On the job training - A’oa’oina i le galuega

Scripture Focus: Luka 9:1-27

He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece. Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there. As many as don’t receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” They departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News, and healing everywhere. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?” He sought to see him. The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done. He took them, and withdrew apart to a deserted place of a city called Bethsaida. But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing. The day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said to him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a deserted place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people.” For they were about five thousand men. He said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” They did so, and made them all sit down. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. They ate, and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over. As he was praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?” They answered, “‘John the Baptizer,’ but others say, ‘Elijah,’ and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.” He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross,and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self? For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels. But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here, who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Kingdom of God.”
- Luke 9:1-27 (WEB)

Study:

This passage from the Gospel of Luke captures an essential moment when Jesus commissions His twelve disciples, sending them out on their first mission "on the job" to preach, heal, and demonstrate the power of God's kingdom. It is a powerful example of learning through active participation under the guidance of Christ. The disciples were given authority and responsibility but also instructed to rely fully on God’s provision, indicated by the command to take nothing extra for their journey. Their mission was marked by simplicity, dependence on God, and a readiness to face rejection without retaliation. Jesus also models teaching through experience, guiding them to minister faithfully and trust God’s power despite limited resources. This passage culminates in Jesus revealing His identity and the cost of discipleship—denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Him, even through suffering and sacrifice.

Application:

Just as Jesus sent out His disciples to learn and serve simultaneously, God calls us today to be active in His work while trusting His provision. Our faith grows as we step out in obedience, sharing the gospel, serving others, and relying on God rather than our own resources or plans. The instructions Jesus gave—such as not carrying extra provisions and welcoming hospitality where offered—remind us to depend on God and the community around us. We are called to embrace servant leadership, humility, and the willingness to suffer for the sake of the kingdom. This passage challenges us to consider how we are training and equipping ourselves for God’s work daily, recognizing that true discipleship involves sacrifice and total commitment.

Reflection Questions:

• How am I actively participating in God’s work as part of my spiritual growth?
• In what ways do I depend on God’s provision rather than my own resources?
• What does “taking up my cross” mean in my life right now?
• How can I respond when facing rejection or difficulty for my faith?
• Am I prepared to follow Jesus with full commitment, despite challenges?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You and for the example You have set in teaching us through experience. Help us to trust You fully, to serve others with humility, and to embrace the cost of discipleship. Strengthen us to rely on Your power and provision as we step out in faith. Teach us to deny ourselves and take up our crosses daily. May we be faithful workers in Your kingdom, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.

Tags: Bible study, discipleship, Luke 9, Kingdom of God, faith, Christian living, following Jesus, spiritual growth, prayer, on the job training, gospel teaching