When Jesus sent forth the twelve as described in the tenth chapter they
were to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, to heal the sick, to raise the
dead, to cleanse the lepers and cast out demons, a remarkable program,
which they were to carry out with no gold or silver or brass in their
purses. They were to preach without pay, serve without salary, minister
without money. They were to outclass money, the medium of exchange,
which bears the stamp of some established government. They were to take
rank among men by doing benevolent work under divine direction and with
divine assistance.
They were instructed to rely upon the people for the supply of their
ordinary needs. No one was permitted to burden himself with two coats
and thus belie his message and his Master. Their moral earnestness was
to be maintained under all circumstances and in case any refused to
receive them or hear their words they were to shake off the dust of
their feet for a testimony against them.
“If God’s truth is to succeed,” says Dr. Gregg, “it must incarnate
itself: if God’s cause is to win a victory it must embody itself in a
person.” Men must be the truth in order to preach the truth in its
purity and power. Ministers must be sent by Christ, receive authority
from him, follow his program, outclass money and take rank among men as
his representatives.