Luke 9:3: The Disciples' Radical Call to Trust and Go Forth

Luke 9:3

3 And he said to them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor money, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

It is wonderful to delve into God's Word and explore the rich instructions Jesus gave His disciples! Luke 9:3 provides us with a fascinating glimpse into Christ's commission to His chosen ones. Let's unpack this verse together. 🙏

The Commission to Go Forth

Luke 9:3 states:

"And he said to them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor money, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece." - Luke 9:3

Here, Jesus is sending out His disciples with a very specific set of instructions for their journey. He is empowering them for a divine mission, and these guidelines reveal profound truths about trust, dependence on God, and the nature of their work.

Trusting in God's Provision

Jesus instructed them to "Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor money, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece." This command for simplicity and lack of material provision underscores a fundamental principle: complete reliance on God. The disciples were not to trust in their own resources or earthly provisions, but rather in the Father who sends them.

• This mirrors Jesus' own teaching about not worrying about earthly needs: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." - Matthew 6:31-33

• When Jesus later asked them if they lacked anything when He sent them out without purse, scrip, or shoes, they answered, "Nothing." This shows God's faithfulness to provide for those who trust Him fully. "Then said he to them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. ... And he said to them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked you any thing? And they said, Nothing." - Luke 22:35-36

Focus on the Message, Not Material Comfort

By instructing them not to take extra provisions, Jesus ensured their focus would remain entirely on preaching the kingdom of God. Their mission was urgent, and material concerns could become a distraction.

• Their mission was clear: "And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." - Luke 9:2. The simplicity of their travel would allow them to be nimble and devoted to this heavenly calling.

• This also highlights the transient nature of their work in each town. They were to "abide" in whatever house received them and "thence depart," not settling into comfort but constantly moving with the message. "And whatever house you enter into, there abide, and there depart." - Luke 9:4

The Power of God Over Human Effort

The disciples were going forth with divine authority and power, not with human strength or wisdom.

• Before these instructions, Jesus had already "called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases." - Luke 9:1. Their power came from Him, not from their personal belongings.

• The emphasis on taking nothing signifies that the success of their mission would depend entirely on Christ working through them. They were His instrumentalities, and "without Me, you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Application to Our Lives

Even today, these instructions hold profound lessons for us as followers of Christ. While we may not be sent out in the same literal way, the principles of trust, focus, and reliance on God remain paramount.

• Trust God's Provision: Do we truly trust God to meet our needs as we seek to live for Him and share His truth? "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

• Prioritize the Gospel: Are we allowing material possessions or worldly comforts to distract us from our spiritual mission to "show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light"? - 1 Peter 2:9

• Depend on His Power: Do we rely on our own abilities and resources, or do we humbly seek God's Spirit to work through us, remembering that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts"? - Zechariah 4:6

May this study encourage us to walk in faith, fully depending on our Lord as we strive to share His eternal truth with a world in need! ✨📖

It is a blessing to examine the specific details of Scripture, for even the smallest words hold divine instruction! The Lord's words to His disciples in Luke 9:3 are a profound lesson in trust and reliance on Him.

Let's look closely at the passage:

Understanding "Scrip" and "Staves" in Luke 9:3

The instruction Jesus gave His disciples to "Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece" Luke 9:3 emphasizes a complete dependence on God's provision.

What is a "Scrip"?

A scrip in this context refers to a small bag or pouch, typically made of leather, used by travelers or shepherds to carry provisions, food, or other necessities for a journey. It was essentially a provision bag.

The Lord's command for His disciples not to take a scrip meant they were to go forth without making their own preparations for food or supplies. This was a radical call to trust entirely in God to meet their needs through the kindness of those they encountered. Jesus explained this principle when He sent out His seventy-two disciples, telling them, "And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you" Luke 10:8. Their sustenance would be provided by those who welcomed their message.

What are "Staves"?

Staves are essentially staffs or walking sticks. While a staff might seem like a practical item for a journey, especially for protection or support on rough roads, Jesus' instruction here carried a deeper meaning. It underscored that their reliance for safety, guidance, and strength was not to be on any earthly implement, but solely on God Himself.

Just as He instructed them to carry no money or extra clothing, leaving behind their staves was another way to demonstrate their complete faith. Their protection and strength would come from divine power, not from worldly preparations. The Lord Himself promised His presence, saying, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" Matthew 28:20. This presence was their ultimate staff and guide.

The Deeper Meaning for Disciples

This command for the disciples to travel without a scrip or staves speaks to the core of their mission:

• Absolute Trust in God: They were to demonstrate unwavering faith that God would provide for all their physical needs. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33.

• Focus on the Message: Without the burdens of carrying provisions, their entire focus could be on preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick, as they were commissioned to do. "And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where" Luke 9:6.

• Humility and Simplicity: This approach fostered a spirit of humility and simplicity, ensuring that their mission was not about personal gain or comfort, but about self-sacrifice and devotion to God's work. Christ Himself lived a life of self-denial for our sake.

The instruction in Luke 9:3 calls us to consider our own lives. Are we truly trusting in the Lord for our needs, or are we relying too heavily on our own resources and provisions? Our strength and sustenance come from Him who is the "Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" James 1:17.

May we all learn to lean more fully on Him, casting aside our worldly anxieties, and dedicating ourselves with singular purpose to His divine will. 🙏📖