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23. Sending out the disciples.

On one occasion Jesus also sent out the twelve disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God in the neighbourhood and to heal the sick. While he was still with them, he wanted to familiarise them with their future profession and the dangers of their work, for at first they were quite fearful, and later they were still fearful. ‘Behold,’ he said, ’I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves. Do not be afraid! But beware of men. For they will hand you over to their councils and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be brought before princes and kings for my sake. You will be hated by everyone for my name's sake. But he who perseveres to the end will be saved. - The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. - What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and do not like to kill the soul. But rather fear him who may destroy both soul and body in hell! - Can't you buy two sparrows for a penny? Not one of them falls to the earth without your father. But now the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not be afraid!’ Everything has been fulfilled, although not for the first time. God does not lead people into their most difficult trials all at once. - The first time the disciples went under the protection of God and preached the gospel and came back, not unlike what sowers usually do. They go and sow the seed and come home again. Afterwards they don't bother much about it. The fruitful seeds lie in the ground; some perish, but the rest sprout themselves when their time comes.

On another occasion Jesus sent out seven disciples, two and two respectively, with the same commands and exhortations as the twelve. They went and sowed the word in the same way and returned home. On their return, they joyfully told Jesus that even the spirits were subject to them in his name. But Jesus said to them, ‘Do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you. But rejoice that your names are written in heaven!’ When Jesus saw how the gospel gradually found its way to the ignorant and common people everywhere, he rejoiced in spirit and said: ‘I praise you, Father and Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.’ Namely, that one may recognise that his teaching is not human wisdom, but is given by God. ‘Come to me,’ he said, ’all you who labour and are heavy laden. I will refresh you.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’