“The Servant’s Delegates”
Mark 6:1-29
“And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.” – Mark 6:7
One of the greatest works of Jesus is delegation: He delegates authority. In the previous Chapters, Jesus demonstrated His authority over everything in heaven and earth. He has authority over nature [Mk. 4:35-41]; authority over the spiritual realm [Mk. 5:1-20]; authority over life [Mk. 5:25-34]; and authority over death [Mk. 5:21-24, 35-43]. But Jesus, the Servant of God, will go one step further: He will impart His authority to others. He will delegate and then send out two by two, and these will in turn drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness.
This is the multiplication of ministry that comes by way of the Holy Spirit. Think of the increase that went forth. Jesus was swamped by those who sought healing. But now there would be an additional delegation of twelve that would minister with the power and authority of God.
Now fast forward to Pentecost in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came upon the church. Luke records that about “three thousand were added to their number that day.” [Acts: 2:41] That is an additional three thousand Spirit-filled Christians with power and authority from God for ministry, truly a wonderful display of multiplication and delegation.
And that is why Jesus told His disciples, “It is good that I go away.” It was good because thereafter the Father would send them the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, and He would draw them into all truth [ref. Jn. 14:26]. The Spirit would lead them, guide them, and empower them for the ministry.
The mark of an effective leader is one who properly delegates authority. By doing so his work will stand the test of time, even after he is gone. And that is exactly what Jesus did. He left – He physically ascended back to the right hand of the Father over two thousand years ago – but His Kingdom remains to this day through the power, authority, and work of the Spirit in the lives of His disciples.
Spirit-filled delegation is key to the longevity and expanse of ministry, and the Servant’s delegates are the first examples of this here in Chapter 6.
