The whole Christian experience, from the day Son of God came to this earth was about delegation. Incarnation was delegated from heaven. Mary was delegated to be the mother of Messiah. Joseph was delegated to take care of Mary and the boy. As Jesus began his ministry it was intended for delegation. The first statement he made was “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Disciples were delegated to go and minister. You and I are delegated to GO!
Do not wait for human delegation. You are DELEGATED by Christ, and remember true mark of a Christian disciple is obedience. The great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 tells us to Go, Make other disciples, Baptize and then Continue mentoring them in all Jesus taught us.
Note, Jesus does not send anyone prematurely or without preparation. Jesus selected disciples, and associated with them daily. Disciples had gone on two tours simply observing how Jesus did ministry, consecrating and committing themselves. As He demonstrated to them the Love of God in a practical way He also imparted to them the Holy Spirit power. Only then, on his third tour of Galilee (Mark 6:7) did Jesus send them to work.
Delegation came with instructions, outlining explicitly what was taught over two years implicitly. Matthew 10, the whole chapter gives detailed instructions, commandments of how to do ministry. I invite you to read the whole chapter, verse by verse, asking yourselves: “how does this specific instruction apply to me?” As you consecrate yourself to be the disciple of Jesus you don’t invent your own rules of engagement, you do not look to the world to copy strategies of work. Jesus did not leave Evangelism subject to human impression or convenience. Being a disciple of Jesus you simply ask Jesus what to do, and obediently do it.
As I read Jesus’ instruction the very first tells me that our major focus is to concentrate on those promising to lead others. Seeking leaders who would lead other leaders, seeking individuals worthy to invest, and ready to receive. Jesus first point is – minister to those who are ready, don’t waste your time with unprepared.
In Jesus’ delegation strategy there are warnings of rejection, family priorities and struggles. But He ends with empowerment in verses 40-42. Jesus is saying that when you go in His Name you are the Blessing carrier. When people receive you they receive Christ, God’s blessing, God’s Presence. Jesus wants his disciples to know the power invested in them. When you go in Jesus name, when you smile at someone in Jesus name, when you do an act of kindness in Jesus name you bless and change lives around you.
The initial success was so inspiring that more were sent right after – the group of 70 was delegated, two by two to go again, preceding Jesus’ visit with another tour of work. As the small core is delegated in our church, as the small group begins to work in Jesus name, focusing on those with potential, more will join and expand the work.
Matthew 11:1 tells readers that ending his delegation Jesus himself went to work. Our leaders in the congregation are not only to delegate, but, having distributed power and responsibilities, are themselves to go and raise the standard.
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