Proof of the Kingdom of God

The Purpose of Luke's Gospel

The purpose of the Gospel of Luke is to give assurance of what we have been taught about Jesus Christ. Luke was not an eyewitness, but a companion of Paul, a historian and doctor—one of the greatest scholars of the first century. He compiled everything from reliable sources to assure us of what took place with Jesus. We are looking for assurance of salvation, assurance that Jesus is who he claims to be, that he did what he promised, and accomplished our salvation.

One way Luke assures us is through the evidence his followers gave. It's one thing to examine Jesus himself; it's another to look at his disciples. If Jesus left a following that continues to grow into our day—empowered by Christ—their lives provide evidence for his existence.

Jesus Empowers the Twelve

Luke 9:1-2: And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and over all diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

Jesus calls his twelve disciples and gives them power over demons and diseases—oppressive, irreversible realities in the first century. Not everyone can cast out demons; Jesus gives this power specifically to his disciples, as seen in Acts with the sons of Sceva, who failed miserably.

Jesus was not concerned merely with healings and exorcisms. These were visible demonstrations proving who he is: powerful enough to forgive sins. The disciples receive this power in the same context—to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

Why care about the kingdom of God, especially since Jesus said it is not of this earth? Because those in the kingdom have eternal life; those outside face eternal death—the never-ending wrath of God. Hell is not the absence of God, but his incessant presence pouring out wrath. The kingdom is God's people enjoying his eternal bliss.

Just as Jesus' miracles prove he forgives sins—not for us to expect constant miracles today—the disciples' mission points us to proclaim the kingdom, not to seek supernatural powers.

The Disciples' Mission and Impact

Luke 9:3-6: And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

The disciples go out with nothing—no staff, bag, bread, money, or extra clothes. They stay in one house and, if rejected, shake the dust off their feet—a profound insult signifying judgment for first-century Jews.

They preach the gospel—the good news of Jesus fixing the bad news of our sinfulness, for which we deserve judgment. Their mission reaches Herod the tetrarch, perplexing him.

Luke 9:7-9: Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

The disciples' work goes viral, reaching the Jewish leader who cannot dismiss it like other false messiahs. It refocuses attention on Jesus. Their preaching and lifestyle impacted the government.

We can do the same: proclaim the kingdom and preach the gospel. When God's people live lives matching the gospel—unhindered by worldly comforts—the message spreads. Jesus' extreme instructions exploded the early church supernaturally; today, our lives must still align with the message.

Challenge: If Jesus is real, devote yourself to him, obey his word. If your life is indistinguishable from unbelievers, either God isn't real or your faith isn't. Examine your heart.

Feeding the Five Thousand: Proof of Satisfaction

Luke 9:10-17: On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida... [Jesus] welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing... And he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” ... Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

The disciples return, Jesus withdraws to Bethsaida, but crowds follow. He welcomes them, teaches the kingdom, and heals—showing compassion even to those who will reject him (common grace).

These crowds follow not for Jesus himself, but for food and healing, wanting an earthly king to defeat Rome. Jesus feeds 5,000 men (likely more with women and children) with five loaves and two fish, leaving twelve baskets leftover.

In John 6, Jesus calls himself the bread of life. This feeding illustrates spiritual satisfaction: in the wilderness, with Jesus, you are fully satisfied. Like the Exodus manna, having God surpasses any paradise. Moses chose wilderness reproach over Egyptian pleasures, valuing Christ above all.

You cannot find true satisfaction in relationships, substances, or sin—they all fail. Come to Jesus for eternal life, forgiveness, his righteousness, and soul-satisfying sustenance through any trial. Peter said, "You have the words of eternal life." Luke provides evidence: Jesus is the satisfying Savior.