LUKE 9:1–6, JESUS SENDS THE TWELVE
SHARING CHRIST’S AUTHORITY FOR THE MISSION OF THE KINGDOM
Introduction
Jesus’ public ministry was brief, lasting only a few years, yet it was charged with urgency and purpose. Knowing that his saving work would continue beyond his visible presence on earth, Jesus deliberately prepared others to carry forward his mission. After calling, forming, and accompanying the Twelve, he now sends them out. What precedes this moment is long formation through prayer, teaching, and witnessing mighty works; what follows is their first experience of acting in his name. This passage marks a decisive transition: the mission of Jesus becomes the mission of his apostles, and through them, the mission of the Church.
Bible Passage (Luke 9:1–6)
Then Jesus called the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—and do not take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Background
Before this sending, Jesus had spent a night in prayer and formally chose the Twelve from among his disciples. They had followed him closely, heard his teaching, and witnessed extraordinary signs: healings, exorcisms, forgiveness of sins, and even the raising of the dead. They had seen how Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God not as an abstract idea but as a living reality breaking into human suffering. Now, after this sustained formation, Jesus entrusts them with real responsibility. This is not a symbolic gesture but a true participation in his own authority.
Opening Life Connection
Parents eventually allow children to act independently after years of guidance. Teachers entrust students with responsibility after training. In a similar way, Jesus does not keep his mission to himself. He involves others, trusting them with real work, real risk, and real dependence on God. This Gospel speaks to every believer who hesitates to serve because of fear, inadequacy, or lack of resources.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
When Jesus called the Twelve, he singled them out not for privilege but for responsibility. Calling in the Gospel always implies mission. These men are chosen not because of their perfection but because Jesus intends to work through them.
Jesus gave them power and authority. Power refers to the ability to act; authority refers to the right to act in someone else’s name. The apostles do not operate on their own strength. They share in Christ’s own divine authority, showing that mission in the Church is always delegated, never self-appointed.
They are sent to proclaim the kingdom of God. The heart of their mission is not miracles but proclamation. Healing and exorcism confirm the message, but the message itself is that God’s reign has drawn near. This kingdom is not political territory but God’s rule over hearts and lives.
At the same time, they are sent to heal the sick. Compassion is inseparable from proclamation. The kingdom of God touches concrete human suffering. By healing, the apostles make visible the mercy and power of God already at work.
Jesus instructs them to take nothing for the journey. This radical poverty is not meant to romanticize hardship but to train trust. The apostles must rely on God’s providence working through the hospitality of others. Their mission is urgent, unhindered by excess possessions, and free from self-reliance.
When Jesus says remain in the same house, he teaches contentment and integrity. The apostles are not to seek better comfort or greater honor. The Gospel is not advanced by calculation or social climbing but by faithful presence.
The instruction to shake the dust from your feet when rejected is not an act of revenge but of witness. It signifies that the apostles have fulfilled their responsibility. Acceptance or rejection of the Gospel remains a human decision with consequences.
Finally, they set out. Obedience follows immediately. The apostles move from formation to action, and Luke emphasizes the fruitfulness of their mission: they proclaim the good news and heal everywhere. Christ’s authority proves effective when exercised in trust.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Sending messengers was a familiar biblical practice. Prophets were often commissioned to speak in God’s name. The instruction to shake dust from the feet echoed Jewish customs when leaving pagan territory, now reinterpreted to signify responsibility before God. Healing and exorcism were understood as signs of God’s decisive intervention against evil and disorder.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
This passage reveals the apostolic foundation of the Church. Bishops and priests share in this apostolic mission through ordination, while all baptized believers share in Christ’s mission through baptism. The Church teaches that mission flows from communion with Christ and dependence on grace, not personal ability alone.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis of Assisi embraced Gospel poverty in imitation of the apostles, trusting that God would provide through others. His radical dependence gave credibility to his preaching and renewed the Church’s missionary spirit. Like the apostles, his effectiveness flowed from trust rather than resources.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel challenges modern Christians who rely heavily on planning, security, and comfort. It invites us to trust God more deeply, to serve without calculating return, and to accept both welcome and rejection with peace. It also calls laypeople to collaborate actively with clergy in building up the Church.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ again entrusts himself to human hands and sends us forth nourished by his Body and Blood. Just as the apostles were sent after receiving authority from Jesus, we are sent after Communion to proclaim the kingdom through word and deed.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Recognize that every calling in the Church is a mission, not a privilege.
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Repent of self-reliance that replaces trust in God’s providence.
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Renew commitment to proclaim the Gospel through compassion and service.
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Accept rejection without resentment, trusting God’s work beyond visible success.
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Resolve to collaborate actively with the Church in building God’s kingdom.
Outline for Preachers
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Gospel context: transition from formation to mission
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Life connection: learning to act independently after training
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Key phrases explained: “power and authority,” “kingdom of God,” “take nothing,” “shake the dust”
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Jewish background of prophetic sending
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Catholic teaching on apostolic mission and shared responsibility
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Saintly witness of missionary poverty and trust
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Application to parish, family, and personal discipleship
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Eucharistic sending: nourished and commissioned
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Call to conversion: trust, obedience, collaboration
