Authority & Power Extended

Sermon 35 in Series

Luke 9:1-9

[1] And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. [3] And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. [4] And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. [5] And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” [6] And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

[7] Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, [8] by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. [9] Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  As we reflect on Father’s Day, why is it so important for dads to cultivate their own walk with the Lord in shepherding their children? How do we sometimes lose sight of this basic truth?
2.  How does this sending out of the disciples point back to previous sections in Luke? How does it anticipate Acts?
3.  What does this passage teach us about discipleship? How does it motivate you to share Christ and to trust him for provisions?
4.  Where do the disciples get their authority and power? What happens when the Christian forgets this?
5.  How does Jesus prepare his disciples for rejection? Why should we not be surprised when people reject us?
6.  What is the connection between vv. 1-6 and 7-9? What does this imply about the significance of our work for the Lord?
7.  How does Herod’s comment in v. 9 prepare the reader for Peter’s confession? How does it lean towards the cross?

References: Luke 4:31-44; 6:12-16; 5:10; 11:18-20; Matthew 10:8, 10; Mark 6:7-8; Luke 22:35-38; 10:16; Acts 13:51; Mark 6:12; Luke 24:47-49; Acts 1:8; Hebrews 2:3-4; Luke 3:19-20; 9:18-20; 8:25; 23:8-11; 13:31.