Throughout the New Testament, one of the most significant moments in Jesus' ministry was when He intentionally sent out His apostles to spread His message. This act was not merely about delegation; it was a strategic, divine plan to establish the foundation of the Christian faith and to extend His teachings beyond His immediate vicinity. Understanding why Jesus sent out the apostles offers profound insights into His mission, His teachings on discipleship, and the importance of evangelism in the Christian walk. This article explores the various reasons behind Jesus' decision to commission His apostles, highlighting the spiritual, logistical, and theological motivations behind this pivotal act.
Why Did Jesus Send Out the Apostles
Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, recognized the importance of empowering His followers to continue His work. Sending out the apostles was a deliberate act rooted in divine purpose, strategic outreach, and the fulfillment of Scripture. It was also an opportunity for His disciples to grow in faith, learn dependence on God, and participate actively in God's plan for salvation. The reasons behind this mission can be categorized into several key areas.
1. To Fulfill the Great Commission
One of the primary reasons Jesus sent out the apostles was to fulfill the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, where He commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This directive underscores the universal scope of Jesus’ mission and His desire for the message of salvation to reach every corner of the earth.
- Spreading the Gospel: The apostles were to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the gift of eternal life.
- Baptizing new believers: Initiating new followers into the faith through baptism, symbolizing their new life in Christ.
- Teaching obedience: Equipping new believers with the knowledge and understanding of Jesus’ teachings.
By sending out the apostles, Jesus was establishing a foundational model for Christian evangelism that continues today. It was a divine strategy to ensure that His message would not be confined to one location but would expand globally.
2. To Empower and Equip His Disciples
Jesus’ act of sending out the apostles was also about empowering His disciples to carry out His mission independently. This process was vital for their spiritual growth and preparation for future leadership within the church.
- Building faith and dependence on God: The apostles learned to rely on God's provision and guidance as they faced unfamiliar circumstances.
- Gaining firsthand experience: They witnessed miracles, healed the sick, and faced rejection, which strengthened their faith and understanding of Christ’s authority.
- Developing leadership skills: It was an apprenticeship in evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral care that would serve them throughout their ministry.
This sending was not just about outward outreach but also about inward spiritual formation, preparing them for the leadership roles they would assume after Jesus’ resurrection.
3. To Demonstrate the Kingdom of God
Jesus’ miracles and teachings often aimed to reveal the nature of God's kingdom. Sending out the apostles was a way to showcase the kingdom’s values—compassion, healing, forgiveness, and power over evil.
- Signs and wonders: The apostles performed miracles, which validated their message and demonstrated that God's kingdom was breaking into the world.
- Healing the sick: Miracles of healing served as a tangible reminder of God's love and authority.
- Deliverance from evil: Casting out demons and confronting evil spirits illustrated the spiritual authority granted to the apostles.
This mission was a visual and experiential demonstration of the kingdom of God, inviting people to respond to Jesus’ message with faith and repentance.
4. To Model Christian Discipleship and Service
Jesus’ sending of the apostles was also about setting an example of humble service, obedience, and dependence on God. It was a model for all believers to follow in their own lives.
- Servant leadership: The apostles were called to serve others, not to seek personal glory.
- Humility and reliance: Their dependence on God’s provision demonstrated humility and trust.
- Active faith: The mission required boldness, courage, and unwavering commitment to Jesus’ cause.
This model remains relevant for Christians today, emphasizing that effective ministry is rooted in humility, faith, and love for others.
5. To Overcome Spiritual Darkness
Jesus’ sending out the apostles was also a spiritual act aimed at confronting and overcoming the powers of darkness in the world.
- Binding evil: The apostles had authority to cast out demons, demonstrating the power of Christ over spiritual forces.
- Bringing light into darkness: Their mission was to dispel spiritual ignorance and evil influences through the Gospel.
- Establishing God's reign: The mission signified God's victory over evil and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
This spiritual warfare was an integral part of Jesus’ mission, empowering the apostles to bring spiritual healing and liberation to those oppressed by evil.
Reflections and Relevant Bible Verses
Reflecting on why Jesus sent out the apostles invites us to consider our own calling in sharing the Gospel. His actions teach us the importance of obedience, faith, humility, and reliance on God’s power in our spiritual walk.
Some key Bible verses that shed light on this mission include:
- Matthew 10:1 - "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
- Luke 9:1-2 - "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God."
- John 20:21 - "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
These verses emphasize the divine authority given to the apostles and the continuity of Jesus’ mission through His followers.
Conclusion: The Continuing Relevance of Jesus’ Sending
Jesus’ decision to send out the apostles was a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for the spread of Christianity. It demonstrated His commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission, empowered His disciples for ministry, and showcased the values of the kingdom of God. Today, this act continues to inspire believers to share their faith courageously, serve others humbly, and rely on God's power to confront spiritual darkness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this divine example—being sent out into our communities, workplaces, and beyond to reflect Jesus’ love, truth, and authority. The mission Jesus entrusted to His apostles is not just a historical event but an ongoing call for all believers to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
