Jesus gave the Twelve spiritual power and authority and sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them to take nothing for the journey so that they could depend only on the Lord, not on material things. They were to leave the town where people did not welcome them, shaking the dust from their feet. They were to move on to other towns where they were received. The Twelve went out, proclaimed the good news, and healed people. Discipleship training is to be evangelistic and practical-preaching the gospel and shepherding the needy (healing). The love of God through the gospel must be proclaimed; it must be practiced through shepherding. When our preaching is not welcomed, we are to move on and go to someone or some other place that is open.

Herod heard the work of Jesus through the disciples. Herod had beheaded John the Baptist for speaking the truth. In his perplexity, he said, "Who, then, is this?" Herod should have gotten the answer to his question. Who is Jesus? To know him, we must come to him and listen to his teachings. Jesus is the gospel of the kingdom of God; he is the healer from heaven.


Application: Lord, thank you for growing us as Jesus' disciples through preaching and shepherding. Help us know Jesus more.
One Word: One word: Walk the walk: preaching and healing