And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Jesus had twelve close followers known as disciples — a word meaning learners or students. They were ordinary men: fishermen, a tax collector, and a political revolutionary among them. For some time, they had watched Jesus teach crowds and heal the sick. Now Jesus formally gathers them and sends them out on their own mission — and critically, he gives them authority, meaning delegated power to do what they had seen him do. "Evil spirits" refers to what the Bible calls demonic or spiritual forces that could oppress or harm people. Healing "every disease and sickness" was a literal empowerment. This is a commissioning moment: Jesus isn't merely inviting these men to observe any longer — he is calling them to act, and he equips them before he sends them out.
Lord, I keep waiting until I feel ready — and I wonder sometimes if that day is always just out of reach. Thank you for calling ordinary, unfinished people into your work anyway. Give me the courage to say yes before I feel qualified, trusting that you provide what you require. Amen.
There's something quietly uncomfortable about this verse when you sit with it. Jesus didn't wait for twelve polished candidates. He handed his authority to men who were still very much in process — Peter, who would soon deny knowing him three times. Thomas, who would refuse to believe without physical proof. Judas, who would sell him out for thirty pieces of silver. And yet here, on what may have felt like an ordinary day, Jesus equips these twelve. Not the ones who had it figured out. The ones who were still figuring. It's worth asking yourself what you've been waiting to achieve before you feel ready. A cleaner track record. A more consistent prayer life. A season when doubt feels smaller. Jesus's pattern seems to be that he calls people into action before they feel qualified — and the authority comes bundled with the calling, not earned afterward through enough right answers. You don't need to be finished to be sent. You just need to say yes to the one doing the sending and trust that what's required will be provided for what's asked.
What does it mean that Jesus gave his disciples authority before sending them out? Why do you think he chose to equip them rather than simply invite them to try their best?
What is the thing you keep telling yourself you need before you'll feel ready to step up, serve, or say yes to something you sense you're being called toward?
Jesus chose twelve deeply flawed, unfinished people for this mission — does that challenge you, comfort you, or both? Be specific about why.
How might this commissioning model change the way you encourage or support someone else who feels unqualified or underprepared to serve in some capacity?
Is there a specific area where you've been waiting to feel "ready" before acting? What would it look like to take one concrete step this week, before the feeling arrives?
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Luke 10:1
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:18
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 9:1
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:8
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:17
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Mark 6:13
Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
AMP
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
ESV
Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
NASB
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
NIV
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
NKJV
Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
NLT
The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.
MSG