Verses 1-2 The NLT Bible says these were Jesus’ disciples. The ESV Bible calls them “the twelve.” These are Jesus’ apostles, the twelve disciples Jesus chose to walk with him and witness his work so that they may tell of what they saw and also perform it themselves. In the Gospels (New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John), Jesus’ apostles are often referred to as “the twelve”.

Now that the apostles have witnessed Jesus, it’s time for their hands to go to work. Jesus equips them with power and authority over demons and to heal bodies and souls. The work and testimony of Jesus can reach further with their hands and feet. Jesus sends them out to share the Good News that the kingdom of God, the long-awaited Messiah, is here. Their healing hands would be well received and have the people’s affections.

If you believe in Jesus, his work, his healing, if you follow Him and have accepted Him into your heart to take authority over your life then you too have been empowered with the authority of heaven over demons and disease. You have been authorized and appointed with the power to cast out evil, cure diseases like cancer, and heal the sick (depression, anxiety, heartache, loneliness) with Jesus’ Word, which is scripture (we do this by praying). When you know God’s Word in scripture and pray according to His Word, God’s Will goes to work to be done.

There are times when a demon requires more prayer to come out or when a disease needs fervent fasting and prayer to leave. Matthew 17:18-20 talks about a stubborn and defiant demon that the apostles couldn’t cast out. Jesus says these kinds of demons will only leave through prayer and fasting. Our belief in Jesus’s power will lead us to pray and fast. This is our faith on display before God, walking in full belief of His Will and His Word.

There are moments when the greater glory to God comes in the midst of the struggle and not an immediate release of these burdens. Sometimes glory comes when someone witnesses Jesus in you while in the struggle. Sometimes it’s the person struggling who is seeing a greater side of God’s glory in the midst of the battle. Does God author sickness? No! Does God want us to be sick? No! God’s Will does not include sickness (the Garden of Eden, in the beginning, did not include sickness). God allowed us a choice. After being lured by the devil, man chose to sin. God holds a short leash on the devil, who is also the red dragon, and the roaring lion prowling around.

Sometimes God allows Satan to perform his work to show bystanders what the devil is all about (remember the demons who were allowed to enter the pigs that drove themselves into a lake and drowned? (Luke 8:26-33)

Sometimes God allows Satan to work to stir up our desire to seek God so that we remember where our healing comes from and who the source is.

God might decide that we need the sickness for the good of our souls more than the healing that eases our bodies. When God decides that we need healing, He will give it.

Sometimes it’s to stretch our faith and sink our feet into steadfast belief to grow our resilience and resolve in Jesus. He holds relief for every need and demand. Every spiritual disease He can heal with comfort and grace.

Sometimes it’s through the battle that we end up being a greater witness to the goodness of God to those who don’t know Him.

There are so many reasons God allows what He does and works when He does that we cannot even know half of them. What we do know is that God is in the business of His glory and He works so that He might be known and glorified by all.

Jesus has transferred His power and authority to those who believe. Us. So that we will go out and operate as He did in full belief that our prayers hold incredible power. Our praise, our worship, and fasting all hold power. Our touch and presence can heal. Our words that release God’s Word and walk in authority can cast out demons and calm the storm. Doubt cannot do this. Unbelief will not see God’s power.

If you are looking for a few scriptures and declarations to speak over your life in full belief of Jesus’ healing power over emotional wounds or physical ailments. If you’re looking to take authority over the devil’s work, click on these resources I’ve created for you and speak with power over your life.

Verses 3-6 This is very interesting. The apostles were instructed not to take anything with them. They should not change their appearance or bring anything extra with them. They were to lean on hospitality from whoever would welcome them. Their new friends were to furnish any needs the apostles had. They were to stay in a home as long as the hospitality lasted. Those who welcomed Jesus’ kingdom message would also welcome Jesus’ ambassadors. Those who closed the doors to Jesus’ apostles were closing the doors to Jesus’ message and would be judged. Jesus tells them that if this happens, then separate from those who separate themselves from God.

Verses 7-9 Remember Herod Antipas is the son of Herod the Great (who was appointed by Rome to rule over Israel and tried to kill Jesus when he heard a new king had been born). Herod Antipas is ruler over Galilee and does not know this Jesus is the same Jesus his father tried to murder. Herod Antipas is not happy with Jesus. Jesus is really convincing people that he is the Messiah by being able to not only do these works himself but also empower his followers to act in authority over demons and perform miracles over the sick. These apostles had no accolades of their own. They had no special power or education over people. There was no reason for anyone to expect anything out of them, except that they had been with Jesus.

Because of how extraordinary this was, there were rumors that Jesus was one of the Old Testament prophets raised from the dead. Some thought he might be John the Baptist resurrected from the grave. (But Jesus had been performing these miracles when John was still in jail. So it couldn’t have been John the Baptist.) Herod Antipas had beheaded John so he wanted to see this man Jesus for himself. Jesus’ reputation had reached a lot of people at this time. But Herod won’t get the chance to see Jesus yet.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the authority in my life. You hold captive anything not good for me. I look to You for direction and power over the things in this world. You made the boundaries of life and you limit the devil in this life. He has been defeated. I pray that you will equip me with power and authority over the demons in this world. Help me recall your Word when the devil tries to press in. Help me live with bold faith that believes that I possess the power from You to heal hearts and sickness so that Your work and the testimony of You, Jesus, can reach even further with my hands and feet. You have authorized and appointed me with the power to cast out evil, cure diseases, and heal depression, anxiety, heartache, loneliness with the Truth and power of Your Word. May Your Will be done and may You be glorified, Jesus. Strengthen me to struggle well if that be Your Will to display Your Word with my life. In the stretches of my faith, steady my feet in the resilient belief that grows my resolve in You, Jesus. In the battles of life, I pray I will be a witness to Your goodness still, Jesus. In this journey through life, I want to be Your ambassador, Jesus, welcoming Your message wherever it is. Help me to open my doors to it and live with a heart of hospitality to all. There is no reason for anyone to expect anything out of me, except that I have been with You, Jesus. May Your reputation, Jesus, reach all those around me through the power and authority You grant me for the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.