What Instructions Were Given to the Twelve?
Introduction
In the New Testament, one of the most important moments in the ministry of Jesus Christ is when He appointed and sent out the twelve disciples. This event marks the beginning of their active mission to spread His teachings. These instructions were not only practical but also deeply spiritual, shaping how Christianity would grow across the world.
The twelve were ordinary men chosen to carry an extraordinary message. Before sending them, Jesus gave them clear guidance about how to preach, heal, and behave during their mission. These instructions ensured that their work would reflect humility, faith, and dependence on God rather than human power.
Background: Why the Twelve Were Sent
The twelve disciples were chosen to continue the mission of Jesus Christ after witnessing His teachings and miracles. They were sent to:
- Spread the message of repentance and the Kingdom of God
- Heal the sick and cast out demons
- Demonstrate faith through action, not just words
- Prepare towns and villages for Jesus’ arrival
This mission is described in the Gospels, especially in Matthew 10, Mark 6, and Luke 9. It was a training journey as much as it was a ministry assignment.
Core Instructions Given to the Twelve
Jesus gave very specific instructions to ensure that the disciples remained focused and spiritually grounded. These instructions can be grouped into several key themes:
1. Go in Pairs and Stay United
- The disciples were sent two by two
- This ensured support, accountability, and safety
- It reflected the importance of unity in ministry
2. Preach the Message of the Kingdom
- They were instructed to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near
- The central message was repentance and transformation
- Their preaching had to be simple, direct, and powerful
3. Heal the Sick and Perform Miracles
- They were given authority to:
- Heal diseases
- Cast out demons
- This confirmed that their message came with divine power
- Miracles were signs of God’s presence among the people
4. Travel Light and Depend on God
- Jesus told them not to carry extra:
- Money
- Food
- Extra clothing
- They were to rely on hospitality from others
- This taught trust in God’s provision rather than material security
5. Accept Hospitality Humbly
- They were to stay in one house per town
- If welcomed, they were to bless the household
- If rejected, they were to move on without anger
6. Shake Off the Dust When Rejected
- If a village refused their message:
- They were to shake the dust off their feet
- This symbolized leaving judgment to God
- It also showed that rejection of the message had consequences
7. Be Wise and Cautious
- Jesus warned them:
- “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves”
- They were to remain pure in heart but alert to danger
- Not everyone would accept them peacefully
8. Expect Opposition and Persecution
- They were told that not all people would accept them
- Some would oppose or persecute them
- Faithfulness was more important than popularity
Spiritual Meaning of These Instructions
The instructions were not only practical—they carried deep spiritual lessons:
Dependence on God
The disciples were taught to trust God completely, not material resources.
Humility in Service
They were not to act as powerful rulers but as servants of truth.
Faith in Action
Their mission required them to act boldly on their faith.
Spiritual Authority
Healing and deliverance showed that God’s power worked through them.
Lessons for Today
Even today, these instructions remain relevant for believers and spiritual leaders:
- Work in unity instead of isolation
- Focus on spreading truth, not personal gain
- Trust God for provision in life and ministry
- Remain humble in success and rejection
- Stay strong in the face of opposition
- Live with integrity and simplicity
These principles are often used in Christian teaching as a guide for mission work and personal faith development.
Conclusion
The instructions given to the twelve disciples were foundational for the spread of early Christianity. Jesus Christ prepared them not just with authority but also with discipline, humility, and faith. By sending them out with clear guidance, He ensured that their mission would focus on God’s message rather than personal gain.