Luke 9:1–9: Delegated Authority

August 3, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

In Luke’s orderly account of Jesus' life in his Gospel, he emphasizes Christ’s teaching and power in Galilee, the journey south to Jerusalem, and Jesus’ final mission—the cross. These three sections reflect the three years of Jesus’ earthly ministry, which can be categorized as a year of popularity, a year of opposition, and a year of rejection.

At the end of his Gospel and the beginning of his second book, The Acts of the Apostles, Luke continues his account with Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. In the rest of Acts, he shows how the Holy Spirit lit the flame, and how the message of Jesus spread like fire throughout the world.

As we have noted before, the Bible tells God’s story through his people. He is the architect of history, and he uses his creation to carry out his sovereign plan. In Acts, we will see God use Spirit-empowered apostles to build his eternal church. They form the foundation, with Jesus himself as the cornerstone (Eph. 2:19–20).

In today’s passage, during the year of popularity, Jesus gives the apostles their first opportunity to minister without his physical presence. Think of it as their first training run. Let’s consider Luke 9:1–9.

Jesus “called the twelve together.” Two things are worth noting here. First, Jesus had many disciples who followed him, but the “twelve” were the apostles he chose to lead his followers after he was gone, so he spent more personal time with them. Second, we often assume that all the apostles were with Jesus throughout his years of ministry, but naturally there would be times when they had to attend to matters at home. Here, Luke describes a specific moment when Jesus called the twelve together, anointed them for ministry, and commissioned them for a new assignment.

Jesus gave the apostles “power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:1–2). Consider the significance of these verses. Jesus, God in the flesh, gave his power and authority to others! This was before the Holy Spirit was given to indwell each believer.^[1] The apostles were the first to experience the power and authority of Jesus at work in them.

The twelve were charged with casting out demons, healing the sick, and teaching about God’s kingdom—the sphere where Jesus rules and reigns. That kingdom began with his coming to earth and will be fully realized forever in heaven. The apostles had seen Jesus cast out demons, heal the diseased, and preach a message of grace and forgiveness. Now he gave them the power to do the same. They were to tell others about him and confirm their message with signs.

Jesus told the apostles to travel light. He said, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics” (Luke 9:3). They were to depend on what God would provide. This continued to characterize their ministry throughout the book of Acts.

Then Jesus gave very precise instructions. He said, “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart” (Luke 9:4). Each town would offer different accommodations, but they were not to seek out the best house or the most generous host. The first place they found would serve as their headquarters until they left. This showed each community that the apostles were not self-seeking.^[2]

Furthermore, not every place would be welcoming or receptive to their message. So, if a town rejected them, they were to “shake off the dust from [their] feet as a testimony against them” when they departed (Luke 9:5). Shaking the dust from one’s feet symbolized leaving that place behind and not carrying its soil with you. It signaled that there was no need to spend time and energy on those unwilling to listen.

So, in the power and authority of Jesus, the apostles set out on their first missionary journeys. They “went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere” (Luke 9:6). No doubt, it was an experience they never forgot.

In this section, Luke adds a note that connects us back to history. Herod the Tetrarch was perplexed when he heard about all that Jesus was doing. This title refers to Herod Antipas, who succeeded his father, Herod the Great, and ruled over one-fourth of his father’s kingdom.^[3] Herod Antipas was a powerful ruler from 4 BC until AD 39. He was responsible for John the Baptist’s execution.

When Herod heard reports about the miracles and healings, he was confused. Some said Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead, or one of the Old Testament prophets. Herod seemed intrigued by all the speculation when he asked, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” (Luke 9:9). He wanted to see Jesus for himself. Later, Herod tried to kill Jesus (Luke 13:31–33), and after Jesus was arrested, he questioned him at Pilate’s request (Luke 23:8–12).

Jesus' popularity was at its peak, but storm clouds were beginning to gather.

Read and reflect on Luke 9:1–9. When God opens a door for ministry, are you motivated by faithfulness or by comfort, recognition, and personal gain?

Talking to God: Ask God to examine your heart.

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