He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money: and do not have two tunics apiece. (Luke 9:2-3 NKJV)
Jesus told the disciples not to take anything for their journey. Don’t take a staff, nor bag, no bread, no money and no extra shirt. That’s like telling us today to take a short trip to another town, and although you will have to stay over at possibly a complete stranger’s house, don’t take any extra changes of clothes, don’t pack a light lunch for the road, please don’t take with you any money, and ladies definitely no purse or bag. You can’t even take with you your staff or walking stick. In essence, don’t take anything that can serve as a crutch for you when you really need to lean on something, for example, your cell phone, which many I know view as their lifeline to the world.
I believe the Lord was saying to the disciples that he wants to be their complete source for everything. They would have to depend on God to supply their every need, by His riches in glory. Friends, God is serious about His work. If he calls you, He has equipped you and will ensure that everything that is needful to get the job done will be supplied. God wanted the disciples to know that all He needs is a willing vessel. He didn’t need their money. He especially didn’t need their power or authority, because it wasn’t good enough to get the job done. That’s why he had to give them His power and authority. He wanted them to live and experience life supernaturally.
This is the life God’s has called each of us to as well, a supernatural existence. He doesn’t need our houses, our jobs, our money, material possessions or wealth. He only needs our submission to do His work. He encourages us to take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, What shall we wear? for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt 6:31-32)
As a matter of fact, he has asked us to leave (drop) it all. We may not be asked like some have been asked to leave everything they have and everybody they know to go to distant lands or countries to do missionary work, but He is asking us to surrender our attachment, our dependency, and our reliance on these items or people for Him and His work. In essence, He desires that we place nothing or desire anything or anyone above Him.
The other reason, I believe Jesus told them to take nothing with them is because things can become a distraction and a hindrance or unnecessary weight. Jesus said my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matt 11:30) They were to go bearing none of the weights of life. They were to go bearing nothing but the Word of God. I’m sure Jesus knew quite well that if they were to take their valuables with them, they would waste valuable time worrying about where to spend the money, what kind of food to buy, or where to find the nearest grocery store or shopping mall. Jesus only wanted them to take care of His business and He would take care of theirs.
Friends, time is of the essence. Time is running out and many still have not heard the good news of Jesus Christ and what He has done for them. We can’t waste valuable time concerned about things that will be left here on earth; things that we can’t take with us. There is an urgency, my friends, an urgent call for souls. It is crucially important that people know how to obtain salvation and receive healing. We must work while it is still day, for night time is coming and no one will be able to work. Will you drop everything now and heed the call to tell someone about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to live a supernatural existence through our God?
In Christ,
Pastor Aldridge