Clothesline 303 "Apprentice to the Master"

Throughout history, many people have learned their trade by being an apprentice to a master craftsman. Sometimes it’s a formal arrangement. Sometimes it’s a parent or relative guiding a child or a young person. Typically, there is a length of time of learning before the apprentice is released to accomplish the task at hand. Jesus was THE Master Craftsman who taught the apostles—and us—how to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

As we read the Gospels, we look for details of exactly how to go about this important task. But details are few! Yet, all we need to know shows in Jesus’ method of teaching. We’re told “Jesus went about proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.” And how did he do this? Again, there are few details. But what’s most important is why: “he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Compassion is the key. Details of healing pale against the motive for the healing. God supplied what the apostles needed to heal…as long as they had compassion for the one needing healing.

Jesus gave the disciples the authority to do as He had done and before he ascended into heaven, he left that same authority with us to preach and heal in his name. But exactly how are we to accomplish this? One commentator on this subject said; “Searching for instructions often detracts from the main thing. Heaven is breaking out, when we live by faith and when we trust in our faith to help and to heal.” Isn’t that the answer? By faith, we can do all things. If we believe, nothing is impossible. Jesus said with faith we could move mountains. Surely with that same faith we can bring others to believe in Him!

Like most upper-level teachers who supply an outline of their course, Jesus did the same thing. The need was all around the disciples and that same need is all around us as well. And Jesus spells out the marching orders like a college professor. The topic to be studied: people in need of compassion and salvation; The schedule: now; The list of assignments: proclaim the gospel, cure the sick and cast out demons; The list of tests and exams: daily as opportunity present itself.

With our orders at hand, how do we do this? There are lots of ways to spread the Gospel. But the truth is, we don’t need a program as much as we need a desire to live our lives open to God’s leading. Others will see what we have by the way we live, and they will think to themselves: I don’t know what they have, but I want it!

Look for those opportunities. The Master Craftsman puts them in front of you, giving you the chance to say a good word for Jesus. And the more you do that…you will change the world! So, are you ready to sign up?