about that the principle her is we should honestly face defeat never fake success, not only in things of the Spirit, but in life in general. Exploit and explore the failure don't waste the opportunity to learn all you can from it. Every bitter experience can teach you something and then he said this never use failure as an excuse for not trying again.

So, here's a reality check: when you embark on the journey of sharing the gospel, brace yourself for rejection. If you haven't encountered it yet, be assured it will happen. 

Jesus, in His wisdom, not only commissioned the twelve disciples but also equipped them for what lay ahead—physically, spiritually, and psychologically. Part of this preparation involved a stark acknowledgment: there will be individuals who reject the message you carry.

The disciples set out on their mission, travelling across towns and proclaiming the gospel. 

The brilliance of Jesus' strategy becomes evident here. By sending out twelve disciples simultaneously, the reach of the message expands exponentially. 

While Jesus continues preaching, they become twelve sort of preaching stations, launching off points, amplifying the impact and coverage of the gospel.

Yet, as they venture into towns, healing and preaching, an interesting twist occurs. Herod, the tetrarch, catches wind of all that is going on.

 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to seek him out.
(Luke 9: 7-9)

Picture this: the government leader becomes aware of the gospel being proclaimed. In a typical scenario, one might anticipate excitement and positive reception. However, in this case, Herod's response is not one of affirmation; rather, it's a rejection of the message.

Now, let's add some historical context. This Herod is not the one associated with the horrific events of ordering the slaughter of children during the birth of Christ. It's a different Herod, the tetrarch, who is currently in a position of governance.

Consider this scenario: Imagine you're sharing the gospel and people are being healed and motivated to help other, like by supporting the poor. In a nearby state, and news of your efforts reaches the governor. One might expect a positive reception, a sense of accomplishment. However, Herod's reaction serves as a reminder that even in positions of authority, the gospel can face rejection. 

This is a striking illustration of how the message of Christ is not universally embraced, even sometimes when it reaches the highest echelons of leadership.

Herod's reaction to the news of Jesus and His disciples is one of bafflement. Instead of being intrigued or desiring to hear more of the message, Herod is confused. The cause of his bafflement is revealed in verse 9. 

The word on the street is that some are suggesting John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Now, this would surely be unsettling news for Herod, as he was the one responsible for the execution of John.

Imagine the scene: Herod, comfortably seated in his palace, learns about Jesus and the disciples preaching the same message. The rumours circulating among the people are claiming the resurrection of John the Baptist or the arrival of Elijah as the precursor to the Messiah. This naturally stirs Herod's curiosity. 

Yet, there's an underlying concern—especially with the notion that John might have returned from the dead.

Verse 9 unveils Herod's response. He acknowledges having beheaded John but is still confused about the identity of this new preacher. In an unexpected turn, Herod doesn't dismiss the news; instead, he seeks to hear the message for himself. Why? 

Well, it's not a spiritual hunger or a sincere desire for salvation. Herod's motive is clear, he wants to verify if this preacher is John the Baptist, potentially returned from the dead.

In the broader context of the passage, this episode serves as an illustration of people sometimes not approaching the message with good intentions. Herod's interest is not rooted in a desire for repentance or salvation; rather, it's driven by a personal agenda, to confirm the identity of this ‘rogue preacher’. 

This subtly underscores the various reasons people engage with the message of Christ, some of which may not align with a genuine pursuit of faith, but because it suits their own selfish interests. Political leaders for 100’s of years have exploited the gospel to achieve their own ends.

So, in summary, this passage underscores the inevitability of rejection when proclaiming the message of Jesus and the Kingdom. Just as Jesus prepared the apostles for potential rejection, modern-day believers should also anticipate that not everyone will accept the message. 

Understanding this reality can provide a sense of resilience and can prevent discouragement. Rejection is not unique to us; even Jesus and His apostles faced it. The key is to persevere through setbacks and not let rejection become a reason to quit. 

Embracing the expectation of rejection can empower believers to navigate challenges and continue sharing the message of Christ despite encountering opposition.

Mary Pickford said if you've made mistakes there's always another chance for you to make a fresh start. Failure is not falling down but staying down and not getting up again. A sentiment repeated referred to in the rocky movies.

So, here's my point, stay in the game, no matter what the score is.  Just stay in the game and don't quit and understand this sort of interim failure is going to happen to the majority of the people living the Christian life.

If Israel rejected Jesus when the son of God himself was here working miracles amongst them, then why would we think we're any better than him. Our job is just to stay in the game.

Stay in the game no matter what the score because we get our reward when we stand before the Lord, not necessarily in the day to day, but only if we stay in the game.

And always remain thankful that God has given us the opportunity to play are part and share the glorious gospel of his son. God has given us the opportunity, he will also give us the words to say when we do it, and the Spirit of God to apply it, when we do it.  And with God help we can remain free of discouragement and frustration when people don't appear to respond.