Doing Our Faith
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 NIV)
I had a friend in high school with a white Camaro. Classic car. Meticulously restored. White-glove-clean inside and out. But whenever this friend had to go somewhere, he got a ride from friends or family. He owned a car, but he never drove it out of the garage. He retained it as a showpiece, but the purpose that car was built for—transportation—never happened.
Believers in Christ sometimes act like that Camaro owner. We (think) we have meticulous theology, airtight beliefs, and a knowledge of right and wrong. We’re constantly disciples, learning about God, but for what purpose? What is knowledge of God without action that resembles God? Jesus isn’t interested in us all getting a Ph.D. in Doing Church. He wants us to drive the car out of the garage and use it for its purpose.
Luke recounts a couple of stories in which Jesus’s disciples were asked to test drive their faith. In Luke 9:1-6 and 10:1-20, Jesus sends 12 and then 72 disciples out to do the things he has done and has been teaching them:
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey . . . Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. (Luke 9:1-6 NIV)
At this point, the disciples have learned from and lived with Jesus for some time. They know what the good news of the kingdom of God is. They’ve witnessed miracles. Now they’re asked to go do what they’ve been taught. We learn by doing. Jesus knew this. So he sent his students out to do what they had seen him do.
It was time to put into practice what they had seen and learned.
Time for the doctor to perform the surgery herself.
Time for the cellist to play the concerto himself.
Time for the carpenter to build a house alone.
Time to get behind the wheel and drive that car.
I don’t know about you, but at that point, I’d be very glad for Jesus’ two-by-two buddy system. (I’d definitely wish for an extrovert partner.) I’d have questions and fears.
- What if it doesn’t work?
- What if I get asked hard questions?
- What if no one welcomes us?
- What if . . .
This is probably why Jesus tells them:
- I give you all power and authority.
- Failure is an option, and it’s OK.
These statements take aim at the disciples’ fears. One promises that they don’t have to rely on their own abilities—they’ve been given Jesus’s power. The other gives them permission to try yet fail to achieve the results they hope for. There isn’t a demerit for not teaching and healing every person they meet, nor is there a gold star for the most people helped. Forming themselves to be like the Teacher was the outcome, not some measurement of achievement.
There are so many around us who need healing. They might not have physical wounds, but the wounds of grief, fear, and uncertainty are undeniable. What if we did as Jesus asked and sought out those whose hearts need his power to touch them? What if we left our comfortable garages and sat beside them, healing their hearts with our presence? What if we told others about—or showed them—God’s miraculous kingdom of justice and love that they could be a part of right now? What if we tried to heal the divisions of our community with Christ’s presence?
When the 72 returned, Jesus was “full of joy.” He spoke of seeing what they had done lighting up the heavens. You can practically see the grin on his face and hear the laughter in his voice. Jesus welcomes them back with absolute abundant joy that they experienced what we can only experience when we leave our comfort zones and take action.
Jesus knows his disciples now know the joy of being an active part of the kingdom of God. He knows they won’t settle for less ever again.
What about us?
At some point, the residency is over and the work begins. We can’t remain apprentices forever. We are training for something. To remain always a student (although we should always be learning) stunts our growth. It keeps us short of our potential, always doubting our ability, never quite experiencing the joy of being fully invested.
Nobody wants a surgeon who’s been a resident for twenty years.
Jesus wants to see the joy on our faces when we take that Camaro out for a drive.
Scripture for Reflection
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8 NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt. 6:33 NIV)
Reach for More
Is there someone you know who is in need of healing? What is one tangible thing you can do for them this week that will aid in their healing? Make a commitment and a plan to do that.
is a writer, speaker, pastor, mom of three, and author of five books. She likes to travel, grow flowers, read Tolkien, and research her next project. She believes in Jesus, grace, restoration, kindness, justice, and dark chocolate. Her passion is partnering with the next generation of faith. Jill blogs at jillmrichardson.com.
Photograph © Gia Oris, used with permission
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