God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our weaknesses
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our weaknesses.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1--5, 9--10 (C)
David first serves as king of Judah, with his capital at Hebron, for a period of seven years. The leaders of the northern tribes of Israel come to him at Hebron and they agree to make him king over the northern tribes. David's army captures the city of Jerusalem from its inhabitants and it becomes the capital of the united kingdom. David reigns as king of Israel and Judah for some 33 years.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 2:2--5 (RC); Ezekiel 2:1--7 (E)
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 12:2--10 (C, E); 2 Corinthians 12:7--10 (RC)
Paul continues the defense of his gospel. Some time after 1 Corinthians was penned, the relationship between Paul and the Corinthians deteriorated. The apostle responded by sending a "severe letter" to them through Titus (2:4), in which he defends his apostleship. This pericope may have been part of Paul's severe letter, which gained the results that the apostle sought. In his own defense Paul refers to an abundance of revelations (v. 7) but in this passage lifts up only one of them. He refers obliquely to himself when he speaks of the man who was caught up in the third (highest) heaven. This man observed sacred and holy things that cannot be put into words. By speaking in this third person manner, Paul is seeking to convey the fact that he takes no personal credit for his revelations. He will boast on behalf of this man but of himself he will only boast of his weaknesses (v. 5). The apostle believes that God gave him a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him from being too proud of all the revelations he has received. There has been much speculation about the nature of this "thorn" but nothing can be proved. Paul accepts this affliction as a means of keeping his focus on God's grace rather than his own gifts (v. 9). Paul feels foolish in having to defend himself like this but blames the Corinthians for forcing him to do this.
Gospel: Mark 6:1--13 (C); Mark 6:1--6 (RC, E)
After a whirlwind teaching and healing tour, Jesus returns to his boyhood home. On the sabbath he taught in the synagogue. Many are impressed with his teaching and the signs associated with his ministry but tend to discredit Jesus because they know all about his family, his background and so forth (v. 2). Jesus utters his famous line, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country..." He is hurt and disappointed because of their skepticism and could do no notable miracles there because of their unbelief (v. 5). Next Jesus pairs his twelve disciples and sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God. Jesus gives them authority over evil spirits, charges them to depend on the hospitality of those that they encounter, to turn their backs to those who will not believe, and to preach repentance.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 48 (C) - "Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise..." (v. 1).
Psalm 123 (E)
Psalm 122 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Living Christ, because of the skepticism of your hometown people, you could not do any great work there. Free us from unbelief, that you might accomplish great and glorious things in places we inhabit. In Jesus' blessed and powerful name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1--5, 9--10
Our own flesh and blood (v. 1). When the elders of Israel came to make David king they viewed David as one of their own, as their kin and fellow countryman. This was a positive factor for them. It is interesting to contrast this attitude to that displayed by our Lord's friends and neighbors. They discounted Jesus precisely because Jesus was the kid down the street; they had played with him. They knew his family. How could he be anything great? This could mean that we want our rulers to be one of us but we don't want them to get too close to us.
Military leaders (v. 2). Those who made David king were impressed with David's military leadership under Saul. Society hasn't changed that much; we are still attracted to military leaders. Military leaders can bring victories, protect our interests and enhance our status. The objectives of war are clear; the enemy is apparent. You either win or lose. We jump to the conclusion that if a person can bring victory in war, he can also be a great civilian leader. Not necessarily so! More will be said about this under "Sermon Approaches."
Shepherd king (v. 2). David was a shepherd who became a king. The leaders of Israel were convinced that God called David, who was a shepherd of sheep, to become a shepherd of his people. Being a shepherd king means to know the people, to keep them together, to protect them and feed them. Unfortunately, too many kings and rulers have been more intent on fleecing their flock rather than caring for them.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 12:2--10
Paradise (v. 4). The word comes from Persia and means literally "an enclosed wooded park or garden." Paradise came to be synonymous with heaven, though this word has a different derivation. The Hebrew word for heaven is shamayim, closely related to the Hebrew word for "waters," mayim. Thus, heaven was the partition separating the rain--producing heavenly waters from the waters on and beneath the earth. In this partition, stretched out like a tent (Isaiah 44:24), were windows like sluice gates, from which God watered the earth. The heavens were conceived as God's work place or treasure trove, from which God sends his blessings on earth. The Heavens do not separate God from humans, since God can tear the heavens and come down (Isaiah 64:4). The heavens and the earth encompass the sum total of the universe. How fascinating it is that this vast expanse (the heavens) came to be identified with the enclosed garden (Paradise).
