Arulvakku

22.09.10 AUTHORITY OVER EVIL

He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal (the sick). He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one 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. (Lk 9:1-6)

 

 

Jesus gives the twelve power over demons and diseases. Power is over negative things and evil. Does Jesus, by this, imply that power should be exercised over only negative and evil things? The twelve were asked to proclaim the good news and heal (the sick) people.

 

They were asked to go around the villages and towns. They have to be on the move. They should never get settled and expect the people to come around them. They have to meet the people where they are and exercise their power over evil where evil is.

 

For their journey they were asked not to carry food, money, stick etc. Only in the temple and at the time of worship these things are not needed. The twelve are asked to consider their ministry as worship or as temple, the place of worship.