Breaking the Word

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.

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." (Mt 9:9-13)

Jesus called Matthew while he was still working in the custom’s office. Jesus did not expect him to give up his job before calling him. Change of heart was not a pre-requisite for following Jesus. But once Jesus called him then there is the change of heart. Change of heart happened after calling him. Probably Matthew would have continued his job if Jesus had not called him. Initiative (calling) comes first.

Following Jesus seemed to be a celebration here. As soon as Jesus called Matthew he threw a party to celebrate this calling. This celebration included mostly his old friends. Definitely Jesus was there with his disciples. Here again his past life was not forgotten nor his friends of the past were ignored. This raised a few questions among the Pharisees.

This situation became an opportunity for Jesus to teach a lesson to the Pharisees and all. Taking Matthew out the context (sinful) would have helped Matthew but it would not have helped the situation. Jesus wanted to heal the past situation of Matthew. Jesus attitude to the past situation of Matthew was one of showing mercy. Mercy shown to the situation brings followers.