Vision of paradise (v. 4). Paul speaks of his vision of paradise though he does not, and probably cannot, describe it. What is your vision of paradise? Lolling on a sandy beach? A lofty mountain retreat? For the child of God, our vision of paradise ought to be a world redeemed and reconciled to God.
Theology of thorns (v. 7). Paul was plagued with a thorn as he calls it, but we don't know what it was. It really doesn't matter. Paul prayed to have the thorn taken away but his petition was not granted. The apostle developed a theology of thorns to find meaning in his suffering. This theology states that God reveals his strength through our weakness. In such suffering we learn to depend on the Lord for strength (v. 9).
Gospel: Mark 6:1--13
That's amazing! The neighbors of Jesus were amazed at his wisdom, backed up by his mighty acts (v. 1). They were amazed but not convinced. Mark says that they took offense (v. 3). Jesus was also amazed at their lack of faith (v. 6). How people can hear God's Word powerfully preached and taught and see abundant demonstrations of his power, and not believe, is both amazing and sad.
Hamstrung (v. 5). Jesus was clearly hamstrung by the lack of faith he found in Nazareth. God does not bully us into belief but works through our faith to accomplish great feats. Another way to explain it is that unbelief acts like a circuit breaker, disconnecting God's power from our habitations.
Leave home without them (vv. 8--11). The American Express commercials show some hapless travelers caught in some dire straits because they find themselves without funds. The punch line for the commercial goes: "American Express Travelers' Checks, don't leave home without them!" Jesus sent out his disciples two by two with these instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts" (v. 8). Furthermore, he instructed them not to pack extra clothes or shoes. Jesus wanted his disciples to leave home without these things so that they might learn to lean on God.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1--5, 9--10
Sermon Title: Like A Mighty Army
Sermon Angle: The people of Israel felt the need for strong leadership. They lacked unity and enemies threatened their existence. David had demonstrated his ability to lead men in battle. The people reasoned that David would also be able to lead the country like a mighty army. Their belief proved correct in this case. However, it is incorrect to assume that the same kind of leadership called for in war will also be effective in peace. It is very difficult for one person to provide the leadership needed in all circumstances, which is why democratic leadership is most effective.
Outline:
1. The Israelites wanted David as king because of his military leadership.
2. David proved to be a capable military and civilian leader.
3. The people wanted to be led like a mighty army - strong hierarchical leadership.
4. Military leadership is effective in crisis.
5. To wage the peace takes a different kind of leadership - cooperation rather than combat.
__________
The United States has several times decided to enlist military heroes as Presidents. Our first President, George Washington, gained fame first as a victorious general. He proved to be an effective leader. However, Ulysses S. Grant, a great general in the Civil War and a man of action, proved to be a terrible president. His term in office was noted for corruption and ineptitude. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the leader of the allied forces in World War II, is considered only a mediocre president. General Douglas MacArthur, though he never won the nomination for president, distinguished himself both as a great general during World War II and the Korean Conflict and as an outstanding administrator of the country of Japan in the post--war years. Like King David, he had the ability to win victory for his people on the field of combat and to shepherd and care for people during the periods of peace.
Sermon Title: The Lord Is My Shepherd
Sermon Angle: The man whom God called to lead his people was a simple shepherd; this was not the kind of leadership position that a person would think to put on his resume. In the Old Testament the king is often referred to as a shepherd of the people. David, who was called to shepherd his people, was well qualified because he first knew the Lord as his own shepherd. The 23rd Psalm is attributed to the shepherd--king. The point here is that to be a leader one must first submit to the leadership and authority of God.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 12:2--10
Sermon Title: A Theology Of Thorns
Sermon Angle: The identity of Paul's thorn in the flesh has caused endless speculation. The guesses have gone all the way from malaria to epilepsy to stuttering. The identification of his thorn doesn't matter, but what does matter is his response to that thorn. What are our options in dealing with thorns? I've come up with three responses: (1) We can curse them, (2) we can try to remove them on our own, or (3) we can ask the Lord to help us to deal with the thorns.
