As Jesus sends his disciples to go out and preach the gospel — without him physically present — he also strips away all the tangible things they might otherwise look toward and rely upon for comfort and assurance. No money, no food. Just go and trust God — which would be the situation they soon would find themselves after Jesus departs Planet Earth. He was preparing them for that eventual reality.

This is the same reality in which we find ourselves, isn’t it?

Jesus is not physically present with us, but as believers in him we’ve also received from him power and authority to carry out his will.

So, how are we responding to his command to go out and preach the gospel?