Luke 9:1, 3 – The need to have nothing

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When we’re preparing to go on an important journey, the first thing we consider is what to pack. Common sense tells us particular resources will make the journey more successful.

Without resources, we’re more likely to run into problems, be uncomfortable, and get lost. Those things can make for a frustrating journey.

Yet when Jesus calls his disciples to the journey, this seems to be what he expects. He tells them to bring nothing, save one cloak on their body.

It defies what we would deem as wise planning. It leaves us vulnerable and likely to need someone’s help during the journey.

And that’s precisely the point. The fewer resources we bring, the more we must rely on support from someone else. And if we bring nothing, we must rely completely on someone else.

Jesus is that someone who sends us on the journey of faith, with the setup being complete reliance on him. For a time we may run into problems, be uncomfortable, and feel lost.

And if we find ourselves experiencing those things on our journey, then we know in fact, we’ve arrived.

What resource in your life are you relying on more than Jesus?