__________
Most of us have had thorns to deal with - a sickness, an accident, a sudden tragedy. Perhaps it is a chronic but equally painful condition that is our thorn, family problems, a less than loving marriage, or a nagging lack of self--esteem. OUCH!
Several years ago when my extended family gathered for a 4th of July picnic, almost everyone there had some kind of physical thorn to deal with. My youngest sister fell backwards a month before and cracked her third vertebrae. My older sister twisted her ankle in playing with her grandson and fractured it; she was on crutches. One of my brothers--in--law was there, crippled with arthritis. He was scheduled for a total knee replacement. My mother was hampered with a heart condition and my father had cancer. My aunt was there and her ankles were swollen so badly they looked like those of an elephant.
I'm not trying to gain your sympathy; you have probably had far worse thorns to contend with. My point simply is to establish the universality of thorns. They are given to old people and young people, fat people and skinny people, rich people and poor people, but what is most difficult to understand, thorns embed their torturous barbs into bad people and good people alike.
Sermon Title: Strength Through Weakness
Sermon Angle: When Paul begged God to remove his thorn, the Lord replied: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect through weakness" (v. 9). Those weaknesses we cannot remove, let us offer up to God.
Outline:
1. Paul had many strengths which he offered up to God's service - teacher, writer, missionary, to name a few.
2. Paul also had weaknesses, such as the thorn in the flesh.
3. God showed him how to rely on God's grace in his weaknesses.
4. The cross is the prime example of offering to God our thorn for redemptive purposes.
Gospel: Mark 6:1--13
Sermon Title: Don't Leave Home Without It
Sermon Angle: Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing with them except their rod or staff (v. 8). One could interpret this staff to mean a walking stick, which would provide something to lean on for their long journey. I choose to see a deeper meaning here. The Greek word is rhabdos, meaning rod, scepter or staff. The rod was a club used for protection, the scepter was a symbol of kingly authority and the staff was used by shepherds tending their sheep. Jesus employs the shepherd analogy for his messianic role and it is likely that he carried a shepherd's staff with him. It is very possible that his disciples also did the same. At any rate, the staff could be interpreted as a symbol of our Lord's authority. It could also symbolize protection, kingly authority, and caring. In light of this, the Lord's specific instructions to take only the clothes on their back, the sandals on their feet, and their staff makes perfect sense.
Outline:
1. Jesus told his disciples to take only their staff on their mission.
2. Jesus was a shepherd of souls and most probably carried a staff.
3. The disciples apparently took staffs with them on their journeys.
4. The staff was a symbol of Christ's authority, power and love (much like the rod of Aaron).
5. Don't leave home on your mission without the staff of Christ's authority.
Sermon Title: Christ's Ministry Is A Team Effort
Sermon Angle: Jesus sent out his disciples two by two (v. 7). Jesus didn't expect them to be supermen or superheroes but team players. The Hebrew scriptures teach that two witnesses are needed to corroborate a truth or bear witness in court. Jesus couldn't share the good news of the kingdom by himself; he needed and still requires multiple witnesses and a team effort.
Outline:
1. Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs to proclaim the kingdom by word and deed (vv. 12--13).
2. Christ is establishing a kingdom community.
3. The kingdom spreads as we share our gifts with one another and the world.
Sermon Title: Secret Weapon
Sermon Angle: World War II was brought to a swift conclusion by the detonation of the atomic bomb on two major cities in Japan. Until then this was a secret weapon. The disciples of Jesus were sent forth with a secret weapon, the authority of Jesus to cast out demons, heal diseases and preach the word (v. 7). However, this authority was to be used only in cooperation with the people where they sojourned. They were not to use Jesus' power for destructive purposes but to move out from the places where the Word was not received (v. 11).
