Luke 9

Walking in Authority: Luke 9 and the Call to Action

In our latest reflection on Luke 9, we are reminded of the power and authority Jesus grants to His followers. From sending out His disciples to heal the sick and cast out demons, to performing the miraculous feeding of 5,000 people, the chapter reveals the great potential we have when we walk in His name. But with this authority comes a responsibility, a call to follow Jesus with the full cost of discipleship in mind.

The Authority of Jesus

The chapter opens with a pivotal moment in Luke 9:1, where Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, empowering them with the authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. This isn’t just a physical mission; it is a spiritual calling. As Clark points out, Jesus is laying the groundwork for His mission to continue even after His ascension. He equips His disciples with His authority, not just as a temporary empowerment, but as a permanent mantle for every believer.

We too, as followers of Christ, carry this same authority. It’s not ours by merit, but it’s a gift given to us by Jesus. This authority doesn’t come from human strength or wisdom—it’s the power of His name that makes the difference. Whether we’re praying for a loved one in need, facing spiritual opposition, or even dealing with everyday struggles, we can call upon the name of Jesus with confidence. This is a life-changing realization. In the name of Jesus, we have access to freedom, healing, and strength.

The Power of Jesus' Name

An illustration shared in the podcast further clarifies what it means to act in the name of Jesus. Bobbie Jean shares a story about Tom Bowers, a college intern who worked under the governor of Michigan. When Tom sent a letter under the governor's name, it carried instant authority—something that would not have been true had he signed it with his own name. In a similar way, we don’t act in our own strength, but in the name of Jesus, which gives our actions divine weight and power.

Just like Tom was able to do the work of the governor, we are called to represent Christ in all that we do. When we pray, when we serve, when we speak truth, we do so under His name, with His power backing us. There is immense responsibility here, but also great privilege. It’s a constant reminder that as believers, we carry the presence of the King of the universe, and that’s something we should never take lightly.

The Cost of Following Jesus

While the authority we receive in Christ is incredible, Luke 9 doesn’t shy away from showing us the cost of discipleship. Jesus makes it clear that following Him isn’t easy. In Luke 9:58, He tells a would-be follower, "Foxes have dens, birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." This is a reminder that following Jesus requires sacrifice—sometimes even the abandonment of comforts, security, and personal plans.

Jesus calls us to a life of total surrender. It’s not just about the miracles or the triumphs, but about taking up our cross daily. This can be a difficult and humbling truth, but it’s essential. As Clark reflects, there’s excitement in walking in Jesus’ authority, but we must also understand that it requires our whole lives. The reward of eternal life is great, but it comes with a price: our hearts, our time, our possessions, and our will must be laid down for His.

The Compassion of Jesus

Amid all the authority and challenge, Luke 9 also reveals the compassionate heart of Jesus. In the story of the 5,000, Jesus shows His care for people not only in spiritual matters but in their physical needs as well. The disciples were overwhelmed with the need for food, but Jesus, in His kindness, takes what little they have—a few loaves of bread and some fish—and multiplies it to feed thousands.

This story is not just about a miraculous provision; it’s a picture of the abundant grace and compassion of God. Jesus cares for every part of us—our spiritual health, our physical needs, our emotional state. His provision is not just about survival; it’s about thriving. Even when we feel like we don’t have enough, He can take what we offer and turn it into something far beyond what we could imagine.

Living as Tools for the Kingdom

As we reflect on Luke 9, we are reminded that we are tools for God's Kingdom. We don’t have to be extraordinary people to do extraordinary things for God. We simply need to be available, willing to walk in His authority, and ready to pay the cost of true discipleship. We are called to represent Christ in everything we do, knowing that His name has the power to heal, to restore, and to bring peace. Let’s walk confidently in that authority, always remembering the sacrifice it takes to follow Him, but also the deep compassion He has for His people.