Outline:
1. The atomic bomb was a secret weapon used to bring Japan to its knees.
2. Jesus sent his disciples out with a secret weapon (v. 7).
3. Jesus wants to surprise with his gracious power, not destructive power.
4. We have been given the power of the Spirit to overthrow the power of Satan.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1--5, 9--10 (C)
David first serves as king of Judah, with his capital at Hebron, for a period of seven years. The leaders of the northern tribes of Israel come to him at Hebron and they agree to make him king over the northern tribes. David's army captures the city of Jerusalem from its inhabitants and it becomes the capital of the united kingdom. David reigns as king of Israel and Judah for some 33 years.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 2:2--5 (RC); Ezekiel 2:1--7 (E)
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 12:2--10 (C, E); 2 Corinthians 12:7--10 (RC)
Paul continues the defense of his gospel. Some time after 1 Corinthians was penned, the relationship between Paul and the Corinthians deteriorated. The apostle responded by sending a "severe letter" to them through Titus (2:4), in which he defends his apostleship. This pericope may have been part of Paul's severe letter, which gained the results that the apostle sought. In his own defense Paul refers to an abundance of revelations (v. 7) but in this passage lifts up only one of them. He refers obliquely to himself when he speaks of the man who was caught up in the third (highest) heaven. This man observed sacred and holy things that cannot be put into words. By speaking in this third person manner, Paul is seeking to convey the fact that he takes no personal credit for his revelations. He will boast on behalf of this man but of himself he will only boast of his weaknesses (v. 5). The apostle believes that God gave him a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him from being too proud of all the revelations he has received. There has been much speculation about the nature of this "thorn" but nothing can be proved. Paul accepts this affliction as a means of keeping his focus on God's grace rather than his own gifts (v. 9). Paul feels foolish in having to defend himself like this but blames the Corinthians for forcing him to do this.
Gospel: Mark 6:1--13 (C); Mark 6:1--6 (RC, E)
After a whirlwind teaching and healing tour, Jesus returns to his boyhood home. On the sabbath he taught in the synagogue. Many are impressed with his teaching and the signs associated with his ministry but tend to discredit Jesus because they know all about his family, his background and so forth (v. 2). Jesus utters his famous line, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country..." He is hurt and disappointed because of their skepticism and could do no notable miracles there because of their unbelief (v. 5). Next Jesus pairs his twelve disciples and sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God. Jesus gives them authority over evil spirits, charges them to depend on the hospitality of those that they encounter, to turn their backs to those who will not believe, and to preach repentance.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 48 (C) - "Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise..." (v. 1).
Psalm 123 (E)
Psalm 122 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Living Christ, because of the skepticism of your hometown people, you could not do any great work there. Free us from unbelief, that you might accomplish great and glorious things in places we inhabit. In Jesus' blessed and powerful name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1--5, 9--10
Our own flesh and blood (v. 1). When the elders of Israel came to make David king they viewed David as one of their own, as their kin and fellow countryman. This was a positive factor for them. It is interesting to contrast this attitude to that displayed by our Lord's friends and neighbors. They discounted Jesus precisely because Jesus was the kid down the street; they had played with him. They knew his family. How could he be anything great? This could mean that we want our rulers to be one of us but we don't want them to get too close to us.
Military leaders (v. 2). Those who made David king were impressed with David's military leadership under Saul. Society hasn't changed that much; we are still attracted to military leaders. Military leaders can bring victories, protect our interests and enhance our status. The objectives of war are clear; the enemy is apparent. You either win or lose. We jump to the conclusion that if a person can bring victory in war, he can also be a great civilian leader. Not necessarily so! More will be said about this under "Sermon Approaches."
Shepherd king (v. 2). David was a shepherd who became a king. The leaders of Israel were convinced that God called David, who was a shepherd of sheep, to become a shepherd of his people. Being a shepherd king means to know the people, to keep them together, to protect them and feed them. Unfortunately, too many kings and rulers have been more intent on fleecing their flock rather than caring for them.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 12:2--10
Paradise (v. 4). The word comes from Persia and means literally "an enclosed wooded park or garden." Paradise came to be synonymous with heaven, though this word has a different derivation. The Hebrew word for heaven is shamayim, closely related to the Hebrew word for "waters," mayim. Thus, heaven was the partition separating the rain--producing heavenly waters from the waters on and beneath the earth. In this partition, stretched out like a tent (Isaiah 44:24), were windows like sluice gates, from which God watered the earth. The heavens were conceived as God's work place or treasure trove, from which God sends his blessings on earth. The Heavens do not separate God from humans, since God can tear the heavens and come down (Isaiah 64:4). The heavens and the earth encompass the sum total of the universe. How fascinating it is that this vast expanse (the heavens) came to be identified with the enclosed garden (Paradise).
Vision of paradise (v. 4). Paul speaks of his vision of paradise though he does not, and probably cannot, describe it. What is your vision of paradise? Lolling on a sandy beach? A lofty mountain retreat? For the child of God, our vision of paradise ought to be a world redeemed and reconciled to God.
Theology of thorns (v. 7). Paul was plagued with a thorn as he calls it, but we don't know what it was. It really doesn't matter. Paul prayed to have the thorn taken away but his petition was not granted. The apostle developed a theology of thorns to find meaning in his suffering. This theology states that God reveals his strength through our weakness. In such suffering we learn to depend on the Lord for strength (v. 9).
Gospel: Mark 6:1--13
That's amazing! The neighbors of Jesus were amazed at his wisdom, backed up by his mighty acts (v. 1). They were amazed but not convinced. Mark says that they took offense (v. 3). Jesus was also amazed at their lack of faith (v. 6). How people can hear God's Word powerfully preached and taught and see abundant demonstrations of his power, and not believe, is both amazing and sad.
Hamstrung (v. 5). Jesus was clearly hamstrung by the lack of faith he found in Nazareth. God does not bully us into belief but works through our faith to accomplish great feats. Another way to explain it is that unbelief acts like a circuit breaker, disconnecting God's power from our habitations.
Leave home without them (vv. 8--11). The American Express commercials show some hapless travelers caught in some dire straits because they find themselves without funds. The punch line for the commercial goes: "American Express Travelers' Checks, don't leave home without them!" Jesus sent out his disciples two by two with these instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts" (v. 8). Furthermore, he instructed them not to pack extra clothes or shoes. Jesus wanted his disciples to leave home without these things so that they might learn to lean on God.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1--5, 9--10
Sermon Title: Like A Mighty Army
Sermon Angle: The people of Israel felt the need for strong leadership. They lacked unity and enemies threatened their existence. David had demonstrated his ability to lead men in battle. The people reasoned that David would also be able to lead the country like a mighty army. Their belief proved correct in this case. However, it is incorrect to assume that the same kind of leadership called for in war will also be effective in peace. It is very difficult for one person to provide the leadership needed in all circumstances, which is why democratic leadership is most effective.
Outline:
1. The Israelites wanted David as king because of his military leadership.
2. David proved to be a capable military and civilian leader.
3. The people wanted to be led like a mighty army - strong hierarchical leadership.
4. Military leadership is effective in crisis.
5. To wage the peace takes a different kind of leadership - cooperation rather than combat.
__________
The United States has several times decided to enlist military heroes as Presidents. Our first President, George Washington, gained fame first as a victorious general. He proved to be an effective leader. However, Ulysses S. Grant, a great general in the Civil War and a man of action, proved to be a terrible president. His term in office was noted for corruption and ineptitude. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the leader of the allied forces in World War II, is considered only a mediocre president. General Douglas MacArthur, though he never won the nomination for president, distinguished himself both as a great general during World War II and the Korean Conflict and as an outstanding administrator of the country of Japan in the post--war years. Like King David, he had the ability to win victory for his people on the field of combat and to shepherd and care for people during the periods of peace.
Sermon Title: The Lord Is My Shepherd
Sermon Angle: The man whom God called to lead his people was a simple shepherd; this was not the kind of leadership position that a person would think to put on his resume. In the Old Testament the king is often referred to as a shepherd of the people. David, who was called to shepherd his people, was well qualified because he first knew the Lord as his own shepherd. The 23rd Psalm is attributed to the shepherd--king. The point here is that to be a leader one must first submit to the leadership and authority of God.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 12:2--10
Sermon Title: A Theology Of Thorns
Sermon Angle: The identity of Paul's thorn in the flesh has caused endless speculation. The guesses have gone all the way from malaria to epilepsy to stuttering. The identification of his thorn doesn't matter, but what does matter is his response to that thorn. What are our options in dealing with thorns? I've come up with three responses: (1) We can curse them, (2) we can try to remove them on our own, or (3) we can ask the Lord to help us to deal with the thorns.
__________
Most of us have had thorns to deal with - a sickness, an accident, a sudden tragedy. Perhaps it is a chronic but equally painful condition that is our thorn, family problems, a less than loving marriage, or a nagging lack of self--esteem. OUCH!
Several years ago when my extended family gathered for a 4th of July picnic, almost everyone there had some kind of physical thorn to deal with. My youngest sister fell backwards a month before and cracked her third vertebrae. My older sister twisted her ankle in playing with her grandson and fractured it; she was on crutches. One of my brothers--in--law was there, crippled with arthritis. He was scheduled for a total knee replacement. My mother was hampered with a heart condition and my father had cancer. My aunt was there and her ankles were swollen so badly they looked like those of an elephant.
I'm not trying to gain your sympathy; you have probably had far worse thorns to contend with. My point simply is to establish the universality of thorns. They are given to old people and young people, fat people and skinny people, rich people and poor people, but what is most difficult to understand, thorns embed their torturous barbs into bad people and good people alike.
Sermon Title: Strength Through Weakness
Sermon Angle: When Paul begged God to remove his thorn, the Lord replied: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect through weakness" (v. 9). Those weaknesses we cannot remove, let us offer up to God.
Outline:
1. Paul had many strengths which he offered up to God's service - teacher, writer, missionary, to name a few.
2. Paul also had weaknesses, such as the thorn in the flesh.
3. God showed him how to rely on God's grace in his weaknesses.
4. The cross is the prime example of offering to God our thorn for redemptive purposes.
Gospel: Mark 6:1--13
Sermon Title: Don't Leave Home Without It
Sermon Angle: Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing with them except their rod or staff (v. 8). One could interpret this staff to mean a walking stick, which would provide something to lean on for their long journey. I choose to see a deeper meaning here. The Greek word is rhabdos, meaning rod, scepter or staff. The rod was a club used for protection, the scepter was a symbol of kingly authority and the staff was used by shepherds tending their sheep. Jesus employs the shepherd analogy for his messianic role and it is likely that he carried a shepherd's staff with him. It is very possible that his disciples also did the same. At any rate, the staff could be interpreted as a symbol of our Lord's authority. It could also symbolize protection, kingly authority, and caring. In light of this, the Lord's specific instructions to take only the clothes on their back, the sandals on their feet, and their staff makes perfect sense.
Outline:
1. Jesus told his disciples to take only their staff on their mission.
2. Jesus was a shepherd of souls and most probably carried a staff.
3. The disciples apparently took staffs with them on their journeys.
4. The staff was a symbol of Christ's authority, power and love (much like the rod of Aaron).
5. Don't leave home on your mission without the staff of Christ's authority.
Sermon Title: Christ's Ministry Is A Team Effort
Sermon Angle: Jesus sent out his disciples two by two (v. 7). Jesus didn't expect them to be supermen or superheroes but team players. The Hebrew scriptures teach that two witnesses are needed to corroborate a truth or bear witness in court. Jesus couldn't share the good news of the kingdom by himself; he needed and still requires multiple witnesses and a team effort.
Outline:
1. Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs to proclaim the kingdom by word and deed (vv. 12--13).
2. Christ is establishing a kingdom community.
3. The kingdom spreads as we share our gifts with one another and the world.
Sermon Title: Secret Weapon
Sermon Angle: World War II was brought to a swift conclusion by the detonation of the atomic bomb on two major cities in Japan. Until then this was a secret weapon. The disciples of Jesus were sent forth with a secret weapon, the authority of Jesus to cast out demons, heal diseases and preach the word (v. 7). However, this authority was to be used only in cooperation with the people where they sojourned. They were not to use Jesus' power for destructive purposes but to move out from the places where the Word was not received (v. 11).
Outline:
1. The atomic bomb was a secret weapon used to bring Japan to its knees.
2. Jesus sent his disciples out with a secret weapon (v. 7).
3. Jesus wants to surprise with his gracious power, not destructive power.
4. We have been given the power of the Spirit to overthrow the power of Satan.
